Different "Grades" of PEX?

Mark_G · Apr 2, 2009

We are just about to have our new home in upstate NY roughed. Are there different grades of PEX (or other supply piping) that we should consider?

I would also appreciate thoughts on the 3 things to watch out for in the rough-in installation.

Thanks! --Mark

99k · Apr 2, 2009

The fittings and crimp are most important. Make sure the fittings are bronze (no more than 1% zinc) otherwise they can/will fail. I am partial to the Propress crimped sleeve or Wirsbo expanded plastic sleeve ... I do not feel comfortable with the crimp ring that requires a "go" / "nogo" gage.

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Mark_G · Apr 3, 2009

Plumber says he uses "Pecks" fittings and doesn't know what their composition is. Are there different materials or specs on these fittings? Thank you for clarification! --Mark

Cass · Apr 3, 2009

Wirsbo...is the way to go if you don't want to have any known problems that have been associated with some of the PEXes...

Kingsotall · Apr 3, 2009

mark_g said:
Plumber says he uses "Pecks" fittings and doesn't know what their composition is. Are there different materials or specs on these fittings? Thank you for clarification! --Mark

Only "Pecks" I know of are these guys:

Better yet than the other fittings listed are Wirsbo EP fittings.

tritontr · Apr 3, 2009

Mark go to www.mobilehomerepair.com click on the (forums) category then near the bottom of the page click on (off topic discussions) then the post (Pex installation handbook) download the link it will tell you all you need to know.

BimmerRacer · Apr 3, 2009

99k said:
The fittings and crimp are most important. Make sure the fittings are bronze (no more than 1% zinc) otherwise they can/will fail. I am partial to the Propress crimped sleeve or Wirsbo expanded plastic sleeve ... I do not feel comfortable with the crimp ring that requires a "go" / "nogo" gage.

What about Wirsbo EP fittings and manifolds?

DirtyDen · May 3, 2011

Grades of PEX

Your question about grades...Yes there are grades of PEX. Look for a PEX5006 or higher (5206). PEX1006 and even 3006 are not of the best quality. Equally as important is the connection and fittings. I also would recommend the "press" fittings as opposed to the expansion or crimp.

Jadnashua · May 6, 2011

You might misinterpret the manufacturing method (-A, -B, -C are available) for a quality, but it isn't. There are differences, for example, -A is the most flexible and can be bent into the smallest radius for any given size tubing, but if their quality control is good, any can be decent. -A tends to cost the most. -A is also the only one that can be restored to full function without cutting and splicing if it happens to get kinked during installation. Wirsbo only makes -A.

Different "Grades" of PEX?

Mark_G

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99k

Radon Contractor and Water Treatment

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Mark_G

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Cass

Plumber

Kingsotall

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tritontr

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BimmerRacer

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DirtyDen

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Jadnashua

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