As you can see, I've been way behind in my responses! Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to help w/ this matter! My contractor says the Wirsbo (or whatever it's called now - hopefully it's not an old stash - ha) is good and he swears doesn't change the taste of the water. Other friends have said that's what most plumbers use now, yada yada. I haven't used the water out of the fridge yet (taken the time to read the fridge's manual and figure out how to get the water and ice and filter going properly, filling up a few gallons of water to flush it out, etc.) but the moment I catch up, I will. Meanwhile, I'm going to cross my fingers and hope this will be good enough. If it's not, well, I'll deal w/ that at the time. If the water tastes funny I'll give that *some* time but I'm not willing to waste several weeks on funny-tasting water so hopefully all will be well. creek side - thanks for sharing your experience w/ Pex. Does it matter that it's not just the fridge line but also w/ the new sink faucet? Hopefully not. He ran it along the unfinished basement ceiling and then it comes up underneath the sink cabinet where he put a shutoff valve. There's no risk of UV light cause even in the basement - as far as I recall - there are only North windows that are darkened from previous owner's covering them w/ some funky old plastic. If we ever finish the basement I may consider covering up better. Assuming the stuff makes it that long. I agree that he was out of line and that at least my contractor should have asked me whether I had a preference. Oh well - I made my feelings known to my contractor without being unnecessarily confrontational. It's amazing how much you learn your first-time doing remodeling! :-o antss - Thanks for the positive feedback about Pex as well as putting the shutoff under the sink. Well, I wasn't THAT clear w/ my contractor - haha - but I surely let him know how I felt about the plumber not discussing it w/ me which hopefully by default was made clear that my CONTRACTOR should have discussed it w/ me. I sense he won't make that mistake again since he appears pretty intelligent and since something similar has happened w/ the electrician once before! There are lots more little decisions to be made and I've been pretty clear w/ him since the Pex issue that in the future I'd like to know whenever one is about to be made. Re. the electrician, one of them decided where my backsplash outlets would go without discussing w/ me first. The electrician originally put in two sets of outlets on either side of the sink (4 in each) and I had him redo it and put in 2 sets on each side of the sink - one closer to the sink and one toward the end of the counter, w/ 2 + 2 instead of 4. I let my contractor know, then, that I found it odd that the electrician hadn't asked me how I wanted the setup to be. *Hopefully* this won't happen anymore (ugh) and hopefully I won't be charged for his having to undo that work. It makes me feel so petty and controlling to complain, even though I know in the end I have every right. aprince - awww, cute name. ;) Yes, I keep reading that about copper. It seems people are 50/50 on the matter, really. Well, take for instance creek side's comment below yours! davidro1 - thanks for the clarification re. Uponor vs. cheap plastic, as well as the importance of making sure it's very secure at the joint! weedmeister - haha thanks for aiding in my confidence! :) antss - yeah, "all can be fine if used properly and appropriately" makes perfect sense. AS LONG AS the water tastes good! creek side - well hopefully (all I can really do is hope at this point) the stuff hasn't been exposed to the sun or you know...bright lights. Here in the NW I doubt the plumber or anyone would have stored it outside, but who knows. davidro1 - you just reminded me that I meant to check the back of the fridge to see if he gave some extra length back there of the Pex. amcook - I seem to recall he used a T joint but I'd better double-check. I remember it looked pretty substantial. Thanks so much for the detailed suggestions/instructions, and for the picture! davidro1 - I'm 99% sure it's not a saddle valve. I'll go look now! Thank you...

I know this thread is from several years ago but just thought I’d give a recommendation for anyone who’s looking for a retractable hose system. I’m a big fan of HP Product’s Chameleon system. The components are just as quality as HAH if not better and are supposed to cost a little less. Also, you can buy an adapter that allows you pull the hose out and use it with a regular central vacuum inlet. Check out Owen Perkin’s videos on YouTube for more information. One other thing: when looking at floor inlets (toe kicks), buy the Cansweep. It is more reliable and so much quieter than the Vacpan. I install central vacuum systems and used to offer the Vacpan but never will again. The Cansweep can’t be beat!

How cold does it get where you are? How long is the run between the leaking valve and the faucet? How hard is it to access that run? Is that run in an insulated area? I would probably not worry about it. First, be sure the drips aren't just residual water draining out. Second, say you leave it as is. One option is to let the faucet drip on really cold nights--won't waste a lot of water and will eliminate any real problems. Other option (if it's always below freezing where you are) is to close up the outdoor faucet. If it's a short run, there will be very little water in there and it may not burst even if it freezes solid. And even if it bursts, you're not going to have a flood, since it will be on the closed side of the valve--you'll at worst get some dripping until it's fixed. Third, if access is reasonably easy and it's a short run, you could just take a chance. Replacing a short run of pipe won't be much more expensive than replacing the valve. They could do both at the same time for only a bit more material and not much more labor.

It is much easier to buy a new valve, separate it and install the center part which is damaged. There are 4 screws. Don't slam Spa Parts Plus. They are a wholesaler and are dropping the shipment to their customer. That is a lousy way of doing business. In the future, order from a local guy who can get the same part locally or through a distributor such as SPP. That new valve will not run much. Drain the spa, replace it when there is no water gushing all over the place. No glue required.