Avoid These Mistakes With The 2 Most Common PEX Fittings

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Sharkbite Max Elbow (1/2") - geni.us/Twnp3Q Brass Elbow (1/2") - geni.us/6VzPJBd Copper Crimp Rings - geni.us/OpHE iCRIMP PEX Crimping Tool - geni.us/Uu9xGW2 Sharbite Deburring And Marking Tool - geni.us/KRC2BYO PEX and PVC Ratcheting Cutting Shears - geni.us/UqgAptI SharkBite Max Coupler (1/2") - geni.us/DAUuql Brass Coupler (1/2") - geni.us/56bt PEX Type B Tubing (100ft red and 100ft blue) - geni.us/IY7Tlq DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@95dodgev10]

Watching the process of crimping pex b makes me like my pex a even more. I bit the bullet and got the dewalt expansion tool and it was so worth it. My 5 yr old daughter even made a connection with during my bathroom remodel.

[@genevelis6075]

@@95dodgev10 Yea, how about Pex A has chemicals leaching to the water and it taste like plastic. Also Pex B can withstand higher pressure.

[@95dodgev10]

@genevelis6075 my water actually tastes better/has less taste than with copper. With the old copper lines water that sat in cups or bottles for more than like 5 hrs started to taste bad. Now a bottle filled the night before tastes perfectly fine the next day. I'm by no means saying copper is bad and pex is perfect. Just giving my personal experience while others could be different. One thing I'll add is I didn't just use the stuff at the hardware store. I bought top quality everything I could.

[@genevelis6075]

@95dodgev10 Pex A It's not a top quality. Do your research It leaks plastic to the water, You subjected your entire family to the plastic particles that are harmful. Pex B does not Leach plastic to the water. Main reason why contractors use Pex A because it is easy to work with, It's more flexible, and pipe and connections are cheaper than Pex B and less chances of pipes, being burst from freezing.

[@nothingtoseehere93]

I don’t trust connections without crimps. I’m sure that pex a will leak over time

[@narlycharley]

Agreed! And properly sized fittings.

[@andrewlupton2426]

Good video and I enjoy your channel. I'm a DIYer and I've used both these systems. I use my Rigid PEX crimper whenever I can because I trust that joint the most and as you mention, it's more affordable. I have no problem however using Sharkbites in tight spaces, when I want to quickly join copper to PEX or when there's water in the line and I'm in a rush. Another plus of SharkBites, they can easily be removed and reused with the plastic removal collar. Their 1/2 inch end camps are great for when you're doing a remodel and you need to quickly cap the line, pull out the fixture and get the water back on quickly. I agree that SharkBikes, when installed carefully, are not leak prone. I know many pro plumbers don't agree. If they're fully pushed on as demonstrated and you pressure test them after installation and they're not a problem then, they'll be fine. Soldering is a basic plumbing skill and I encourage anyone to learn it but ... using MAP gas torch in a joist bay with old dry wood ... you've got to be very, very careful. You can blow an ember into a crack in the wood and maybe it won't start burning until hours later. Anyway with the two approaches demonstrated in this video supply plumbing is pretty easy and DIY friendly. Crimpers are much cheaper now then when I bought my Rigid combo (1/2 and 3/4) crimper in like 2008. I believe I paid almost $200 Canadian for that thing back then. They're less than half that now!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for all the great feedback! Have you ever tried PEX-A? Although the expansion tool is expensive the connections between the pipe and fittings seem like the best of any option.

[@stevemaddox1972]

Two things. I have used Shark Bite fittings, and I don't have a problem with them. However, a plumber recommended I refrain from using them in enclosed spaces where it will be hard to get back to if it does leak. Like a garden tub that requires tile work. 2nd, since you recommend cutting the pex tube to remove the ridges, my preference is to cut the fitting off to begin with. Then, I use a PEX ring cutting tool. It is much easier than a Dremmel tool, and I don't risk nicking the brass, which could lead to a leak.

