Connecting PEX pipe to copper plumbing is a common task in renovations and repairs. The goal is to create a secure, leak-free transition between the two different pipe materials. Fortunately, several straightforward methods exist, often avoiding the need for traditional copper soldering.
One of the easiest ways involves using specialized transition fittings.
Connecting PEX pipe to copper typically involves using specific transition fittings that are designed to join the two different pipe materials securely. These fittings eliminate the need for soldering the copper connection while providing a reliable PEX connection.
Method 1: Using Push-to-Connect Fittings
Push-to-connect fittings, often referred to by brand names like SharkBite, are a popular and easy method for joining copper and PEX. They contain internal gripping rings and O-rings that create a watertight seal when the pipe is simply pushed into the fitting.
Here's a general process:
- Prepare the Copper Pipe: Turn off the water supply and drain the line. Cut the copper pipe squarely using a pipe cutter and deburr both the inside and outside edges to remove any sharp burrs that could damage the fitting's O-ring.
- Prepare the PEX Pipe: Cut the PEX pipe squarely using a PEX cutter. Ensure the cut is clean and straight.
- Mark Insertion Depth: For reliable connection with push-to-connect fittings, the pipe must be inserted to the correct depth. Many fittings or tools come with a gauge to help with this. As noted in the video reference (around 0:58), using a "little gauge is handy for that" by marking the length to ensure the pipe is inserted "all the way in there." This mark serves as a visual check.
- Connect the Pipes: Push the prepared copper pipe firmly into one end of the push-to-connect fitting until it seats against the internal stop (check against your depth mark if you made one). Then, push the prepared PEX pipe firmly into the other end of the fitting until it also seats against the internal stop.
- Test the Connection: Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
Push-to-connect fittings offer speed and ease but are typically more expensive than crimp or clamp style fittings.
Method 2: Using Adapter Fittings with PEX Connection
Another common approach involves using adapter fittings designed specifically to transition from copper to PEX. These fittings have a copper connection on one end and a PEX connection on the other.
- Copper Side: The copper side of the fitting might connect via:
- Press Connection: Using a press tool to mechanically crimp the fitting onto the copper pipe (solder-free).
- Threaded Connection: If the copper pipe has a male or female thread, you would use a corresponding threaded adapter fitting.
- Solder Connection: While trying to avoid soldering is often the goal, you could solder a copper adapter fitting that has a PEX end.
- PEX Side: The PEX side of the fitting will accept PEX pipe using a standard PEX connection method like:
- Crimp: Using a copper or stainless steel crimp ring and a crimp tool.
- Clamp: Using a stainless steel clamp ring (like an Oetiker clamp) and a clamp tool.
- Push-to-Connect: The adapter fitting might itself have a push-to-connect end for the PEX.
Using adapters gives more flexibility depending on your preference for the PEX connection type (crimp, clamp, etc.) and the existing copper setup.
Comparison of Methods
Method | Copper Connection | PEX Connection | Tools Required | Ease of Use | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Push-to-Connect | Push-fit (solderless) | Push-fit (solderless) | Pipe cutters, deburring tool, (optional gauge) | Very Easy | Higher |
Adapter (Crimp PEX) | Press, Threaded, etc. | Crimp | Pipe cutters, Deburring tool, Crimp tool, Crimp rings | Easy-Moderate | Moderate |
Adapter (Clamp PEX) | Press, Threaded, etc. | Clamp | Pipe cutters, Deburring tool, Clamp tool, Clamp rings | Easy-Moderate | Moderate |
Both push-to-connect and adapter fittings offer straightforward ways to connect PEX to copper without necessarily needing soldering skills, making them accessible options for many plumbing projects. Always ensure the fitting and pipe sizes are compatible and that connections are made according to the manufacturer's instructions.