When PEX goes horribly wrong

I did an inspection on this house and this is the worst PEX installation I have ever seen. This is to give you an idea of what to look for when you have a plumber installing PEX in your house.
Best tool for installing 1/2"-1" PEX-B: amzn.to/3Ax7t2b
Crimp rings I've used for years: amzn.to/3QWALwe

[@elBusDriverKC]

First time I did pex work, if a cut wasn't perfect or a crimp wasn't perfect I redid it. It did cost me extra time and money, but helped with peace of mind. I called my plumber friend out to check my work. I was told my pex work was high quality plumber style work. No leaks from the beginning to now which is about 5 years later. That's definitely when I fell in love with pex but also learned to respect the pex. It has it's limitations for sure.

[@gebronthomasson6960]

The clamp is a better method vs. the crimp..in my experience..now granted the two jobs I’ve been involved in are only less than two years in service BUT as of yet no leaks..and i know there is no doubt that we indeed did not make perfect cuts and clamps

[@LearnPlumbing]

RESPEX THE PEX

[@franzvonkrau8131]

Not a plumber, but this helped me to understand this common mistake someone new might make, thank you.

[@johnmilton2077]

exactly yes very helpful

[@183mp]

Wow you saved me. I went down the basement and checked the start of a project. It was a wake up call. Went down the next day and corrected some sloppy crimps which were all due to the 1/8” distance. I owe you big time.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Glad you were able to correct some things. Good job! And as they say, "Do it once, do it right!"

[@guyshaddock7110]

Thanks for this. I think before anybody does any Pex crimp work, they should see this video. Your point of how forgiving pex is but then how if it is not done properly can cause "near future" problems, is the well presented message of your video!

[@erickaschyk711]

Thanks for the video! As a DIYer getting ready to tackle my first pex project it gives me much greater confidence knowing what to watch out for in my own work.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Glad it was helpful.

[@OutlawMonstersPerson]

You might want to check out Uponor PEX A also. It's easier to use. Make sure your cuts are straight and hold it to the backing on the fittings until it retracts and clamps the fitting. Very good systems.

[@bobloblaw10001]

Yeah unless it's the very end of the line I don't use crimp fittings anymore. Expansion pex is much better because crimp and clamp fittings restrict flow too much.

[@psoon04286]

Wow, quite an eye-opener. As a home DIYer and trying out the PEX system for a small home project I came upon this video hoping to catch some tips only to see the type of work some 'professional' plumbers do. I'll be sure to comply fully in my project. Thanks for the education.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Your welcome. The different pex systems have their nuances, but reading through manufacturer installation requirements goes a long way in ensuring a solid system. Pex-A or B can be great or terrible depending on who installs them. God bless and I think you'll enjoy it.

[@pf5658]

@Phillip Soon You said professionals. That was your mistake. I would called them, so- called professionals.

[@jonsworld5307]

99% of thos would of out lasted the pipe its self people over think worry to much that said there was 1 or 2 even id not go with

[@jacobmiller7175]

​@@jonsworld5307 you mind sharing your business name? Just want to make sure i dont hire you. Thanks

[@reggiekenner1527]

I spent 5 days in the attic of my rental house a couple years ago replacing galvanized hot water lines from the 70s. A friend, who had been a plumber, told me about PEX. I used only brass fittings and the pinch-type clamps. I've been up there since to check for any leaks and found none. I should note that I live in Southern California so freezing weather is not a problem. I was unaware of the requirements concerning distance from the nubs but I cut straight and pressed the PEX all the way to the nub before clamping. Fingers crossed. As my pal told me (I was 70 when I did that work), "Attics are a young man's game"

[@solarsynapse]

Didn't California ban PEX (Especially type A which is 4 time worse.) because it leaches toxins into the water?

[@caribbeanbound8357]

@@solarsynapse California bans everything. You have to label virtually everything as a carcinogen if its sold there. Even natural toothpaste containing clay that is told there has to be labeled as a carcinogen! hahahah

[@user-ed5jh3ff6u]

Yes they are

[@TheBorrito]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. My goodness, could you imagine the eventual homeowner having issues down the road. They would have never known there was an issue when they purchased the house. They just expect quality work in an American home.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yeah, to an untrained homeowner's eyes these fittings would have looked fine. Even the general contractor didn't see anything wrong. It's why a GC needs to understand all of the materials and systems he is putting inside of the house, otherwise he might not be a GC for long.

[@markchidester6239]

Nice video. Good to know I (homeowner) did a better job than a "professional" plumber. To beat that, with my first PEX plumbing job.

[@therealsideburnz]

A lot of times knowledge isn't necessarily the limitation, it's the willingness to take the time required to do things correctly

[@NursingKAMP]

This was very informative- easy problems to avoid by a 10 minute video- Great Job!

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Thank you, glad it was informative.

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

Really good information, along with clear illustrations. Thanks for sharing. Hard-to-believe this disaster was installed by a so-called professional.

[@eggmanfryer]

Too hard for me to believe a pro did this. I think he saved money and had his brother-in-law do the work.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

I know, right? The plumbers I've used have been great, but I ran into another yahoo like this down in Austin... Scary.

