PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. My purpose is to generate greater awareness of the offerings available and to clear up any concerns or misinterpretations installers may have. Copper crimp rings fall under two standards: ASTM F1807 for metal insert fittings and ASTM F2159 for plastic insert fittings. Photo: ViegaPEX Press Starter Kit from Supplyhouse.com. The aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, which in concert with its lower expansion rate, makes PEX-AL-PEX suitable for use in outdoor, warmboard, or high-temperature heating systems. A handful of plastic fittings wont make asignificantdifference, but over the course of an entire system, the loss inflow and orpressure can really add up. Note that plastic Cold Expansion PEX (CEP) fittings. The go/no-go gauge will also help determine if the crimp tool needs to be recalibrated. PEX, Topics: If youre making a repair to an existing PEX system, youll want to identify what type of PEX is currently being used so you can match it. By Donna Boyle Schwartz | Updated Mar 9, 2021 8:53 AM. Donna Boyle Schwartz, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The One Drawback of PEX Pipe Even Plumbers Didn't See Coming. Uponor fittings Of course, what your local plumbing supply store carries will also impact your decision. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Requiring no special tools whatsoever,theseconnectionscanbe made entirely by hand. Now that youve identified the type of PEX youre using, we can begin examining what type of fitting might make the most sense for your needs. Mixed plubing Especially because PEX itself does not corrode (in general), theres only one place that the corrosion will target: your fittings. I am on a well, he writes. Brasses, orStainlessSteel. In general, we recommend matching what already exists in your system. Were Gallatins Greatest Plumber and Heating & A/C Service. The biggest downfall with brass is its susceptibility to corrosion. If you don't want to bring your iPad into the bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free! The distance from the edge of the pipe varies, based on material type and manufacturer. Learning the pros and cons of each will help you determine which connections will be more reliable for your project. Imagine having an already small margin in order to win a project, only to have that margin eaten up by your first callback. APush Fit fittingis pressed ontotheend of a PEXPipeand the connection iscomplete. They're just *less* restricted than typical PEX fittings. You will seesmall variations in density, burst pressure levels and bend radiuses between PEX pipe types, but theyre negligible. MS, If they are fittings of nearly any other type, youll know its most likely PEX B or possibly PEX C, and you can buy accordingly. Use a go/no-go gauge to verify each connection has been made properly. If cost is your number one priority, its impossible to beat plastic fittings in a PEX system. This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. I REALLY don't trust sharkbite fittings. Nothing hurts the bottom line more. The differences between the three are not necessarily that of grade or performance. How likely are you to spring a leak? For indoor plumbing, the most common PEX tubing is one half-inch, which boasts a higher flow rate than copper pipe of the same size. Because metal is significantly stronger than plastic, a thinner metal fitting can be utilized and still exceed the strength of a plastic fitting. For one, PEX is flexible, so it can bend with each change in direction. Another concern is that because these parts are relatively easy to purchase at a variety of retailers, it means any untrained individual can purchase and install these types of fittings. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Because all three types of PEX tubing must meet ASTM F876 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards, plumbers can rest assured that their choice will be up to code. The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows. Like Push-Fit fittings you might be savingthecostofinvesting in tools, this cost is quickly negated bythehigher cost ofcompressionfittings, especially if you are installing numerous fittings. Plumbers use other fittings, WHICH WILL WORK, however, if plumber/consumer want the manufacturer to honor a warranty to claim, they better have used the Uponor fittings. Uponor fittings are not "unrestricted" or "full flow". This reduces the number of required connections, making installations faster and easier and lessens the chance of potential leak points. It also makes the connection impossible to dry-fit. Thanks for pointing out the Legend Hyperpure alternative. Most rings have a stop on the end of it. These fittings are also incredibly resistant to corrosion. However,if you are experiencing flow issues or poor pressure it may be beneficial toincrease the diameter. If youre starting from scratch on a new plumbing project, you can choose what type of PEX you want to use based on some of the above benefits. The simplestand easiestconnectionto make,no special toolsarerequired. