PEX fittings are essential to complete your project with one of the World’s best inventions – PEX tubing. PEX is such an amazing product that it has replaced century-old pipe technologies and best practices. PEX lasts longer black pipe, it is more durable than copper pipe, and PEX has now passed the test of time since it has been successfully used now for many decades.
But which types are the Best PEX fittings PEX fittings to use? There are many options: you have probably heard of Sharkbites, clamps, expansion fittings, and our top choice – “Copper Crimp” fittings. There are pros and cons as always, but the clear winner is Copper Crimp fittings, and here’s why:
Understanding PEX Fitting Types
Choosing the right PEX fitting can be crucial for a successful plumbing project. This article compares four popular options: Sharkbite, clamp, expansion, and crimp fittings with copper crimp rings, evaluating their convenience, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance. We'll explore the pros and cons of each, ultimately revealing the champion for long-lasting, high-quality results.
1. Sharkbite PEX Fittings: Convenience vs. Reliability
First Sharkbite: This one is easy, they have a poor performance record, and they are expensive. Sharkbites can be handy. But when it comes to a big job, or something that really needs to stand up, they’re not always the best alternative. They can be on the expensive side, and they may not hold up as well as other types. And they’re sort of one-size-fits-all, which can be a hassle if you have tricky plumbing configurations. Most professionals prefer crimp fittings or push-fit fittings. They're usually more reliable, they last longer, and they give you more options for getting things just right.
2. Clamps PEX Fittings: A Question of Durability
Next, clamps: This one is easy too. Clamps do not have the holding power for longevity. They pop loose, sometimes after a few months or years, and always at the most inconvenient times. And it is a big mess to clean up when this happens. It's a real hassle. So yes, on surface they might look like a bargain, but in the long run they can actually be way more expensive in problems and repairs. The average pro prefers a dependable choice such as crimp fittings which are a slightly higher up-front cost, but tend to save you cash in the end.
3. Expansion PEX Fittings: Costly and Limited
Third, the expansion fittings require a very expensive tool that is cumbersome to use, and of course, these fittings will only work with “PEX-A”, a more expensive version of PEX that costs more money, but without additional value to justify the cost. We only use PEX-B, the most widely used and trusted PEX by far. It's the workhorse of the PEX world. It's what everyone uses, and it's just plain reliable. So, expansion fittings, they're kind of like a niche thing, not really worth the hassle or the extra cost unless you have a specific reason to use them.
4. Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings: The Champion of PEX
Finally, our clear winner… is “Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings”.
Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings are very low cost, and the highest, long-lasting quality. It is like getting Mercedes-level quality engineering for the price of a bicycle. These Crimp Fittings are the clear winner not just in our minds but in every industry that values top quality at the lowest cost.
Crimp Fittings are the style of PEX fittings that have the barbed ends. You simply slip the copper crimp ring over the end of your PEX tubing, push the barbed end of the fitting into the PEX, position the copper crimp ring over the barbs, the squeeze the crimp ring in place. Sometimes there is a tool that will measure the diameter of the crimp ring after it has been crimped to show that sufficient pressure has been applied.
The best news? Once you pressurize the tubing and see that there are no leaks, it will NEVER leak. (At least not that we have ever seen.) You are good for life. If there is a leak, NO worries – just crimp it again with the crimp tool, and that should be all that is needed. To learn more on how to troubleshoot common PEX Fitting issues, click HERE.
One other piece of advice: There is always enough room on the barbed end of the PEX fitting to use two crimp rings. We recommend using TWO crimp rings on each fitting for additional finality. This creates a seal that you won’t have to think about ever again. Check out THIS VIDEO to help you learn more about the advantages of Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings.
Determining the Correct PEX Pipe Size for Your Project
Picking the right size PEX pipe is key for a smoothly running plumbing or heating system, and it's usually pretty easy to figure out! The simplest way is to just look at the pipe itself – there should be markings printed right on the side showing the diameter.
If those markings are faded or you can't read them, grab a vernier caliper and measure the outside diameter. Then, use a PEX sizing chart to find the right size. You'll mostly see 1/2", 3/4", and 1" PEX in homes: 1/2" is typical for individual sinks, toilets, and showers; 3/4" is common for main supply lines and manifolds; and 1" is often used for the main water line into the house or larger distribution lines.Keep in mind that it will be best to mirror the existing pipe in size to avoid changing the current flow. If your water pressure is low or your pipes run long, however, you might need to scale up a size to keep the flow going. Be aware, PEX has a smaller inside diameter than copper, so you may need to size up if you’re replacing copper. You’re not sure? A plumber can walk you through selecting the right size.”
Understanding PEX Fitting Materials
Choosing the right fittings for your PEX plumbing is super important for long-term reliability. You'll mainly find fittings made of plastic, brass, or stainless steel – and push-fit fittings often use a mix of materials. Each type has its own pros and cons, so let's take a closer look.
Plastic Fittings
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Pros:
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Cost-Effective: Plastic fittings are generally the most affordable option for PEX systems.
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Corrosion Resistance: They are highly resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for various water conditions.
