Best fittings for water heater bypass valves?
On winterizing, I noticed the cold water valve (part of the three valve array for bypassing the WH) was leaking around the crimp clamp. Since I always use a breakage as a way to upgrade to something far better, what would be some very good valves to replace the three plastic ones with?
If I could afford it, I'd go with ProPEX expander valves and fittings, but the tool for that is a bit out of my price range. Instead, I'm thinking of Flair-It fittings, and if they have check valves, going with a single ball valve, and two check valves to make bypassing doable with a single turn. If check valves are not available, I'll just go with the standard two tee valves and one valve for the bypass line.
Sharkbites are decent, and they seem to have a decent rep in some instances... but the fact that one O-ring is what separates you from a major disaster gets me leery, and the Flair-Its squeeze against the PEX itself.
Any other recommendations? My goal is to get this job done right so I never have to worry about it again.
If I could afford it, I'd go with ProPEX expander valves and fittings, but the tool for that is a bit out of my price range. Instead, I'm thinking of Flair-It fittings, and if they have check valves, going with a single ball valve, and two check valves to make bypassing doable with a single turn. If check valves are not available, I'll just go with the standard two tee valves and one valve for the bypass line.
Sharkbites are decent, and they seem to have a decent rep in some instances... but the fact that one O-ring is what separates you from a major disaster gets me leery, and the Flair-Its squeeze against the PEX itself.
Any other recommendations? My goal is to get this job done right so I never have to worry about it again.