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. Cold expansion with PEX-reinforcing rings fall under the ASTM F1960 standard. Slide a crimp ring over the end of the PEX pipe. Simply look at a section of plumbing that is intact, particularly around any joints. Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to this article as well as GBAs complete library of premium articles and How much does strength matter? Building his forever house, Dean Sandbo is mulling what type of tubing to use for his plumbing supply lines. Join your colleagues who already get great content delivered right to their inbox. Note that plastic Cold Expansion PEX (CEP) fittingshave similarinside diametersto metal cold expansion PEX fittingsand do not negatively affect the flow. It made me think about some questions other contractors might be contemplating when it comes to installing PEX piping systems, such as . The PEXpipe isattachedontothebarb of thefittingand under the sleeve. What Richard McGrath lays out seems pretty straight forward. When thebrass nutis tightenedthesleevecreates acompressionseal. If they are fittings of nearly any other type, youll know its most likely PEX B or possibly PEX C, and you can buy accordingly. In this guide, well cover all the different ways to identify the type and size of PEX tubing youre using, comparing the different fitting options available on the market, installation methods, and a few other tips and tricks you should know. Thelimiting factorto stainless steel fittings (if you could call it that) is thatCold expansion fittings are not available, they are only availablein. While PEX ranges from 3/8 to 1, the most common sizes youll see in residential applications are 1/2 and 3/4while 1 is often used formainfeedlines. Stainless steel clamp rings fall under the ASTM F2098 standard. A specializedtoolis required tocomplete thepressconnection. Get Commercial Plumbing articles, news and videos right in your inbox! Using a crimp tool, compress the crimp ring until the tool stops. But thereiscertainly better or worse options, depending on what your specific needs are in your plumbing system. Thelimiting factorto stainless steel fittings (if you could call it that) is thatCold expansion fittings are not available, they are only availableinCrimp PEX fittings (ASTM-F1807)fastened by copper crimprings or SSpinch clamps. In general, the type of PEX a plumber uses primarily comes down to personal preference. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Boshart Industries is the first-to-market withStainlessSteel also meaning you can only find these products with us. Has memory which means itshrinks back to size, Must be usedwhenmakingcold-expansion(CEP)connections, Most versatile, many ways to make a joint (cold expansion, crimp ring, pinch clamp, push-fit,compression ortwist & lock), used forcrimptypefittings as it isthe most economical option, Variety of ways to make a joint (crimp ring, pinch clamp,push-fit,compressionor twist & lock, Uses the sameconnectionmethods as PEX Bjoint (crimp ring, pinch clamp, push-fit, compression or twist & lock), Slightly more rigid than PEX A, some brands have beenprone to development of cracks. While there are power tools that can make crimp ring connections, it is still more common to find manuallyoperated hand tools in a plumbers toolbox. Inexpensive to buy and surprisingly versatile, PEX is also relatively easy to install. Often, it is a balance between choosing a fitting that will work with your system, that is economical for the size of budget you have for the job, and the type of investment you want to make in the tools to get the job done. Requirea special tool to make the connection. Using an expansion tool, expand the pipe per the manufacturers instructions. For most installers, callbacks and rework are the worst. You will seesmall variations in density, burst pressure levels and bend radiuses between PEX pipe types, but theyre negligible. If cost is your number one priority, its impossible to beat plastic fittings in a PEX system. Perhaps the least common type of PEX fitting, press fittings are a single piece that includes both fitting and fastener in one. This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. More than 20 different types of PEX are on the market, each suited to a specific plumbing or heating job, so knowing which PEX product to pick for your project is important. It doesnt matter if youre a homeowner making a repair or youre a worker entering the plumbing trade for the first time: its an important skill to know how to identify the PEX plumbing you have on hand, what factors to consider when installing it, and how you know that youre choosing all the bestcomponentsto set you up for success. Stainless Steel Fittings, There