What are the different types of PEX fittings?

The major types of PEX fittings include metal or plastic insert fittings using either a crimp ring or a stainless steel clamp, cold-expansion fittings and push fittings. These insert fittings use a crimp ring that is compressed around the PEX tubing and they can be made from either metal or plastic insert fittings.

Do PEX A and PEX B use different fittings?

PEX A uses an expansion-style fitting. These fittings are much larger in diameter the PEX B fittings, and require an expansion tool.

Which type of PEX connection is best?

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.

Which is better for PEX crimp or cinch?

The cinch tool works with multiple PEX sizes, unlike the crimp tool that is made for a specific size. Asides for its versatility, the cinch tool is also cheaper than the crimp tool. The cinch rings can be slightly more expensive than crimp rings.

How do you tell if you have PEX-A or PEX B?

The second way is to identify the style of fittings. PEX-B will have metal rings — either cramp or clamp — whereas the PEX-A uses an expansion ring made out of PEX or a similar material.

Can I use crimp fittings on PEX-A and B?

Crimping will work with Pex-A fittings but expansion fitting will not work with Pex-b fitting. You might work on your wording. https://www.pexuniverse.com/types-of-pex-fittings describes it well.

Why are my PEX connections leaking?

The leaching of zinc also makes the fittings weaker, resulting in dezincification. In PEX pipes, the zinc build-up can cause your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to clog. It also causes fittings to crack or break, leaking water within your walls or underneath your house.

Will mice chew on PEX tubing?

PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable

Rodents Chewing Through PEX Pipe is a common problem in our area. It doesn’t matter how old your home is, if you have an attic, you need to watch for rodent damage to PEX Pipe or PVC.

Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?

Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces

Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.

Can you go from PEX B to PEX A?

Can you use PEX crimp rings on PEX A?

Crimp fittings are compatible with all types of PEX tubing, except for PEX-AL-PEX. Crimp fittings are preferred for many applications since they are widely available and are the most affordable.

Are all PEX crimp rings the same?

PEX crimp and PEX clamp connections use the same fittings, normally referred to as “crimp” or “barbed” PEX fittings. Each method requires a different tool and a different type of ring, but the styles are similar enough that PEX newcomers frequently wonder which method is preferable.

Can you use SharkBite fittings on PEX A?

Plumbers who install SharkBite fittings and SharkBite PEX as a system, say they choose these products for their speed and durability. SharkBite push-to-connect fittings are compatible with a variety of pipe types including PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE.

Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?

Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces

Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.

Are plastic or brass PEX fittings better?

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.