Overexpansion of ProPex (Wirsbo/Uponor)

I'm in the middle of a little debate I'd like some of the professionals (or anyone) here to answer.

If Uponor's ProPex Expansion, when used with say, PexhE or AquaPex, is over expanded and then place on the fitting to the proper shoulder limit, if you allow that expansion to contract, will the fitting be good, or just as good, as one that wasn't "over expanded" -- the wording in the trade section of the Uponor website isn't clear.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Pete

what is over-expanding??

I have never heard of the term or

how you can over -expand the stuff......

If you are useing the right tool for the

right sized pipe it cant happen....

master plumber mark said:

I have never heard of the term or

how you can over -expand the stuff......

If you are useing the right tool for the

right sized pipe it cant happen....

Click to expand...

Looks like you've never used a ProPex expander by Uponor (was Wirsbo) then...

But thanks for the... well, thanks for the... eh... thanks.

I think I know what your're talking about. I never liked the quick and easy system, and no one I have spoken with likes it either. I think you are asking if the Q&E joints are as good as crimp joints, I believe they are since if I remember correctly, I couldn't pull apart the Q&E joint while it was in a vise.

ProPex is the "Quick and Easy" -- I dunno about that. 80% of all pros use it or the Rehau Everloc. But okkkkkkkkkkk....................

over-expanding wirsbo??

Ok------OLD PETE......old buddy boy.....

Please give me an example of what I am so lacking on here...


I have run miles of normal Wirsbo...... with the common expander tools
and believe it or not I even have the expander battery operated gun.....

that was what I was stateing.....
how can you over-expand the stuff???

by re-expanding the pipe 5 or more times???

I re-read your question.........

the fitting is just as good if you have troubles and have to
re-expand it a number of times.........




As I do not keep up on the stuff and just use what I think it the
best and most durable....


please inform me as to what you mean....
.please define the differences for me....


I am stuck Sitting at home with a sick 9 year old today.......

so I got all day to listen

Thanks for re-reading...

Normally you can push the expanded end on the fitting with a "set" number of expansions with just the "right" amount of expansions.

Then, there are times when you need a little extra time to get the line onto the fitting, so, I've been tempted to over-expand the line/ring to allow me enough time to drop the tool and make the connection to the fitting's collar.

My question is, that is this overexpansion an issue?

In other words:

If a line/ring combo should have 4 expansions to go on the fitting to the shoulder with just a bit of resistance, but you give it say, 8 expansions... so there is NO resistance but you hold it until it contracts to grab the fitting, will both those fitting be reliable or is the overexpanded one at risk?

Hope I was more clear this time,

Pete

yes.....

yes......

I have never had a problem......

occasionally I have noticed when you get a stubborn

fitting that just wants to fight you especailly when the

expanded ring wants to slip and slide up the pipe......


you have hold that ring in place and
re-expand that a munber of times just to get it
to play fair with you.....


its never been a problem

I think the secret is just setting that expansioin ring
lipping it just a hair over the inner pipe.....

it seems to clamp down on the inner lip batter that way.


coughing and wheezing 9 year old now wanting breakfast....

Just don't you get what he has!

Thanks for the help. I had a couple lines that I had to expand a bit more than the recommended "number" and I got a little paranoid.

All is well. Hope he feels better soon!

(You did say "he" right?)