Modifying Pex piping. What tools are needed?

[LargeOrangeFont]

I’m going to be adding a whole house water filtration system and under sink RO system. The house is plumbed with PEX, and already has a soft water loop so the hard work is done.

I’m not going to use these things every day, maybe once a year, so what tools do I need?

I see clamps and expander tools out there.

I know I will need a few feet of tubing, fittings, bands and threaded adapters.

Any pointers or good “starter kit” recommendations?

 

[Ultra...Good]

I bought a pex crimping tool from menards that was reasonably priced. Worked well. Only problem was the type of bands the tool crimped are only sold at menards. Might want to look out for that.

 

[Deckin Around]

Pex A or Pex B? There are 2 different types and it makes a big difference.
Metal bands on the connections or no? Type A requires an expansion tool, B a crimper.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Pex A or Pex B? There are 2 different types and it makes a big difference.
Metal bands on the connections or no? Type A requires an expansion tool, B a crimper.

Thank you. That was the missing detail I was wondering about. Appears type B

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I bought a pex crimping tool from menards that was reasonably priced. Worked well. Only problem was the type of bands the tool crimped are only sold at menards. Might want to look out for that.

Good tip, thank you.

 

[ElAzul]

The Shark brand pex cutter it sucks. I bought Apollo $50 crimpers worked just fine.

 

[Badchoices03]

I bought this kit to repair a big portion of pex piping in my toy hauler...worked just fine

https://www.amazon.com/iCrimp-Cinch-Tool-Removing-function/dp/B07CCH5JWG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=pex+b+crimping+tool&qid=1673033561&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVFhXUDk3TThST1RUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDExOTI0M0VYNDdIM0hCN0tHVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTk3NzU2MlJST1Y0VkJOQTZRTyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Although most people on here are probably going to recommend you get this in order to do your one job a year correctly...lol

Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Short Throw Press Tool Kit with 3 PEX Crimp Jaws (2) 2.0 Ah Batteries and Charger 2674-22C - The Home Depot

Deliver added assurance of quality connections with Milwaukee Lithium-Ion Cordless Short Throw Press Tool Kit with PEX Crimp Jaws Batteries and Charger.

www.homedepot.com

 

[mjc]

I have sharkbite fitting everywhere with out any problems.

 

[DirtyWhiteDog]

I just bought the 1/2" & 3/4" combo crimper and bands from Lowe's. It works fine, has an adjustment to get the right force. The 3/4" can be tough in tight spots.

 

[River Runnin]

Need to dial 1-800-Butt-crack!

 

[Waterjunky]

actually, that picture looks like "A". Thats a good thing. A is a better, more forgiving material. You would want a manual expander, they are a pain but for a few fittings now and then they should be fine.

you could also probably rent a power expander for a reasonable cost on the occasions you actually need something.

 

[Pivot]

hire a plumber. When it leaks and floods your house someday your insurance company will ask who installed it. If you say 'I did" you will eat the flood damage.

 

[WYRD]

Just get the SharkBite connectors little more expensive but you don't have to invest in all the tools and super easy to use

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I have Type B it seems

How to Connect PEX-A to PEX-B - Williams Plumbing

Knowing how to transition from PEX-A to PEX-B is a highly useful skill if you're a DIYer. Here are three methods, plus the pros and cons of each.

willplumb.com

 

[spectras only]

LOF, sharkbite fittings can hold up to 200 PSI no problem. Make sure your mainline water pressure regulator set at 100PSI or less. I have WP set at 80 PSI at my house, still good water pressure coming out of the shower head.
Don't need no stinking expensive tool bought and just sit in your tool chest for decades after the install.
If you're concerned about possibility of flooding, get a plumbing contractor install with records of the job done.
As mentioned here, for against insurance fuckery.

 

[SoCalDave]

I bought this kit to repair a big portion of pex piping in my toy hauler...worked just fine

https://www.amazon.com/iCrimp-Cinch-Tool-Removing-function/dp/B07CCH5JWG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=pex+b+crimping+tool&qid=1673033561&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVFhXUDk3TThST1RUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDExOTI0M0VYNDdIM0hCN0tHVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTk3NzU2MlJST1Y0VkJOQTZRTyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Although most people on here are probably going to recommend you get this in order to do your one job a year correctly...lol

Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Short Throw Press Tool Kit with 3 PEX Crimp Jaws (2) 2.0 Ah Batteries and Charger 2674-22C - The Home Depot

Deliver added assurance of quality connections with Milwaukee Lithium-Ion Cordless Short Throw Press Tool Kit with PEX Crimp Jaws Batteries and Charger.

www.homedepot.com

That Milwaukee tool is for Copper to Copper crimping...just sayin...