[@stargazer2504]

Had to re-plumb my house due to PB piping... which is probably the reason everyone is skeptical on PEX lasting... and I agree with them. I used the standard H-D pex B, and it should be noted that it significantly lowers the inner diameter and flow rate as compared to copper lines or even CPVC. If I could do it over again, I'd run the water main a size larger (including the meter valve), then the bathtubs to at least 3/4" to get enough flow. Toilets & sinks are fine on 1/2"

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good point on the reduced diameter the brass fittings really do bring the Inner diameter down significantly.

[@John_Ridley]

Reasons to use the cinch rings instead of crimp - one tool for all sizes, can get into super tight areas with the cinch tool, and removing is just grabbing the cinch part with some sturdy side cutters or end cutters and twisting until the ring snaps.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Great feedback on the cinch rings. Thanks for the help!

[@bradyreid9270]

10000%

[@upgradeyourhomediy]

Always deburr pipes whether copper or PEX. The majority of the leaks I've had with my new PEX piping and SharkBite fittings were because I didn't deburr the PEX. The sharp edge on the end of the pipe from the cutter can damage the O ring inside. Once I started deburring every end, no more problems.

[@vmccall399]

I had to replace about thirty foot of line. I used Shark Bite twist to connect. I love them.

[@panemon187]

I hear it is recommended that you use the sharkbite deburing tool on the plastic pex pipe as well. I've been doing it that way with all of my ptc installations. It turns out that some of the burrs on the plastic pex can damage the o-ring, so I think it is a good idea to debur the plastic pex-b or pex-a, using the deburring tool. I also like to prelubricate my o-rings with silicone lubricant and I also use silicon lubricant around the tip of the pipe, makes those ptc snap in place nicely.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, the silicone grease is a nice touch and would help a lot with pushing past the o-ring and reducig the chances of any damage.

[@nova31337]

The only thing I don't like about PEX B is that the more fittings you add between your source and fixture, the more it chokes down the flow rate of the water because it's always smaller than the pipe. That's one advantage PEX A has over B. Plus A is more flexible. With proper planning with PEX A, you can almost eliminate fittings for most turns with careful bends.

[@genevelis6075]

That's a question for me, PexA or PexB. Pex A has chemicals leaching to the water, which gives plastic undertaste. Also Pex B can withstand higher pressure, but connections reduces flow and it's not as flexible as Pex A. What Pex would you recommend and why?

[@db8823]

Looks like sharkbite won't reduce flow like the crimp connectors.

[@genevelis6075]

@db8823 agree, but I don't like sharkbite connection.

[@isabellavision]

technically true about the flow rate being choked by too many fittings,, but in many cases it doesn't make much difference, because so many faucets use 3/8" supply lines, and many have flow restrictors on them as well, so that's what really reduces the flow rate.

[@traktion9]

@@isabellavision you make a great point, anyone worried about flow should a number of end points need water at the same time then use a manifold and run its own line.

[@Wegetsignal]

Absolutely love the sharkbite fittings, enabled me to save our plumbing diy!

[@TOOL_TECHNICAL]

Worth noting, sharkbite has a new hybrid depth and deburr tool that is yellow. It does 1/2", 3/4" and 1". The coolest part is it has 2 edges per size for gen 1 and gen 2 (max) fittings with the new depths. Costs the same 13.47 as the 1st gen tool. I been wanting this update and sharkbite's youtube channel has a video a month ago showing it so pretty recent 👍🏼

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the heads up. I like the design of the new deburring tool. Clever design!

[@margaritabuddy]

Love the tips, the video and your channel! Have followed you for years. I have an upcoming shower redo and will consider the brass fittings and copper crimp rings and the iCrimp tool! Thanks!

[@rickhamilton2332]

Shark bite fan for years. Put a 90 on a 1/2 copper line to a toilet over eight years ago and still no issues. You just have to push it all the way on.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Bassmaster1256]

I love the Shark Bite fittings. They work great in the CPVC lined mobile home and also in RV's.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

💯

[@jimhill6586]

I use shark bite in areas of potential fire hazard or such close quarters where I cannot crimp. I used them for work on a rental years ago and never failed >IF they are installed correctly. I have used the stainless crimp rings without fail, using icrimp tools. There are other you tube videos that prove the burst pressure on stainless far exceeds any nominal pressure. The copper crimp rings are the best overall. I rarely ever sweat copper pipe. However, it is needed to connect to pex or other pipe interface.

