PEX tubing is the best friend of do-it-yourself plumbers, and professional plumbers once they experience how easy it is to work with.  There are different brands including one named PEX, but PEX tubing is cross-linked polyethylene tubing that is increasingly being used for water supply lines in new home construction, and for renovation projects. 

By sweating one fitting to your existing copper supply line PEX can easily be used to convert the rest of your water supply, or expand your water supply for a new bathroom, laundry room or exterior faucet. 

Sweating copper pipe involves the use of an acetylene torch, and should be done by a professional.  It can be dangerous, especially in close quarters. 

Sharkbite fittings offer a tool-free connection option that many do-it-yourself plumbers prefer (click ’sharkbite’ and check-out the YouTube video to see how easy it is).

In addition to being easy to work with, PEX offers a much more affordable solution to plumbing than traditional copper.

I’ve always found Menards to have a better PEX selection than Home Depot, but all major home building stores carry some type of PEX product.

Be sure to check your local building codes and permit requirements before undertaking any do-it-yourself project.