Whether you’ve moved to a new home or renovated the one you’re currently residing in, you’ve probably decided on replacing copper pipes with PEX.
Why? Because PEX comes with plenty of advantages that give people peace of mind regardless of the project they work on!
You don’t have to worry about dealing with rusted pipes, water leaks, and the expenditure of a replacement pipe every few months.
Moreover, you can save on utility bills! These are some of the reasons why PEX is widely used in plumbing and architectural purposes.
Now, if you’re thinking about connecting PEX tubing to every faucet in the house, you’re in the right place! Read on our guide to learn how to connect PEX tubing to the faucet.
Let’s begin!
Why PEX Instead Of Copper?
Despite being cheaper than copper pipes, PEX pipes are easy to install and offer more effectiveness.
Unlike copper, PEX doesn’t corrode over time or when it comes into contact with corrosive water, causing leaks. This makes PEX last longer than copper, which needs to be replaced every few months.
Apart from that, PEX is also flexible, which is why it can withstand freezing temperatures in cold environments.
Note: Here are our complete guidelines about the difference between PEX and Copper piping systems
Tools That You Need To Connect PEX Tubing
Wait before you pull out the toolbox! PEX pipes don’t work in harmony with regular tools. Since these pipes are of a special kind, they do need to be treated as special.
What we mean here is that they need some special tools for installation. Here’s a list of the tools and materials you need to get started.
PEX Pipe
PEX pipes are available in three different colors– red, blue, and white. There’s no difference in functionalities between these pipes, except that you can use them to differentiate hot or cold water distribution lines.
For example, you can install a red-colored PEX pipe as an indicator for hot water, a blue pipe for cold water, and a white pipe for both. It’s not mandatory to get pipes of all three colors, but it all depends on your personal preference.
PEX Cutter Tool
You can’t use a pair of scissors or a hacksaw for cutting a PEX pipe, because doing so won’t yield you perfect results!
A PEX cutter tool lets you cut a PEX pipe smoothly so that you can easily connect it to a fitting. It has a sharp stainless steel blade on the top jaw and an empty, C-shaped bottom jaw.
When you place the pipe in between the jaws and squeeze the handles, the blade will cut it uniformly.
PEX Crimping Tool
A PEX crimping tool is another item you must add to your toolbox. It is essentially used for securing the joint formed by the PEX pipe and the fitting.
The jaws of the tool have a circle-shaped design for accommodating the diameter of a copper crimp ring. Some are even interchangeable for accommodating different diameters.
When you clasp the jaws over the crimp ring and squeeze the handles, the tool will secure the crimp ring into place.
You may also like – 7 Best PEX Crimp Rings in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Copper Crimp Rings
Copper crimp rings are used for keeping the joint formed by the PEX pipe and the fitting in place, hence preventing leaks. A PEX crimping tool is needed to seal the ring.
Also Read: Differences Between PEX Crimp or PEX Clamp
Measuring Tape
How long do you want your PEX pipe to be? To ensure you cut the pipe to the exact length needed for connecting it to a faucet, you will need to take its measurement.
Black Marker
With just the eyes, it can be difficult to pinpoint the area of the pipe you want to cut. As a result, there’ll be inconsistencies. So, a black marker is required for marking the area.
Adjustable Wrench
Twisting nuts by hand require a lot of effort and if the effort is not enough, it can lead to a loose connection. Therefore, a wrench that can adjust to various diameters is required for the installation of PEX pipes.
How To Connect PEX Tubing To Faucet: Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Measure And Mark The PEX Pipe
With the measuring tape, measure the distance between the water supply valve and the faucet. Unroll the PEX pipe bundle and use the measuring tape to measure the length needed. Make sure to mark the exact length using a black marker.
Step 2: Cut The PEX Pipe
Take the PEX cutter tool and insert the marked area of the pipe in between the jaws. Make sure it is positioned straight, or otherwise it will lead to a loose connection. Apply pressure on the handles to cut the pipe.
Step 3: Insert The Faucet Fitting
Once you’ve cut the pipe, slide a copper crimp ring over the tube. Position it at a quarter inch from the end of the tube and then insert the faucet fitting into the tube. Make sure the thread of the fitting is located underneath the crimp ring.
Step 4: Secure The Faucet Fitting
Take the crimp tool and place it over the diameter of the copper crimp ring. Squeeze the handles to secure the crimp ring into place. Make sure the crimp ring is compressed enough to prevent leaks.
Step 5: Connect The PEX Pipe To The Faucet
Insert the faucet stem into the fitting and then tighten the nut as far as you can with your hand.
When you’ve done it, take the wrench and give it a few turns for a complete seal. Make sure not to tighten too much because the nut or other materials might get damaged.
Step 6 and The Final Step: Check For Leaks
Turn on the water supply valve as well as the faucet to check for any leaks. If you find any leaks, it is likely the nut or the fitting aren’t tightened enough. In that case, you’ll need to tighten them.
Final Word
If you’re used to working with copper pipes, it’s high time you forget about them. Not only because everyone is switching to PEX pipes, but also considering the benefits you’ll be able to enjoy.
And that includes getting a peaceful sleep every night, knowing that the installed PEX pipes won’t give you trouble!
Hopefully, this guide was able to help you learn how to connect PEX to the faucet.
If you have the PEX tubing and all the required items ready, just follow the steps and you’ll be good to go!
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Hey! I’m Leanda Bailey. I’m here to explain every plumbing installation and repair you may have in your kitchen or bathroom. Also, I’ll try to find you the best products on the market for your plumbing work.
