Water leaks always tend to happen at the worst possible time; nobody's home, you're sleeping deeply, or maybe you're busy entertaining guests. Whatever the scenario, that phone call to the local plumber is going to put a hurting sensation on your wallet.
Or perhaps you're in the middle of a remodeling project. In days long gone, you had to contend with cutting PVC pipe and dealing with the messy primer and glue, you had to deal with leak-prone steel pipe, couplings, and “pipe dope” (Teflon tape or paste), or you had to go through the process of learning to sweat copper pipe with flux, solder, and a propane torch.
PEX tubing really made things easier for the homeowner do-it-yourselfer, especially in tight areas. But PEX tubing for residential plumbing is best suited for new construction or remodeling projects, not nocturnal repair work.
Enter Push-In Plumbing Fittings
These new fittings are almost too good to believe. They work on PEX, galvanized steel, copper, cpvc, and pvc. And they work the first time; no more tightening up irritating slow leaks. Simply measure, cut, stick, and go. There are several well-known manufacturers of reliable fittings. Each is a variation on the theme.
John Guest Speedfit is well known, as is Cuprofit, Elkhart, and Hepworth. Always follow the manufacturers' instructions. For example, some fittings require a twisting motion. It's important to mark the pipe to ensure that you push the pipe all the way into the fitting. Whichever type of pipe you use, be sure that after you cut it, remove all burrs and rough edges.
Another advantage is that many fittings can be uninstalled and even reused. Always inspect any o-rings and replace worn or degraded ones. When connecting PEX tubing, special liners are required since this is not rigid but a soft material.
Applications for Plumbing Fittings
Normal home plumbing isn't the only place where these fittings come in handy. They can also be used in recreational vehicles (RVs), and in marine environments, such as boats. In addition to simple pipe connectors, you can find push-in shut-off valves, elbows, end caps, and union tees.
Other applications are compressed air systems and fluid systems like home water filtration systems, reverse osmosis systems, ice makers, systems that use water softeners, and beverage dispensers.
To make a final point, always determine if you have to pull a permit for a project and be sure to reference your local building code. Some plumbing remodeling tasks require inspections and a license.
Kelly Smith - Kelly has over 30 years experience as a journeyman carpenter and 20 as a freelance writer and photographer.
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