[@peteybeast6806]

THANK YOU , seen other Videos about Pex but none mention the proper way to crimp , I feel a little better on this lil “honey do” i’m about to tackle, thank you again

[@Harley365]

I'm no plumber but I know enough to see that they are wrong. Its sad that some people are just that lazy

[@DosDonts101]

pure laziness - no pride in the work

[@feliciad4493]

@@DosDonts101 Or people like me, who don't know what they're doing and are too poor to pay for a plumber. :)

[@stipcrane]

Great video. As a general contractor (or even a homeowner) you don't need to be an expert in every trade, but ultimately you are the one who has to identify poor workmanship and get it rectified. It takes gumption to challenge a proud tradesman who has practiced for 20 years, but believe me, there are guys who have been doing it wrong for 20 years. I came across one sub who knew all the best practices fluently and guaranteed that he abided by them. 6 months later, when all the tile of two bathrooms was torn out, it was plainly obvious that he outright lied about taking the protective measures against water intrusion.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, it's unfortunate but I find that I have to know the technical aspects of every trade. From rebar overlap in a foundation, to water lines and waterproofing in a shower, you need to know any possible issue that could occur later on because ultimately, as a GC, you will be held liable for it all.

[@sonofthunder.]

good job,learned a lot ,I just used pex for first time,using the 1/8 spacing ,and crimp it cinch rings ,some copper,and type k in our slab which has a pvc blue jacket,somebody really hacked that job,good info on tub spout,I thought copper was required because of its larger inner diameter,didnt realize it may back up into shower head,keep doin videos

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yep, the ID is why you can't use 1/2" pex, though it obviously doesn't stop everyone...

[@Smellslikegelfling]

Some of those cuts are pretty gnarly too.

[@WindyYucca]

I worked maintenance for a large school district and you wouldn't believe what licensed contractors would get away with. Us maintenance guys would always have to go back and fix it right. That plumbing job looks like elementary kids installed it.

[@eddiephillips264]

That plumber should be executed

[@thisplaceisazoo]

This is the first video about Pex that I have seen that addresses these problems thoroughly. I think I will just do CPVC on my small plumbing job. thanks

[@tedmart4212]

I bought some of those plastic fittings for exposed pex lines in a basement. Crimped a plastic tee and later pushed the line up to fasten. The TEE BROKE IN TWO. Sprayed water everywhere. Use the brass ones and check every crimp. Cut off any that dont crimp right as you go

[@Wowwwwwwzer]

Yes, well sometimes plastic is preferable to brass. Some people have more challenging conditions - like well water - that can corrode brass and create a leak, and plastic doesn't corrode.

[@rafaeldiazus]

Great info. Its unfortunate so much rework. The person who crimped should be following you around and learning.

[@47luscsettle44]

This is why I hate to pay for anything that I can, or should, be able to do myself. I don't know how many times I have had to go back and redo work that a professional has done.

[@grega4450]

exactly

[@RingZero]

Agree with you 100%, these bozos and so called "pros" have contaminated this service industry. They have only helped homeowners to be good auto techs, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and now HVAC techs in my case.

[@jerrymalinowski9736]

So true. Ironically, often they (the city) require you to use licensed workers which cost a lot more , that come with attitude, and often you get very poor results. I’ve concluded, if you want something done right you got to do it yourself. At times, I didn’t want to break my head learning a task so I contracted it out to licensed workers only to have to get poor results then having to learn it myself anyways and then fix the poor job. They just don’t care most of the times. Don’t want to generalize, but sticking to my policy has worked the best for me

[@markchidester6239]

"professional"

[@samueltremblay275]

I'm totally agree with you but even if I now have the knowledge, I don't have the practice and practicing some sensitive tasks like that in my house is not an option.

[@ronm3380]

Thank you. Great explanations. I was wondering WHY pex could not be used from the valve to the tub spout. Nobody explained why but you did. I will make sure I use 1/2 in copper!

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Glad it helped!

[@ryancduff]

There's nothing wrong with Pex B / crimps. You just need to know and care about what you're doing. I used it 10 years ago for the first time (not as a plumber) and my cuts and crimps were cleaner that whatever this guy tried to do. A crimp remover goes a long way too. You can cut out a section of pipe without having to cut out entire fittings. Granted, they work a lot better on brass fittings than plastic which is why you should use brass.

[@SIE44TAR]

Gentlemen, this brings me to my next point. Don't smoke crack.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

lol, or maybe he needed a hit that day...

[@LP-MeAndMyShadow]

I doubt that. Even if a hit can bring the addict up to normal you still will not get exceptional quality work.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Just go old fashioned - threaded galvanized pipe. 👌😁

[@fixerupperer]

@@jamescalifornia2964 threaded brass pipe is better.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@@fixerupperer / That would be awesome. Last forever !! 👌

[@ksoriano9766]

Thank you for this very good video, I am working on a bypass to install my water softener this weekend and these examples of how it does not suppose to look are great

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Great and if you're line is 3/4" copper or something besides Pex-B I would try to keep your line as 1" Pex-B so as not to restrict flow too much if you plan on not using the water softener for long periods. If it's just temporary servicing then 3/4" is fine.

[@gaewing]

Thanks for sharing the tub issue with us. I found 10 years ago after having wall all tiled in and the water valve had no mention of this problem. Lot of work to fix. Mine showed up with water coming out of the shower head.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, that is a bummer...