are actually three types of PEX, as a reference article supplied by GBA senior editor Martin Holladay explains (see the Related articles sidebar below). Uponor fittings are not The heat welding systems for PP aren't terribly expensive for residential pipe sizes (<2"), around $1k if I recall correctly. Head over to Boshart's Knowledge Base: technical product information, guidelines, and more. A crimp ring requires the jaws of the tool to go over the PEX tube and around the ring for clamping, but a pinch clamp only requires the ends of the jaw be able to access the smallearon the clamp. Its primary benefit is that once bent, PEX-AL-PEX holds its shape and doesnt need to be tied down every few feet. Is there any research that suggests that chemicals leaching from pex pipes would stay isolated within what is a common, open water supply? That's as expected. Polypropylene is great as far as taste and is also one of the better plastics as far as environmental impact of manufacturing. Nocomplex soldering or messy gluing is required, and the tubing can be easily fished through walls and around cornerstry that with copper or PVC pipe! You can easily drop $2-3K on battery powered expanders / crimpers for Pex. There are opportunities to send a sample of your water off to a lab to be tested, but for the average person, this is more involved than they care to get. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments. One should be aware that PEXpiping hasa smaller inside diameter than copper pipe of the same nominal size. You can also see it clearly if you have physical access -- the fittings are clearly smaller on the inside than the tubing. That's fine -- lots of people have favorite brands. A set of dedicatedtooling isrequired if working with different diameters of PEX. I hope that will change, but for now I'd be hesitant to install that system unless there are at least two plumbers in your area who have good reputations and have the tools to work on it. All you Need to Know about Insert Fittings, 3 More Steps you Can Take to Prevent Plumbing Failure, 3 Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Plumbing. Insert the fitting into the pipe until the shoulder of the expansion ring touches the shoulder of the fitting. The biggest benefit is that these fittings are the same inside diameter as the pipe and do not reduce flow to the same extent as crimp fittings. Identifying the different types of PEX tubing, There are three types of PEX tubing available for plumbers: PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C. The primary differences between these three materialsarethe methodsthat the manufacturer uses. The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows. Mixed plumbing? 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Do this until the pipe is expanded wide enough to receive an F1960 fitting. When you want a product that has the corrosion-resistance of plastic and strength that is superior to brass, stainless steel fittings areby allmeansthebest option available. This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. PEX, of course, is the industry term for cross-linked polyethylene. In instances where you might be operating in a confined space, the pinch clamp can sometimes make the jobeasier. Twist lock fittings are not a very common use in pex applications, but can be helpful in certain situations. 4. Alternatively, apush fitfitting uses a combination of these materials. Follow any additional manufacturers instructions.
The biggest downfall with brass is its susceptibility to corrosion. http://www.uponorpro.com/~/media/Extranet/Files/plumbing%20literature/AquaPEXProPEX_Compare_C274_0211.aspx?sc_lang=en, http://s3.supplyhouse.com/manuals/1295550221872/44591_PROD_FILE.pdf. Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. Chase Away Winters Chill with Radiant Heat, A Few Things to Consider When Installing a Radiant Heat System. However, if you are experiencing flow issues or poor pressure it may, be beneficial toincrease the diameter. Rather, the PEX material is soft enough that the teeth inside the fitting will scrape away the pipe until it slides off completely. A handful of plastic fittings wont make asignificantdifference, but over the course of an entire system, the loss inflow and orpressure can really add up.
