Pex question

[green.bubbly]

I was looking online and saw that tere are two basic methods of connecting Pex tubing to fittings. One method uses an expander and Pex ring which gets expanded, slipped over the fitting and allowed to contract.

The other method uses metal rings that are crimped to secure the tubing to the fittings.

I was looking for input from anyone that used each method. Pros and cons or recommendations. My only question right now is if there is any difference between the Pex tubing used with the expander and the Pex tubing used with the crimp rings?


Thanks

 

[bmcdowell40]

I've never seen the expander system. I've always used the stainless steel cinch rings & have never had one leak. One nice thing about the cinch rings is that you only need 1 tool that will work on all sizes. The crimp style rings, you need a different tool for each size or you have to change the dies for each size.

Here's a link to the cinch clamps:
http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/product/12-pex-stainless-steel-clamps-ssc

 

[Nighttrain]

I have only used the crimp method. Bought the tool ($50) and the tester that give a "Go" "No-Go" . All my fitting held tight and passed the test. Only problem I had was the tool was kinda of difficult to use in tight spaces, i.e. between the 16" oc stud walls where the pipe was running in the overhead. Just had to plan a bit and put the crimp on the hose before getting it into place. There is also "Shark Bite" fittings for PEX but the cost $$$.

 

[bczygan]

I got crimp.

 

[Jeepnjay]

I used the Wirsbo (expanded) Pex, for my whole house and for the radiant in my shop slab. I love the stuff, but it is different in makeup from the crimp pex. Also gives a good forearm workout. You are garanteed a good seal with each joint, I highly reccommend It.
Jay

 

[CamarosRus]

Need to borrow or buy used WIRSBO 3/4" expander so as I can modify my current system

[email protected]

 

[Jbullfrog]

I borrowed a Wirsbo expander when I did our shower install and then bought a kit on E-bay. It is easier to replace a fitting with the expanded pex over the crimp style, as you can cut the ring with a knife.

 

[Thorold]

As near as I can tell the expanded style is for the rigid Pex typically used in new construction.

For the flexible Pex that I've done all of mine with the crimp type, with the much less expensive tool, have also had no problems at all.

 

[Architorture]

i have used the crimp and agree with the earlier statement about the typical tool being a bit unwieldy in tight spaces...if you are planning to do much tight work i'd highly recommend one of the small crimping tools that you use a set of pliers to actuate...helps in those tight situations

 

[BrianC636]

I used the clamps on the house I just built. Do NOT buy the pliers from Pex Universe. I went through 2 sets of them crimping 1" and they both broke. I bought the Apollo ones from Lowes, no more problems.

 

[pfctblu]

Wirsbo/expander system uses specific fittings that ARE different from the crimp style fittings. They come in brass or plastic. Be careful: They will look just like the crimp fittings but the barbs are actually different. Wirsbo is a terrific system and works really, REALLY smoothly. The tool cost is the hurdle for most people to get over. Remember, you can always sell the tool if you only have a single project.

 

[SARG]

Also avoid the sharkbite fittings. They leak after time.

 

[bjmac]

Wirsbo is great, but like others have said, the tools can be very expensive. Wirsbo tools are a little more friendly in the tight places. The fittings are also more expensive than clamp ring fittings. Both work very well and can make you look like a pretty good plumber with just a little practice. Another plus of both types is the increased protection to those of use in the cold climates. Pex is much more forgiving if a freezing situation is encountered.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Need to borrow or buy used WIRSBO 3/4" expander so as I can modify my current system

[email protected]

Maybe you should start a thread in the " Wanted " section instead of hijacking this thread.


I used the crimp style in my shop bathroom. No problems

 

[Highbeam]

Also avoid the sharkbite fittings. They leak after time.

Wive's tale. Properly installed they won't leak.

 

[yuk]

My nephew is a maintenence supervisor at a large aapt complex and has used sharkbites for several years. He has never had one fail and the their cost is easily justified when you figure in how fast they work and how little of space you need to install one.
Many times it keeps him from removing any extra sheetrock etc...

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

Wive's tale. Properly installed they won't leak.

Sorry but not a wives tale. Shark bite are good only for emergency repairs and never to be enclosed in a wall. They utilize a rubber o-ring which, like all o-rings on this planet, age and eventually leak. They are even worse when used with PEX which is flexible and easily torqued which will also allow the fitting to leak.

As for the original question, The wirsbo crimp is the best way to go but it is also the most expensive. ...and there really is nothing wrong with using the copper crimp ring PEX.

 

[Bluepine]

I've plumbed 6 complete houses with copper crimp rings, never had a leak in 8+ years. Sometimes you have to plan ahead when in tight spaces. I always use 2 crimp rings on every connection. Rings are cheap in bulk and it's cheap insurance.

 

[saabman]

I used crimp fitting when I reworked our house a couple of years ago. No leaks.

 

[2mJps]

You can rent the tools to do both kinds around here. I have done 5 houses 2 with one kind and 3 with the other. The expander you dont have alot of time. I like pex but it seems to good to be true. Time will tell.

 

[98ssuck]

Go with uponor/wirsbo I have been to there MN factory. It solves the problem plagued by other pexs that the metal fittings and plastic pipe expand at different rates. It has thermoelastic memory that will allow you to repair kinked pipe. It doesn't burst until 800 psi. The pipe has a 1300 year service and is full warrantied on all of the costs of repairs of it ever leaks.

 

[yuk]

1300?
huh?

 

[darkk]

My SIL owns a plumbing/heating business. I have both types in my home. The SS rings are easier, quicker, sturdier. SS is just more expensive. Check my signature build and see plenty of Pex tubing installed.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

You can rent the tools to do both kinds around here. I have done 5 houses 2 with one kind and 3 with the other. The expander you dont have alot of time. I like pex but it seems to good to be true. Time will tell.

PEX has been used in Europe for quite a long time now and has a proven track record. We were slow to adopt it here in America...

 

[bgott]

PEX has been used in Europe for quite a long time now and has a proven track record. We were slow to adopt it here in America...

...probably because of the Polybutylene disaster. And it wasn't just the connectors, I replaced tons of the **** in my rent trailers due to it springing leaks in the middle of runs. How long until some unforseen age-related problems pop up with PEX?

 

[Kralstonk]

Been a plumber for 10 years and have used both stainless and Wirsbo type of connections. I always preferred the Wirsbo system. for one the flow through the Wirsbo fittings is greater because you expand the pipe around the fitting. Also the way it was explained to me was since PEX(a) (the type that Wirsbo uses) has a memory to it (it always wants to return to its original shape) the pipe is always trying to return around the fitting thus squeezing it tighter, whereas in the crimp style it is fighting against crimp ring pulling away from the fitting. I would also recommend using PEX (a) for all systems, rather than PEX(c) (big box stores) the PEX(a) you can kink it dozens of time and then heat it up and you will not be able to tell where the kink was. You do that with PEX(c) you might get 6 times and it will break.