Copper to PEX Question

[Dave]

I'm looking to add copper T's in a copper 3/4" water line in order to connect 1/2" PEX lines. Not having any luck. Am I looking for something that's not available?

[drewevans]

no its available, i used to use fittings in this manure all the time wheni was piping houses i have been doing comercial now for 6 years but i believe menards may carry the fittings or just about any plumbing material store. you can buy a sweat fitting that adapts to pex. good luck

[CAMAN]

Sweat one of these into the T-fitting...

[Dave]

Yup, I saw those at the Big M. Just wondering if they made a T without having to sweat another adapter The fewer joints sweated, the less nervous I am when turning the water on

[nobody05]

Well you could get a "Shark-Bite" tee or a "Qwik Tite" tee to elimate sweating. They make them that you could find at big M also. 3/4 to 1/2 comming out the "T". Shark Bites are push on fittings. Quick Tite are Compression fittings. I've used both in the plumbing industry.

[Dave]

I've read about the Sharkbites and have actually used similar connections 15 years ago at work but, never thought they'd be so commonplace in home water supply. I'll think about the cost to benefit ratio, too.

[Redlantern]

I think I'd use pex tubing before I used shark bite fittings. I'm not a fan of either but I have more faith in the pex holding up for a longer period of time.

[Dave]

Actually, I think I'll scratch the use of copper tubing(lot more expensive). I'm only talking about going from one room (where well pump is) over to the next room interior wall (wall is between kitchen and bath)

My thought is to run 3/4" PEX and just T-off down to 1/2" for bath sink, toilet, shower and kitchen sink.

All lines will be accessible. Any advice?

I'll ask my friends if anyone has a PEX crimping tool as well.

[WallEYES]

Dave

If your going to sweat a tee from the main 3/4 branch and go to 1/2 inch...they make a 3/4x3/4x1/2 tee also called a "bull head" tee...you might have to go to a plumbing whole sale place to get one...I think Roberts Hamilton is closest to you in Brooklyn Park....I have an account there....let me know if you want to go that route

[Eckie]

I just finished my basement and plumbed a bathroom -- I've used both PEX with the PEX crimper and Sharkbite. It's only been a year, but have had no issues with either, but will say the Sharkbit is much easier to work with -- it's stupid simple really -- and it works with both copper an Pex tubing.

[Dave]

Thanks, Walleye. Since it's all new, I think I'll go the all PEX route.

[Dave]

I hear ya, Eckie. Can't hardly screwed up shoving a tube into a connector Thanks for the firsthand testimony.

[Gordie]

Dave I just saw those at the true value store in Princeton today as I was looking for some copper fittings

[augernaut]

Sharkbites are the amateurs best friend!!!!

[delcecchi]

Sharkbites are the amateurs best friend!!!!

So those actually work, over the long term? I saw them and was skeptical. Last thing I needed was a leak 6 months from now.

[krinkle]

Sharkbites are the amateurs best friend!!!!

As a plumbing contractor I think shark bite fittings are great. They make us some good money. Besides replacing leaking shark bites nothing says I cant solder or un permitted plumbing to a inspector than some nice shark bites on a water line. Wait until you explain what caused the water damage to your insurance company and they start telling you things like not covered, get your plumbing system verified by a licensed contractor and since you have used fittings like that install a automatic water shut off system on your main to the tune of $1500 to $2000.

If using a shark bite is the extent of your plumbing skills you might want to hire a plumber to at least come in and sweat a couple of real tees in the line with pex adapters on them and maybe some shut off valves.

[Archerysniper]

Dave I just saw those at the true value store in Princeton today as I was looking for some copper fittings

elwood, let me know what you need for copper fittings and I can dig the out of my service van and bring them up next Friday.

[Thermos]

Push-Fit fittings are not allowed to be used on pex tubing as per the State of Minnesota Plumbing Code. They are only allowed to be used on copper to copper connections, contrary to what any manufacture's install specs may say.

[WallEYES]

Thermos

You are right, only on copper not on pex tubing...also if shark bite fittings are use, I believe they can not be concealed in a wall or ceiling?

[Gordie]

elwood, let me know what you need for copper fittings and I can dig the out of my service van and bring them up next Friday.

Thanks Arch but I got it. It was just a couple any way a couple of streed fitting and a coupling was a simple install and that part of the HONEY do list is done.

Thanks again for the offer

[Dave]

OK..another PEX question

The "clamps". There is the round band that needs an expensive crimper and then there's the stainless steel "bands" that get crimped on with a much less expensive crimper. I really don't want to purchase an expensive crimper for such little use. What's your vote?

[BoxMN]

FWIW, in our little duck shack in NoDak, we didn't have tools, and relied on the local hardware store (Cenex). They have the connections that are simple to "push on" that will connect PEX to PEX/copper/PVC... and they work awesome. You can even disconnect them VERY easily. They are expensive, but holy cow did they work great. Three years and not a leak, and easy for us to disconnection wtih NO tools for winter. Another option anyway, sorry I don't have the name of them, but somebody here will.

[Pat K]

The connectors that BoxMN is talking about are called "Shark Bites". Like he said they are expensive but easy to use and work well.

[CAMAN]

The connectors that BoxMN is talking about are called "Shark Bites". Like he said they are expensive but easy to use and work well.

But are not allowed to be hidden behind finished walls...

Dave, you should be able to rent the crimping tool.

[Dave]

At Home Depot, I did find a crimp fixture that uses you're own vise grip pliers to provide the clamping mechanism for $25. I may try that.

Any thoughts on using the stainless steel clamps instead of the solid rings?