If they are cold expansion fittings, you know PEX A was used by the plastic PEX-A Ring / Sleeve. This is important when comparing how the connections function over time. There is also debate within the plumbing community about the permanence and trustworthiness of some of these fittings in enclosed locations (behind walls, etc.). Boshart Industries is the first-to-market withStainlessSteel also meaning you can only find these products with us. It would be interesting to see some third-party reporting about it. The trade-off is thatcrimptype PEXtheyhavea thickerwallthan metal fittings, sincethe fitting goesinside of thePEX pipe, water flow can be severely restricted. http://s3.supplyhouse.com/manuals/1295550221872/44591_PROD_FILE.pdf. Essentially, the installer is trying to determine whether or not the connection is too loose (resulting in the potential for leaks), or too tight (resulting in the possibility of damaged pipe or fittings, another potential leak point). There is no reason to doubt their integrity, but a lot of us would rather wait and see what their long term reliability is. If you choose a different brand of tubing -- say, Nibco tubing -- then you use Nibco fittings. Is there a right or wrong option? Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. He can be reached at dan.hubbard@uponor.com. To answer this, well take a closer look at the four most common PEX connections: Understand that all PEX has some degree of thermal elastic memory. Florida Plumber Changes Lives Around the World, Case Study: Vent Pipe Filter's Aesthetics Fit Landscaping, Current Plumbing Industry Trends You Need to Know, Making the Connection With PEX: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, General Pipe Cleaners, div. That always leads to the next, and most important, question . Especially because PEX itself does not corrode (in general), theres only one place that the corrosion will target: your fittings. Get building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox. Stainless Steel Fittings, Especially in cases where a PEX fitting is being married to an alternate form of pipewith copper tube size(CTS)copper,CPVCandsometypes oftubing. One should be aware that PEXpiping hasa smaller inside diameter than copper pipe of the same nominal size, 3. Ultimately, its up to you to determine what choice makes the most sense for your unique situation. At BoshartU, our goal is to equip you and your team with the knowledge you need to be more successful. Response to MS Although these fittings are easy toinstalland great for repairsthe cost tends to be prohibitivefor new installations, as they are sometimes 5-10x more expensive than their crimp ring or pinch clamp counterparts. In this guide, well cover all the different ways to identify the type and size of PEX tubing youre using, comparing the different fitting options available on the market, installation methods, and a few other tips and tricks you should know. Crimp Ring Connections / Pinch Clamp Connections. Seems like a no brainer to use them. The trade-off is thatcrimptype PEXtheyhavea thickerwallthan metal fittings, sincethe fitting goesinside of thePEX pipe, water flow can be severely restricted. You might not even have to imagine it; you may be routinely experiencing it. Acompression fitting may be an appropriate choice. The method in which a manufacturer performs the cross linking is what denotes what type of PEX (A, B, or C) it is. Certain types of PEX can even expand up to three times the pipes diameter. ASTM International, a standards organization, requires that the life expectancy for PEX pipe be at least 50 years. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4921841, '9b1f5501-c7a0-4188-b0f7-6d554f45c741', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Head over to Boshart's Knowledge Base: technical product information, guidelines, and more. The fittings have virtually the same inside diameteras the pipe, creating less restriction and often allowing for smaller pipe sizes. While you might be saving the cost of investing in a particular tool to use apush-fitfitting, this cost is quickly negated by thehighercost ofpush-fitfitting,especiallyif you are installing numerous fittings. The main downside of Sharkbite fittings is their price. Comparing the types of Pex connections available. Using a crimp tool, compress the crimp ring until the tool stops. This will of course vary depending on your specific use case, but for safeguarding against things like water hammer (shockwaves sent through your plumbing system when a valve is shut off too quickly) or manufacturing defects, metal is the superior choice. PEX. If youre onlydoinga small, one-off jobor repair,manual tools or a fitting system thatdoes not require special tools is likely your best option. Chemicals added to a plumbing system (as when you drip chlorinate) are considered to be fully dispersed after 4 diameters of pipe length. How likely are you to spring a leak? Uponor fitting: 0.378" Plumbing, Of course, what your local plumbing supply store carries will also impact your decision. Because all three types of PEX tubing must meet ASTM F876 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards, plumbers can rest assured that their choice will be up to code. Slide a clamp ring over the end of the PEX pipe. If youre making a repair to an existing PEX system, youll want to identify what type of PEX is currently being used so you can match it. Ultimately, its up to you to determine what choice makes the most sense for your unique situation. The tools are close to onesizefitsall, with the