PEX fittings are used to connect the flexible polyethylene pipes used in PEX water plumbing systems. Flexible PEX tubes are a low cost, problem free alternative to metal or plastic systems. You can avoid the problems of corrosion and scaling when you use a PEX system. Altogether PEX water plumbing systems are a vast improvement over older systems that use copper or rigid plastic pipes.
The main advantages of PEX tubing is its ability to remain flexible in cold temperatures, its resistance to scale build-up and corrosion and its lower cost compared to metal or rigid pipes. PEX tubing is less expensive than copper pipe, requires less time to install and requires fewer fittings.
PEX tubing is wrapped in spools. Because spools weigh less than cut metal or plastic pipes, they are easier to store and cost less to ship. Tubing can be unrolled from the spools with no need for coupling fittings. Installation is much quicker and cheaper when it does not involve the running of pipe.
Connecting the tubes is done by inserting a fitting into or over the tube and then crimping a ring placed over the tube or fitting. There are a few different connection methods. Some use copper crimp rings and others use crimp rings made of plastic. One system uses a stainless steel clamp. Most fittings are brass although some are made of other metals or plastic. Because PEX tubing is flexible and can be turned to a 90 degree angle elbow joints are not needed.
The tools you will use when installing PEX are a PEX pipe cutter, a main crimping tool and a de-crimping tool. The PEX pipe cutter comes in different sizes for 1/2″ and 3/4″ size tubes. Rings are crimped using the crimping tool. The de-crimping tool is used for removing rings from tubes or fittings.
The most common material used to make fittings is brass. However, you can find fittings made from other metals and even plastic. Fittings have ridges that when crimped make a high-pressure seal.
It is clear that using PEX tubing with PEX fittings has important advantages over metal and rigid plastic systems. It costs less. It is easier and faster to install. Its resistance to corrosion and scale makes it last longer.
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