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

That Milwaukee tool is for Copper to Copper crimping...just sayin...

The Milwaukee M12 pex expander kit is $500.

So that is out

 

[Badchoices03]

That Milwaukee tool is for Copper to Copper crimping...just sayin...

Yeah didnt really look at it...just sayin...

 

[NicPaus]

Some pex A is crimpable. Look at the pipe and see what manufacturer. Doesn't look like Wirsbro uponor to me. That's the only one I have used and only 1 my plumbers will use here. I have the Dewalt and Milwaukee expander kits.


Sharkbites are for hacks. Use those and put servrpro phone number on speed dial in your phone. Plumbing forum I am on constantly posting pictures of them failing. I have seen a few completely separate.

 

[Cole Trickle]

hire a plumber. When it leaks and floods your house someday your insurance company will ask who installed it. If you say 'I did" you will eat the flood damage.

copy a plumber that went out of business did it...

 

[Pivot]

copy a plumber that went out of business did it...

doesnt matter. If the plumber is licensed and is gone 20 years after the insurance needs to pay. They pay anyways and then go to the plumbing companies insurance to get reimbursed.
Its a $300 dollar install for plumber, we arent talking huge money.

Speed owners wipe their asses daily with more bills.

 

[AEA]

The Milwaukee M12 pex expander kit is $500.

So that is out

Maybe Snap-on makes something that would be better.

 

[Waterjunky]

Sorry!, I just glanced at the smooth bands. The copper is a dead give away to B.


Stay away from shark bites for anything indoors. That said I have a few onto hard copper outside.

 

[Nordie]

Honestly for a one time use type of deal I would just hire a plumber. I'd bet it's less expensive than you think.

It's cool you want to DIY it, but sometimes it's just best to let the pros handle it.

 

[Orange Juice]

I’m going to be adding a whole house water filtration system and under sink RO system. The house is plumbed with PEX, and already has a soft water loop so the hard work is done.

I’m not going to use these things every day, maybe once a year, so what tools do I need?

I see clamps and expander tools out there.

I know I will need a few feet of tubing, fittings, bands and threaded adapters.

Any pointers or good “starter kit” recommendations?

For the price of tools, You could hire a plumber.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Maybe Snap-on makes something that would be better.

Money doesn’t matter to him if I remember right..

If it’s for the softener etc it’s likely not in the house so the risk on shark is minimal.. I have used it on a lot of rentals…. But for those two items is probably hire it out for warranty etc anyway. For the cost that van Roy charged it wasn’t worth me doing it myself just for reference @LargeOrangeFont

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I don’t know how some of you guys ever got laid.

 

[Pivot]

I don’t know how some of you guys ever got laid.

That's why we don't have a speed car. Spent the money getting laid

 

[wishiknew]

Some pex A is crimpable. Look at the pipe and see what manufacturer. Doesn't look like Wirsbro uponor to me. That's the only one I have used and only 1 my plumbers will use here. I have the Dewalt and Milwaukee expander kits.


Sharkbites are for hacks. Use those and put servrpro phone number on speed dial in your phone. Plumbing forum I am on constantly posting pictures of them failing. I have seen a few completely separate.

X2 I have Milwaukee expander works great get what you pay for

 

[Deckin Around]

That's why we don't have a speed car. Spent the money getting laid

My problem is I give 50% of my money to charity.

Unless she’s not working, then I give it to Destiny.

On topic: Pex B sucks.

 

[WYRD]

I don’t know how some of you guys ever got laid.

Right?....all the porno videos showed dyi plumbers with the hot girls gettin freaky with the guy while he's working under the sink...that or delivering pizza. Plumbers and pizza guys always smashed the pussy

 

[wishiknew]

Right?....all the porno videos showed dyi plumbers with the hot girls gettin freaky with the guy while he's working under the sink...that or delivering pizza. Plumbers and pizza guys always smashed the pussy

LOL

 

[wishiknew]

Right?....all the porno videos showed dyi plumbers with the hot girls gettin freaky with the guy while he's working under the sink...that or delivering pizza. Plumbers and pizza guys always smashed the pussy

We in the wrong trade