exception of the expansion heads, which need to be changed out for different pipe sizes. Thanks, Malcolm. These gauges vary by manufacturer, as do their operations, but the job of the gauge is consistent. Push-to-connect fittings conform to the ASSE 1067 standard. PEX supply lines speed up installation and lower the risk of frost damage, Researchers still aren't sure how it affects water, and certification standards may be failing to test for compounds that affect water quality, Careful planning and commonsense rough-in make a well-performing, safe, and easily maintained system guaranteed. The answer is two-fold. For outdoor applications, sleeved versions of non-oxygen barrier PEX are readily available. thebest option available. construction details. While there are manuallyoperated hand tools that can be used for cold expansion PEX plumbing, the most common type for most plumbers are battery operated hand tools. About the author: Dan Hubbard is the customer trainer at Uponor Academy in Apple Valley, Minnesota. We've looked at that on a couple houses, but in both cases the owner's opted for either full PP or full PEX. Reply to Steve When you want a product that has the corrosion-resistance of plastic and strength that is superior to brass, stainless steel fittings areby all. PP It doesnt matter if youre a homeowner making a repair or youre a worker entering the plumbing trade for the first time: its an important skill to know how to identify the PEX plumbing you have on hand, what factors to consider when installing it, and how you know that youre choosing all the best, While the nuances between different materials and products can seem insignificant to anyone. The differences between the three are not necessarily that of grade or performance. Stainless Steel, The lettered designations arent grades, just references to the manufacturing process. Slide the PEX-reinforcing ring over the end of the pipe. What do I want to achieve with my installations? We know contaminates that enter the pressurized water supply of a house can affect the municipal system it is attached to. So if you don't like waiting for hot water, you're back to a circulation loop. No matter whatyou go with, its hard to make a wrong choice. Determining the sizeof your PEX isfairly easy, it is printed along the side of the PEX pipe. Slide the ring into position over a point where the pipe and the fitting overlap. Other types of fittings used with PEX are crimp, clamp, press andcompression, any of which are less expensive but require specialized tools. If chemicals commonly leach from the PEX, why not use polypro for the common sources of drinking water and use PEX for the rest, especially home-run hot water? Not even very close, either. In most cases, no. Both types of tubing come in three colorsred, white, and bluein diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 3 inches. PEX A is not inherently better than PEX C. The different types of PEX help plumbers determine what form of fitting to use and what characteristics the tube will have. Along with that, faster installations with fewer callbacks or rework are probably also a priority. The method in which a manufacturer performs the cross linking is what denotes what type of PEX (A, B, or C) it is. There are opportunities to send a sample of your water off to a lab to be tested, but for the average person, this is more involved than they care to get. First, copper is expensive (and costs can fluctuate drastically). have similarinside diametersto metal cold expansion PEX fittingsand do not negatively affect the flow. Many Twist Lock fittings are used on smaller diameter plastic pipe, but can be used on pex as well. As you can imagine, there are pros and cons to each choice that well briefly outline below. That entirely depends on the quality of your water and what is in it. There can be a lot of answers to this one, but lets hope customer satisfaction is at the top of the list. But, if youre planning on doing routine plumbing, it might benefit you tolook at specialized tools that will reduce installation time and are easier touse. For many plumbers, the investment in thispowertoolpays back quickly insaved time makinga highnumber ofconnectionsevery day.
The biggest downfall with brass is its susceptibility to corrosion. http://www.uponorpro.com/~/media/Extranet/Files/plumbing%20literature/AquaPEXProPEX_Compare_C274_0211.aspx?sc_lang=en, http://s3.supplyhouse.com/manuals/1295550221872/44591_PROD_FILE.pdf. Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. Chase Away Winters Chill with Radiant Heat, A Few Things to Consider When Installing a Radiant Heat System. However, if you are experiencing flow issues or poor pressure it may, be beneficial toincrease the diameter. Rather, the PEX material is soft enough that the teeth inside the fitting will scrape away the pipe until it slides off completely. A handful of plastic fittings wont make asignificantdifference, but over the course of an entire system, the loss inflow and orpressure can really add up.
