Any pex plumbers out there?
The house I just moved into has all wirsbo aqua pex with the wirsbo connectors (not the crimp type, the stretch type). Can I use compression fittings for other pex tubing with the wirsbo or do I need to find the special tools? I just need to add some supply lines and maybe move a water heater.
Ted
Replies
You could use the Wirsbro connectors with hose clamps but why not try to locate a Wisbro tool you could rent or borrow?
Check with a plumbing suppy house. Ours has a loaner tool for do it yerselfers.
Don't use a compression fitting on Pex (like a faucet shut off) with out the stainless steel insert provided by Wirsbo. They can and have blown off the Pex. I installed some compression shut offs (from the hardware store) several years ago on Pex and several months later one of them blew off. Not good. I now use Wirsbo myself and I like it alot for remodeling.
If you do Wirsbro heat pex you are not supossed to use the expander, they have special compression connectors for that. The connectors work on aqua pex also, they are expensive but a lot cheaper than buying special tools.
I have been using the expansion tool on he-pex and it is spec'd by Wisbro. Further, I have not found any place where Wisbro states that the expansion tool and collars are not supposed to be used on He-pex.
They do make a few different types. My supplier claims that the expander will destroy the oxygen barrior on the heat pex- I have not read that,just been told by my supplier.
me thinks he wants the higher sale.
I have talked with my supplier, but more knowledgable is the Wirsbro Book. It lists the expansion rings for the He-Pex.
I would recommend that you find another supplier because the one that gave you such BS advice is either dangerously ignorant of the product, or lying to you for their gain. In either case, they should know better and you should find a better place to spend your (customer's?) money.
Wirbso ProPEX and QS style fittings are suitable for most if not all hydronic systems, and are compatible with any make of PEX-A tubing (which is the most common barrier tubing type). The fittngs, if properly installed, do not "blow apart". The pressure/temperature ratings are limited by the tubing - 80 psi @200degF, 100 psi @180 degF & 160 psi @ 73.4 degF.
For the PEX-AL-PEX, different fittings are required. In the Wirsbo world, these are called MultiCor. Wirsbo also offers the Axial Press and SSC fittings ans well.