Standard Connection Method The standard method for connecting PEX pipe to brass PEX fittings uses a copper crimp ring and a PEX crimping tool. The copper crimp ring is inserted over the pipe, the fitting is inserted inside the pipe, and the copper ring is crimped over the pipe and fitting using the PEX crimping tool. Tools, fittings and crimp rings are available from several suppliers. Information about testing standards for this method can be found on the ASTM standards page. Here are all the tools needed to make a PEX connection using the standard method. A PEX crimp ring on PEX tubing. Brass fitting inserted into PEX tube. Pex crimp tool crimping a standard PEX connection. Using a crimp gauge to check a PEX crimp.
Expansion Fitting Method The expansion method involves using an expansion tool to increase the diameter of the PEX tube. Special expansion fittings are inserted into the expanded tube, which shrinks back to shape around the fitting. A plastic ring is then pressed over the fitting to insure a tight connection. This method was developed as a proprietary solution, and is currently available from one company. Information about testing standards for this method can be found on the ASTM standards page. Everything you need to make a PEX connection using the Wirsbo expansion method. Wirsbo / Upanor ProPex fitting and plastic ring. Inserting the expansion tool into the PEX tube. Expanding the PEX tube using the expansion tool. Rotate and expand PEX tube again. Insert ProPex fitting into tube. SSC Method The SSC (stainless steel clamp) method uses special clamps designed for PEX connection. The fittings used here are the same used in the "Standard Connection Method" above, but in this method the SSC fastens the PEX tube to the fitting. A special "SSC crimping tool" is used to tighten the clamp around the tube and fitting. Information about testing standards for this method can be found on the ASTM standards page. Everything you need to make a PEX connection using the SSC clamp method. PEX tube with SSC clamp positioned. Standard PEX fitting inserted with SSC clamp positioned. Using the crimp tool to make a PEX connection. Finished PEX connection using the SSC clamp method. Compression Method Standard compression fittings can be used to make connections between PEX tubing. For moderate to large size jobs this method is more expensive than using the Standard Connection Method, since compression fittings cost more than PEX fittings. "Push-fit" and other proprietary methods Several companies offer specialized fittings that will connect PEX to PEX or to copper, PVC and other materials as well. These fittings use one or more of several technologies such as EDPM O-ring seals, stainless steel gripping teeth, and threaded compression nuts. These fittings are faster and easier than most competing methods, but cost more per fitting than standard PEX fittings. PEX fittings PEX fittings are generally made of brass, although some vendors are offering bronze, copper and engineered plastic fittings for PEX. The characteristic ridges on the "insert" part of the fitting distinguish a PEX fitting from other fittings (see pictures below). The ridges, the PEX tube and the crimped copper ring all work together to form a high-pressure seal. Nested Table with 3 columns and 2 rows, nesting level 1 A brass fitting adapter to make a PEX connection to a polybutylene tube. A brass fitting adapter to make a PEX connection to a threaded pipe. A brass fitting to make a PEX connection to copper pipe. Adapter: PEX (top) to polybutylene Adapter: PEX (top) to MIP Adapter: PEX (top) to copper (sweat) table end PEX tools To work with PEX tubing using the standard crimping method, three basic tools are needed: the main crimping tool(s), a pipe cutter, and a de-crimping tool. The pipe cutter is used to make a clean, square cut before inserting the tubing into the fitting. The main crimping tool can be purchased in several configurations from various vendors. One popular model has the capability to crimp either 1/2" or 3/4" PEX tube, while another uses interchangeable crimp heads to work with any of the PEX tube sizes. A de-crimping tool is designed to remove the copper crimp ring from the tube and fitting. Various designs all work