Two common ways of connecting PEX are by using crimp rings with a compression tool and push to connect technology. Compression requires tools and some understanding of how to compress the crimp ring to make a firm connection. Quick Connect Fittings require no special tools or plumbing experience. PEX Tubing Crimp Fittings
How to make basic PEX connections?
With all these tools in hand, you can begin the installation process:
- Cut The Faulty Pipe The PEX pipe should be cut perfectly straight. Here is where the rotary cutter or the blade cutter comes into play. ...
- Preparation Of The PEX Pipe After the cut, you will need to draw a mark on the PEX pipe to show the insertion level of the sharkbite fitting. ...
- Finalize The Installation (Connecting The Cut Ends And The Fitting)
How to install PEX pipe waterlines in your home?
Making a crimp connection
- Using a pipe cutter, make a square cut. Remove any burrs or jagged edges.
- Slide the correct-sized crimp ring over the end of the pex waterline.
- Insert the fitting into the pipe until it hits the shoulder. ...
- With a properly calibrated crimper, squarely center the jaws over the ring and squeeze the handle one time.
What tools do I need to install PEX tubing?
- IWISS PEX CINCH Crimping Tool Crimper for Stainless Steel Clamps.
- SharkBite 23251 PEX Crimping Tool for PEX Pipe.
- SharkBite U701 PEX Tubing Cutter.
- Conbraco Crimp Tool Pex Multi Size.
- IWISS® F1807 PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Kit for 3/8",1/2",3/4",1" Copper Ring with Free Gauge.
How to install compression fittings for PEX pipes?
Installing PEX Tubing
- Plan: Figure out what type of project it is, how much pipe, how many fitting you need, and anything else you may require. ...
- Collect all materials: It helps to draw out a diagram of how the pipe will run and where fittings will be necessary. ...
- Run the PEX tubing: PEX needs to be supported a minimum of every 32 inches when running horizontally. ...
What is the best way to connect PEX fittings?
The most common connection method used in PEX installation is the “Crimp” method. This process involves sliding a ribbed fitting into the PEX tube and crimping a seal ring around the connection point. These rings are typically made of copper, but may be found in plastic as well as brass.
How do you use PEX fittings?
6:2021:43PEX Pipe Installation - ALL Connections To Fittings In A ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't want to have it too close or too far apart eighth inches about right and what i like to doMoreYou don't want to have it too close or too far apart eighth inches about right and what i like to do is take a pair of needle nose. Go over that crimp ring and crimp it on tight.
How do you connect PEX pipes together?
0:079:37How to join pex (plastic pipe) five different ways. Plumbing Tips!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem it's simply a stainless steel clamp. And we'll just take a piece of plastic pipe we slide ourMoreSystem it's simply a stainless steel clamp. And we'll just take a piece of plastic pipe we slide our fitting. In put the clamp. Over. This tool hook the up the teeth in there squeeze down on.
Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?
0:231:20Differences Between PEX Crimp Connections and PEX Clamp ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resistMoreAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resist corrosion more effectively than crimp rings. Which can be a major benefit in direct burial.
What is wrong with PEX plumbing?
PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.
Do you need special tools for PEX?
Do I Need Special Tools? Yes. When plumbing with PEX, you can use stab-in or compression fittings to make the connections, but they're too expensive to be practical on large projects. Connections for most PEX supply jobs require a special tool.
How do you seal PEX fittings?
1:142:13how To cap and Seal off a pex or Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext you're gonna take your copper piping and slide this gonna take your Quick Connect right here.MoreNext you're gonna take your copper piping and slide this gonna take your Quick Connect right here. And once you've got the black cap inserting them there on the PEX piping. You're just gonna slide it.
Should I use brass or plastic PEX fittings?
Brass its typically the best choice when the application demands a stronger fitting. In addition, plastic PEX fittings have a thicker wall requirement under ASTM2159 Standard, resulting in a reduced ID which restricts flow, while brass PEX fittings are manufactured to ASTM F1807 allowing for a larger flow passage.
What is the best PEX connection?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.
Whats better PEX or SharkBite?
One of the key differences between pex crimp and SharkBite is longevity. Though they both work efficiently, SharkBites are more prone to leak earlier in the long term. But for some situations, the SharkBite is a better solution.
How long do PEX fittings last?
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years.
Do PEX crimp rings leak?
As with any other pipes, PEX is not prone to leaking. Nearly all of the plumbing leaks occur at joints (connection spots) and most of them are due to incorrect installation. Much like installing PEX tubing, repairing it is also an easy process.
