What are the most common issues with Brass PEX fittings and how to fix them？

2024-06-27
Posted by Vpexco

27 Jun

Table of Contents

Brass PEX fittings are widely used and generally reliable, but like any plumbing component, they can have several issues. Based on the available information and common knowledge about plumbing systems, here are some of the most common issues with brass PEX fittings and how to fix them:

Leaks at connections

- Cause: Improper crimping or clamping of the fitting

- Fix: Re-crimp or re-clamp the fitting using the correct tool and technique. Ensure the crimp ring or clamp is properly positioned and tightened. For example, for our press pex fittings, we have U type and TH type press fittings, and we need to use the pressing tool U type mold for U type press fittings, and TH type pressing mold for TH type press fittings.

pex al pex press pipe fittings and cutter tools

pex press fittings and tools

Corrosion

- Cause: Water chemistry issues or use of non-lead-free brass in certain environments

- Fix: Use lead-free, dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass fittings especially for the area near the sea. For existing corrosion, replace the affected fittings. For more details for the DZR brass CW602N, and other brass raw materials, welcome to read HPB58-3A vs CW617N vs CW602N, what’re the differences between these brass pex fittings raw material?

Improper sizing

- Cause: Using the wrong size fitting for the PEX pipe

- Fix: Always use fittings that match the exact diameter of your PEX pipe. Replace any mismatched fittings. For example, for the pex pipe 16mm, we have 16x1.8mm, 16x2.0mm, 16x2.2mm, each pipe thickness make the pex inner diameter different, so it requir the right pex fittings to match.

For more details for the pex pipe thickness, you can visit Pex Pipe Sizes, Thickness and Pex Color-Ultimate Guide

To know more about the different types of pex fittings, please visit this post How many types of brass fittings for pex pipe connection?

Overtightening

- Cause: Excessive force when tightening threaded connections

- Fix: Use appropriate torque and avoid overtightening. If damage has occurred, replace the fitting.

Incompatibility with pipe type

- Cause: Using fittings not designed for the specific type of PEX (A, B, or C)

- Fix: Ensure you're using fittings compatible with your specific PEX pipe type. Replace incompatible fittings. Related knowledge What's the difference between Between PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C?

comparison for pex a pex b and pex c pipe

Improper installation technique

- Cause: Not following manufacturer's instructions for installation

- Fix: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation. If improperly installed, remove and reinstall the fitting correctly.

pex crimp fittings installation

To prevent these issues, always use high-quality, lead-free brass fittings from reputable manufacturers like VPEXCO. Follow proper installation techniques, use the correct tools, and adhere to local plumbing codes and manufacturer guidelines.

If you have more questions or any interest for our brass pex fittings, welcome to contact us