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Best PEX Fittings & Connections 2022 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

by Bab Taalib | Updated: April 10, 2022

Although the PEX pipes are flexible and require fewer fittings, but making a decision which fittings are suitable for your plumbing system is very tough.

You know the fittings have a wide range of variation. It’s often confusing which one should I buy for my next plumbing project and which product is most reliable.

Also, PEX connection does not require glue or solvent like PVC or other plastic pipe connection. They become connected by the mechanical union. So, perfect measurement is must for union.

There are numerous manufacturers and third parties, some of them are popular but the newer company also delivered good fittings.

Best PEX Fittings & Connections

Before going into details, here is our top recommendation for your plumbing system.

No.PEX FittingType
1SharkBite UC008LFA10 1/2″ Coupling PEX Barb FittingCrimp Fitting
2SharkBite UC362LFA10 1/2″ Tee PEX Barb FittingCrimp Fitting
3SharkBite UC248LFA10 1/2″ 90 Degree Elbow PEX Barb FittingCrimp Fitting
4SharkBite UC120LFA10 1/2″ Male PEX Barb FittingCrimp Fitting
5SharkBite UC072LFA10 1/2″ PEX Female Barb FittingCrimp Fitting
6SharkBite UC120LFA Barb Threaded Male AdapterCrimp Fitting
7SharkBite UC600LFA Female AdapterCrimp Fitting
8SharkBite UC334LFA PEX Brass Drop Ear ElbowCrimp Fitting
9SharkBite 23102CP25 Crimp RingCrimp Ring
10Supply Giant FQDS0034-100 PEX Tubing Crimp RingsCrimp Ring
11SUPPLY GIANT QYLU-DS34-70 Pinch Clamps Pex Cinch RingsCinch Ring
12Cambridge Pex Cinch Rings 1/2 InchCinch Ring
13SharkBite U008LFA Straight Coupling Pex FittingsPush-to-Connect
14SharkBite UC248LFA10 90 Degree Elbow PEX Barb FittingPush-to-Connect
15SharkBite U362LFA Tee Plumbing Pipe ConnectorPush-to-Connect
16SharkBite U514LFA End Cap 1/2 In, PEX FittingPush-to-Connect
17SharkBite U710A Disconnect ClipPush-to-Connect
18SharkBite U711 1/2 inch Disconnect TongsPush-to-Connect
19Uponor Q4690512, 1/2 Inch ProPEX Ring w/ StopExpansion
20Propex Expansion Coupling F1960, Pex AExpansion
21ProPEX Expansion F1960 TEE, PEX AExpansion
22PROPEX X 3/4″ FEMALE SWEAT PEX ADAPTER, EXPANSIONExpansion
23PROPEX X 1/2″ MALE NPT PEX EXPANSION F1960 ADAPTERExpansion
24PROPEX XFITTING STUB OUT ELBOW WITH NAIL FLANGEExpansion
25Delta Faucet RP63263 PEX Compression FittingCompression
26Viega 92560 PureFlow Zero Lead Bronze PEX Press ElbowPress
27Viega 86141 PureFlow PEX Press Supply AdapterPress
28PEX Repair Kit w/Cinch ClampsRepair Kit

PEX Fittings & Connections Reviews

In this section, I will guide everything about PEX fittings; types, materials, connection methods, and compatibility.

The connection method varies from fittings to fittings and they are arranged into 5 categories

1. Crimp Fittings

Crimp fittings are the most popular and standard variation in the PEX plumbing system.

They are available in most of the online store and home improvement supply houses.

Typically they are available in two forms:

  • Brass (ASTM F1807 standard)
  • Poly alloy (ASTM F2159 standard)

Both of them are compatible with any PEX tubing (type A, B, C) and brands.

Method of Connection

  • Crimp method: To connect a PEX pipe with a fitting, this method requires a crimp tool and copper crimp rings.
  • Cinch (Clamp) Method: It requires a cinch tool and stainless clamps.

2. Push-to-Connect Fittings

Push fitting is a special connector which locks two pipes together. They don’t require any tools, glue or other mechanic means to connect.

They can connect any PEX-A,B,C pipes, CPVC or copper pipes but can’t be used with PEX-AL-PEX, PolyButylene or PVC pipes.

Also, their disconnection is easy, just require a disconnect clip to remove the pipe from fittings.

Best PEX Push-to-Connect Fittings

SharkBite Straight Coupling
SharkBite Push-to-Connect Straight Fittings

For making a connection between two pipes, the SharkBite straight coupling is the best.