[@Aepek]

1:21 fyi for those who still not sure what PEX have or used in house. Here’s easy way to remember: PEX B has rings, and PEX A has Barbs like on an arrowhead (A) have barbs sticking out… PEX A inside hole will also be “bigger” compared to PEX B, which looks smaller when side by side; and the holes inside the pipe (or we call PEX Tubing and copper Pipe, and this b/c of the process of how made) are called Inner Diameter or I.D.; just as outside diameter is O.D. AND these matter when buying fittings, couplers, valves, as a coupler and or fitting can have different sizes on each end, so don’t think they are the same size b/c might not be (but this getting ahead a bit) Hope helps ya

[@matthunter1424]

I used pex B (like you show) for a repipe in a section of my house. Because the fitting fits inside the pipe the diameter is significantly reduced and leads to MAJOR flow restrictions (even though I upsized everywhere!) I would only use pex A (which expands the pipe first) still some reduction but not nearly as bad as pex B.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@ryanbalas5672]

Just for everyone’s benefit, do not use a dremmel or a grinder to cut copper crimp rings. They make copper crimp ring cutters specifically for that. They’re $20 - $40. Cheaper than a new hose bibb atm. Not to mention motors don’t like water, and if you’re diy’ing this and not sure if your water is entirely drained, you probably don’t want to cost yourself the expense of a new tool on top of it. Hand tools are your friends.

[@Aepek]

9:17 for 1/2” copper to pex A/B I like using a brass adapter , the 1/2” copper press x 1/2” ProPEX if pex a or pex crimp if pex b

[@troycarothers8254]

Congratulations on your 1,000,000 subs!

[@plakor6133]

I had a sharkbite on copper tubing come loose. Fortunately I was right there to shut the water off. Soldered the joints instead.

[@jugheadjones5458]

I use Shark Bite exclusively. My projects have been small and I don’t want to buy a crimping tool. Plus on one project I needed to install water valves and later remove them to install faucets so Shark Bite was the way to go for me. Don’t forget to get a Shark Bite removal tool. In fact keep a couple on hand. They’re just little orange horseshoe-shaped plastic thingies that fit around 1/2” pipe and are a must for taking off Shark Bite fittings. I think just about all my water valves are now Shark Bite plus other fittings and I’ve never had a leak. I love PEX and Shark Bite products because I haven’t learned to sweat copper and PEX bends.

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey I use Viega and Uponor. Nice tutorial

[@HomeRapidRepair]

The push connectors are taking over the world 😊

[@hignaki]

They're so bad lmao. I agree, awful advice, do not use sharkbite

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

Pex A ALL THE WAY!!! The Uponor expansion is best.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Uponor is nice but the expansion tool is a bit expensive for most DIY homeowners. If I was doing a full replumb I would consider renting or investing in the expansion tool.

[@johng.4959]

Great video! I've used SharkBites and find them super easy to use. My only concern would be longevity. Water hardness and corrosion - Do they have a negative effect for long-term usage? I know there are some people that will only use them in exposed areas...

[@CodeOptimism]

I use the pinch PEX B clamps in my motorhome because I'm constantly changing things. They're ugly, and annoying, but I can cut through them (perpendicular at the top) with 8" mini bolt cutters. Dremel seems unpleasant. Then again, that cordless one you're using... hmm. I often have to make connections in really tight spaces. I went with the pinch clamps because it seemed the best for tight spaces, one-handed tool, etc. Honestly though now I'm thinking of trying the crimp rings tool, maybe even using a combination. Hate the pokey ugly often poorly aligned pinch clamps. Didn't realize you could gently squeeze the rings to keep them in place, maybe that makes them easier in tight spaces, if I can fit the tool. I might try the rings, won't really know until I test both.

[@ZARRugby]

Could you tell me why the plastic fittings are not ok. Thanks.

