That’s honestly encouraging to hear, because I’m just wrapping my head around my first bathroom reno and the cost estimates from contractors are wild. I’m thinking of doing demo and tiling myself, but the plumbing part still freaks me out a bit—did you run into anything unexpected with PEX, or was it pretty straightforward once you got started? I keep hearing mixed things about it...
I’m thinking of doing demo and tiling myself, but the plumbing part still freaks me out a bit—did you run into anything unexpected with PEX, or was it pretty straightforward once you got started? I keep hearing mixed things about it...
I totally get the hesitation with plumbing—honestly, that was my biggest worry too. I ended up doing most of my bathroom reno myself to save cash, and PEX was a new thing for me. I’d say it was a lot less intimidating than I expected, but there were a couple of “wait, am I doing this right?” moments. The crimping tool felt awkward at first, and I had to redo a couple of connections because I didn’t seat the pipe all the way in. Nothing catastrophic, just a little annoying.
One thing I wish I’d known: double-check the local code about PEX connections inside walls. Some places want you to use specific fittings or have access panels. I almost closed up a wall before realizing I needed a different type of fitting for code compliance. That would’ve been a pain to fix later.
If you’re comfortable with measuring twice and cutting once, PEX is pretty forgiving. The flexibility is a huge plus compared to copper, especially in tight spots. Just make sure you get the right size rings and fittings—there are a couple different systems (crimp vs. clamp), and mixing them up can cause leaks.
Demo and tiling are definitely doable if you’re patient. Tiling took me longer than I thought, mostly because I kept second-guessing my layout. But honestly, the satisfaction of seeing it come together was worth the extra time.
How wild were your contractor quotes? Mine ranged from $9k to $17k for a small bathroom, which is what pushed me to DIY in the first place. Ended up spending about $4k all-in, mostly on fixtures and tile. If you’re handy and willing to learn as you go, it’s totally possible to keep costs down. Just budget extra time for those “learning curve” moments... they happen.
Curious if you’re planning on moving any plumbing or just swapping out fixtures? That made a big difference in how complicated things got for me.
PEX is one of those things that looks scarier than it is—kind of like parallel parking a big truck. Once you get the hang of the crimp tool, it’s pretty forgiving. Biggest tip: don’t cheap out on the tool itself. I’ve seen folks try to use knockoff crimpers and end up with leaks that make you wish you’d just stuck with buckets. Also, if you’re moving plumbing, map everything out first. Nothing like realizing your new vanity sits right where the old drain stub was... ask me how I know. Swapping fixtures is way less hassle, but if you’re rerouting lines, double-check every measurement before you cut.
Did my main bath last year and tried to keep it as cheap as possible. Used PEX for the first time—agree, the tool matters. I borrowed a good one from a neighbor after my $20 Amazon crimper left me with a slow drip behind the wall (didn’t catch it until I saw the paint bubbling... fun times). All in, I spent about $2,800, but I reused the tub and did all the demo and plumbing myself. If you’re moving pipes, measure three times. I had to redo a section because I eyeballed it and ended up short by an inch. Not worth the hassle.
Mine ran a bit higher, but I blame the quirks of my 1920s house. Ended up around $4,200, mostly because I had to replace some ancient lath and plaster behind the shower. I hear you on the PEX tools—my first attempt with a cheap clamp left me chasing leaks for days. Measuring three times is solid advice. I learned the hard way that “close enough” doesn’t cut it when you’re dealing with 100-year-old walls that aren’t square.