pex A conection to hose sillcock

[Acordeon]

I want to replace a busted copper pipe feeding a hose bib with pex A feeding a new freeze-resistant sillcock. Goal is better freeze resistance in the whole line. The problem is that none of my local stores carry sillcocks with a pex A (expansion-type) fitting on the end, only ones made for pex B (like this one). I'm trying to get this done ASAP, and don't want to wait for mail ordering a sillcock.

If I don't do that, what's the lesser of these evils?

a) switch to pex B (even though it's less resistant to freeze damage, and I already have a length of pex A I was gonna use)

b) use a threaded sillcock (something like this) and thread on a pex A adapter (like this one).

c) use a sillcock with a sharkbite fitting (like this one)

Or is there some other solution I'm not thinking of?

Note that I do not solder and don't intend to learn, so if I went with (b) I would just thread it on real tight with teflon tape and hope for the best. I'm guessing that if I did that it would be the most likely point of failure, but maybe it's OK?

Thanks all!

 

[Reach4]

You can use non-expansion fittings with PEX A. But then use a clamp or crimp as you would with PEX B. That takes a tool and stuff.

Alternatively, you could use a small worm gear radiator clamp. Not what the intention is, but I think it would probably work. Probably.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Acordeon]

You can use non-expansion fittings with PEX A. But then use a clamp or crimp as you would with PEX B. That takes a tool and stuff.

Alternatively, you could use a small worm gear radiator clamp. Not what the intention is, but I think it would probably work. Probably.

Ah, didn't realize you could crimp pex A! I assume you think that would be more secure than using the threaded adapter.

I rented an expansion tool but don't have a crimper, so it would be a bit of a bummer. But want to do it right.

 

[Eman85]

All of my frost proof sillcocks have threaded on fittings to PEX. In my case I use PEX B with either crimp or cinch rings. No problems with any, I use tape and pipe dope.

 

[Reach4]

Ah, didn't realize you could crimp pex A! I assume you think that would be more secure than using the threaded adapter.

I think it could be easier, and avoid a leak. But I agree that with dope and tape and torque, the threaded adapter should be leak-free too.

 

[Acordeon]

All of my frost proof sillcocks have threaded on fittings to PEX. In my case I use PEX B with either crimp or cinch rings. No problems with any, I use tape and pipe dope.

Ah, great. Can I ask how long you've had those installed?

I didn't know it was a thing to use both dope AND tape. I assume you apply tape first, then dope?

 

[Weekend Handyman]

I am not a plumber.

A few thoughts.

Not all manufacturers allow Pex A to be crimped. If you decide to go that route, check the technical data to verify yours does.

I would not use anything the manufacturer does not explicitly OK (i.e. no radiator clamps).

Threaded connections are widely used and reliable, if done correctly. I would not be scared of them. The topic of what folks use for threaded connections, is subject of some debate. Personally, I use tape and dope and have had good luck.

 

[Eman85]

Ah, great. Can I ask how long you've had those installed?

I didn't know it was a thing to use both dope AND tape. I assume you apply tape first, then dope?

Mine have been on about 2 years with no problems. I use tape and then a light coat of dope. I'm not a professional plumber but I've done a fair amount and my trade was auto tech, now retired.

 

[Reach4]

https://www.pexuniverse.com/types-of-pex-fittings gives a viewpoint.