What is the Difference Between PEX Expansion and PEX Crimping?
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is currently one of the most commonly used types of pipe in the plumbing industry: nearly 60% of new home construction uses PEX piping. It's cheaper, easier to install, and exceptionally durable compared to other pipes, such as copper. There are different methods of installing PEX pipes to fittings, but PEX expansion and PEX crimping are the most prominent ones.
Both of these methods are pretty reliable but differ in their applications. This blog post focuses on the differences between PEX expansion and PEX crimping.
What is PEX Expansion?
PEX expansion is a method used to join PEX A tubing and expansion-style fitting (often made of brass or stainless steel) to create pipe connections in a plumbing system. PEX A tubing is more elastic, making it the ideal pipe for use with the expansion method.
This method uses a unique tool called PEX expansion tool like the iCrimp IWS-1960D-12 PEX Expansion Tool. It's used to expand the PEX A pipe to allow the fitting to be inserted before the tubing contracts to its original size, creating a secure and tight pipe connection.
What are the Pros of PEX Expansion?
1. Ease of installation
The PEX expansion method is a pretty straightforward process. It only requires an expansion tool, fittings, and sleeves. Using the tool itself is pretty easy. Above all, PEX A tubing is quite flexible, allowing an easy installation even in tight spaces.
2. Reliability
With a proper PEX expansion tool, you can create secure and leak-free pipe connections within a short time.
3. Durability
PEX expansion connection joints are durable and can last up to 50 years. Also, they can withstand extreme temperatures and are more resistant to burst pressure (up to 500PSI in extreme cold).
What are the Cons of PEX Expansion?
1. Cost
A PEX expansion tool's initial cost may be higher than a PEX crimping tool. However, it's much of a concern if you get a quality tool since it's a one-time investment.
2. Compatibility
The PEX expansion method only works with PEX A tubing.
Read more: Should I Convert Your Copper Pipes to PEX?
What is PEX Crimping?
PEX crimping is another connection method to create joints between PEX tubing and fitting. This method also requires a unique tool called a PEX crimping tool like the iCrimp IWS-1234PS PEX Crimping Tool. Crimping is one of the effective and simplest PEX pipe connection methods for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Above all, it can be used with all types of PEX tubing, thus making it a versatile option for plumbing installations.
Briefly, the crimping process entails using a PEX crimping tool to compress crimp rings around a PEX pipe to create a tight and leak-free connection.
What are the Pros of PEX Crimping?
1. Ease of installation
Crimping is one of the easiest ways to create PEX pipe connections. Also, using the tool is pretty easy and takes less time.
2. Reliability
Over the years, the crimping method has been used in the plumbing industry; it has proven to create durable, corrosion-resistant, and leak-free connections.
3. Versatility
Unlike PEX expansion, crimping works with all types of PEX tubing (A, B & C). Also, one crimping tool is sufficient for different PEX pipe sizes: some crimping tools have interchangeable jaws for different pipe sizes.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Crimping tools often tend to cost less compared to PEX expansion tools
5. Suitable for tight spaces
Making crimp connections, even in tight spaces, is pretty easy.
What are the Cons of PEX Crimping?
1. Risk of over-crimping or under-crimping
If the crimping tool is used incorrectly or poorly calibrated, you risk under-crimping or over-crimping, which could lead to poor connections. However, you can always invest in proper and quality crimping tools.
Conclusion
These two methods may have some differences, but they're not significant. PEX crimping and PEX expansion are pretty reliable methods when making pipe connections. Also, both offer easy installation and are cost-effective compared to methods such as soldering.
If you're looking for quality and affordable PEX tools for your next plumbing project, iCrimp has all you need. There are a variety of PEX crimp tools and PEX expansion tools for pipes of different sizes. Our tools are enhanced with operational mechanisms to make your installation job easier and more efficient.
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