Saddle Valves and PEX?

bryers01 · Nov 8, 2006

Can I use a saddle valve to connect the water line from my humidifier to a PEX water supply?

The plumber that did my house did not leave any copper to connect it to on my hot water tank. Just did not know if the saddle valves would work on PEX. I did not want to have to go buy all the tools to put on a normal PEX valve.

Thanks

ToolsRMe · Nov 8, 2006

I have been told that -- in my neck of the woods -- saddle valves are no longer allowed.

I'd also be (a little) surprised if any kind of saddle valve exists for PEX.

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Gary Swart · Nov 8, 2006

I don't know about them being "allowed" anymore, but they are really poor connectors for copper pipes. Most of us use a tee then a gate valve then adapt to the desired pipe from there. I am not into PEX, but I would not use use a saddle valve anywhere on anything. I would think you could follow the same process as with copper using PEX materials of course.

bryers01 · Nov 8, 2006

The SV are allowed in my area. I would rather not us on but it seems like it is going to be real expensive for me to by the tools to do the PEX stuff. Mine is in an area where if it drips there is no big deal but if it would break there is a drain there. Thanks for the replies..... Like I said I am not even sure if I can use on on PEX.

Thanks

Jadnashua · Nov 8, 2006

Get a Sharkbite "T", and run that to a fitting where you can put a valve on it. You don't need special tools to make this connection. The fittings cost a bit more than normal, but far less than buying a set of tools you may never use again. http://cashacme.com/pdf_sharkbite/sales/SharkBiteFittingsSales61305.pdf

hj · Nov 8, 2006

pex

A saddle valve works by poking a hole in the pipe. With copper the hole is a distortion of the pipe and it remains after the needle is withdrawn. I would assume PEX, because it has a memory, would just close up the hole when you retracted the needle to turn the valve on.

Gary Swart · Nov 9, 2006

I concur with HJs take on the PEX sealing itself. I'll also say a bit stronger than I did before. Saddle valves are pieces of crap even when used according to their intended use in copper. It will be really simple and pretty inexpensive to do it with the Sharkbite tee, ball valve, and adapters to your appliance. Do it right and never look back.

Saddle Valves and PEX?

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