[@BobboMax1]

I've seen the issue with undersized line down to the spout. Told the owner she needed to call the plumbers back. Good news for the dumberPlumbers was the head of the tub backed up to a closet. Bad news, they had to drive 45 minutes each way to to fix a 10 minute screwup. And they had pay me to repair the drywall & replace the shelves.

[@staberdearth3130]

Great video for understanding how to properly install PEX B crimping. I note that there are drill plates over the drain lines but no drill plates over the PEX B lines. I opted for the PEX A system with expander fittings for my own home as I find the system somewhat superior and the added cost minimal for such a small installation in my case. To my mind, the method has less of a chance of making a bad connection.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, you do have to have steady hands and better coordination with Pex-B. You also have to think ahead, because you can get yourself into a situation where the tool can't reach. The flow rate also makes you up-size on the trunk and not share too many fixtures from 1/2", however it is stronger than Pex-A and I trust the copper ring more than the elastic collars on Pex-A. I don't think either one is inherently different though, and life span should be the same, but I've found 30 year old crimps under old mobile homes that have survived many freezes and thaws and they're still going strong. Can't say the same for Uponor because it's such a young system. Course it comes down to personal preference, biases and ol' plumber tales since neither system has been around for a century.

[@staberdearth3130]

@@MyFortressConstruction All matter of opinion. I find the PEX A expander system to have less opportunity to install incorrectly. I’ve installed both. And trust myself. Some others? Not so much. You focus on mobile homes, fair enough. I do not install in mobile homes.

[@madcowusa4277]

Glad I bought the tool and went with expansion PEX. Simply love working with pex-A and not dealing with metal rings or wondering if I missed something.

[@stevethewsimpson25]

I guess that you didn't watch the video. He said that expansion PEX is MORE likely to leak over time than with crimp rings.

[@GraniteQuarrier]

Very helpful! Just did my first crimp earlier today and had to double check my work.

[@williamnickerson7166]

No pride in the Plummers' work.

[@RP-gi4ch]

Plummers? What about the plumbers?

[@garytman007]

Wow! No wonder why there are so many sharkbite and pex haters out there. Its solely because installers such as this are giving them a bad rep. The cutting of the pex looks like some kids cut it with a saw or a pair of dull scissors and the crimping tool they used was obviously a pair of pliers. You can see that the crimping rings are no longer "rings" they are flared out and flattened. I have never seen such shoddy work and I'm not even a plumber. I did a few pex lines myself and never had a leak so far. I liked how you explained where to actually crimp, this made it very clear to me. I just can't believe that I actually crimped in the right area on the pipe!

[@lowlypawn]

Good video, I was actually looking for what happens if you use an expand tool on Pex B instead of A. Those crimps were pretty shitty. But that's probably closer to the norm then the exception, especially in remodels with no inspection. Like you said, those fittings are so forgiving those will still last many many years.

[@solarsynapse]

What did you find out with your question? I don't think the B will shrink back.

[@dansr6333]

You can crimp A pex . But do not expand B pex to go on expansion fittings. You would be counting on the expansion rings only to go back to size not B pex. If you expand just right it can work but definitely not recommended. A pex is special with its memory to go back to size.

[@d-m.n_--2]

This was an excellent constructive breakdown of proper pex handling.

[@mattd7135]

Must be the same plumber, and I use that term lightly, that did my house

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes... Unfortunately, there are many plumbing companies that spread their Masters out across many jobsites and it's apprentices that are doing the actual work with little to no supervision.

[@bcbock]

And God help you if you get a remodeling company for a shower whose “plumbers” use Sharkbite fittings and will put PEX in stressed positions rather than using a couple of extra elbow fittings. I had a licensed plumber yank it out and put in copper.

[@brianrobertson1211]

@@MyFortressConstruction I really think that is the case. I can see how inexperienced plumbers getting experience by making these mistakes.

[@TheRetiredtech]

@@MyFortressConstruction and way to many masters arent

[@benryals7475]

The previous plumber is the kind of person that would get a pat on the back for getting the job done quicker from many of the “professionals” I have worked with

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, it's unfortunate.

[@qxm3669]

No professional would ever do that kind of work

[@redmapleleafwanderer]

Thank you for this video. Learning a big thing for free.

[@LaserJet58]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I wish everybody would be honest and work correctly.

[@Me-nm9vn]

The world needs more people who do the right thing for their fellow humans.We need more considerate people.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, the GC on a job generally relies on the subs to know the minutiae. So the GCs only know the basics (hard to know every trade's ins and outs), and so they rely on the subs and inspectors to catch issues, but things like water proofing, flashing, air sealing, using correct fasteners, adhesives, etc. are not always inspected. Also design, which is incredibly important in both HVAC and plumbing, is definitely not taken into account in most spec. homes, where cost and speed are king.

[@Me-nm9vn]

@@MyFortressConstruction That's why they should promote from the bottom up

[@floydalbright1214]

This has to be removed and start over, what kinda hack would pipe like that ?

[@NETWizzJbirk]

It is Pex-B, which is very popular now

[@GoatZilla]

An American plumber

[@DOLRED]

In 1987, I discovered an empty Quart Beer Bottle between 2 studs in a wall corner of my 1970 built place. I had taken the drywall down to correct an issue with the front entrance doorway. There was no door header!! The framing carpenter had rested a double joist stairway beam onto a single 2X4 over the door opening... 3:40 is a "Quart Bottle" mistake & 10:50 probably 3 Quarts. Imagine how many Quart Bottles were left behind since.

