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idenphones · 02-09-2011, 05:52 PM

While tracing out a water leak that looked like it was the water heater (Oh Joy) I discovered that the leak was coming from an almost impossible to get at 1/2 elbow PEX connector on the back of the water heater.

I really did not want to pull the water heater due to paint issues so a trip to Lowes or Home Depot was in order.

I have a complete set of PEX tools only 1300 miles away so my thought was to rent borrow or maybe "Aquire" a crimper to do the job.

While looking thru the parts bins at Lowes I found some really cool water pipe fixing fittings that can be used with virtually no tools.

These fittings are now a part of my emergency repair kit as they can be used on plastic or copper. The only requirement is to cut the line off square and then assemble the fitting hand tight.

Check them out on your next trip to the "Guys Store" as the DW calls both of them.

The fittings are about $5.00 each but the crimping tool was almost $100.00

mahon1993 · 02-09-2011, 06:02 PM

I have used that style fittings. They work great.
Greg

Jimmyzw22 · 02-09-2011, 06:11 PM

Yes they are called sharkbite fittings. They work great. I plumbed my entire new home with pex and used the old copper crimp rings which are great but in a situation like you have the sharkbite fittings are awesome.

two-niner · 02-10-2011, 08:00 PM

That same leak caused me to change all connectors from abs/pvc to brass.

I would humbly suggest you add support to that mess of PEX between the street inlet and your water heater. The 2" heat sink from the abs connect is next to useless and the PEX needs "tied up" so there is no weight on any plastic fitting.

Just reach in and if you can move the PEX around, further trouble may be lurking.

Just saying.....

Kerry

idenphones · 02-11-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-niner

That same leak caused me to change all connectors from abs/pvc to brass.

I would humbly suggest you add support to that mess of PEX between the street inlet and your water heater. The 2" heat sink from the abs connect is next to useless and the PEX needs "tied up" so there is no weight on any plastic fitting.

Just reach in and if you can move the PEX around, further trouble may be lurking.

Just saying.....

Kerry

Kerry, you are 110% right

Thanks for the reminder but I already added some support using my old standby, the copper plated holy or is that holey metal on a roll?