Connect PEX-B Tubing — Gather Tools and Materials
Part of project
How to Cut and Crimp PEX Tubing Like a Pro · Step 1 of 6
In this video
Prepare to connect the PEX-B tubing. Use a PEX tubing cutter to make a clean, square cut on the tubing. Slide a PEX crimp ring, which has a helpful spacer, onto the end of the pipe. Push the pipe fully onto the valve's inlet fitting. Then, use a PEX crimping tool to compress the ring, creating a watertight seal.
Goal: Attach the PEX-B supply lines to the valve
- Use an autocut tool or a dedicated PEX cutter to ensure a perfectly square cut on the tubing.
- The crimp rings with spacers are awesome because they make the installation fast and easy.
Used in this video
- PEX Tubing Cutter (brand: Apollo, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Making clean, square cuts in PEX tubing.
- PEX Crimping Tool (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Compressing crimp rings to secure PEX fittings.
- Go/No-Go Gauge (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Verifying that the PEX crimp ring has been compressed to the correct diameter.
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FAQs
Why is using a go/no-go gauge so critical after crimping PEX, and what does it tell me?
The go/no-go gauge is essential for ensuring your crimp connection meets industry standards and is leak-proof. The 'go' side should fit over the crimp ring, and the 'no-go' side should not. This confirms your crimp is properly sized and secure, preventing costly leaks down the line.
What are the most common mistakes beginners make when crimping PEX tubing, and how can I avoid them?
Common mistakes include not cutting the tubing squarely, placing the crimp ring too far from the end of the tubing, or failing to use the go/no-go gauge. To avoid these, ensure clean, square cuts, position the crimp ring about 1/8 inch from the end of the tubing and over the barb, and always verify your crimp with the gauge.
The materials list both PEX-A and PEX-B tubing. Does the type of PEX tubing (A or B) affect how I use copper crimp rings?
While copper crimp rings primarily use barbed fittings that are compatible with PEX-B and PEX-C, they can also be used with PEX-A tubing. The crimping method itself remains the same for all PEX types when using barbed fittings and copper crimp rings, but PEX-A is also commonly used with expansion fittings.
How accurate is the 'beginner' difficulty rating for this project, and what's a realistic time estimate for a first-timer to get a good crimp?
The 'beginner' rating is accurate as the steps are straightforward once understood, but practice is key. For a first-timer, expect each connection to take 10-15 minutes initially as you get familiar with tool handling and positioning. With a few successful crimps, your speed and confidence will quickly increase.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Connect PEX-B Tubing — Gather Tools and Materials
Part of project
How to Cut and Crimp PEX Tubing Like a Pro · Step 1 of 6
In this video
Prepare to connect the PEX-B tubing. Use a PEX tubing cutter to make a clean, square cut on the tubing. Slide a PEX crimp ring, which has a helpful spacer, onto the end of the pipe. Push the pipe fully onto the valve's inlet fitting. Then, use a PEX crimping tool to compress the ring, creating a watertight seal.
Goal: Attach the PEX-B supply lines to the valve
- Use an autocut tool or a dedicated PEX cutter to ensure a perfectly square cut on the tubing.
- The crimp rings with spacers are awesome because they make the installation fast and easy.
Used in this video
- PEX Tubing Cutter (brand: Apollo, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Making clean, square cuts in PEX tubing.
- PEX Crimping Tool (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Compressing crimp rings to secure PEX fittings.
- Go/No-Go Gauge (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Verifying that the PEX crimp ring has been compressed to the correct diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is using a go/no-go gauge so critical after crimping PEX, and what does it tell me?
The go/no-go gauge is essential for ensuring your crimp connection meets industry standards and is leak-proof. The 'go' side should fit over the crimp ring, and the 'no-go' side should not. This confirms your crimp is properly sized and secure, preventing costly leaks down the line.
What are the most common mistakes beginners make when crimping PEX tubing, and how can I avoid them?
Common mistakes include not cutting the tubing squarely, placing the crimp ring too far from the end of the tubing, or failing to use the go/no-go gauge. To avoid these, ensure clean, square cuts, position the crimp ring about 1/8 inch from the end of the tubing and over the barb, and always verify your crimp with the gauge.
The materials list both PEX-A and PEX-B tubing. Does the type of PEX tubing (A or B) affect how I use copper crimp rings?
While copper crimp rings primarily use barbed fittings that are compatible with PEX-B and PEX-C, they can also be used with PEX-A tubing. The crimping method itself remains the same for all PEX types when using barbed fittings and copper crimp rings, but PEX-A is also commonly used with expansion fittings.
How accurate is the 'beginner' difficulty rating for this project, and what's a realistic time estimate for a first-timer to get a good crimp?
The 'beginner' rating is accurate as the steps are straightforward once understood, but practice is key. For a first-timer, expect each connection to take 10-15 minutes initially as you get familiar with tool handling and positioning. With a few successful crimps, your speed and confidence will quickly increase.
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