Knowledge

During a extreme cold snap last winter, I received multiple emergency calls about PEX systems failing. However, upon investigation, every failure traced back to installation errors rather than material defects. This experience demonstrated that proper installation matters more than temperature extremes alone. Temperature changes can cause PEX leaks when installation doesn’t account for the material’s […]

I recently inspected a plumbing system that had thirteen leaks from PEX connections in a six-month-old building. The investigation revealed that every leak resulted from preventable installation errors rather than product defects. This experience reinforced how proper techniques make the difference between trouble-free performance and constant repairs. Preventing PEX connection leaks requires proper tool use,

Last month, I investigated a leaking PEX system in a commercial building that required opening 15 walls to locate the source. The culprit was a combination of chemical degradation and thermal stress that could have been prevented with proper installation practices. This experience reinforced why understanding leak causes is crucial for prevention. PEX fittings typically

Last month, I inspected a failed plumbing system where three different transition methods were used incorrectly between copper and PEX. The resulting leaks caused thousands in damage, highlighting how specific these connections must be handled. Through years of troubleshooting, I’ve identified patterns in what goes wrong during these critical transitions. Common copper to PEX installation

During a emergency repair in a historic building where soldering was prohibited and space was extremely limited, compression fittings saved the project. We completed the copper-to-PEX transition in confined walls without special tools or open flames, demonstrating their unique value in challenging situations. Compression fittings excel in copper-PEX connections by eliminating need for specialized tools

In my twenty years of plumbing experience, I’ve removed copper-PEX connections that were still performing perfectly after 35 years of service, while others failed in under five years. The difference always came down to installation quality, material selection, and water conditions rather than any inherent limitation of the connection method itself. Properly installed copper-PEX connections

I recently inspected a push-fit installation that had been operating flawlessly for 12 years in a commercial building. The system showed no signs of degradation, demonstrating that when properly selected and installed, push-fit fittings provide exceptional long-term reliability for copper-PEX connections. Modern push-fit fittings provide reliable connections for copper-PEX applications when properly installed, with most

During a recent hotel renovation, we had to connect new PEX systems to existing copper plumbing throughout 200 rooms. By creating a standardized tool kit and connection protocol, our team completed the project two weeks ahead of schedule with zero leak incidents. Copper-PEX connections require transition fittings, proper cutting and preparation tools, and connection-specific installation

During my first year as a plumber, I used the wrong crimp tool on a PEX installation and spent hours troubleshooting mysterious leaks. This frustrating experience taught me that understanding connector differences is crucial for successful installations. Based on IFAN’s extensive field experience, I’ll guide you through the main PEX connector types and their optimal

I’ve monitored push-to-connect fittings in our test lab and real-world installations for over a decade. The data shows these fittings consistently outperform expectations when installed correctly, with our oldest test samples maintaining perfect seals through 15 years of continuous pressure cycling and temperature variations. Yes, certified push-to-connect PEX fittings provide reliable long-term performance when properly