I have 7 loops of 1/2" PEX coming from the main floor down into the basement mechanical room. How do you best treat the drywall where the numerous closely spaced PEX lines pentrate?

Best I can come up with is an aluminum plate with an array of holes slightly larger than the PEX. The alternative of a plywood plate with intumescent caulk everywhere seems unprofessional looking.

Thanks

John

All my pex comes up inside the wall with a vented cover over the pex and manifold, so the whole works is hidden. If I understand your issue correctly - My suggestion is to make up a nice looking wooden trim plate with holes and finish stained. You can even router the edges and holes for an extra touch.

I do like woodworking but this is more functional. My concerns are securing the PEX through the drywall without chaffing it should it move slightly with temperature changes, easy of boarding/mudding, and last but not least fire stopping (inspector won't let me have a gapping hole in the drywall). Its a mechanical room so it only needs to be tidy, not pretty.

Thanks

John

Put pvc collars on the pex where it penetrates the drywall and mud around them. If the pex is spaced closely enough, you can glue the collars together to form a bar of rings, then cut a slot in the drywall and mud in around the collars.

- Rosalinda