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Are PEX Crimp Fittings Interchangeable?
No! PEX crimp fittings are generally not interchangeable between different brands. The crimp fittings used with PEX pipes are explicitly designed for the system they are intended to be used with, and variations in design and dimensions can exist between different manufacturers.
For example, a crimp fitting manufactured by company A, intended to be used with brand X PE pipe, will not work correctly with brand X PE pipe manufactured by company B, and vice versa.
PEX supplies are designed to work together. If you try to use fittings incompatible with the PEX pipe you are using, you will find problems in the system;
It won’t function properly and could cause a leak or failure somewhere along the line. Crimp fittings are no different.
If you use fittings not from the same manufacturer or model number, something could go wrong with the system, and there could be issues later on with leaks or failures.
It is vital to ensure the fittings boast compatibility with the system you are using them with.
For example, if you are using a brand X PEX pipe, it is vital to ensure that the fittings used to connect with the pipe are manufactured by brand X or another compatible manufacturer.
If you need clarification on compatibility issues, your plumber can help. Ask your plumber before buying any PEX supplies to determine which fittings work best for your system.
Will PEX Crimp Rings Work on Polybutylene
Polybutylene is a PVC plastic plumbing material often used in garden hoses and sprinklers. It could be a better alternative to stainless steel, copper, and other piping substances because you cannot solder it and can only glue or crimp the joints.
No! PEX crimp rings are not designed to work with polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene is a plastic pipe commonly used in residential plumbing systems from the 1970s to the mid-1990s.
It has since been found to be prone to failure due to factors like chlorine exposure, temperature fluctuations, and degradation over time.
On the other hand, PEX (cross-linked polyethene) pipes are a different type of plastic piping system that has become popular as a replacement for polybutylene and other outdated materials.
PEX crimp rings are specifically designed to be used with PEX pipes and fittings, and they provide a secure connection by compressing the PEX pipe onto a fitting.
Suppose you have polybutylene pipes in your plumbing system and must make repairs or replacements.
Consulting with a professional plumber who can advise you on the best action based on your specific situation is generally recommended.
Replacing polybutylene pipes with a more modern and reliable material, such as PEX or copper, is often the recommended solution. Crimp rings are not essential in this process, and you may use a pipe wrench instead.
The major problem with using crimp rings on polybutylene pipes is that the ring material is made from copper, which can cause corrosion inside the polybutylene pipe over time.
The other issue is that crimp rings are not designed to work with polybutylene, so they may need to seal better or function as intended.
Can You Use PEX Clamps On A Poly Pipe?
Yes! You can use PEX clamps on a poly pipe in certain circumstances, such as:
1. Caulking the Joint
When you cannot insert a PEX clamp from the inside of the pipe, you can use a PEX clamp from the outside by inserting it into a slit in the side of the pipe.
2. Securing Connections
You can use PEX clamps to secure connections hidden behind walls, under floors, and in other areas where access is restricted.
3. Connecting Two Pipes
You may need to connect two pipes because it’s difficult to cut a hole in one pipe for an end connector such as a T-connection fitting or cross fitting
4. Removing joints
If you have an elbow or a tee fitting stuck, remove it using a PEX clamp.
5. As A “Spring” When Tightening with A Wrench
If you have trouble tightening joints with your hands, use a clamp as a “spring” to apply greater pressure.
6. For Heat Expansion and Contraction
When the temperature changes, PEX contracts and expands more than copper, so it is subject to more stress from temperature changes than copper.
7. As an External Wall Connector
You can use PEX clamps to connect the pipe to an external wall.
8. Protecting pipes that are being used for water supply and waste drainage
You can use PEX clamps to protect the pipes used for water supply and waste drainage so they are not damaged by people walking or animals chewing on them.
Why are PEX crimp rings black?
| Reason | Explanation |
| Material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyoxymethylene (POM). |
| UV Resistance | Black is the easiest color to resist and block out UV rays. |
| Appearance | Black is the best color for this item because it’s “invisible” in pipework. |
| Cost | -Reportedly, the black color costs less than other colors. -Lower maintenance cost since they don’t fade or corrode as easily. |
| Heat Resistant | -Black is also resistant to high temperatures. -Does not react with anything in your piping system. |
| Plumbing Code Requirements | Depending on location, black PEX crimp rings may be a requirement for certain plumbing codes. |
What Type Of PEX Uses Crimp Rings?
