Yes, you can transition between PEX A and PEX B. However, you must pay attention to your connection method, as PEX A expands, while PEX B does not.
Yes, you can connect PEX-A to PEX-B, but you must use the correct fittings and methods. The safest and most common ways to connect them are by using crimp/clamp connections or push-to-connect fittings.
Despite these benefits, some insurance companies have raised concerns about PEX plumbing, particularly regarding older installations: Historical issues: There were class action lawsuits against PEX manufacturers due to premature failures at connection points, resulting in leaks and flooding in some cases.
For instance, PEX B fittings have a slightly smaller diameter than PEX A fittings; thus, when used on PEX A pipes, it may affect water flow and pressure, especially in high-demand applications like multi-unit buildings.
While PEX A and PEX B tubing share the same outside diameter and can both carry water, their compatibility with fittings and tools is not completely interchangeable.
Another option is to use a threaded joint/adapter that helps transition from PEX A to PEX B. This method will require a PEX A MIP adapter with a male thread, a PEX B FIP adapter with a female thread, thread sealant, and a Teflon tape. These two adapters are threaded together to help you join PEX A and PEX B pipes.
PEX A is generally considered the better, more premium piping option due to its high flexibility, resistance to kinking, and superior freeze-thaw resilience. However, PEX B is highly favored for DIY projects because it is more affordable and doesn't require expensive specialty expansion tools.
Developed in 1968 in Europe, PEX pipe came to the U.S. in the mid '80s, and for the past 15 years, it has become one of the most common materials used in residential plumbing systems.
SharkBite manufactures both PEX-A and PEX-B piping. You can buy either depending on your plumbing project's needs.
If at all, an expander tool is unnecessary when using PEX-B or PEX-C types of pipes or when sticking with crimp, cinch, or pushed-fit systems. Knowledge of the various types of PEX and the associated connection methods would enable an individual to decide on the kind of PEX to use on the different plumbing projects.
However, recent failures and the lawsuits that have followed those failures lead to the idea that PEX plumbing systems aren't as good as once assumed. PEX systems can fail in either the pipe or in the fitting. The most notable failure occurs when the fittings fail and water starts leaking and causing visible damage.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
Generally, you can budget around $2 to $6 per square foot for a PEX repipe. So, for a 2,000-square-foot home, you might estimate a cost between $4,000 and $12,000. You can also refine your estimate by counting your plumbing fixtures.
Yes, you can crimp both PEX-A and PEX-B tubing using standard barbed fittings and copper crimp rings (or stainless steel cinch clamps). This is a widely accepted method for residential plumbing, though you must use specific insert-style fittings and tools.
If your PEX-A expansion fittings are leaking, it is typically caused by one of a few common installation errors, environmental degradation, or material defects.
Yes, you can easily connect PEX to copper without soldering using push-to-connect fittings (like SharkBite), compression fittings, or specialized crimp/clamp fittings. These methods create secure, watertight, and code-compliant seals, making them ideal for repairs or renovations.
Neither method is universally "better," as both create extremely reliable seals when installed correctly. However, clamps (cinch rings) are generally preferred by DIYers for their ease of use in tight spaces, while crimps (copper rings) are a traditional, slightly more affordable favorite among professionals.
Expanding standard PEX B with an expander tool is generally not recommended because the rigid material lacks the strong "molecular memory" of PEX A.
All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.
Plumbers haven't entirely stopped using copper, but they have largely shifted to flexible plastic alternatives like PEX and PVC for residential plumbing. This change is primarily driven by three factors: the high cost of copper material, the significantly faster labor times associated with plastic installation, and a reduction in fire hazards.
Con: PEX B fittings reduce flow and water volume at the joint due to their smaller diameter and may result in leaks if crimped incorrectly.
The downside with insert crimp fittings is the restricted flow and lower system performance. The limited flexibility of PEX-b (in comparison to PEX-a) makes repairs challenging in the case of kinks.
Rodents, particularly rats and mice, are known to chew through PEX plumbing. Because the material is soft and easy to gnaw, even a small rodent problem can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs hidden inside walls or under floors.
In 2021 the pipe was discontinued and is no longer manufactured the same way.
Yes, you can absolutely use standard crimp or clamp fittings on PEX-A pipe. However, because PEX-A is highly flexible, you must use standard copper crimp rings or stainless steel cinch clamps. You cannot use PEX-A expansion rings on crimp fittings.