Straightening a coiled water pipe, such as PEX tubing, can be achieved through various techniques, often depending on the pipe material. A common method for PEX involves utilizing a rolling motion.
Understanding Coiled Water Pipes
Many types of flexible water pipes, particularly PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) tubing, are supplied in coils for easier transport and storage. While convenient, these coils retain a memory of their shape, making them difficult to install straight.
Different pipe materials have varying degrees of flexibility and methods for straightening:
- PEX: Often straightened using mechanical methods or carefully applied heat.
- Flexible Copper: Can be straightened, but is more rigid than PEX and prone to kinking if not handled properly.
- Other Plastics (e.g., Polybutylene, HDPE): Methods vary but often involve mechanical straightening or controlled heating.
This guide will focus primarily on the rolling method, a technique suitable for PEX tubing as highlighted in the provided information.
The Rolling Method for PEX Tubing
One effective way to straighten PEX tubing is by using a simple rolling technique. This process leverages pressure and motion to counteract the tubing's coiled memory.
According to the reference, you can use a rolling motion to gradually straighten out the PEX tubing.
Steps for Applying the Rolling Method
Follow these steps to straighten coiled PEX tubing using the rolling method:
- Prepare the Surface: Place the coiled PEX tubing on a clean, flat surface. A garage floor, driveway, or a large workbench works well. Ensure there are no sharp objects that could damage the pipe.
- Unroll and Position: Gently unroll a section of the tubing from the coil. Lay the section flat on the prepared surface.
- Initiate Rolling: Starting from one end of the laid-out section, begin applying pressure downwards onto the pipe.
- Apply Rolling Motion: While maintaining downward pressure, slowly roll your hand or a smooth tool (like a roller or a piece of wood) along the length of the pipe section. This motion helps to smooth out the curves.
- Gradual Straightening: Work your way along the tubing, section by section, applying the rolling motion. The reference suggests applying pressure as needed to smooth out any kinks or bends.
- Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn coils, you may need to repeat the rolling process several times on the same sections to achieve the desired straightness.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Place tubing on a flat surface | Provides a stable base for rolling. |
| Rolling | Roll along the pipe with pressure | Breaks the pipe's memory of the coiled shape. |
| Addressing Kinks | Apply extra pressure or repeat on bends | Targets specific areas needing straightening. |
Additional Tips for Straightening PEX
While the rolling method is effective, consider these additional tips:
- Warmth: Slightly warming the PEX tubing can make it more flexible and easier to straighten. This can be done by leaving it in the sun or using a heat gun on a low setting, keeping the heat moving constantly to avoid overheating or damaging the pipe. Caution: Overheating can permanently damage PEX.
- Time: Sometimes, simply unrolling the PEX and laying it out in the sun for a period can help it relax and straighten naturally.
- Commercial Straighteners: Tools specifically designed for straightening PEX are available and can be very effective, especially for large projects.
By using the rolling method and potentially incorporating other techniques like warmth, you can effectively straighten coiled PEX tubing for a smoother installation.
