Forum Discussion

ctilsie242's avatar
ctilsie242
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2017

Best PEX fitting system?

I know what the first thing people say when it comes to PEX fittings, and that's Sharkbite/Gatorbite/etc. However, with those, there is only a single O-ring that can easily get nicked if one isn't careful inserting the tubing, and the O-ring will get eaten away over time by chlorine. Either way, you have a leak.

Crimp fittings are commonly used by RV makers, but twist the lines slightly, and they start to leak.

So far, the best I've found is Uponor's ProPex expanding fittings, which only work with their PEX-A pipe, and their expansion tool is not cheap.

Second best appears to be Flair-It fittings which assemble and disassemble by hand, and because they squeeze the PEX tubing on all sides, it does a good job.

What would one recommend for RV plumbing?
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2017
    I've never used it but, the Uponor system appears to be a good option. If I did a lot of plumbing I would buy one.

    For limited use, SharkBite works great. I've had them on the heating and water system in our S&B almost 12 years, no leaks or problems. I removed and reinstalled a few of them, no nicks, no leaks and no failures.
    Use the depth gauge/deburring tool to chamfer the edge before installing the SharkBite fitting. You won't have any problems.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Sep 13, 2017
    I have Watts/Sea Tech fittings (similar to SharkBite) that have been in place for over ten years with no failures to date.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2017
    You are correct the gun isn't cheap but uponor is the system that is used in home building. After getting stupid high price quotes my son bought the gun and we did it all ourselves. Sharkbite is easy and great for limited use. I always slightly chamfer the edge of the pex for no sharp edges
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 13, 2017
    Personally, I like the Flare-it fittings. They were on our last TT and on the new one as well. They are very easy to work on and can be reused over and over. I use a heat gun to slide the Pex over the barbs.
    I've never seen one fail.

    I don't see why stainless steel or copper clamps wouldn't work well either but they should NOT be aluminum - which will stretch.
  • RVhiker's avatar
    RVhiker
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2017
    Stainless steel crimp rings have never let me down. The rings are fairly cheap, and I think my crimping tool cost about $45.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Sep 13, 2017
    I have the crimp tool and bands and that is what I use. Tubing twist is more from not maintaining a steady firm grip on the tool when securing the bands more than anything else.
    My in floor PEX hydronic heat system uses compression fittings with double 'o' rings. It's a Califfi (Italian Made system).
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Sep 13, 2017
    I carry a selection of Flair-It fittings for emergencies. I have both 3/8" and 1/2" fittings and valves. Call me paranoid.
    My neighbors, that I help, call me all sorts of things. Including, "lets go to dinner, my treat".

    Richard

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,194 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 29, 2025