[@boogermeats]

Sharkbites leak. Well, it was because I didn't cut the PEX A square. When I removed the fitting it was obvious. I did buy the iCrimp kit and it's easy to master.

[@andrewbrindescu6666]

No home owner will spend for crimping or expanding tools either 12V or 18 V which cost from $2000 and up

[@bradmaas6875]

Crimp rings, the silver/ stainless steel are the only ones ok with dirt contact. I've used A and B, and Shark bite, all work well.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jimhite4341]

I use pex b and sharkbite, to keep flow up in pipe. I buy the sharkbite in quantity.

[@John_Ridley]

Menards in Michigan has prices on 25 packs that are actually cheaper than the prices I see on Amazon.

[@mattrinne]

Save big money! 🤑

[@DonaldZiems]

"Free" shipping at Amazon just means shipping and logistics are baked into the price. Stuff can sit on a shelf at Menards for years with negligible overhead.

[@brokedawg]

great video very informative and to the point

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks!

[@JCWren]

I don't need the pro version to space out correctly. I've been spaced out for years :) It seems another advantage of the Sharkbite connectors is they don't introduce a line restriction like the brass fittings.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

True story, thanks for the feedback!

[@imkey]

Fyi certain pex b csn support expansion joints used for pex a. Not all pex b is equal.

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Another good video. Thank you for sharing

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet 👍

[@STARFLEETC0MMAND]

Question: Any type of PEX sleeve protection from rodents and critters that can chew and damage the PEX and cause massive leaks ??? Thanks For The Awesome Videos.. 👍✌️🖖

[@TheWilferch]

The normal brass elbow has a very small ID. The Sharkbite Max elbow seems to maintain the PEX ID. Here's something...and I asked if this is a code violation. On my water heater....I have a "top-munted" Temp/Press releif valve that discharges horizontally , using PEX to the edge of the unit , ......and then there is normal brass elbow....which changes back to PEX on the down-comer PEX that leads almost to ground. The relief valve is 3/4" and code says there should be no resriction less than valve diameter anywhere in the discharge piping. I would think using Sharkbite MAX at the juncture where it changes from horizontal-to- vertical/down would be ok....but that the normal brass fitting I have installed now.... has a very small ID that acts almost like an orifice restriction....and is not technically code compliant.... right?

[@patrickursomanno8861]

Plus, sharkbites can be removed easily and reused

[@scottz45]

Perhaps I am over thinking it or just to OCD but I like the sharkbite more because I feel there is less restriction on water flow. the inside of the sharkbite is the same or larger than the internal diameter of the pex where the brass fitting is smaller. Am I just nuts?

[@phillyfathead]

I love PEX and never ever had any issues with Sharkbite products!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Same 👍

[@nothingtoseehere93]

I would use the bender instead of elbows. You should minimize elbows here and pex is easy to bend

[@commentsonthetube14]

What do you think about the plastic pex fittings?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Personally not a huge fan

[@12799MaDeuce]

Love the pro crimps

[@michaelkinnear5209]

Why didn't you use the pinch style ring? Seems easier than the Cooper ring.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Probably just personal preference as I think the cinch clamps work well and you do need less space for the tool/crimping process.

[@kents8451]

Can a sharkbite fitting be rotated (aligned) after it has been installed over a pex line?

[@andrewlupton2426]

I'm not a pro or anything but I've always been able to rotate the line after the SB is installed. It's a very handy feature.

[@billy9075]

I think it’s funny that people are fine with plastic pipes but not plastic fittings

[@VuHung-p2t]

Thank you ❤❤

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@ryanpowell9522]

IMO while your there I would fix that sanitee on its side for your sink drain.

[@gusty60]

i knew i could count on someone. 🙂

[@billk8780]

PEX-B by its very nature decreases the inner diameter of the flow path and restricts full flow more than other alternatives.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good point and that would have been a nice add to the video as one of the cons of PEX-B and the brass fittings.

[@DevisionedFate]

Why don't you like to use the pro version of the crimp rings when it seems more convenient?

[@kentkagle3850]

Good video work I also am a remodeler.good narration ,good work .

