Plumbing Question 92
Question:
I have connected pex pipe to the proper pex fittings with the proper crimp tool and copper rings. They seemed to be on good but now I am finding that the pipe will rotate on the fitting. Does that mean that the pipe-fitting joint will leak when I fill the system or can the pipe rotate on the fitting like that and still seal?
Answer:
Pex crimp fittings should not move. Use stainless steel crimp rings, the copper ones never seal right. The “Proper” Crimp tool runs around $75.00. The $20.00 crimp tools don’t crimp fully after a few crimps. Some installers use Shark Bite connectors with pex which will rotate and still make a good seal. I think these are superior to the old crimp style. Be carefull with Pex. I personally do not like them because shops where I have worked over the last 20 years have had many blow apart and flood homes. In fact, here in California they just made them legal again, (Code wise) after being frowned upon for years due to tons of insurance claims for flooding. Rodents also love them as they sense the water in them and are easy to chew through.