I need to do a small re plumb of a few appliances but haven't had to deal with Pex directly myself so don't have the tools yet. --74.130.xxx.xxx

Have fun! : ) --68.229.xxx.xxx

I am a California Licensed Plumbing Contractor and shy away from Pex and other "plastic" type piping. Why? Because before Pex there was Polyvinyl Chloride and others that either oxidized, failed and leaked -- or were found to be highly toxic to humans.. Not to say that PEX doesn't work or do it's job. But to open up a wall and simply put is PEX never made sense. Rats and other critters could take one bite and then you've got problems. A nail though the drywall could easily kill any Pex product. I use copper and I'm sticking with it. Done right, copper can last 60 years. --47.155.xx.xxx

Robert J is right as far as copper being the best option as it is also more rigid where you need that in some places. It is also proven to last for decades. However, it is time consuming and you need to know how to sweat copper and do it safely, especially in tight places. --73.120.xx.xxx

Shark bites-- have inserts for pipes -- people yank um out. Then they leave a gap as wide as the panama camel between the shark bite fitting and the pipe so it's barely biting into the line. --99.103.xxx.xxx

There are two types of pex which are A type and B type where the A type can be used in commercial applications along with there is restriction in the fittings where a 1/2" and 3/4" there the diameter is close to pex where more water flows. A type Uponor it is possible to install a pex sprinkler system where it is a easy install. A type pex is superior to B type pex where the big box stores only sell B type. The main cost is a special tool is the expansion tool which is around $400 upfront where the pex is expanded then a fitting is installed. A type pex is mainly sold at plumbing supply operations. A type pex bends more easily where fewer fittings are required. So before deciding view some videos on You Tube about A type and B type pex then see how the installation of a sprinkler system, plumbing supply and radiant floor heating works. A type pex installation is faster along less to go wrong. Fewer fittings less labour and less cost of fittings. Easy to bend where no fittings are required. Uponor will usually have representive who can explain the process. Uponor has a website where can see the special expansion tool when download a catalogue. --99.236.xxx.xxx

I've been using Propress a lot. I like it and you can get a generic crimp/press tool on amazon. But again, pex is fine, just not really rigid. So use strapping clamps, if its going to hold something up, like a valve, etc. --209.6.xxx.xx

As for parts, people here mean push on fittings when they say sharkbite. Not an ideal long term product. Upanor and the mechanically fastened plastic rings are at the top of the list. In the box store you will find crimp rings (oteker) which I like and have used and wedding ring style press rings. Then you may come across plastic fittings and metal fittings. Plastic are fine and won't interact w water the way metal might. Also know that Upanor fittings are not interchangeable w the other type. --24.194.xxx.xxx

Done hundreds if not thousands of crimp styles connections on pex.... zero leaks. Ill never do copper, cpvc, etc --76.77.xxx.xxx

I will look into using the copper ring crimps. The areas I need to rework are all out in the open and easy to get to and see in case of a leak. --74.130.xxx.xxx

A stronger argument for inner city landlords: PEX has no value at the scrap yard. You will not have any junkies stealing your PEX pipes. --69.80.xx.xxx

Especially if you have had water supply lines freeze before --24.101.xxx.xxx