PEX crimp tool?

[bdhsfz6]

The problem with PEX crimp fittings is, they are restrictive. Too many in a run effectively reduces the flow rate of 3/4" pipe down close to that of 1/2".

Sharkbite fittings are slightly less restrictive but far more expensive. There are situations, especially in tight spots, where the cost is justified.

 

[4570Man]

The problem with PEX crimp fittings is, they are restrictive. Too many in a run effectively reduces the flow rate of 3/4" pipe down close to that of 1/2".

Sharkbite fittings are slightly less restrictive but far more expensive. There are situations, especially in tight spots, where the cost is justified.

You shouldn’t have to use many fittings anyway. It shouldn’t take over 2-3 per branch. And faucets have flow restrictions anyway that’s far lower than the pipe capacity. Maybe for a select few applications it might be a problem but for regular house plumbing it’s a non issue.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Also, PexB pipe is surprisingly cheap, and fittings expensive, vs cpvc, where the pipe is quite a bit more, but the fittings are dirt cheap. Yes, you do use less fittings with Pex, but you do still use them.

My main complaint is crimping in confined spaces, vs dab some glue, insert and twist...

Oh, and PEX is a joy to cut, not that PVC/CPVC is bad, but pex just cuts easy, straight, and never cracks when cutting

Way back in post #3 I recommended a block crimper. That works in confined spaces.

 

[Topzide]

Also using manifolds for bathrooms helps. That's what I did with mine when I replaced that Grey crap! On a 3/4 line, the manifold increased to a 1" with 1/2" outside. If I had to do it again, I would buy the Ryobi crimper since I have other 18v tools from their line.

 

[bdhsfz6]

You shouldn’t have to use many fittings anyway. It shouldn’t take over 2-3 per branch. And faucets have flow restrictions anyway that’s far lower than the pipe capacity. Maybe for a select few applications it might be a problem but for regular house plumbing it’s a non issue.

This is true in new construction where every faucet is a "home run" back to the supply. It's not always practical for doing retrofits without doing a lot of renovating.

It's been my practice to use a size larger PEX pipe than the original it replaces. This is especially true on lower pressure well water systems.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, When installed right, I have more faith in CPVC, but you do have more connections/joints. One issue, people have absolutely been known to have too much bend in cpvc, and it's fine, until years down the road, its not. I could also see PEX rubbing on a truss plate, or something else, and rubbing a hole?

The new house is all Pex (i think PEX B), added if/when I need to repair or modifiy, I will add PEX on.

One thing I've found at the new house, the 1" pvc from well tank to the filter, was thin wall.... I'm 95% sure that was a home owner add on

Edit: I didn't say it, cause to me, it's obvious, but we'll to point of connection is PVC, and the home is Pex

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Good post, lots of info here. Had no idea there was an A and B pex. I use to use PVC for most things. Had the 80 yr old hose redone in PEX. Gotta go look and see what they put in.

I also wondered about the freezing issues with Pex. The old PVC we dripped the water in below 27 degree temps. Makes me wonder what the impact is on my well.

Had to look up A and B saw this pretty good video.

https://willplumb.com/pex-a-vs-pex-b-pros-and-cons/

 

[Oaktree]

My main complaint is crimping in confined spaces, vs dab some glue, insert and twist...

Yeah, when I re-did my house a few years ago there were some sections I had to pre-assemble for that reason. Nice thing with Pex B (before reading this thread didn't know there were 2 kinds) is that if you're careful you can cut the crimp ring and get the joint apart if you make a mistake.

This is true in new construction where every faucet is a "home run" back to the supply. It's not always practical for doing retrofits without doing a lot of renovating.

It's been my practice to use a size larger PEX pipe than the original it replaces. This is especially true on lower pressure well water systems.

That's what I did here, used a larger size as a trunk line and had reducing tees for each branch run. Manifold method didn't make much sense on this 200 year old house.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Just did some more reading on PEX. Not only is there A, B but C and AL. I was curious what type is best for freezing. So the crimper type would matter what you used from what I read.

B &C use the same type crimper. Not sure what AL uses.

 

[4570Man]

Just did some more reading on PEX. Not only is there A, B but C and AL. I was curious what type is best for freezing. So the crimper type would matter what you used from what I read.

B &C use the same type crimper. Not sure what AL uses.

Type A can be expanded which maintains the inside diameter of the tube. A can also be crimped. B is crimp only. I have no idea what the other grades are for.