Tips For Using Push Fitting With Your PEX Pipes
If you need to repipe an area of your home with new supply lines, then you may want to think about using a versatile material like PEX. PEX is a high-density polyethylene material that can be connected with the use of push fittings. These fittings are easy to use since they can be simply pushed onto the PEX. If you are interested in using the fittings, then keep reading to learn about some tips to follow.
Prepare Your Pipes
Before using your push fittings, you want to prepare your PEX pipe ends properly. Cutting them evenly is the first step and using a cutting tool is wise. While you can use a cutter that rotates around the pipe, a device that makes one clean cut, like a pair of handle-gripped cutters is a better option. Make sure the pipe is inserted completely into the opening of the cutters and make once strong and clean cut.
Look at the edge of the pipe to see if there are any burrs or rough edges. Use a piece of sandpaper to remove the uneven areas gently.
You should do a bit of measuring at this point if you are cutting another piece of pipe. You will need a bit of extra material to push the connector over the pipe. About one-quarter inch on either end is ideal. Make sure to work this added length into your measurements.
You also should make sure that you have the correct PEX fitting for the type of pipes that you have installed. The size of the pipe and the thickness of the pipe itself will determine the type of fitting you need.
Press The Fitting Firmly
Each push fitting has a piece of plastic on the inside to make sure that the PEX pipe can be inserted to the correct depth. This is called a stopper, and you will need to force the pipe into the fitting until it hits this stopper. Grip the pipe in one hand and the fitting in the other and use strong force to push them together. You will feel some pressure and hear a slight click once the fitting is secured.
If you are having trouble pushing the fitting into place with the use of your hands, you can tighten a plumbing wrench onto the fitting to give you a bit more strength and force.
Keep in mind that you can also remove the push fitting, and you will need a special removal tool that looks like a small U. Pressing the tool against the plastic liner part the sticks out from the edge of the push fitting is how you release the fitting.
If you want to know more about push fitting and how they can be used to connect PEX pipes, speak with your local plumbing contractors.