The type of PEX that typically uses crimp rings is known as PEX-C (PEX-Clamp) or PEX-AL-PEX (PEX-Aluminum-PEX). These PEX types require crimp rings to create a secure connection between the PEX pipe and fittings.
PEX-C, or PEX-Clamp, is made of cross-linked polyethene and requires copper or stainless-steel crimp rings to secure the connections.
These crimp rings are placed over the PEX pipe and fitting and are compressed using a crimping tool to create a watertight seal.
PEX-C is used in commercial applications where higher water pressures are present and typically has a maximum temperature rating of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
PEX-AL-PEX, or PEX-Aluminum-PEX, is made of a cross-linked aluminium polymer and requires copper or stainless-steel crimp rings to secure the connections.
These crimp rings are placed over the PEX pipe and fitting and are compressed using a crimping tool to create a watertight seal.
PEX-AL-PEX is used in residential and commercial applications and has a maximum temperature rating of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
While you can use PEX-C and PEX-AL-PEX for hot water applications, choosing the correct crimp ring is vital to ensure the PEX system will run properly.
For example, PEX-C requires a crimp ring with a 90-degree bend and a flat seal, while PEX-AL-PEX requires a crimp ring that has a 120-degree bend and is designed to accommodate compression fittings.
If you are still determining what type of PEX you have, check the pipe’s material code before purchasing new fittings. You can check this information in two places: on your crimp ring or on the pipe itself.
What are the disadvantages of Polybutylene?
| Disadvantages | Features |
| Scaling | -Freezing, Busting, Flooding and Expensive repairs |
| Degradation | -Cracks, Leaks and Bursts |
| Limited Lifespan | -Substandard quality |
| Reduced Insulation | -Increased flooding risk. |
| Expensive to buy and difficult to sell | -Leaks |
| Meltdowns | -Unrecyclable |
Can You Use PVC Fittings On The Poly Pipes?
You cannot use PVC fittings directly on the poly pipes. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and poly pipe (polyethylene) are different plastic pipe types with different physical properties and connection methods.
PVC fittings are designed to work with PEX (plastic pipe insulation) and other PVC piping systems. If you use PVC fittings on poly pipes, the fittings will not be able to connect correctly.
PVC fittings are designed specifically for use with PVC pipes with a similar composition and require solvent cement or threaded connections for joining. These fittings have a different size and shape than those used for poly pipes.
On the other hand, a poly pipe is typically connected using compression or barbed fittings specifically designed for use with polyethylene pipes.
These fittings create a secure and leak-proof connection by compressing or gripping the pipe with clamps or rings.
Another problem that can arise is dripping water. If you use PVC fittings on poly pipes, the water will continue to drip out of the fitting, allowing it to become corroded and damaged.
When this happens, the connections between pipes become loose and can break.
If you have PVC pipes in your home and want a more secure way to create connections between them, we recommend using compression couplings made of brass or copper.
These fittings are usually used on PEX and copper piping systems but can also be used on poly pipes to create a more robust connection.
What Is The Difference Between PEX Crimp And PEX Clamp?
| Feature | PEX Crimp | PEX Clamp |
| Requirement | Requires a crimping tool to secure connections. | Requires a clamp tool or cinch tool to secure connections. |
| Material | Uses copper or stainless-steel crimp rings. | Uses stainless-steel cinch clamps or copper crimp rings. |
| Rings Slid | Crimp rings are slid over the PEX pipe before inserting fittings. | Cinch clamps or crimp rings are slid over the PEX pipe after inserting the fittings. |
| Gauges | Requires a Go/no-go gauge to verify proper crimping. | Requires a Go/no-go gauge to verify proper clamping |
| Usage | Widely used and considered a traditional method. | Gaining popularity as a simpler and quicker alternative. |
| Tool | May require a separate tool for each PEX size. | Typically uses a single tool that can accommodate multiple PEX sizes. |
| Affordability | More expensive due to the cost of crimping tools. | Less expensive as clamp tools are more affordable. |
What Causes Polybutylene Pipe To Fail?
| Cause | Explanation |
| Chlorine Exposure | -Polybutylene pipes are sensitive to chlorine. -Degrade the material over time. -Leads to brittleness. -Cracking. |
| High Hydraulic Loads | -Causes polybutylene pipes to fail. -Prevents water from flowing through it. -Leaks or breaks the pipe. |
| Oxidation | -Polybutylene pipes are sensitive to oxygen. -Can lead to brittleness. -Degrades the material over time. |
| Water Pressure | -Polybutylene pipes are sensitive to pressure. -Degrades the material over time. |
| Age And Deterioration | Leads to brittleness. |
| Hard Water | -Leads to pipe failure. -Causes pipes to foul with mineral buildup. |
Are All GREY Pipes Polybutylene?