[@christiaangeerken4877]

At 6:55 you can see the top pipe has sun fading. Manufacturer limits sun exposure to 30 days max. Looks to me it got way more than 30 days u.v. exposure.

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

I’m a beginner with pex I take my time do it right the first time and done my dad taught me before he passed away but now his legend Is in my hands pex has been easy for me now great video

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yeah, slow and steady. No need to rush when it's so quick and simple.

[@bobgreene2892]

Good presentation, clearly explained. One small suggestion-- when detailing what is wrong with a PEX connection, your camera should be much closer, if possible. The tape measure sequence was OK, but hard to see which rib on the connector was the problem. For the beginner, a closer shot will make crooked angles and close tolerances much easier to see. We subscribed and liked.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Thanks for that, I am trying to improve my videography skills. Practice makes perfect!

[@nimrod275]

@@MyFortressConstruction actually you did good. I know very little about pex but I found each error almost as soon as I seen it. Thanks for the information!

[@robertkat]

And now we use PEX A with a expansion tool. PEX B always has oversized because the fittings restrict the water flow.

[@drew-pp9gm]

That’s why you don’t let the new guy crimp the pex, whoever made that mess clearly hasn’t even written his first block

[@robertcollette9726]

Doing my first pex from copper. Im just installing a walk in tub. It came with pex on it. Had never seen it before. Been watching all sorts of videos. This is very helpful. Before even knowing where to crimp. That work rite there. I couldn't ever leave it looking like that. When i build something. I want it to last for its entirety. So no one ever has to go back and fix it. Had this lady that wanted me to just sheet rock over her back door. I was like nope wont do it. Of course she was like why. I asked her why she wanted to do it. She said she seen someone do it that way and if anyone wanted to redo it the door would be there. I said we have a sliding glass door. She is 75 and hard to deal with.

[@raterus]

I can't imagine doing work on the house and not knowing these basics before putting together the pipe

[@danpan4425]

It sucks that you can pressure test the system and have not leaked at that time, and that is why I like copper

[@fixerupperer]

If an installer puts half the attention and care into a pex joint that they put into a properly done solder joint there really shouldnt be an issue. Ive worked on a big remodel job. A house plumbed with copper that held pressure for a while(hours or a day maybe) and seemed fine initially. A line burst when noone was around for hours and caused a good bit of damage to subfloors etc. Turns out a 1/2" fitting got prepped and fluxed but not sweated. Was a tight enough fit and sat long enough with flux on it before getting pressurized that it held pressure (probably 50 psi+) for hours with possibly a tiny drip. It wasnt one of my joints, I believe i wasnt soldering yet with that company.

[@RobertHardt]

Should’ve use pinch clasps on those elbows. You can tell they tried to use a crimper at an angle where it wouldn’t go over by the wall/plate guide. Hence the crooked rings. Great video!

[@garymorton1723]

6:50 that top pipe looks like it's been sitting in the sun.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yeah, that was something I didn't mention. Some of the pipe was bleached, and as you probably know, uv light and pex don't mix. Or rather, chlorine and uv degraded pex don't mix.

[@eggmanfryer]

Good eye sir. If so, there will be pin holes in no time.

[@twbrkfd1733]

The problem with this particular shower valve is the installer INCORRECTLY DOWNSIZED the pipes by going to 1/2 inch PEX and this is NOT a valve DESIGNED for PEX. A valve designed for PEX will have PEX connections AND will have restrictors to limit the flow to the tub taking into account the smaller ID of the PEX. The flow rate of 1/2 inch PEX is NOT the same as 1/2 inch NPT nor 1/2 inch copper. A simple 1/2 inch steel or brass nipple from the shower valve to a 1/2 NPT drop ear elbow would have fixed it.

[@samueltremblay275]

I wish the next time I will call a plumber that he will be as professional as you. :)

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Thanks, I just want people to do their job well and take some pride in it. God bless.

[@ImTrans-Former]

Did any of these fittings actually leak? I know the plastic fittings can easily break . I ALWAYS use brass.

[@jessemclaughlin9680]

We've had big issues with the brass fittings around our area because of the corrosion issue. leaks within 5 years from the brass fitting swelling from corrosion and in some cases actually breaking the rings. While poly fittings are weaker, they are plenty strong enough if the pex is properly hung and supported, which mediocre plumbers rarely do.

[@robertallen3133]

Thank you for sharing this information. I pray that it did not cost a lot to make the corrections.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

It was $800 I want to say, so much better to pay that then have mold or drywall issues in the future.

[@anthonyromano8565]

Thats why I use Uponor with shrink rings instead of metal crimps. I don't know how you can say these crimps are less error prone than Uponor. This wouldn't happen with Uponor.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

If I said they were less error prone, that would be a mistake. Expansion fittings for Pex-A are much more user friendly to install, which is why plumbers prefer it. What I mean in the video is that Uponor fittings are more likely to leak than Crimp rings if they were both installed correctly. Pex-B has a higher burst rating than Pex-A and if there is movement on the line, or if it is exposed to heat or cold, Pex-A is more likely to develop a leak over time.

