wanting to run hydronic under my slate (not installed yet). Is the pex crimper found at home depot sufficient or do I have to spend more money for a better tool. The one at home depot has a 1/2 and 3/4″ head and crimps rings around pex. it costs $150.00. being that I will be installing it under tile I don’t want and leaks in the future.
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That's where I bought mine five or six years ago. It comes with instructions for adjusting it over time, and a gauge to check the crimps for tightness. I have never had to adjust mine, and have probably used it the equivalent of ten houses.
Edit: I test lines at 200 psi before use, and they then stay around 70. Isn't in-slab only about 15 psi? At that pressure you probably wouldn't get a leak out of a connection you forgot to crimp.
Edited 2/12/2008 3:33 pm ET by fingersandtoes
You should not have connectors in the field runs -- reduces flow and shortens max permitted length. Best practice is to have none at all except at the boiler manifold.
That said, the crimpers should work fine, if the joints are properly crimped.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA