Is it better to use plastic or brass PEX fittings?

Author: Lexus Reilly  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Due to the problem earlier caused by polybutylene (PEX predecessors) plastic PEX fitting have been recommended. It is true that in areas where water is less acidic, brass fitting is better. But in areas where water is acidic or easily contaminated, plastic fittings are better.

What is the best type of fittings to use with PEX?

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.

Are brass hose fittings better than plastic?

Brass connectors are less likely to crack or break under pressure, making them ideal for frequent and intensive use. Additionally, brass is resistant to corrosion, which means it can withstand exposure to water and cleaning chemicals without deteriorating.

Will plastic pex fittings freeze?

A finding of one of these research reports notes that notable conclusions from this research include 'PEX pipe was conclusively shown to be freeze tolerant up to 400+ cycles.

Are plastic PEX manifolds good?

Plastic manifolds are much more versatile than copper, and often cheaper. They do not last as long, however. If left in sunlight, like rubber, plastic will crack. This may result in burst tubing, or leakage, which will require the manifold to be repaired.

Poly Alloy Vs Brass Pex Fittings- Which One Is For You?

Should I use plastic or brass PEX a fitting?

Poly PEX Fittings

There are many applications where plastic is the best choice over brass. For example, when there is poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line, plastic is the superior choice because brass is more apt to corrode.

What are the main advantages to plastic intake manifolds?

Cost-Effective: Plastic intakes are generally cheaper to manufacture, resulting in a lower price point for consumers. Lightweight: Plastic intakes are lighter than their metal counterparts, which can contribute to overall vehicle weight reduction.

How long do plastic PEX fittings last?

I've seen many comments stating plastic fittings don't corrode. They may not but plastics do degrade over time. That's why typical pex pipe is rated at 25 years versus copper at 50 years.

What PEX fittings are best for freezing?

All PEX types have good freezing temperature handling capabilities, but the strongest among these types are PEX-B pipes.

Do you need to drip faucets with PEX?

A few tips for preventing frozen PEX pipes:

Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees. Add insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, garages and basements. Drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes. Shut off the water to outside hose bibbs (spigots) and drain the pipes.

What are the disadvantages of brass fittings?

Here are some disadvantages of brass fittings:
  • Corrosion and Dezincification. ...
  • Compatibility with Certain Fluids. ...
  • Temperature and Pressure Limitations. ...
  • Lead Content. ...
  • Softness and Wear. ...
  • Cost. ...
  • Aesthetic Changes. ...
  • Electrolysis Concerns.

Which is better brass or plastic?

Higher Pressure Rating — Brass has a higher tensile strength and more elasticity than plastic which make it more resistant to bursting. Higher Chemical Resistance — Brass is more resistant to chemicals typically found in irrigation water and therefore less susceptible to failure due to cracking.

What is the difference between PEX A and PEX B brass fittings?

PEX A offers higher burst resistance, capable of withstanding up to 500 PSI in extreme cold, while PEX B, being more rigid, is less resilient.

Which PEX connection is strongest?

Bottom line, PEX A is more resistant to burst pressure than PEX B. PEX A's expansive material can handle up to 500 PSI, which makes it reliable in extremely cold temperatures. Since PEX B is a more rigid material, it will not hold up as well in similar situations.

Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?

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.

Where should you not use PEX?

PEX pipe can be used as a service line based on its corrosion resistance to soil and water, its long life and its oxidative resistance. Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling.

Should I use brass or plastic pex fittings?

If you are considering purchasing a good fitting for your pipe, it is better to make use of the plastic PEX fitting as it doesn't easily corrode, it can be used for any water condition and doesn't have fake products like the brass.

Will PEX pipe burst if frozen?

Like any pipe, PEX pipe does freeze when the temperature drops low enough. However, unlike other rigid pipes, PEX is flexible, significantly reducing the likelihood of a pipe burst. So, if you have a PEX pipe, your house is unlikely to flood from a pipe burst. However, that doesn't mean that frozen pipes are risk-free.

Should you insulate PEX hot water lines?

Insulation for PEX pipe offers several benefits. First and foremost, it helps retain heat in hot water pipes, reducing heat loss and saving energy. Insulation also prevents cold water pipes from freezing in colder climates, protecting your plumbing system from potential damage.

Do plastic pex fittings meet code?

Although PEX tubing is approved by all major building codes and major model plumbing codes, it still has not received acceptance with local codes in some parts of the country.

What is the best material for pex fittings?

Finally, our clear winner… is “Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings”. Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings are very low cost, and the highest, long-lasting quality.

What is better, crimp or cinch?

Asides for its versatility, the cinch tool is also cheaper than the crimp tool. The cinch rings can be slightly more expensive than crimp rings. A cinch connection will last over 5 years and can last more than 10 years. Crimp connections consist or a crimp ring, a crimp tool, proper fittings and a go/no-go gauge.

Do plastic intake manifolds crack?

The nylon-filled polymers that are used to make plastic intake manifolds lack the strength of a cast aluminum or iron intake manifold. What's more, plastic manifolds can easily crack by mishandling, over-tightening fasteners, excessive bending, flexing, overheating, vibration, or an engine backfire.

Why are intake manifolds plastic now?

Ever wonder why so many plastic air intake manifolds are showing up under the hood lately? In addition to lower weight and cost, one of the big advantages to molding a plastic manifold vs. casting an aluminum one is the design flexibility plastics afford automotive engineers.

What is the best material for intake manifold?

Plastic. Pros: Cost-Effective: Plastic intake manifolds are cost-effective to mass-produce, making them a common choice for Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) applications. Many stock vehicles come equipped with plastic intake manifolds.

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