PEX Questions

[o1marc]

Those of you have used it, is there much difference between the crimp ring, pinch ring , or sharkbite connections? I see in other threads where Sharkbites are discussed and how expensive they are. I found 1/2" PVC lock fittings for $2. Seems like the easiest way to accomplish connections. Any downside to these? None of it carries much pressure.

[PNW_Steve]

I have used Sharkbite.

They work great and they are very easy to install. So easy that, when I did the first ones, I though I must have done something wrong because it was so easy.

After I win the lottery, I will only use Sharkbite.......... Yes they are expensive.....

[farok]

I've started to do some research, and from what I've seen, the SharkBites are $$$, and can really only be used once or twice without compromising them at least somewhat. They are also the least strong, but for low pressures, I don't know if it matters. Depends if you're connecting to other water supplies, or just filling your tanks, I suppose.

I'm no expert, but the strength of the crimp and clamp rings seem far better than the actual PEX tubing, so shouldn't be any issues there. The crimp locks into place so you can see it easier, so for me, that's worth the extra few cents per fitting. YMMV

Let's see what some plumbers have to say - are we on track, or is this bunk?

Chris

[o1marc]

I forgot to post the link. When it comes to cost, $2ea for the ease of this product is not what I would consider expensive. The max pressure of the pump is 40psi. These have a working pressure limit of 150psi, with a 600psi burst pressure. I think it's a no brainer on this one. This product in PVC has locks on both ends, Sharkbite brand only has the lock on one end. And are more expensive.

As long as you chamfer the end of the pipe they are reusable many times, but ow many times do you plan on disassembling the joints? Removal tool is cheap also.

The weak link in the chain will be the PEX itself which is only rated at 100PSI at 180*

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-...6774/204675199

[matthews2001]

Sharkbites are amazing...I use them for repairs only due to cost and always have some on hand. About 7-12 bucks per fitting.

Pex and crimp rings are cheap. The fittings come brass or very inexpensive plastic. The pex tool can be pricy, and hard to get into tight areas. (though they make a smaller one for use with visegrips)

I have not used the pinch clamps and their less expensive pinch clamp pliers (because I have a couple crimp ring tools).

Plumbing is so quick and easy and cheap with pex (Oh, the old galvy pipe in my childhood home...)

BTW pex can withstand some freezing, but NOT the fittings!

[Sleddgracer]

Originally Posted by o1marc

I forgot to post the link. When it comes to cost, $2ea for the ease of this product is not what I would consider expensive. The max pressure of the pump is 40psi. These have a working pressure limit of 150psi, with a 600psi burst pressure. I think it's a no brainer on this one. This product in PVC has locks on both ends, Sharkbite brand only has the lock on one end. And are more expensive.

As long as you chamfer the end of the pipe they are reusable many times, but ow many times do you plan on disassembling the joints? Removal tool is cheap also.



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-...6774/204675199

For outdoor use only
For cold water use only
For irrigation applications only

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by matthews2001

Sharkbites are amazing...I use them for repairs only due to cost and always have some on hand. About 7-12 bucks per fitting.



BTW pex can withstand some freezing, but NOT the fittings!

Some freezing is right

I had PEX freeze in my first bus. I was concerned about I splitting.....it didn't....

Then it froze again and I was not so concerned. It did not split.

Hey, this stuff is indestructible!

Well.... The fourth time I got a waterfall in my kitchen.....

When I got away with it the first time I got complacent..... Lesson learned.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Sleddgracer

For outdoor use only
For cold water use only
For irrigation applications only

If specs exceed the application specs whats the concern for indoor hot water @40PSI ?

[Sleddgracer]

Originally Posted by o1marc

If specs exceed the application specs whats the concern for indoor hot water @40PSI ?

I just copied the info in the ad - I've never used the product

[2kool4skool]

Like Flair-It pex fittings.

[somewhereinusa]

Shark bite type for a 1/2" 90 is over $3 locally one at a time, over $5.00. A brass 90 and 2 cinch type rings is $1.00 with poly fitting is $ .80
You can get the tool for one handed use is about $20. It's about the size of a pair of vise grips. I would have gone broke.
I've used many, many cinch type in both my water and heating system. No leaks. I have used maybe 3 shark bite and had a leak in one.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by somewhereinusa

Shark bite type for a 1/2" 90 is over $3 locally one at a time, over $5.00. A brass 90 and 2 cinch type rings is $1.00 with poly fitting is $ .80
You can get the tool for one handed use is about $20. It's about the size of a pair of vise grips. I would have gone broke.
I've used many, many cinch type in both my water and heating system. No leaks. I have used maybe 3 shark bite and had a leak in one.

As I stated the Sharkbite type 90*PVC with the lock in both ends is only $1.95ea. for one.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-1-...6774/204675199

Sharkbite brand in brass is close to $8 and the PVC one with only a lock in one end is around $5

[o1marc]

Screw it, just ordered 100pcs pinch rings since I have crimper for them. I had already bought a $40 kit with 30 different fittings and 100 crimp rings. I'll only use PEX locks where I deem them easier.

[bus-bro]

Just get a good pipe cutter, whether crimp rings or sharkbite. The release tools are indispensable.

Off hand though, I loved that poly-butylene piping system, with those screw-on flare type fittings. Easiest and cheapest. Too bad about it getting pulled off the market.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by bus-bro

Just get a good pipe cutter, whether crimp rings or sharkbite. The release tools are indispensable.

Off hand though, I loved that poly-butylene piping system, with those screw-on flare type fittings. Easiest and cheapest. Too bad about it getting pulled off the market.

Quest or Quest?

I used that to plumb my first bus. I loved it.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by bus-bro

Just get a good pipe cutter, whether crimp rings or sharkbite. The release tools are indispensable.

Off hand though, I loved that poly-butylene piping system, with those screw-on flare type fittings. Easiest and cheapest. Too bad about it getting pulled off the market.

There's a release tool for crimp connectors?

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by o1marc

There's a release tool for crimp connectors?

No.

There are release tools for Sharkbite.

[bus-bro]

There is a tool to cut the ring off the crimp connector.

[family wagon]

Originally Posted by Sleddgracer

For outdoor use only
For cold water use only
For irrigation applications only

Insofar as I'm aware, Orbit does not make any products that are tested or approved for potable water applications. I take this to mean that their products may not be sanitized, may be contaminated with manufacturing residue, may contain chemicals known to the state of Kalifornia to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm (had to throw that one in there!), and so on. They might leach out chemicals when used with warm or hot water, they aren't designed nor reliability-tested for indoor applications where failure would be expected to cause immediate property damage, blah blah blah.



You made the right call in going with regular potable water components.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

No.

There are release tools for Sharkbite.

I have the kit for PVC Lock, $5. I stopped by to pick up a few 1/2" locks. Wouldn't you know it, they stock all sizes except 1/2"