If they are cold expansion fittings, you know PEX A was used by the plastic PEX-A Ring / Sleeve. This is important when comparing how the connections function over time. There is also debate within the plumbing community about the permanence and trustworthiness of some of these fittings in enclosed locations (behind walls, etc.). Boshart Industries is the first-to-market withStainlessSteel also meaning you can only find these products with us. It would be interesting to see some third-party reporting about it. The trade-off is thatcrimptype PEXtheyhavea thickerwallthan metal fittings, sincethe fitting goesinside of thePEX pipe, water flow can be severely restricted. http://s3.supplyhouse.com/manuals/1295550221872/44591_PROD_FILE.pdf. Essentially, the installer is trying to determine whether or not the connection is too loose (resulting in the potential for leaks), or too tight (resulting in the possibility of damaged pipe or fittings, another potential leak point). There is no reason to doubt their integrity, but a lot of us would rather wait and see what their long term reliability is. If you choose a different brand of tubing -- say, Nibco tubing -- then you use Nibco fittings. Is there a right or wrong option? Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. He can be reached at dan.hubbard@uponor.com. To answer this, well take a closer look at the four most common PEX connections: Understand that all PEX has some degree of thermal elastic memory. Florida Plumber Changes Lives Around the World, Case Study: Vent Pipe Filter's Aesthetics Fit Landscaping, Current Plumbing Industry Trends You Need to Know, Making the Connection With PEX: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, General Pipe Cleaners, div. That always leads to the next, and most important, question . Especially because PEX itself does not corrode (in general), theres only one place that the corrosion will target: your fittings. Get building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox. Stainless Steel Fittings, Especially in cases where a PEX fitting is being married to an alternate form of pipewith copper tube size(CTS)copper,CPVCandsometypes oftubing. One should be aware that PEXpiping hasa smaller inside diameter than copper pipe of the same nominal size, 3. Ultimately, its up to you to determine what choice makes the most sense for your unique situation. At BoshartU, our goal is to equip you and your team with the knowledge you need to be more successful. Response to MS Although these fittings are easy toinstalland great for repairsthe cost tends to be prohibitivefor new installations, as they are sometimes 5-10x more expensive than their crimp ring or pinch clamp counterparts. In this guide, well cover all the different ways to identify the type and size of PEX tubing youre using, comparing the different fitting options available on the market, installation methods, and a few other tips and tricks you should know. Crimp Ring Connections / Pinch Clamp Connections. Seems like a no brainer to use them. The trade-off is thatcrimptype PEXtheyhavea thickerwallthan metal fittings, sincethe fitting goesinside of thePEX pipe, water flow can be severely restricted. You might not even have to imagine it; you may be routinely experiencing it. Acompression fitting may be an appropriate choice. The method in which a manufacturer performs the cross linking is what denotes what type of PEX (A, B, or C) it is. Certain types of PEX can even expand up to three times the pipes diameter. ASTM International, a standards organization, requires that the life expectancy for PEX pipe be at least 50 years. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4921841, '9b1f5501-c7a0-4188-b0f7-6d554f45c741', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Head over to Boshart's Knowledge Base: technical product information, guidelines, and more. The fittings have virtually the same inside diameteras the pipe, creating less restriction and often allowing for smaller pipe sizes. While you might be saving the cost of investing in a particular tool to use apush-fitfitting, this cost is quickly negated by thehighercost ofpush-fitfitting,especiallyif you are installing numerous fittings. The main downside of Sharkbite fittings is their price. Comparing the types of Pex connections available. Using a crimp tool, compress the crimp ring until the tool stops. This will of course vary depending on your specific use case, but for safeguarding against things like water hammer (shockwaves sent through your plumbing system when a valve is shut off too quickly) or manufacturing defects, metal is the superior choice. PEX. If youre onlydoinga small, one-off jobor repair,manual tools or a fitting system thatdoes not require special tools is likely your best option. Chemicals added to a plumbing system (as when you drip chlorinate) are considered to