Need a second opinion on this basement re-pipe job, does it look okay?

The biggest red flag here is the sheer number of fittings you're describing in such a small area. PEX is designed to sweep around corners; using an elbow every time there's a turn is exactly what you don't want to do. Every single crimp connection is a potential leak point, and every elbow creates friction that kills your water pressure. If it looks like a cluttered mess, it usally means it wasn't planned out and he just used whatever scrap pieces were in the bag.

Safety is the real concern when it's crowded near HVAC or water heater components. If that PEX is touching the furnace exhaust or is within 18 inches of a gas water heater flue, it’s a major code violation. The heat will cause the plastic to become brittle and eventually fail. You definatly don't want that happening once the drywall is up and the basement is finished. Having a **thermostatic mixing valve** buried in a nest of crimp rings is also a maintenance nightmare. Those valves aren't buy-it-for-life items; they have internal cartridges that eventually scale up or fail. If a plumber can’t easily get a wrench on the unions because there are ten other lines in the way, you’re going to be paying for a full repipe of that section just to fix a simple temprature issue later.

I’d strongly suggest getting a pro to come out for a quick consult. It might cost you a service fee now, but it beats the hell out of a flooded basement six months down the road. Most experienced guys would probably rip out that spider web and replace it with a cleaner setup or just longer, continuous runs of pipe with fewer joints. Better to be that guy who questions a favor than the guy with a mold problem in his new bathroom.

Wait, I didn't even realize you coud mix copper and PEX like that. Is there a specific tool for those crimp rings? I’ve seen those push-to-connect fittings at the hardware store and they look way easier, but maybe they aren't as good for a basement setup?

Also, if he calls a plumber to fix the mess, do they usually charge for a whole new layout or just to move the mixing valve? I'm curious if those valves make a wierd noise if they're installed wrong, beacuse mine has a slight hum and I'm wondering if it’s the same issue.

One thing you really need to check is if he actualy supported the lines. If those PEX runs aren't strapped down every few feet with plastic talons, you're going to deal with some serious water hammer. PEX expands and contracts quite a bit with temperature changes, and if it's alredy crowded against the HVAC ducts, it’ll be banging against them every time you turn a tap on.

Regarding those push-fit connectors mentioned earlier—stay away from them for a finished basement. They're fine for a temporary patch, but crimping is much more reliable behind drywall. If it’s already a "spider web," adding bulky push-fits woud just make the space even more of a mess.