Anyone out there with plumbing skills/knowledge?

[William33 110]

Has anyone used a compression fitting on PEX, versus the crimp on ring?

In our previous residence, the supply lines were PEX, with compression fittings.

Today in Lowes, I was strongly advised against this practice, as the compression fitting will crush the PEX and cause leaks.

As an aside, the teenager working the plumbing section was all for it, yet an old timer (apparent plumber) interupted to advise against it.

I usually go with instinct or what I know works. I have seen compression fittings used on PEX successfully.

Any other experiences out there?

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

Has anyone used a compression fitting on PEX, versus the crimp on ring?

In our previous residence, the supply lines were PEX, with compression fittings.

Today in Lowes, I was strongly advised against this practice, as the compression fitting will crush the PEX and cause leaks.

As an aside, the teenager working the plumbing section was all for it, yet an old timer (apparent plumber) interupted to advise against it.

I usually go with instinct or what I know works. I have seen compression fittings used on PEX successfully.

Any other experiences out there?

i'm thinking both may be right - perhaps the younger one has crimped a few due to inexperience. i've not had to deal with this particular issue, but when you plan on reseating a toilet lemme know, i had a course on that at home depot by a retired plumber.

[William33 110]

Further research suggests there are "specialized" compression fittings for PEX.

When I needed to install "sprayers" for the toilets in our last place, I used a standard compression fitting for copper successfully.

I am going forward with that plan.

Thanks for the "toilet seating" offer Charles, I will keep that in mind.

Edited March 16, 2008 by William33

[Mags 112]

William, Platy used Pex on all of our plumbing in the basement around six months ago. I'll ask him what he used.

(incidentally, he said is was wonderful to install and use, btw. And he HATES plumbing. )

Edited March 17, 2008 by Mags

[PlatyPius 5]

I worked at a hardware store for a while, and I will attest to the benefit of using the proper crimp rings with Pex. Pex tubing connected in the proper manner has a life expectancy of 50-200 years. Compression fittings of any sort don't really last very long. Not to mention the fact that connecting Pex properly with the crimp rings is easier than using compression fittings. I replaced all of the plumbing in our house in about 45 minutes. (Hot water only...the cold water side is PVC) The only "problem" with doing it correctly and using the crimp rings is the cost of the crimping tool. It's about $120 for a 1/2" one and $120 again for a 3/4" one. I used only 1/2" tubing in our house - the supply line to the manifold is 3/4" PVC.

The older guy was right - brass compression fittings for copper tubing will self-destruct in time; either by leaking themselves, or from the bronze compression sleeve cutting through the Pex and causing a geyser. Look at how sharp the edges of the bronze ring are. Now realize that every time you turn your water on or off your Pex tubing is going to move from the sudden pressure change. It's like moving the tubing over a hacksaw blade several times a day. It's a bad idea, in general.

Here's some "Joy of Plumbing"....

http://oldhousegazette.com/house/75.php

[mawilson 2,133]

I worked at a hardware store for a while, and I will attest to the benefit of using the proper crimp rings with Pex. Pex tubing connected in the proper manner has a life expectancy of 50-200 years. Compression fittings of any sort don't really last very long. Not to mention the fact that connecting Pex properly with the crimp rings is easier than using compression fittings. I replaced all of the plumbing in our house in about 45 minutes. (Hot water only...the cold water side is PVC) The only "problem" with doing it correctly and using the crimp rings is the cost of the crimping tool. It's about $120 for a 1/2" one and $120 again for a 3/4" one. I used only 1/2" tubing in our house - the supply line to the manifold is 3/4" PVC.

Mags, don't you just love it when Platy gets technical?

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

I worked at a hardware store for a while, and I will attest to the benefit of using the proper crimp rings with Pex. Pex tubing connected in the proper manner has a life expectancy of 50-200 years. Compression fittings of any sort don't really last very long. Not to mention the fact that connecting Pex properly with the crimp rings is easier than using compression fittings. I replaced all of the plumbing in our house in about 45 minutes. (Hot water only...the cold water side is PVC) The only "problem" with doing it correctly and using the crimp rings is the cost of the crimping tool. It's about $120 for a 1/2" one and $120 again for a 3/4" one. I used only 1/2" tubing in our house - the supply line to the manifold is 3/4" PVC.

Mags, don't you just love it when Platy gets technical?

i can hear her eyes glazing over already

[franklie 0]

I worked at a hardware store for a while, and I will attest to the benefit of using the proper crimp rings with Pex. Pex tubing connected in the proper manner has a life expectancy of 50-200 years. Compression fittings of any sort don't really last very long. Not to mention the fact that connecting Pex properly with the crimp rings is easier than using compression fittings. I replaced all of the plumbing in our house in about 45 minutes. (Hot water only...the cold water side is PVC) The only "problem" with doing it correctly and using the crimp rings is the cost of the crimping tool. It's about $120 for a 1/2" one and $120 again for a 3/4" one. I used only 1/2" tubing in our house - the supply line to the manifold is 3/4" PVC.

The older guy was right - brass compression fittings for copper tubing will self-destruct in time; either by leaking themselves, or from the bronze compression sleeve cutting through the Pex and causing a geyser. Look at how sharp the edges of the bronze ring are. Now realize that every time you turn your water on or off your Pex tubing is going to move from the sudden pressure change. It's like moving the tubing over a hacksaw blade several times a day. It's a bad idea, in general.

Here's some "Joy of Plumbing"....

http://oldhousegazette.com/house/75.php

Here is another very good forum that addresses PEX. Ridgid Forum Pex

[William33 110]

I worked at a hardware store for a while, and I will attest to the benefit of using the proper crimp rings with Pex. Pex tubing connected in the proper manner has a life expectancy of 50-200 years. Compression fittings of any sort don't really last very long. Not to mention the fact that connecting Pex properly with the crimp rings is easier than using compression fittings. I replaced all of the plumbing in our house in about 45 minutes. (Hot water only...the cold water side is PVC) The only "problem" with doing it correctly and using the crimp rings is the cost of the crimping tool. It's about $120 for a 1/2" one and $120 again for a 3/4" one. I used only 1/2" tubing in our house - the supply line to the manifold is 3/4" PVC.

The older guy was right - brass compression fittings for copper tubing will self-destruct in time; either by leaking themselves, or from the bronze compression sleeve cutting through the Pex and causing a geyser. Look at how sharp the edges of the bronze ring are. Now realize that every time you turn your water on or off your Pex tubing is going to move from the sudden pressure change. It's like moving the tubing over a hacksaw blade several times a day. It's a bad idea, in general.

Here's some "Joy of Plumbing"....

http://oldhousegazette.com/house/75.php

Platy,

That helps alot. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[Mags 112]

I worked at a hardware store for a while, and I will attest to the benefit of using the proper crimp rings with Pex. Pex tubing connected in the proper manner has a life expectancy of 50-200 years. Compression fittings of any sort don't really last very long. Not to mention the fact that connecting Pex properly with the crimp rings is easier than using compression fittings. I replaced all of the plumbing in our house in about 45 minutes. (Hot water only...the cold water side is PVC) The only "problem" with doing it correctly and using the crimp rings is the cost of the crimping tool. It's about $120 for a 1/2" one and $120 again for a 3/4" one. I used only 1/2" tubing in our house - the supply line to the manifold is 3/4" PVC.

Mags, don't you just love it when Platy gets technical?

Absolutely.