[@DevilTravels]

@@MyFortressConstruction Pex-A should only use crimps and Pex-B can use either Uponor expansion rings or crimps? Is that the difference noted?

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@DevilTravels PEX-A is a much more flexible pex tubing that uses expansion fittings like Uponor. You can't use crimp fittings on pex A. PEX-B is what you will find in big box stores and it's less flexible and utilizes SS cinch, SS crimp or copper crimp rings. Pex-A is easier to install if you have a battery powered expansion tool, PEX-B is easier for the homeowner because it only requires a $50 manual crimper. Pex-B is better in my opinion for it's durability and strength.

[@DevilTravels]

@@MyFortressConstruction Thanks for this information. It seems to support other information I am getting. It looks like PEX-B and crimping is the direction I will go for my cabin plumbing. I just need to make sure the crimp is directly over the 2 nubs on the brass connectors.

[@elbuggo]

@@MyFortressConstruction - you can use crimp fittings on Uponor PEX-A piping. Any tubing labeled SDR-9 can be crimped. Uponor is the only tubing that can be expanded, but its also SDR-9.

[@amichiz]

I’m bout to start as an apprentice next week this really help !

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Great! Do well in your work and keep pride in your trade. 👍👍

[@shawnd567]

The majority of those connections wouldn't have had an issue. The only time I've seen pex leak is when I forget to crimp it.

[@nandisaand5287]

Re-watch around the 8 minute mark, then delete this comment

[@lukie4ever]

What about the long run my friend, it's meant to last not to seal for 5 years or so

[@Realism91]

Four seasons where I live so there's lots of chances for expansion to do what he's explaining, I've also never seen it happen, I'm sure it's possible, I've had faulty PEX crimps where the tab wasn't bent enough from the factory just from one brand and only a couple batches maybe 10 years ago.

[@scottsjeeprolet]

Dang it! Now i gotta find a 1/2NPTF to 3/4 pex adapter for the new bath faucet i purchased. Trying to avoid soldering in a fitting. Great Video, learned a lot.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, you can order a 1/2" fnpt /Mnpt to 3/4 PEX adapter and a 1/2 fnpt x 3/4 pex drop ear elbow from home Depot or any supplier. They're just not stock normally. Soldering is a good thing to learn, just maybe practice on something easier than the downspout, because soldering copper to brass is harder than copper to copper. Good luck on your project while we're all stuck at home.

[@erics3886]

If you make the tub spout line with pex it will make the shower head always run. Look at the spec's from any manufacturer and it clearly says don't run spout in pex.

[@ericellis8852]

If a last resort use brass or galvanized pipe, they worked for a long time, it does take more effort, much stronger when completed!

[@frotobaggins7169]

@@ericellis8852 and it's STRONG, unlike copper and certainly pex.

[@bubba007sss]

When using the copper rings I use a pair of pliers to squeeze the ring a little so that the ring does not move before crimping

[@mchevalier77]

I just squeeze the ring a little with my teeth.

[@heyitsrick01]

Nice idea, but apparently that can make the ring OUT OF a circle alignment so NOW it's MORE likely to leak

[@bubba007sss]

@@heyitsrick01 you only squeeze it very lightly and they do not leak. The only way it would leak if you squeeze it to much.

[@gaewing]

I had that problem 10 years ago. The note from kohler did not have information on the packaging. Had to tear out porcelain tile as the job was completed. Removed the pex between the control shower valve and the fill spout for the tub.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, a little knowledge really helps to prevent costly problems.

[@irishsavage8715]

You’re never supposed to bend pex off of a fitting, you’re supposed to clamp and then you can make up to 22.5 degree turn.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yeah, you would think it would be common sense. Flexible pipe needs support.

[@666cowboy69]

I was looking for this thank you!

[@NNITRED]

It looks like those guys prioritized speed over all else. Doing it right is so much faster than doing it twice. For myself. I stopped using rings as cinch clamps are just easier for me to keep consistent. Great video my friend.

[@joshm5816]

Use Uponor, problem solved.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, Uponor is usually a plumber's choice. I have a feeling the plumber told his apprentice to do this job and said, "Good luck!"

[@ralph5450]

Thanks for the info. Especially about the tub spout.👍👍

[@jerrywhite2818]

Guess you don't do many houses to know upon does not work in a lot of homes during rough in

[@joshm5816]

@@jerrywhite2818 Been plumbing for almost a quarter of a century. That's literally the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I've roughed in many homes with Uponor and I've repipe many existing homes with uponor.

[@glenarseneau4796]

Every bit of that job looks horrible I’d rip it all out and do it over

[@doddgarger6806]

So many contractors just don't understand, if it's less than your best it's a failure

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes, there are places for lower quality products, but NEVER lower quality installs.

[@KRich408]

Unfortunately this is how most newer RVs, Campers etc PEX look they build them so fast hardly anything is done right. And a Camper with even a small leak will destroy it very fast before you even know about the leak because getting visual access most of the plumbing is impossible. I've seen $40k to Million dollar RVs/campers ruined because of bad PEX installs weeks from original purchase.😢. Be careful especially if you buy one made during Covid they are even worse.

[@elnicadrums]

looks like they cut the pex with their teeth.. 🤣🤣... you should get a refund on...🤣🤣👋.. when I install the shower valves I do all the connections with copper..

