[FDMiels]

What is the best recommeded PEX connection system? I purchased a Milwaukee M12 ProPex expander but now I'm hearing some negitive feedback about Uponor. Not sure if I should return it.

Thanks

 

[Daniel Holzman]

I used Wirsbo (Uponor) on my whole house. This was about six years ago, no significant problems. If you do go with Wirsbo, I recommend using the plastic fittings rather than the brass fittings, but I would suggest that for any system, since brass has had a bad history of failure (see the Zurn lawsuit regarding brass PEX fittings).

 

[Homerepairguy]

What is the best recommeded PEX connection system? I purchased a Milwaukee M12 ProPex expander but now I'm hearing some negitive feedback about Uponor. Not sure if I should return it.

Could you share the negative feedback you heard?

FWIW, I used Uponor and, following Daniel H's suggestion, used plastic fittings. (Thanks Daniel) Did use brass for the copper to pex adapters. IMO, it's important to install supports on tubing to eliminate sidewards pressure on fittings, to prevent micro-fractures due to expansion & contraction of the pex tubing.

HRG

 

[genie01]

I always use crimping. Expander might not be a great option in a cold climate.

 

[Alan]

I always use crimping. Expander might not be a great option in a cold climate.

Based on the theory behind the expanding system, I would say crimping is ALWAYS a bad option. The whole idea of the expanding of the pex is that it always wants to return to it's original shape. What happens when you crimp it? Make it smaller? So then wouldn't it want to always go back to it's original larger size? Especially having the pressure inside helping, I don't think those crimp rings are going to last near as long.

Expanding system is "Original" as it was used in Europe for radiant floor. Proven for 25+ years?

How many mobile home crimp systems have we seen with failed crimp rings over and over and over? I do not like it.

 

[Homerepairguy]

Based on the theory behind the expanding system, I would say crimping is ALWAYS a bad option. The whole idea of the expanding of the pex is that it always wants to return to it's original shape. What happens when you crimp it? Make it smaller? So then wouldn't it want to always go back to it's original larger size? Especially having the pressure inside helping, I don't think those crimp rings are going to last near as long.

+1

If water freezes in a crimp system, the metal crimp rings will be forced to a larger circumference. When ice melts, the rings will not contract.

OTOH, if water freezes in a Wirsbo/Uponor expansion system, the pex tubing and pex ring will expand but when the ice melts, the pex tubing and pex ring will both contract. The expansion method is superior in cold climates.

HRG

 

[tuchodi]

What is the best recommeded PEX connection system? I purchased a Milwaukee M12 ProPex expander but now I'm hearing some negitive feedback about Uponor. Not sure if I should return it.

Thanks

I also purchased the Milwaukee M12 cordless and have done my whole house. The project turned out very good and I only used plastic fittings. I only went with the Uponor system after researching for some time and never found any negative reports. As for cold climates it is supposed to be superior.