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Cons:
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Flow Restriction: Crimp-style plastic fittings have thicker walls than metal fittings, reducing the inside diameter and potentially restricting water flow. While a few plastic fittings may not significantly impact flow, the cumulative effect throughout an entire system can be noticeable.
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Strength: Generally, less resistant to things such as water hammer or manufacturing defects, metal is the better option.
Brass Fittings
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Pros:
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Improved Flow: Metal crimp fittings, like brass, address the flow restriction issue by utilizing thinner walls while maintaining adequate strength.
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Strength: Because metal is significantly stronger than plastic, a thinner metal fitting can be utilized and still exceed the strength of a plastic fitting. How much does strength matter? Obviously this will vary depending on your specific use case, but when it comes to things like protecting against water hammer (shockwaves sent through your plumbing system when a valve is closed too quickly) or manufacturing defects, metal’s the better option.
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Cons:
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Corrosion Susceptibility: Brass is vulnerable to dezincification, a form of corrosion that can occur in certain water conditions. This can lead to weakened fittings, leaks, and potential property damage.
Stainless Steel Fittings
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Pros:
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Corrosion Resistant: Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to brass, making it suitable for a wider range of water conditions.
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Durability: Combines the strength of metal with excellent resistance to corrosion.
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Cons:
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Cost: Generally the most expensive option of the three.
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Availability: Limited availability in some fitting types.
Tools for PEX Connections
Cold Expansion (PEX-A) Connections
If you're using PEX-A pipe, you'll need tools to expand the ends to fit the fittings. You can do it by hand, but most plumbers use power tools — it’s much quicker, especially for larger jobs. Power tools are a greater initial outlay of cash, but they will save you much time and toil, particularly if you have many joints to create. If you're just doing a small project, manual tools are a much cheaper option.
Crimp Ring and Pinch Clamp (PEX-B & PEX-C) Connections
For PEX-B and PEX-C pipes, you'll be using crimp rings or pinch clamps to connect the pipes to the fittings. You can get power tools for this, but most people use manual tools – they're inexpensive and work well for most projects. Pinch clamp tools are especially handy in tight spots because they're smaller than crimp tools.
Push-Fit / Push-to-Connect Fittings
Push-to-connect fittings are awesome for DIYers or quick fixes because you don't need any special tools! However, these fittings themselves are more expensive than crimp or expansion fittings. So, while you save on tools, that cost savings might disappear on larger projects where you're using lots of fittings.
Compression Connections
Compression fittings are simple to work with – you only need basic wrenches. However, similar to push-fit fittings, the fittings themselves are more expensive than crimp or expansion fittings. This higher cost per fitting can add up on larger plumbing projects, potentially negating any savings on tools.
Press Connections
Press connections are a different story. You need a special press tool and jaws that match the size of your PEX pipe. That's a pretty big investment in both the tool and the fittings themselves, making it less common for home plumbing jobs unless you already have the tool for other projects. Plus, you need a whole set of jaws for different pipe sizes, unlike pinch clamp tools where one tool works on many sizes. All this extra expense makes press fittings less attractive for many people.
So, which method is best? It all comes down to your budget, how big your project is, and how much convenience you want. Think carefully about the costs and benefits of each type of fitting before you decide.
Our TOP Recommendation
Again, our #1 recommendation is to always use PEX Crimp fittings with Copper Crimp Rings. Click here to search our fittings, and if you don’t find what you need, just contact us and we can get you what you need. (Our online store does not show all the sizes and styles we have available.)
We are your one-stop shop for PEX Crimp Fittings of ALL sizes!
FAQs
Which PEX connection is strongest?
Crimp fittings with copper crimp rings provide the strongest connection. They deliver "the highest, long-lasting quality" and once properly installed, these connections "will NEVER leak." Using two crimp rings on each fitting creates "additional finality," resulting in an even stronger seal that you "won't have to think about ever again."
What is the best type of fittings to use with PEX?
Crimp fittings with copper crimp rings are the clear winner for PEX installations. They offer "Mercedes-level quality engineering for the price of a bicycle." Their combination of low cost and high reliability makes them the optimal choice for both professional and DIY plumbing projects.
Is it better to cinch or crimp PEX?
Crimping is significantly better than cinching (clamp fittings). Clamp fittings lack "the holding power for longevity" and tend to "pop loose, sometimes after a few months or years," often "at the most inconvenient times." Crimp fittings with copper rings, however, provide reliable, long-lasting connections that rarely fail when properly installed.
Which of the following is the most popular type of PEX fittings?
Crimp fittings are widely recognized across "every industry that values top quality at the lowest cost." They're designed to work with PEX-B, which is "the most widely used and trusted PEX by far" and described as "the workhorse of the PEX world." Their popularity stems from their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and proven performance.
Which is better metal or plastic PEX fittings?
Metal fittings outperform plastic ones in several important ways. Metal fittings provide better flow characteristics due to thinner walls while maintaining superior strength. "For safeguarding against things like water hammer or manufacturing defects, metal is the superior choice." Among metal options, stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, though at a higher price point than brass fittings.