This brass fittings are available in multiple sizes and compatible with PEX, CPVC, HDPE, PE-RT, copper, and CTS pipe. Also, you can make a connection between a combination of pipes.

It is made of lead-free DZR brass and can handle 200 psi at 200 degrees F.

SharkBite Tee Connector
SharkBite Tee Push-to-Connect Fitting

Like straight coupling, the SharkBite Tee Push-to-Connect fitting is for connecting 3 ends together.

It is also available in multi-size and requires no crimping, soldering, or glue. Just push the pipe inside to fit.

Lead-free DZR brass body can handle 200psi at 200 degrees and also resistant to corrosion.

SharkBite 90-Degree Elbow
SharkBite Push-TO-Connect Elbow

SharkBite 90-degree push-to-connect elbow is made of lead-free brass for PEX, CPVC, HDPE, PE-RT, copper, and CTS pipe. You can also connect them in any combination of above.

Like other push fittings, they don’t require soldering, crimping, glue or other mechanical means.

Easy installation, just push the pipe into it to make a connection.

SharkBite End Cap
SharkBite Push-to-Connect End Cap

Many times we require end capping off pipes or fittings. The SharkBite end cap is great for that purpose.

The end cap is lead-free DZR brass and suitable for PEX, CPVC, copper, HDPE, or PE-RT pipe. It is available in multiple sizes such as 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch.

The pressure rating is 200 PSI at 200 degrees Fahrenheit and can be reused up to 4 times.

SharkBite Disconnect Clip
SharkBite Push To Connect Fitting Removal Tool

If you make connection mistakenly or you need to disconnect a push fitting, SharkBite disconnect clip is for you.

Easy to use, requires no crimping, special tools, or soldering.

Just place the clip with the non-branded face against the release collar. Then push it against the collar and pull the pipe by twisting.

SharkBite Disconnect Tongs
SharkBite PEX Disconnect Tongs

The SharkBite disconnect tongs are same as disconnect clip.

It is available in multiple sizes. Easy to use and very fast acting tool to remove universal brass push-to-connect fitting from the pipe.

To remove, place the tongs around the fitting. Now squeeze & hold the tongs and remove the pipe.

3. Expansion Fittings

Here is some of the best PEX expansion fittings…

  • Uponor Q4690512, 1/2 Inch ProPEX Ring w/ Stop
  • Propex Expansion Coupling F1960, Pex A
  • ProPEX Expansion F1960 TEE, PEX A
  • PROPEX X 3/4″ FEMALE SWEAT PEX ADAPTER, EXPANSION
  • PROPEX X 1/2″ MALE NPT PEX EXPANSION F1960 ADAPTER
  • PROPEX XFITTING STUB OUT ELBOW WITH NAIL FLANGE

4. Compression Fittings

Here is the best PEX compression fitting…

  • Delta Faucet RP63263 PEX Compression Fitting

5. Press Fittings

Here is the best PEX press fittings…

  • Viega 92560 PureFlow Zero Lead Bronze PEX Press Elbow
  • Viega 86141 PureFlow PEX Press Supply Adapter

Repair Kits

We sometimes face leaking problem in our PEX connection. The repair kits are best to repair any leakage or damage to the PEX pipe.

Watts Radiant PEX Repair Kit with Cinch Clamps

Best PEX repair kit by Watts Radiant

Brand: Watts Radiant
Material: Brass, Stainless Steel
Size: 1/2″
Max. Pressure: 160 psi
Temp. Range: 32 to 73 Degrees F

This repair kit is from Watts Radiant, it is popular for radiant floor heating and snow melting both in America and in Europe.

The kit includes a coupling adapter and two cinch clamps. So, you can easily repair any pex pipe leakage by yourself without calling plumber.

How we repair leakage:

  • Cut the two edge of the damaged part.
  • Slide the fitting into one cut pipe
  • Put the clamp over the cut edge
  • Use a crimp tool to squeeze the clamp down
  • Now do the same on the other end of the fitting with another cut end of the pipe.

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  • 5 Best PEX Crimp Rings 2022 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
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Avatar for Bab Taalib

About Bab Taalib

Bab Taalib is 26 years old mechanical engineer and blogger. He is living in Montreal, Quebec. Currently he is doing Master in Manufacturing Management. Learn more about him.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for rohitpatelrohitpatel says

    January 20, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Thanks for sharing the information about Insulating water pipes with pipe wrap or spray-on pipe insulation Push-to-Connect Fittings very nice information.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Bab TaalibBab Taalib says

      September 3, 2020 at 4:25 am

      Hello Rohit,
      We’re happy to hear that it’s helped.

      Reply

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