PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping has become a more popular choice for modern plumbing systems because of its flexibility, easy installation, and resistance to corrosion. However, as with other types of plumbing material, PEX fittings also have potential leakage issues. Although PEX-A fittings and pipes are well known for their flexibility and reliability, occasional leaks still could occur. Our findings suggest that there are various reasons for PEX fittings leakage, from improper installation to the influence of the surrounding environment. If you are experiencing issues with your PEX fittings, feel free to reach out to PlumbingSell, where high-quality PEX pipe fittings are provided.
Understanding how to find out the cause of leakage in PEX fittings is essential for maintaining a properly working plumbing system. In this article, we’ll uncover the most common causes of PEX fittings leaks, some tips for troubleshooting leaks and how to ensure your PEX plumbing system stays leak-free.
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Common reasons for PEX fittings leak
Various reasons could cause PEX fittings to leak. We will list some of the most common causes to help you avoid costly repairs and ensure a leak-free plumbing system.
Improper Installation
One of the most common reasons for PEX fitting leakage is the improper installation process. A proper seal needs to be formed between PEX pipes and fittings to create a secure connection. If the fitting is not properly secured, a weak spot will be created, leading to potential leaks over time.
As with all other plumbing components, PEX pipe fittings come in different sizes to match the diameter of the PEX tubing. Using a fitting that’s either too large or too small could prevent a proper seal from being formed. For instance, if you are using a 3/4″ PEX-A tubing and try to fit a 1/2″ PEX pipe fitting, then the fitting will be overtightened, meaning potential bursts and leakage could happen over time. Always ensure to use the fitting that is designed specifically for the type and size of PEX pipe you are using.
Never use a hacksaw to cut pipes. We recommend only using a PEX pipe cutter for PEX pipes. If the ends of the PEX pipes are not properly smoothened before installation, the rough edges could damage the surface of the PEX pipe fittings. By using the proper PEX pipe-cutting tool, the cut edge will remain clean and form a proper seal, making it less likely for the connection to leak.
Another common mistake is the incorrect use of crimp or clamp tools. If these tools are not used correctly, such as crimping or clamping too loosely, the connection will not be tight enough to prevent leaks. A loose crimp could also cause the PEX tubing to slip off the fitting under too much water pressure, which will result in water leakage.
Using Low-Quality or Incompatible Fittings
Not all PEX fittings are created under the exact same standard. Using low-quality or incompatible fittings with your PEX tubing system could lead to a leak as well. Cheap fittings might save you costs at the beginning, but they are not able to offer as secure connections as our EFIELD PEX fittings. The low-quality fittings could degrade faster and end up in higher maintenance costs or even the whole plumbing system’s failure.
It is also important to use compatible fittings for the specific types of PEX pipes you are using. Not only does the size matter, but the material also matters. For instance, PEX-A pipes tend to be more flexible than PEX-B and PEX-C pipes, so when choosing PEX-A fittings, this needs to be considered.
UV Exposure and Chemical Damage
Other possible reasons for PEX fitting leakage are UV exposure and chemical damage. Most PEX pipes are not suitable for outdoor usage as they are not resistant to direct sunlight. Plastic PEX fittings could also be damaged if they are exposed to UV light. They are likely to experience faster degradation, which will weaken the fittings and increase the possibility of leakage.
Contacting incompatible chemicals can also lead to PEX fittings failure. Although PEX piping is considered to be flexible, cost-efficient, and compatible with the majority of chemicals, there are still specific compatibility concerns. For instance, oils, gasoline, and certain solvents can react with the polymer within PEX pipes and fittings, causing damage over time. Exposure to these chemicals will cause PEX pipe fittings to weaken and degrade, resulting in a greater possibility of leaks or plumbing system failure.
How to locate and identify the cause of leak
Identifying the cause of a leak in a plumbing system can be tricky, but with an appropriate approach, you can pinpoint the issue more efficiently. Before investigating any issues with your plumbing system, always remember to shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. If you are dealing with a specific leak and you have already found out which section it’s located in, you can solely turn off the water to that section.
The first step in locating leaks in PEX fittings is always to identify the source of the leak. Start by inspecting the area around the fittings that you think are leaking. Look for signs of moisture, drips, or water stains. If the leaks occur behind walls or under the floor, you could use a flashlight to help examine the signs.
After you locate the leaking PEX fittings, check if they are loose or damaged. One common cause of leaks in PEX fittings is improper installation. Either it’s too tight or too loose, and potential water leakage could happen. Suppose you are having a hard time identifying the causes. In that case, we recommend considering switching to our EFIELD PEX fittings for an easier and more secure connection or asking for help from a professional plumber.
Proper tools for installing PEX fittings
Using the right tools and techniques is crucial to installing PEX fittings correctly and minimizing potential leaking issues. We’ve got a list of some standard tools required for installing PEX pipe fittings.
- PEX Crimping Tool – This tool is essential for securing crimp rings around PEX tubings and fittings. It is commonly used to tighten the ring around PEX pipes to form a secure, leak-free connection.
- PEX Clamp Tool – This tool is necessary when pinch clamps are used for installation instead of crimp rings. Similar to PEX crimping tools, clamp tools are mainly used to tighten the clamp around the PEX tubing and fitting. This will prevent the clamp from slipping off and create a tight seal between the pipe and fitting.
- PEX Pipe Cutter – As mentioned before, a sharp, clean edge is a must when installing PEX piping and fittings. Any uneven cuts could affect the connection and cause leaks. Therefore, using a PEX pipe cutter could help make clean and precise cuts without deforming the pipe from its original round shape.
- PEX Expansion Tool—If your project required the use of PEX-A tubing, you would potentially need the PEX expansion tool. This tool is normally used to expand the PEX tubing so that it slides over the fitting. As PEX-A pipes are flexible, once the expansion tool has been removed, they will return to their original size, which will form a tight seal around the PEX-A fittings.
Conclusion
Although PEX plumbing systems are known for their durability, resistance to corrosion, ease of installation, and friendly to DIY lovers, occasional leaks are still unavoidable on PEX pipes and fittings. Understanding the common causes of PEX fitting leaks, such as improper installation, low-quality fittings, and more, is crucial to maintaining a reliable plumbing system. By learning more about the causes, implementing proper installation tools and techniques, and conducting regular maintenance, you can ensure more reliable and leak-free PEX pipes and fittings.
The above explanation on the causes of PEX fittings and leakage and tips on how to use the proper tool for installation will help you to create a leak-free plumbing project in the future. Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns with PEX-A pipe fittings. Let us help ensure a secure and leak-free plumbing system—shop now at PlumbingSell for all your PEX fitting needs!
