Yes, PEX crimp fittings (also known as insert fittings) do restrict water flow. Because they fit inside the tubing, they reduce the pipe's internal diameter at every connection, causing a drop in water volume. While acceptable for most residential setups, their impact on flow can vary.
PEX crimping offers a quick, affordable plumbing connection, but it comes with notable disadvantages—primarily regarding flow restriction, installation margin for error, and tool dependency.
If you're using PEX A piping, Cold Expansion PEX (CEP) fittings are the most common type of fitting that you'll see being used and are exclusive to PEX A. The biggest benefit is that these fittings are the same inside diameter as the pipe and do not reduce flow to the same extent as crimp fittings.
PEX tubing has a standard hydrostatic pressure rating of 160 psi at 73℉ (this is a 630 HDB rating, which applies to all PEX tubing sold in the U.S.). At 180℉, it has a pressure rating of 100 psi. However, there are different types of PEX tubing made by various manufacturers.
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.
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.
Yes, 90 psi is too high. Most residential plumbing codes recommend a maximum water pressure of 80 psi, with the ideal "sweet spot" being between 50 and 60 psi. Pressures above 80 psi put excessive stress on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances, leading to leaks and costly damage.
A 12" PEX pipe typically handles between 2.3 and 4.0 GPM (gallons per minute) for standard household applications. The specific flow rate depends on a few key factors:
The standard water pressure for a home is 50 to 70 psi. 60 psi is the sweet spot for optimal performance. Keeping it in this range will ensure your plumbing works without damage.
Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces
Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.
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.
A properly installed PEX crimp connection typically lasts 30 to 50 years, mirroring the lifespan of the PEX tubing itself. However, the actual longevity depends heavily on water conditions, operating temperature, and the quality of the original installation.
Also, an improper connection between PEX B fittings and PEX A pipe may lead to leakages due to differences in molecular structure.
Yes, professional plumbers use compression fittings in a variety of applications. Domestic, Commercial, and Industrial. They're particularly useful in situations where it's not practical or possible to solder the pipes together.
Your home's water pressure should be under 80 psi. Pressure exceeding 80 psi may cause leaks as your pipes, fixtures, and appliances are not built to withstand or at a minimum, last very long if they are under pressure exceeding 80 psi.
At the bottom of the trench at around 11,000 metres below the sea surface, the water column above exerts a pressure of 1,086 bar (15,750 psi), approximately 1,071.8 times the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level or eight tons per square inch. The temperature at the bottom is 1 to 4 °C (34 to 39 °F).
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is falling out of favor because it becomes highly brittle over time, making it prone to sudden cracking and expensive leaks. The plumbing industry has largely shifted to safer, more flexible, and easier-to-install alternatives like PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) and polypropylene.
PEX pipe is more resistant to bursting in freezing conditions than metal piping. Because it's flexible, PEX tubing expands rather than splitting, minimizing costly repairs. A long product lifespan reduces cost associated with it, increases customer satisfaction and lessens waste.
SharkBite manufactures both PEX-A and PEX-B piping. You can buy either depending on your plumbing project's needs.
a waste pipe must be layed so it has a fall of 1 in 4 (mcguires rule).
Yes, a toilet and a sink can share a vent. In modern plumbing, this is most commonly done using a wet vent, where the sink’s drainpipe also acts as the vent for the toilet.
Street 90-Degree Elbow
Street 90-degree elbows have one end designed to fit directly into a fitting or valve without a connecting pipe. They can be used when a pipe needs to be connected to a valve or fitting at an angle. They are also commonly used when changing the flow direction in underground piping systems.