Hi

Just curious what minimum hole size should be bored make installation of 1/2" PEX through 2x10 joists reasonably easy. (Sorry if this is too basic a question.)

John

bigger is better. I would call 1" the minimum for "relatively easy".

Thanks Rob.

I understand with PEX the size quoted is actually the OUTSIDE diameter. Allowing for bending, expansion movement etc and possibly being bored through the web on a steel beam, size is an issue. (Boring effort probably goes up by the cube of the radius in steel).

John

actually the size is neither inside or outside diameter, but more of an average. the outside diameter of 1/2" is more like 5/8".

I see "sleeves" used on some installations to protect the PEX where it passes through a joist or beam. Anybody doing this? If so what diameter does the sleeve require?

Thanks

John

I think it's a poor idea, unless you sleeve large enough to avoid "cramping" the pipe. the pipe will need to move in the hole. better just to make sure the hole is not jagged.