[@rrivera_2747]

Thank you for such an awesome video, I am about to replace old galvanize pipes with PEX and my knowledge is limited to copper piping.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Glad you enjoyed. PEX-A or B are great products if installed correctly.

[@heyitsrick01]

@@MyFortressConstruction Nobody seems to mention the toxic LEACHING onto our water from the PEX........... DUH NOT TOO COOL when we're POISONING ourselves AND. if this stuff can last MAYBE 20 years.......... duh, we'll be ripping apart our homes & replumbing everything & repairing all the damage from leaks... DOESN"T seem like a valuable product... sure it may be simple, but the problems overshadow the seeming benefits... PERSONALLY I think I'd rather go with copper... Besides, COPPER is a natural germ killer of anything in the water...

[@fixerupperer]

@@heyitsrick01 some pex leaches more than others. There have been some hurdles(like dezincification) but properly installed it should last a lot more than twenty years. In Some water conditions copper wont do anywhere close to twenty years. Yes the antimicrobial action of copper is mostly a plus.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

Since the beginning I thought PEX A was a superior product.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

I actually prefer Pex-B but Pex-A does have its pros, mainly it's installation ease.

[@krehbein]

My Fortress Construction why do you prefer pex b? Only benefit I see is you can buy fittings at box stores.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@krehbein It's faster to install, when you know how to do it, and I have only had one leak from a bad fitting in all of my time of using it, and that leak was evident immediately after pressurizing. It is a more durable pipe and it's easier to work on for homeowners. It's cheaper and parts are more easily sourced. You do have to think ahead about which crimps need to be made first, but that's not rocket science.

[@krehbein]

My Fortress Construction Good to know. Im have a pex a Dewalt expander, and enjoy working with it. But if I need parts can only get them at a local plumbing supply shop or online. Sometimes using Home Depot would be easier.

[@SureShotImages]

My Fortress Construction More durable than PexA? That’s absolutely not true. Uponor is more durable by a large, large margin. PexA is superior in basically every way it matters.

[@maybesomaybenot1652]

This all goes back to the half assedness within the construction world today. That + the fact that "helpers" aren't actually learning anymore, they look and appear to be watching.. but in reality, their brains can't focus on information for longer than 12-15 second.

[@garylsmalley]

You are 100% correct. I'm a retired master plumber that ran my own repair business for 45 years. Biggest problem with the work force is lack of proper training and no sense of pride in their workmanship. The person who did this work probably sees nothing wrong with this shoddy work. I truly think that's something you can't teach. A person either has it or they don't. If they don't, they do not or can not see anything wrong with crooked pipe installation, hose bibbs not flush with the brick (sticking out 3" from the brick), leaving dirt and grease handprints on a tub or sink you just worked on, and literally too many scenarios to list or imagine. A guy with pride in his work can look at workmanship and immediately know if it up to proffessional standards. The other guy can't, and to be honest , probably doesn't care. They are the plague of the plumbing industry.

[@lukie4ever]

This makes me so mad, if you do it, do it like you should, or just never do it and

[@cmackscott761]

We had a neighbor who built their dream home in our neighborhood. They bought an existing home on .7 acres of land. They demolished the existing home and built a huge house on the lot. For some reason, their dream home didn't live up to their expectations. They sold the home for 2.7M after living there for a year. My takeaway is, incompetent subcontractors can work on homes in all price ranges. Our home is an original in our subdivision (less expensive) and I have had to fix a lot of shoddy work. The last thing I fixed is a leak from the bathtub overflow/cleanout. The iron tub did not meet with the PVC overflow pipe. There was about a 1/4" gap between the gasket and the tub that allowed water to flow down the back of the tub onto the ceiling below and cause stains. This little problem had me consider how issues can be magnified when larger, more expensive homes are built by incompetent and/or unethical contractors. What a nightmare if improperly installed PEX leaks behind walls and above ceilings. Leaks under a slab seem to me to be the ultimate nightmare. I wouldn't build a home on a slab. If you are having a home built, you really need to examine the workmanship.

[@macster1457]

I've seen a video where they got a Uponor fittings and used a machine to try to pull them apart, it didn't. The pipe stretched out and the fitting never came lose at all. Once Uponor fittings contracts, it's impossible for them to come lose.

[@warrensteel9954]

It's unfortunate how expensive the system is.

[@MalleusSemperVictor]

At least they didn't use sharkbites, I guess?

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Haha, yes... Many diyers say they can *DYI* (Do Yourself In)

[@kmcwhq]

What's wrong with sharkbite fittings?

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@kmcwhq They are ok for temporary fittings, and sometimes they can last for years, but they are never going to be as solid as crimp or expandable connections.

[@kmcwhq]

@@MyFortressConstruction So not as solid, but solid enough.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@kmcwhq Yeah, let's just say I would only use them in places that won't be covered by sheetrock/paneling. I have never seen one explode, but I have seen about a dozen leaking drops of water. I would definitely not use them on a hot water line as the heat could degrade the rubber seal faster.

