PEX Crimp vs Sharkbite

PEX Crimp vs Sharkbite

PEX crimp and SharkBite are excellent for plumbing. Homeowners often get confused about which one they should use. You may have tried to find the answer online, but there is not much information available. Hence, here we have compared the pex crimp vs sharkbite.

One of the key differences between pex crimp and SharkBite is longevity. Though they both work efficiently, SharkBites are more prone to leak earlier in the long term. But for some situations, the SharkBite is a better solution.

If you are still unsure which one to go for, read the full article to know all the differences. It will help you to understand when to use which fittings. We also have provided detailed guidelines on using these plumbing solutions at the end. 

PEX Crimp vs Sharkbite: Quick Comparison Chart

Basis of comparisonPex crimpSharkBite
LongevityHighMedium
Cost AffordableExpensive
EfficiencyExcellentExcellent
UsabilityCan be used in most connectionsSome connections only require SharkBite
Best forLong-term solutionsShort-term solutions
Average price$0.15-$0.40 per piece$3.00-$15.00 per piece

Check Also: Pex Crimp Rings vs Clamp Rings

PEX Crimp vs Sharkbite: Key Differences

PEX crimps are copper or stainless steel rings that help you seal joints in water pipes. This is widely used in plumbing.

SharkBite is also used in PEX tubing works with the same purpose. However, these two fittings have a few differences that you should consider before using them.

Some of the key differences are:

Longevity

PEX crimp and SharkBite, can both serve you for a long time. But the O-rings in the SharkBite are more likely to compress and leak earlier than the PEX crimp. Still, they can work fine for at least 8-10 years. Due to their differences in longevity, people usually go for SharkBite for short-term solutions and PEX crimp for the long term. 

Cost

Another major difference is in their cost. SharkBite is a little expensive compared to the PEX crimp. If you have the budget, you can go for SharkBite. Otherwise, PEX crimps are the best solution.

Efficiency

Efficiency is one of the most crucial factors to choose between any two alternatives. They both work quite fine in sealing connections and preventing leakages. But as we said earlier, if you are looking for a long-term solution, then PEX crimps may serve you better.

Usability

When you do plumbing work, you will find some places where you only have to use SharkBite. In such situations, you can go for SharkBite without thinking about PEX crimps.

How Reliable Are PEX Crimps?

As we have told you, PEX crimps are efficient and work well in the long term. So now you may ask, how reliable are PEX crimps?

PEX crimps are heavily reliable for sealing any connection in the water system. The only thing required for that is to set the fittings well.

You will find copper and stainless steel PEX crimp in the market. Which pex crimp is better? Based on our comparison between these two fittings, stainless steel crimps come slightly ahead of the coppers.

Why Do My PEX Fittings Leak?

Have you used PEX crimp fittings, and it is leaking? Well, there can be various reasons behind that.

The most common reason for PEX fittings leakage is the fittings are not done correctly. Then to prevent corrosion, many fittings may use zinc plating. It can build up residue while water flowing, resulting in leakages.

Can Sharkbites Be Used Permanently?

SharkBites have a longevity issue. So, can SharkBites be used permanently?

SharkBites are approved with International Plumbing Code for permanent use. Therefore, you can use SharkBites as a permanent solution to plumbing.

While compared with PEX crimps, SharkBites are less likely to last long. But usually, that’s a rare case. 

Why Is My Sharkbite Leaking?

If your SharkBite fitting is leaking, you may get worried. Why is the SharkBite fitting leaking?

The first reason a SharkBite may leak is the fitting itself. Maybe the fitting is not well done. Another reason can be the compression of the O-ring inside. Look inside the SharkBite fitting if the O-ring is okay or not.

How to Use Pex Crimp Tool

If you have decided to proceed with PEX crimp, you will need a PEX crimp tool. The tool is necessary to install the crimp rings in the PEX tubing pipe. 

First, cut the pipe according to the size you need. Then push the fitting into the pipe and slide the ring to the edge. Now it’s time to use your PEX crimp tool.

Open the PEX crimp tool by pulling the hands apart. Then set it on one end of the crimp rings and put pressure on it to seal the connection tightly. 

How to remove pex crimp clamps? First, squeeze the crimp rings with the tool and then rotate the tool to create an opening. Soon, the ring will slide off.

Some try to do these processes without the crimp tool. But that can damage the pipe or the crimp ring. If you do not have a PEX crimp tool, we have two recommendations for you:

1. LOKMAN PEX Clamp Tool Clamp Cinch Crimp Tool for Stainless Steel Clamps

LOKMAN PEX Clamp Tool Clamp Cinch Crimp

LOKMAN Crimp Tool can be an excellent choice for crimping work in PEX tubing. It has a universal design that works with the PEX crimp rings of every brand. You also can use it to work with cinch or stainless PEX rings. The tool is quite sturdy, and the accuracy is also excellent. There are multiple sizes available; buy the one you need.

2. JWGJW PEX Clamp Cinch Tool Crimping Tool Crimper for Stainless Steel Clamps

JWGJW PEX Clamp Cinch Tool Crimping Tool

JWGJW PEX Crimping Tool is also a good option. It is an all-in-one tool, and you do not need to get different-sized tools for different crimp rings. The high-quality steel construction makes it quite durable. One of the best things about this one is that it’s simple to use. Hence, if you are a beginner, JWGJW Crimping Tool is highly recommended. 

How to Use Sharkbite PEX

Using SharkBite PEX in plumbing is effortless. All you need to do is cut and push.

So, the first question is, how to cut pex pipe for sharkbite? You can cut PEX pipe with a rotary tube cutting tool. Make sure you cut the pipe squarely. 

Then insert the SharkBite at the end of the pipe and push it for fitting. To tighten the connection well, use a PEX SharkBite tool. Twist the fitting a bit, and you are all done. 

If you do not have a SharkBite PEX tool, the following are our recommendations:

1. SharkBite 23251 Copper Crimp Ring, Pex Pipe Tubing

SharkBite 23251 Copper Crimp Ring

SharkBite 23251 Pex Pipe Tubing is our first choice. You can use it on any kind of material in SharkBite fittings. It also includes a go/no-go gauge checking facility to ensure your connection is well fitted. The durability of the tool is also excellent. Overall it is a great tool for SharkBite PEX.

2. SharkBite 23100 3/8-1 Pex Crimp Tool

SharkBite 23100 38-1 Pex Crimp Tool

SharkBite 23100 Pex Crimp Tool is also a great option. It has multiple size options in one tool. So, you do not need to buy multiple tools for SharkBite PEX fittings. You can check if all the connections are okay with the help of this tool. Besides, it is sturdy and durable too. The accuracy of the tool is also great.

Read Also: Pex Crimp Rings Copper vs Stainless

Final Verdict

To conclude the comparison of pex crimp vs sharkbite, we would say that both are good, and now it depends on your personal preferences. However, most people tend to use PEX crimp wherever possible. And they use SharkBite, where there is no alternative available.

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