No! Grey pipes can also be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or other plastic or metal materials. The color alone does not determine the material of the pipe.
It’s essential to consider other factors, such as markings, labels, and the specific characteristics of the pipe, to determine its composition accurately.
If you have concerns about the pipes in your home, it’s best to consult a professional plumber or conduct further investigations to identify the exact material used for your pipes.
When purchasing household plumbing or building materials, such as pipes, it’s essential to check the labels carefully for accurate information.
This can help you determine the material of those pipes and provide valuable information related to their durability, longevity, and life-cycle cost.
In addition to color markings, there may also be stamping or printing on the pipe that provides additional clues as to its composition and manufacturing origins.
Although there are many variations of the grey color for PVC pipes, all grey PVC pipes have a black or dark gray print on the inside.
They also feature a movable cap and a textured surface on the outside to prevent water from flowing in contact with it.
If you still need to decide what type of outside label should be found on materials used for your pipes, it’s best to consult an expert plumber for guidance and assistance.
They’ll be able to provide you with detailed information regarding the identification of the plastic components and the specific characteristics of that material to help you continue to maintain and repair your home’s plumbing.
Do PEX Rings Corrode?
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) rings themselves do not corrode. This is because PEX rings are typically made from non-metallic materials such as plastic, which are inherently corrosion-resistant.
Corrosion is a process that occurs when a metal is exposed to certain environmental conditions, leading to the deterioration of the metal over time.
PEX plumbing systems utilize rings, also known as crimp rings or cinch rings, to create secure connections between PEX pipes and fittings.
These rings are commonly made from copper or stainless steel, which are highly corrosion-resistant materials. However, the rings themselves do not rust due to their non-metallic composition.
PEX is a durable and chemically resistant material designed to withstand the demands of plumbing systems.
It is highly resistant to scale buildup, chemical degradation, and the effects of exposure to various elements, including moisture, chlorine, and UV radiation.
Its plumbing systems are typically installed in areas exposed to harsh conditions, such as outdoors or basements.
While PEX piping is resistant to corrosion, PEX plumbing systems can still corrode due to the metal components used in the system. These include pipes and fittings made from metal.
The metal components of a plumbing system will eventually corrode over time due to exposure to corrosion-causing elements, resulting in the deterioration of the entire system.
The material used to manufacture PEX plumbing components differs from that used to make the rings. Rings themselves are manufactured from plastic, which is inherently resistant to corrosion.
That is why PEX plumbing systems do not rust. However, PEX piping and fittings will eventually corrode due to exposure to corrosion-causing elements such as moisture, chlorine, and UV radiation.
Can You Use PEX On The Galvanized Pipe?
You cannot use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) directly on galvanized pipes. PEX is a flexible plastic tubing commonly used for plumbing applications due to its durability, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance.
On the other hand, galvanized pipe is a steel pipe coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion.
The main reason why PEX cannot be directly connected to galvanized pipes is the potential for a phenomenon called galvanic corrosion.
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals come into contact with an electrolyte, such as water. In this case, the zinc coating on the galvanized pipe acts as a sacrificial anode, eroding over time to protect the underlying steel.
When PEX comes into direct contact with galvanized pipe, it disrupts the protective sacrificial anode effect, leading to accelerated corrosion of the galvanized pipe.
To connect PEX to galvanized pipe, you would need to use a transition fitting. These fittings are specifically designed to join different types of pipes and materials.
The transition fitting typically consists of a threaded adapter that connects to the galvanized pipe and a barbed or compression fitting on the PEX side.
This ensures a secure connection without direct contact between the PEX and galvanized surfaces, preventing galvanic corrosion.
Conclusion
PEX Crimp Rings have strength and durability built in, so they can withstand harsh conditions during normal plumbing system usage.
PEX is a durable material that does not corrode like other materials commonly used in plumbing.
The main benefit of using PEX is the versatility of its applications, which allow it to be used in many different locations within a home or business.