What are the different types of PEX fittings?
PEX fittings are most commonly made up of one of three different types of materials: Plastics, Brasses, or Stainless Steel. Alternatively, a push fit fitting uses a combination of these materials.
What is the difference between PEX A and PEX B fittings?
Flexibility - PEX-A is the most flexible, allowing for it to be fastened by cold expansion, which allows the end to be fluted prior to inserting the fitting. PEX B is not expandable and you should never expand the end of a PEX-B pipe. Kink-Resistance - PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest.
Should I use brass or plastic PEX fittings?
Brass its typically the best choice when the application demands a stronger fitting. In addition, plastic PEX fittings have a thicker wall requirement under ASTM2159 Standard, resulting in a reduced ID which restricts flow, while brass PEX fittings are manufactured to ASTM F1807 allowing for a larger flow passage.
How Do I Connect PEX to my Plumbing Fixtures?
If the connection will be visible, like under a wall-hung sink, and you would prefer the look of a copper tube coming out of the wall, use a copper stub-out (left). You can connect a compression-type shutoff valve to the one-half inch copper stub-out and then connect your fixture. In areas that are concealed, like under a kitchen sink or vanity cabinet, you can eliminate a joint by running PEX supply directly to the shutoff valve. Use a drop-ear bend support to hold the tubing in a tight bend (right). There are several types of shutoff valves that connect directly to PEX.
How Do I Splice PEX Fittings Into My Existing Pipe?
SharkBite is one common brand of stab-in fitting. This method doesn’t require soldering, which can be a big time-saver. But check with your plumbing inspector if you’re planning to bury this connection in a wall or ceiling. Some areas don’t allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). You can also use a stab-in tee to connect PEX fittings supply to CPVC. Read the label to find the compatible fitting.
What is PEX Piping?
PEX piping (shorthand for cross-linked polyethylene) costs less than half the price of copper and installs much faster. And since it’s flexible, PEX makes remodeling jobs easier. PEX has a strong “memory;” it always wants to spring back to its original shape. So working with a coil of PEX is like wrestling with a giant Slinky. For most jobs, you’re better off buying 10-ft. “sticks” instead. You may have to pay a few cents more per foot and install a coupler or two, but you’ll avoid frustration and kinks. Even plumbers who run miles of PEX every year often buy sticks than coils.
What About PEX vs. CPVC?
A PEX supply and CPVC cost about the same. But there are a few reasons why PEX may be a better choice. First, a PEX doesn’t require glue, which means you don’t have to work in well-ventilated spaces or wear a respirator. PEX is less likely than CPVC to burst if it freezes. Also, since PEX is more flexible and available in long lengths, it can work better for ‘fishing’ through walls in remodeling situations.
Is PEX Reliable?
PEX has been used for decades in other countries, where there are thousands of homes with 30-year-old, leak-free PEX. Most of the problems with PEX systems, in the United States and elsewhere, were due to sloppy installation or faulty fittings rather than the tubing itself.
Will PEX Break or Split if it Freezes?
Probably not. Manufacturers are reluctant to say so, but reports from the field suggest PEX can withstand freezing. You should still protect the tubing from freezing. But since it can expand and contract, it’s less likely to break than rigid piping.
What are the grades of PEX?
For water lines there are three PEX supply grades: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. They’re manufactured differently, PEX-A being slightly more flexible. If you’re ordering online, go ahead and spend a few cents extra for PEX-A. But don’t go running around town looking for it; the difference isn’t that big.
What type of fittings are used for PEX?
Hundreds of types of fittings, usually brass, are available for connecting PEX to existing copper or steel pipes, and for making connections to fixtures. Fittings are also available for connecting pipes of different sizes. The following five methods are used for making the connections watertight. Photo: amazon.com.
What is PEX tubing?
Choose the tubing best suited to your needs: PEX-A is manufactured using peroxide. This type of PEX is the most flexible of the three types and is suitable for use in all home water-supply plumbing needs.
What color is PEX?
Water flows silently through PEX, eliminating the “water hammer” noise associated with metal piping. Color-coding (red and blue) make it simple to distinguish hot and cold supply lines. PEX can be connected to existing metal supply lines with the correct fittings.
What is the advantage of PEX pipe?
PEX has a distinct advantage over these materials because of its flexibility, which allows one end of PEX pipe to connect to a PEX manifold (the main water control system) and then wind through walls and floors—uninterrupted—all the way to an individual fixture.
