What is the difference between a PEX press and a PEX crimp?

What is the difference between a PEX press and a PEX crimp?
PEX Press vs. Crimp Fittings: Key Differences Explained Deciding Between Methods for Joining PEX Tubing

Introduction to PEX Pipe

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has rapidly gained popularity in recent years as the preferred tubing for water distribution in residential and commercial buildings. This flexible plastic piping is durable, corrosion-resistant, and cheaper compared to copper pipes. Installers join sections of PEX pipe together using plastic, copper alloy, or stainless steel fittings that are either pressed, clamped, or crimped. The two most common PEX fitting methods are press and crimp due to their ease, reliability, and affordability.IFAN factory with 30+ years of manufacturing experience supports color/size customization and free samples. Welcome to consult for catalog and free samples. This is our Facebook Website: www.facebook.com.

Press vs. Crimp Fittings – How They Seal

  • The primary difference between PEX press vs. crimp fittings relates to the fastening method used to compress gaskets inside and seal against the tubing wall. PEX press fittings use direct inward force while crimps employ encircling bands tightened to squeeze gaskets.

Press Fitting Connection Method

PEX press fittings involve cut tubing inserted into a specially formed socket equipped with one or more o-ring gaskets. Applying manual or hydraulic pressure indentations permanently deforms the pipe wall against the gasket(s) to create a leak-free seal good for the system’s lifetime. This cold-joining process needs no heat input or curing time to confidently withstand municipal water pressures immediately after pressing connections to completion.

Crimp Fitting Connection Method

In contrast, PEX crimp fittings get fastened in place using stainless steel bands tightened down around the outside of the inserted tubing. Installers manually or hydraulically apply pressure to clamp these bands at precise depths over ring-shaped raised gaskets within the end socket cavities of the fittings. The resulting compression squashes the PEX wall against the gasket, with the metal band maintaining constant clamping force afterward to prevent leaks or separations.

Press vs. Crimp: Installation Factors

PEX press and crimp fittings differ significantly regarding tools, skills, and procedures needed to make sound connections every time. These factors become most relevant for do-it-yourself homeowners compared to professional plumbers with specialized capabilities.

Tools and Equipment Needed

High-quality tools prove essential for both methods, but the PEX press requires only simple, affordable pressing pliers to connect fittings securely. PEX crimp systems demand more complex, costly, and calibration-sensitive hydraulic or pneumatic crimping units to properly compress specialty stainless bands enough for leak protection without damaging fittings.

Operator Skill Level

With basic hand pressing tools, PEX press fitting connections remain simple enough for ordinary DIYers to consistently install well with minimal practice. Crimp tools have more complex pressure adjustment controls and band alignment procedures so technicians require proper training to adequately fasten bands without faulting seals or hardware. Correct crimp technique proves critical, whereas straightforward force application activates press fitting seals reliably.

Installation Speed

The convenience of quickly pressing numerous connections with compact, easy-to-maneuver hand tools gives PEX press fittings a speed advantage for system installations. Crimp tools concentrate extreme pressure but involve repeatedly changing out band rings and following meticulous joint preparation protocols that tend to limit full work pace potential.

Space Accessibility

The compact nature of PEX press ends enables their installation in tighter spaces where swinging larger crimp tools proves difficult. Press tools can seal fittings within just inches of walls or obstructions since only hand space for leverage access allows the indentation process. Full diameter clearance around the joint becomes necessary when crimp bands get tightened to surround and seal piping in place.

Applications

PEX press and crimp both suit hydronic radiant heat tubing along with hot and cold potable water distribution piping applications. Press tends to serve simpler residential renovation or addition jobs while professional plumbers handling large commercial builds opt for crimped connections believed to manage heavy use with long service lives.

System Joint Integrity Comparison

PEX crimp fittings often get rated as having slightly better seals less prone to leakage over decades than PEX press. The full encircling crimp band when applied properly under extreme pressure may deform tubing and gaskets for an indefinite lifespan. Press fittings rely on precision insertion and o-ring compression which has more room for human error influence on achieving ideal sealing pressure.

Potential for Failure

No joining method avoids potential failure risks as systems age, gel gaskets deteriorate, or exposure to pressures/temperatures outside equipment ratings occurs. In theory, a perfectly crimped metal band makes disturbing or separating the joint nearly impossible. However, only direct long-term comparative testing could determine if equal crimp and press samples demonstrate better survivability.

Inspection Accessibility

While permanent seals, PEX press fittings allow non-destructive leak inspection at joints using a narrow borescope probe with a built-in flashlight and viewing lens. This offers a way to visually inspect for potential o-ring defects, pipe wall dimpling, moisture, and other warning signs of issues without needing to cut open wall cavities. PEX crimp joints include no such inspection provision beyond checking external crimp band integrity

Repairability

PEX press fittings can get cut apart with some effort using tubing cutters to access and replace damaged ends or connection midsections. This allows pressed system repairs without a full replacement. Permanent crimp band connections were never designed for nondestructive disassembly, so damaged areas typically require abandoning entire fitting-to-fitting segments and rerouting new pipe runs.

Conclusion

In summary, both PEX press and crimp fitting systems make a legitimate means of sealing pipe junctions quickly, affordably, and enduringly leak-free. Connecting PEX with presses demands minimal skill using affordable compact tools suiting DIYers for renovations or additions. Crimping gives professionals and serious hobbyists a meticulous compression method where leak risks prove extremely low. Either works great in the right hands. For most homeowners already comfortable using PEX, choosing user-friendly press inserts with an inexpensive hand-pressing tool should sufficiently address project needs from repairs to whole-house repiping jobs. But the sheer strength of expert-grade crimp compression fits critical locations for whole buildings requiring assurance. Consider usage, budget, and skill levels when deciding between systems to determine the ideal choice.

IFAN

IFAN factory started in 1993. And IFAN has a workshop of 120000 square meters with 610 staff. IFAN can design and produce all plumbing pipe and fitting including PPR, PVC, CPVC PPSU HDPE PEXA PEXB PERT pipe and fitting, brass fitting, brass ball valve, heating system, gas system, sanitary faucets, and hose, In the past 30 years, IFAN has never forgotten his mission-To protect health and safety. And IFAN factory uses the best materials to produce high-quality pipe and fittings with an automatic production line and high-tech quality control machines. 

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