How PEX Fittings Are Used In Plumbing Schemes
The flexibility and strength of tubing built of high density polyethylene material and coupled by PEX fittings offers many advantages over plumbing systems utilising metal or rigid plastic pipes. PEX pipes do not corrode and withstand cold temps without becoming brittle. They cost less than metal or plastic piping. They are much easier to put in because they are stored in spools and need less fittings.
The main advantages of PEX tubing is its ability to stay pliable in cold temps, its resistance to scale build-up and corroding and its lower cost compared to copper or rigid pipes. PEX tubing is less pricey than copper pipe, involves less time to put in and involves less fittings.
PEX tubing is wrapped in spools. Because spools weigh less than cut metal or plastic pipes, they are simpler to store and cost less to ship. Tubing can be unwound from the spools with no demand for coupling fittings. Installing is much quicker and less pricey when it does not involve the installation of pipe.
There are a number of joining methods some of which are patented. But basically the fitting is placed either over or into the tube and a ring is crimped over the tube or fittings. Rings can be built of plastic, copper or stainless steel. There are proprietary connection systems which require specific tools and fittings.
Three basic tools are required for the standard crimping method when working with PEX: a main crimping tool, a pipe cutter, and a de-crimping tool. The pipe cutter tool cuts the tube before putting it into the fitting. There are a mixture of main crimping tools available which can crimp 1/2″ or 3/4″ tubes. A de-crimping tool is employed to remove the copper crimp ring from the tube and fitting.
The most familiar material used to make fittings for PEX plumbing is brass. However, you can acquire fittings built from different metals and even plastic. Fittings have ridges that when crimped make a high-pressure seal.
Utilizing the system of PEX fittings along with PEX tubing has distinct advantages over metal and plastic piping. It is less pricy than rigid plastic and copper piping . It can be installed right from the spools. It needs less fittings. It last longer because it is not susceptible to corrosion.