What type of PEX pipe is used for hot water?
Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray).
How long is a PEX pipe?
PEX is available in a variety of lengths, from short 10-foot pieces (for small repairs) to rolls over 500 feet long, which are used to install a home’s entire water supply system. PEX pipe ranges from 3/8- to 1-inch in diameter and its color-coding makes it a snap to identify what a specific pipe is used for. Although there are three types of PEX (see Label Lingo, below), the different colors don’t connote the distinctions; they simply make it easy for the installer to identify which lines carry hot water and which carry cold.
What is PEX pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel as water supply lines in both new construction and remodeling projects. You’ve probably seen rolls of blue and red PEX pipe in the plumbing aisle of your local home improvement store, but might not know that this colorful tubing now makes it possible for enthusiastic DIYers to replace their own leaky water lines instead of calling a pro. Read on to learn more about PEX—what it is, where it can be used, and all the pros and cons of this popular plumbing material.
Why switch to PEX?
For one, PEX is flexible, so it can bend with each change in direction. This reduces the number of required connections, making installations faster and easier — and lessens the chance of potential leak points.
How much does PEX expand?
Certain types of PEX can even expand up to three times the pipe’s diameter.
What is the ASTM F1960 standard for PEX reinforcement?
Cold expansion with PEX-reinforcing rings fall under the ASTM F1960 standard. The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows.
What is the standard for copper crimp rings?
Copper crimp rings fall under two standards: ASTM F1807 for metal insert fittings and ASTM F2159 for plastic insert fittings. The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows.
What is the ASTM standard for clamp rings?
Stainless steel clamp rings fall under the ASTM F2098 standard. The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows.
How to compress crimp ring?
Using a crimp tool, compress the crimp ring until the tool stops. Most tools will not release until the connection is complete.
Which is more durable, PEX or copper?
The bottom line: PEX is more durable than copper, and it lasts longer.
What color is PEX?
You’ve probably seen it in the home store. PEX comes in red, white and blue colors. Red is for hot water lines, blue is for cold water lines and white is neutral, meaning you can use it for either hot or cold.
How far should a crimp ring be from the end of a PEX?
Crimp rings should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the PEX. This recommendation is per SharkBite who makes these crimp rings. It might be different for your PEX system so follow the manufacturer directions. Position the PEX crimping tool at 90 degrees over the crimp ring.
How far away from PEX crimp ring?
If your crimp ring is more than 1/4" away from the end of the PEX it's super easy to repair.
Can you leave a plastic insert in a Sharkbite fitting?
Each SharkBite fitting has a plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid. Little side note, you can leave the plastic insert in the SharkBite fitting even if you use it with copper. I called SharkBite and asked them about this. SharkBites will spin 360 degrees around PEX or copper pipes.
Can you use PEX fitting again?
Inspect the PEX fitting and make sure it’s okay to use again.
Can you use PEX in plumbing?
And once you have the PEX crimping tool you're all set to begin your plumbing setup. One warning: make sure your local plumbing code allows PEX. Some places don't. And you'll have to use copper. So call the local building inspector and ask...use someone else's voice if you're afraid of their response, haha...just kidding.
What is the most used object to attach PEX to fittings?
Crimp rings are the most-used objects that attach the PEX to your fittings by providing an even 360-degree firm pressure without threatening corrosion or expansion.
How to remove a cut PEX fitting?
In order to remove the cut PEX part off the fitting, simply use pliers to pull the PEX off or use your crimp tool to ease out the PEX fragment.
What tool is used to crimp a PEX ring?
The tinier jaw of the clamp tool needs to be inserted through the PEX to reach the crimp ring, kind of like a stapler.
How to remove crimp rings from PEX pipe?
The method of removing crimp rings using these devices is basically the same. All you have to do is just cut through the rings until the PEX pipe is visible. Make as many cuts as you need and with the help of your flat-headed screwdriver , simply lift them off your pipe.
What is push fitting?
Push fittings are super-convenient to attach and require no special tools to connect to PEX. These fittings are usable on all types of PEX except the PEX-AL with Aluminum inside.
How to expand a fitting assembly?
Simply try to expand the fitting assembly by using heat such as from a hairdryer or heat gun. Ensure the lowest setting so as not to melt the pipe.
What to use if you don't have a heavy duty end cutter?
Even if you don’t have a heavy-duty end cutter, you’ll be able to achieve the same results with a flat-headed screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Once you have these items, move on to following the steps below with care.
