Best Guide: How to Connect Pex to Faucet In 4 Steps

A surprising fact I have found is that every time I repair my house, I end up making more repairs: sometimes unneeded, and sometimes just super helpful.

One of my friends wants to know how to connect PEX to faucet.

But I have no experience with this type of work, so I searched for a tutorial on how to connect PEX to a faucet and I couldn’t find one.

So here is a how-to article explaining everything you have to do.

The following steps will guide you on how to connect PEX to faucet: Choose the length of PEX pipe you will be using and cut it. Once that is done, slip the PEX ring on top of the pipe, and screw the fitting into the pipe‘s end – then insert the PEX tool to secure the ring. Now you can connect your faucet to the completed PEX pipe.

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Guide: How to Connect PEX to Faucet

Before we get to the steps to connect PEX, let’s find out what PEX is and what are its advantages over copper.

What Is PEX Plumbing?

• PEX, or Polyethylene Cross-linked, is a plastic material that is flexible in nature and has been proven to be an effective alternative to copper pipe and galvanized pipe water lines present in home.
• PEX piping are more affordable than copper and galvanized pipes.
• This material does not corrode at all, which makes it less vulnerable to wear and breakage when compared to copper and other plumbing materials.
• In view of these factors, PEX tubing is currently considered the preferred choice of material for both new home builders and for those who engage professionals to perform interior home renovations.
• Furthermore, you can readily find this type of material at your local home improvement stores in the plumbing department.
• It’s way less expensive, less complicated, and less difficult to install than copper and metal.
• With the help of PEX tubing, DIYers are now able to do their own plumbing without having to take the time to call a professional plumber.

Advantages of PEX Plumbing Compared to Copper pipe

• Since PEX plumbing is so versatile and simple to use, it takes less time to connect it to a valve or kitchen faucet compared to copper pipe.
• PEX requires fewer fittings due to its durability, and it is easy to connect PEX to a faucet with a crimping tool, which eliminates the need to solder.
• PEX piping is far more durable and will not break when exposed to low temperatures, making it the right choice for regions with cold climates.
• The cost of a half-inch of PEX tubing is around one-third of what copper tubing costs.
• In most cases, you’ll pay less with PEX over copper piping if you’re working on a big project.
• The cost of PEX tubing is cheaper than copper tubing, which saves you money on both materials and workers.
• Copper piping corrodes over time if it’s exposed to corrosive water, but PEX fitting won’t corrode.
• When PEX connection first came out, there were some problems, such as leaks at the connection points.
• However, these problems were quickly rectified with the development of high-quality crimp fittings and crimp ring.
• Some PEX fitting are prone to damage from rodents and UV rays.

Step by Step Guide: How to Connect PEX to Faucet

Step 1: Trim the PEX

• Take your PEX pipe cutter, and trim the two sections of PEX pipe to the length necessary for the pipe to meet the faucet.
• It is very imperative that you make straight cuts.
• With a sloped or uneven cut, the crimp ring can’t fit in correctly, which could lead to a leak.
• So trim it accordingly.

Step 2: Cut the Fitting

• Attach the crimp rings to each PEX piece.
• After this, you need to screw the PEX connectors into the pipes, ensuring that the barbed end reaches the pipe completely.
• Connect the crimp ring to the pipe end, ensuring it rests at the center of the screwed edge of the faucet connector.
• Press down the ring with the crimping tool.
• If you want a strong seal, be sure the handles of your crimping tool are compressed completely.

Step 3: Attach the Kitchen faucet

• Rotate the faucet connector nuts counterclockwise to ensure that they are properly seated on the faucet stem threads, assembling the blue water pipe on the right side of the faucet (cold water), and if necessary, attach the red water pipe to the left side of the faucet (hot water).
• The fitting doesn’t need Teflon tape or pipe putty since it comes with an integrated rubber washer that forms a tight seal.
• Make sure that the compression fitting and nuts are hand-tightened and secure them by rotating the basin wrench by half turn.

Step 4: Look for leaks

• Open the shutoff supply line for hot and cold water and see if there are any leaks.
• When you’re done, turn the water supply line on and thoroughly inspect the PEX fitting beneath the kitchen faucet.
• In case you have a leak in the compression nut, twist it another 1/2 turn using the basin wrench.
• It will also prevent leaks in the future.

What’s The Best Way To Connect Faucet Supply Line?

Here are the steps for connecting the faucet supply line. You can follow these steps to connect faucet supply line correctly.

1. Turn Off The Water Supply

• You’ll need to turn off the water valve below the sink to get started.
• Alternatively, if you know the location of the main water line, you can also turn it off.

2. Connect The Supply Lines To The Faucet Connector

• If your faucet includes a supply connector mounted on it, it’ll make your job a lot easier.
• All you have to do is connect the supply connectors to the body of the faucet and you’re done.

3. Install The Faucet

• Install the faucet and then connect the supply connectors to the openings created in the sink or countertop so that the water supply valves are accessible.
• Ideally, the faucet should consist of a rubber base ring, a retainer ring, and a set of mounting hardware to attach the threaded tailpiece around the base ring.
• Place the hardware and tighten it up by hand.
• If you overtighten it, the countertop will crack or the faucet hardware will get damaged.
• So it is better to avoid overtightening.

4. Plug In The Supply Lines

• Attach the appropriate hot and cold pipes to the relevant fittings on the shutoff valve under the sink.

5. Check For Leaks

• Let the water run and see if anything is leaking.
• After that, open all the faucets and observe whether they are dripping.
• If your system leaks, try tightening the fittings further with a basin wrench.
• If the leak still happens, you should try repeating the steps to fix it.
• Your chances of making a mistake will drop if you are cautious and listen to the above instructions.
• If you want additional help or encounter problems during your faucet connection, try to reach out to a professional plumber.
• This will enable you to come up with a solution.

What’s the right way to connect PEX tube to my existing pipe?

• This can be done in several different ways.
• An easy way to accomplish this is to cut out a piece of pipe and insert a stab-in tee.
• SharkBite is a popular brand of stab-in fittings.
• There’s no soldering involved, so it can save you a lot of time.
• If you plan to embed your connection in a wall or ceiling, you should discuss this with your local plumbing inspector first.
• A few places don’t let you embed stab-in fittings.
• In addition, it is also possible to solder a TEE and the PEX supply adapter together.
• After that, slide the PEX supply tube on top of the adapter and you can connect it using your preferred method of connection (right).
• PEX tube can also be connected to CPVC with a stab-in tee. Look for the compatible fitting on the label.

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Conclusion

With the help of this guide, you should be able to successfully connect PEX to the faucet in your bathroom or kitchen.

Keep in mind, you should always be careful when doing home renovations and get advice from a professional whenever you’re unsure. Hope to see you at the next article!