by cutting the copper ring. Fittings can be easily re-used. Prices for these tools can vary widely depending on the brand. Buying all the tools together in a kit can reduce the price. Lower prices are also available online using Ebay, Google or Yahoo to search for quality vendors with discounted prices (including warranties). A combination 1/2 This tool cuts PEX tube. The de-crimping tool cuts a crimped copper PEX ring from PEX pipe and fitting. PEX Tubing Compatibility Most PEX tubing is compatible with all the various connection methods, with PEX-Al-PEX being the exception. Nested Table with 7 columns and 15 rows, nesting level 1 Compatible PEX Connections PEX Tubing Manufacturer PEX Product Name Tubing Type Standard Crimp Ring SSC (Stainless Steel Clamp) Proprietary Connection Types Compression Fittings IPEX Kitec XPA PEX-Al-PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible IPEX CTS SDR9 PEX Tubing PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Rehau RAUPEX® PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Upanor / Wirsbo Wirsbo AquaPEX® PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Vanguard Vanex PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Vanguard COMPAX-L PEX-Al-PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Viega Pexcel PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Viega FostaPex PEX-Al-PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Viega Pextron (Oxygen Barrier) PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Weil-McLain Qual-Pex (Oxygen Barrier) PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Weil-McLain AlumiPex PEX-Al-PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Zurn Zurn PEX (Non Barrier) PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Zurn Zurn PEX (Oxygen Barrier) PEX Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible table end PEX Fittings Compatibility The Standard Crimp Ring method is the most popular method. The fittings listed under the Proprietary Connection Type column are unique to specific manufacturers, and may use unique tools. Most of these are not compatible with other PEX connection methods. Standard PEX fittings can be used with the Standard Method and the SSC (clamp) method. Compression fittings can be used to make connections with PEX tube, but do not use PEX fittings. They are listed to show the manufacturers that make compression fittings specifically for PEX tubing. Nested Table with 7 columns and 16 rows, nesting level 1 Compatible PEX Connections PEX Fitting Manufacturer PEX Fitting Product Name Fitting Type Standard Crimp Ring SSC (Stainless Steel Clamp) Proprietary Connection Type Compression Fittings IPEX Kitec K1 Brass w/ O-ring No No Kitec K1 IPEX Kitec K2 Brass w/ O-ring No No Kitec K2 Rehau Everloc® Fittings Brass No No Everloc Sioux Chief PEX Fittings Copper Yes Yes Tradesmen Supply PEXCaliberT Fittings Brass Yes Yes Upanor / Wirsbo ProPEX Fittings Brass or Plastic No No ProPEX QS-style Vanguard CrimpSert Brass Yes Yes Viega ProPress Copper No No ProPress Viega CombiFlex Fittings Bronze No No Viega Press Viega PureFlow Fittings Bronze No No Viega Press Zurn Qick/SertT 1 Fittings Brass Yes Yes Zurn PolyAlloy Fittings Plastic Yes Yes Zurn QickTite Fittings Plastic No No QickTite Zurn Polymer Fittings Plastic No No QickClamp table end PEX Tool Compatibility Standard PEX Crimp Tools are available from several vendors, while special PEX tools are required for proprietary PEX connection methods. Nested Table with 5 columns and 16 rows, nesting level 1 Compatible PEX Connections PEX Tool Manufacturer PEX Tool Name Standard Crimp Ring SSC (Stainless Steel Clamp) Proprietary Connection Type Mil3 Compact Crimpmaker Yes No Rehau Comboloc, Versaloc, RAUPEX No No Everloc Ridgid Viega ProPress Tool No No ProPress Ridgid Viega Press Tool No No Viega Press Sioux Chief PEX Crimp Tools Yes No Sioux Chief PEX Cinch Tools No Yes Tradesmen Supply PEXCaliberT Crimp Tools Yes No Tradesmen Supply PEXCaliberT Cinch Tools No Yes Upanor / Wirsbo ProPEX Expander Tool No No ProPEX® Viega Viega ProPress® Tool No No ProPress Viega Viega Press Tool No No Viega Press Wheeler Rex PEX Ring Crimper Yes Yes Zurn PEX Crimp Tools Yes No Zurn PEX Cinch Tools No Yes http://www.pexinfo.com/#connections