[@jakecornett5083]

Great video. Helped me a ton with my diy! Thanks man

[@Omnis2]

When your plumber is more familiar with crack pipe than pex pipe

[@epenzenstadler3895]

You should have considered a manifold system. All home run to manifold valve. No fittings except the stub out. I have this system and the professionals said it was expensive. I say it is less expensive. Consider the labor cost and all those fittings that have to be installed by a plumber. The coiled pex pulls easily.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

I was simply there to help my friend, but the benefits of a manifold system can't be overlooked. With a manifold you have less flow restriction from fittings, the ability to shut off individual fixtures and less leaks due to possible de-zincification or improper installation. Pex is pretty cheap and the less fittings, the cheaper it will be. A manifold can be expensive and the labor to pull the individual pex is more, but overall you could have a great system. Downside would be potential waste of water as your sink/shower are on separate valves and have to come from the heater, or you put hots in same room on the same line and have one T fitting there.

[@woohunter1]

Plumber here, manifolds have their advantages and disadvantages. You use a lot more pipe, have to wait for water to get hot at farthest fixture, such as a shower, then turn on sink 2’ away and have to wait for hot water all over again. Harder to adapt onto the existing system later on. Advantages are shut off valves for everything in the basement, pressure balanced (sorta), looks pretty cool if done right, the main thing, like you’ve mentioned is a lot less fittings hiding in the walls and ceilings.

[@epenzenstadler3895]

The biggest mistake is putting.the manifold in the mechanical room. Put the manifold near the fixtures (only works in some floorplans). I have 2 in my barndominium. I also have a hot water recirculation system that brings.the hot water to the top of the manifolds. They also have 3/8 inch pex for the lavatories. A bit of an expensive setup, but it should be a forever thing.

[@kooale]

@@MyFortressConstruction " due to possible de-zincification" ....can you elucidate? de-zincification is....? Super interesting thread, thanks loads.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@kooale Dezyncification occurs when the zinc in the brass fittings gets pulled out by the high chlorine and low pH (acidic) in water, also sulfur and oxygen seem to play a part. Here's wikipedia on the subject: The most common example is selective leaching of zinc from brass alloys containing more than 15% zinc (dezincification) in the presence of oxygen and moisture, e.g. from brass taps in chlorine-containing water. It is believed that both copper and zinc gradually dissolve out simultaneously, and copper precipitates back from the solution. The material remaining is a copper-rich sponge with poor mechanical properties, and a color changed from yellow to red. Dezincification can be caused by water containing sulfur, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Stagnant or low velocity waters tend to promote dezincification. To combat this, arsenic or tin can be added to brass, or gunmetal can be used instead. Dezincification resistant brass (DZR), also known as Brass C352 is an alloy used to make pipe fittings for use with potable water. Plumbing fittings that are resistant to dezincification are appropriately marked, with the letters "CR" (Corrosion Resistant) or DZR (dezincification resistant) in the UK, and the letters "DR" (dezincification resistant) in Australia.

[@BC-sk3bp]

You have to try hard to make those mistakes.. 🤣 A license wouldn't haVe helped 😎😂

[@freevideos051]

A license can't help a lazy person

[@bryanharris6493]

I like your presentation. I work in a hardware store. We sell a lot of crimp, cinch and push on shark bite connections. What is your opinion on each?

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Shark bite are fine in an exposed location, but I don't trust them in a wall. The O-rings will harden and form to the pipe and when it gets bumped or twisted it can start leaking a little. Experience would say a single O-rings is not as solid as a full copper or SS crimp. Copper crimp rings have been used for decades and work really well by providing a continuous ring of pressure around the fitting, but are difficult to get into the right spot, or a tight spot. The SS cinch rings are easier to cinch down in tight spaces because the jaws don't have to go around the fitting, they only require one tool for the primary sizes, and I haven't heard anything bad about them. I don't use the SS cinch rings because the track record for copper rings is good and I can rest easy with them.

[@daijoubu4529]

I prefer automotive styles stainless Oetiker cinch clamps, ASTM F2098, easy to remove in case of a screw up, can cut the pipe and re-use fitting. Seems more idiot proof than crimping copper rings, cheaper and smaller tool, requires less force and can crimp in tight spaces.

[@bnasty267]

Totally agree. The tool also pretty much prevents you from putting it too close to the base of the fitting, because it gets in the way. These Oetiker clamps have been used for decades in automotive and carbonated drinks. The crimp rings are probably fine, but they look a little too much like Poly-B fittings for my liking.

[@doylee469]

bnasty267 those poly crimp rings never leaked, it was the fittings and pipe.

[@JackSparrow-yx1vl]

This pex system looks absolutely poor rubish against the German Rehau piping system we use in Australia 🇦🇺,also why inside the cabinets the pipes does not have threaded tips for the installation of mini stop valves in case of leaks?

[@davidwagner9659]

Fantastic video. Thank you 🙏

[@TxRiverElf]

Thank you!!! Great video! This will definitely inspire me to try my best to do it right, the first time!

[@MyFortressConstruction]

👍 Always the way to go!

[@cydls688fatech7]

I was wondering how the plumber passed the exam ?

[@2sites]

exam lol...

[@johnmilton2077]

thank you for posting and sharing this, very helpful

[@Zeus8U]

Been using pex since it came out. No problems with a close crimp. Ridiculous

[@brethughes413]

The brass fitting is rahue, the plastic is weresbo. I haven't done anything plumbing in 5 yrs, rahue uses a sleeve instead of crimp. Rahue is a lot more expensive but I've done a lot of jobs and never has it leaked.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Rehau and Wirsbro are both Pex-A and use a different method of connection from each other (though they can be crimped with Pex-B f1807 connections/rings as well).