[@John_Ridley]

More like $1.50 here for brass PEX elbow and a couple of cinch rings when bought in 25 packs.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, we did more of a single unit pricing to get a relative look but if you are buying any volume the brass fitting get a lot cheaper 👍

[@theguardingdark1183]

Can you Pex an outdoor faucet to your house?

[@branthopolis]

Yes. They make frost-free spigots for Pex.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I need to give Southwire strippers a try. I have really like my hybrid Knipex strippers 👍

[@dnhman]

Any thoughts on the Chinese Sharkbite knockoffs on Amazon?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I am not so confident with those. I take a similar approach on electrical using WAGO lever nut but not touching the Chinese Amazon knockoffs.

[@ruwi-senpai1659]

I actually did buy a knock off and just used it on my boiler. within 5 minutes it caught fire. I'm so glad I waited to see if it would. Don't cheap out on electrical and plumbing materials. The costs are not worth it.

[@scallywag1716]

Still should put a shield over your panel in case that poop pie busts.

[@old1234]

Be careful with cheap brass fittings especially on well water. I have seen many times where the brass becomes paper thin and can eventually snap. If you use brass make sure it's DZR brass.

[@junkerzn7312]

PEX seems to be really popular but, man oh man, I don't think I'd want to use anything other than copper for my water pipes. Meaning soldered fittings. I've heard too many horror stories about PEX fitting failures.

[@95dodgev10]

I've repiped my house with pex a. Super easy super affordable other than the buy once crying once for the tool. Peace of mind that none of the old solder joints are going to fail (old copper pipe was fine but the joints looked suspicious) and maybe I'm a nut but our water tastes better. Before repiping water left in a cup or bottle for more than 4 or 5 hours would start getting an unpleasant taste (were on city water by the way). With the pex lines water left in a cup or bottle overnight still tastes fine the next day.

[@TheTapeandscissors]

You kinda have to be a moron to mess up pex fittings.

[@davidkahler9390]

Copper fails too

[@duggydo]

I've never had frozen Pex pipes burst, but frozen copper more than once.

[@JCWren]

@@duggydo I've never had copper burst (only because my house with them never froze), but I have had CPVC pipes burst from freezing.

[@engineer_pirate_hunter]

Pex A #1

[@peterpeter5666]

i thought my house was bad , who was the genius that put water pipes over the main fuse box. im not a plumber but EVERYONE know water and electricity dont mix

[@nothingtoseehere93]

Amazon has low prices for brass fittings because they are fake lol probably copper painted or maybe even cheap steel. I wouldn’t even buy shampoo from Amazon

[@genevelis6075]

Why you choose Pex B? Big question for me, PexA or PexB. Pex A has chemicals leaching to the water, which gives plastic undertaste. Also Pex B can withstand higher pressure, but connections reduces flow and it's not as flexible as Pex A. What Pex would you recommend and why? Cost of connections, tools and pipe is not of my concern.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I am still on the PEX B camp but I know a lot of people like PEX A as the fittings are bulletproof.

[@genevelis6075]

@EverydayHomeRepairs Thanks For a prompt response. I'm leaning to the Pex B as well.

[@traktion9]

​@@EverydayHomeRepairs First I heard of this leaching but yet he says its only A when they are both made of high density polyethylene.

[@blackpine6693]

The first mistake is using pex……..not enough plastic getting into the food supply….with bottles and so on …..let’s put more in with plastic pipes….is the plumber charging the same prices as before…..the plastic pipes are way …way much cheaper……it’s not about better……

[@johnmarquardt1991]

NEVER use plastic fittings -- they will crack.

[@moocowdad]

I would never use pex I spend more and use copper it will be solid behind walls for over a hundred years pex will not

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I used to think that until the copper pipe in my home starting forming a bunch of pinhole leaks 🤦‍♂️

[@billrimmer5596]

Same here. Copper started leaking at the elbows. 3 times in my house. Replaced the elbow and 6 to 10 inches of copper with pex and shark bite. Then I buried it. 5 years ago at least. So far, so good.

[@realBucNasty]

I feel like you're just following around Fix This Build That nowadays. This one plus the garbage disposal just in the past few days.