be fully dispersed after 4 diameters of pipe length. How likely are you to spring a leak? Uponor fitting: 0.378" Plumbing, Of course, what your local plumbing supply store carries will also impact your decision. Because all three types of PEX tubing must meet ASTM F876 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards, plumbers can rest assured that their choice will be up to code. Slide a clamp ring over the end of the PEX pipe. If youre making a repair to an existing PEX system, youll want to identify what type of PEX is currently being used so you can match it. Ultimately, its up to you to determine what choice makes the most sense for your unique situation. The tools are close to onesizefitsall, with the exception of the expansion heads, which need to be changed out for different pipe sizes. Thanks, Malcolm. These gauges vary by manufacturer, as do their operations, but the job of the gauge is consistent. Push-to-connect fittings conform to the ASSE 1067 standard. PEX supply lines speed up installation and lower the risk of frost damage, Researchers still aren't sure how it affects water, and certification standards may be failing to test for compounds that affect water quality, Careful planning and commonsense rough-in make a well-performing, safe, and easily maintained system guaranteed. The answer is two-fold. For outdoor applications, sleeved versions of non-oxygen barrier PEX are readily available. thebest option available. construction details. While there are manuallyoperated hand tools that can be used for cold expansion PEX plumbing, the most common type for most plumbers are battery operated hand tools. About the author: Dan Hubbard is the customer trainer at Uponor Academy in Apple Valley, Minnesota. We've looked at that on a couple houses, but in both cases the owner's opted for either full PP or full PEX. Reply to Steve When you want a product that has the corrosion-resistance of plastic and strength that is superior to brass, stainless steel fittings areby all. PP It doesnt matter if youre a homeowner making a repair or youre a worker entering the plumbing trade for the first time: its an important skill to know how to identify the PEX plumbing you have on hand, what factors to consider when installing it, and how you know that youre choosing all the best, While the nuances between different materials and products can seem insignificant to anyone. The differences between the three are not necessarily that of grade or performance. Stainless Steel, The lettered designations arent grades, just references to the manufacturing process. Slide the PEX-reinforcing ring over the end of the pipe. What do I want to achieve with my installations? We know contaminates that enter the pressurized water supply of a house can affect the municipal system it is attached to. So if you don't like waiting for hot water, you're back to a circulation loop. No matter whatyou go with, its hard to make a wrong choice. Determining the sizeof your PEX isfairly easy, it is printed along the side of the PEX pipe. Slide the ring into position over a point where the pipe and the fitting overlap. Other types of fittings used with PEX are crimp, clamp, press andcompression, any of which are less expensive but require specialized tools. If chemicals commonly leach from the PEX, why not use polypro for the common sources of drinking water and use PEX for the rest, especially home-run hot water? Not even very close, either. In most cases, no. Both types of tubing come in three colorsred, white, and bluein diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 3 inches. PEX A is not inherently better than PEX C. The different types of PEX help plumbers determine what form of fitting to use and what characteristics the tube will have. Along with that, faster installations with fewer callbacks or rework are probably also a priority. The method in which a manufacturer performs the cross linking is what denotes what type of PEX (A, B, or C) it is. There are opportunities to send a sample of your water off to a lab to be tested, but for the average person, this is more involved than they care to get. First, copper is expensive (and costs can fluctuate drastically). have similarinside diametersto metal cold expansion PEX fittingsand do not negatively affect the flow. Many Twist Lock fittings are used on smaller diameter plastic pipe, but can be used on pex as well. As you can imagine, there are pros and cons to each choice that well briefly outline below. That entirely depends on the quality of your water and what is in it. There can be a lot of answers to this one, but lets hope customer satisfaction is at the top of the list. But, if youre planning on doing routine plumbing, it might benefit you tolook at specialized tools that will reduce installation time and are easier touse. For many plumbers, the investment in thispowertoolpays back quickly insaved time makinga highnumber ofconnectionsevery day.