[@na2305]

I hope whoever did such a poor job paid to have it all fixed. It never fails, I always get stuck with the "new guy" doing the job. Sich a shame you had to deal with this

[@WillMag]

Different fittings do have different barb gaps. I do a heavy 16th to 1/8. And I try to pay attention the the barb distance from where the PEX meets the fitting. Your 100 times better off being a little too close than 1/4 or more. But for like a copper stub like you have on the toilet there, it's going to be out a lot farther than a little 90. And a threaded fitting is going to be a little different than both. I like to hang the ring over the barb towards the fitting and it should just catch the second barb which is fine cuz you have 3 barbs. What you're looking for is the fitting not to blow off and flood the house in minutes. A drip that happens in the future could always be found and fixed without extensive damage. But intentionally putting them out as far as the directions say is asking for trouble if you ask me. Shine a flash light thru from the back when you're not sure. Or Mark it side by side before putting the fitting in the PEX. And I would never use a plastic fitting. Just me. No telling how brittle those black plastic fittings are going to be in 30 years.

[@danielcanning6496]

excellent video. i hope you get your money back for lost materials or dont pay them. im not a plumber and my work looked better, though i put rings on too close. gonna fix them thanks to you.

[@frankhenry587]

They need to do videos on how to "sweat" pex lines. They keep melting for me. Is it the solder I use or is the flame too high on my torch?

[@maybesomaybenot1652]

You have to heat from the inside. I recommend using kerosene. Hope that helps.

[@frankhenry587]

@@maybesomaybenot1652 yes its does...ill try that today

[@MyFortressConstruction]

That's how dinosaurs do it. I use Blinker fluid. It's EPA recommended and keeps all my green certs. up to date.

[@frankhenry587]

@@MyFortressConstruction type B or Type D fluid? There is a difference

[@ironworksvideo9993]

Very Good Explanation and Demonstration! Thank you

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Glad it was helpful.

[@Believe_the_Bible]

Never saw such poor workmanship with PEX. Thanks. Great video.

[@nimrod275]

Noticed con plates on the studs to protect the pex piping

[@lennygriffin4464]

Thank you for sharing the information.

[@sandwon]

Thanks for sharing this information. Do you still use the same crimp rings?

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Yes I do! Just plumbed a whole house all in Pex-B (except in a couple spot where I wanted some straight pieces of 1" and had to buy Pex-A. Still use the same fittings and rings for it though.

[@StarrTile]

I'll stick with copper, been sweating pipe since the 80s and more confident with my copper skills 👍👌✌

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Copper is great and a better product in most situations, but PEX has it's place too. You don't have to be scared of it if you take the time to read the basic install literature, which this guy obviously didn't...

[@Cotronixco]

I prefer the smaller diameter pipe to the tub if the water heater is tankless. Then simply install ball valves in the hot & cold feeds downstairs to set the flow rate.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Sorry, but there isn't a single reason I can think of that would make doing that a positive. Whether it's a tankless or a regular heater, you are going to use the same volume to fill your tub. I have never known anyone to want to fill their tub slowly. That wastes time and energy. Also, most tankless heaters have a minimum flow rate before they activate so higher flow rates aren't an issue unless you undersize your tankless. The additional ball valves and restriction on fill rate is easily avoidable by using 12" of copper or equivalent ID pipe.

[@Cotronixco]

@@MyFortressConstruction The newer tub valves do not allow the user to modulate the flow to the tub. Many residences don't have the needed gas volume available but do have the needed service amperage for a 3 gpm tankless heater, with the tub being the only tap over 3 gpm. It's no fun bathing in cool water.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@Cotronixco If you are undersizing equipment like that then it is much better to stick with a traditional tank heater because they will be disappointed with a tub that can only fill at 3-5 gpm (6-10 min to fill up). There are a million ways to jerry-rig something, but the proper way is going to be the most user friendly.

[@Cotronixco]

@@MyFortressConstruction Generally I would agree, but you are making too many assumptions. Not all installations are cookie-cutter. In this case, the tankless works very well for all situations except filling the tub.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@Cotronixco I have to deal with a lot of weird situations in remodels and I have never come across a situation where I couldn't use a full size, or dual heater setup and maintain a regular flow rate to a tub. Sometimes it's more work such as rerouting the main, but something like a slow filling tub can cause years of frustration to the occupant. I stay away from electric tankless in remodels because of this very issue. In fact, I stay away from electric tankless period. Gas tankless, or hybrid electric are the way to go. Point of use are fine in office spaces or shops, but whole home water heating systems need to be designed well.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Back in the old days " pipe fitters" cut and threaded galvanized plumbing. Drains were cast iron. 👌😵

[@MrDarren5012]

If you use pex crimp style pipe and fittings shows you are a hack to start with… ask your plumber/ contractor what system he will be using BEFORE signing any contract… I am a plumber of 28 years, not only is it very difficult to get all crimp rings aligned properly due to the tool and crimp ring movement when trying to crimp the ring to the fitting but this system uses insert fittings which significantly reduce the interior pipe diameter causing far less volume of water..that’s why the manufacturer suggest to upsize the pipe to fix this problem..but almost none do..if you want to use a good quality pex system I suggest pex upanor expandable..