Uponor vs. Watts

johntrhodes81

For the runs to baseboards/Rad in a hydronic system I am planning to run Pex-AL-Pex. One Supplier has Watts pex-al-pex and Watts pex-al-pex Compression fittings. The other place I am looking at has Uponor Pex-AL-Pex but only Mr. Pex or Rifeng Brand pex-al-pex Compression fittings (they also have RIfeng pex-al-pex). I am not really keen on buying the $760 Uponor MLC crimp tool to crimp 24 connections.

Any opinions on Watts with Watts fittings or Uponor with Mr. Pex or Rifeng fittings?

I did check the supplier says Uponor is compatible with the compression fittings.

Thanks,
John

bob eck

I sell and used the Viega fostapex tubing and fittings pex press type fittings in my house.
The fostapex tubing is great and so are their pex press fittings.
I was told compression fittings can come loose with time.
I also do not like insert pex fittings with orings
Where are you located? Some wholesalers who sell the Viega fostapex tubing also rent the prep tool and press tool.

johntrhodes81

I am probably over thinking this but fostapex requires removing the outer layer to use the fittings. This is where the oxygen barrier is. Doesn't removing the oxygen barrier at the fitting defeat the purpose and let in O2? I had been avoiding fostapex for this reason. Maybe I am over thinking this.

John

Snowmelt

john your over thinking, the fostapex purpose in my opinion is so the pex doesn't sag and take shape for where it has to be installed

johntrhodes81

Ok, So your saying that Fostapex shouldn't let in more Oxygen than competing PAP, so I shouldn't worry.

Tinman

Don't worry. They both need to meet the same standard. Both are approved in the City of Chicago for the application you have. That says a lot.

johntrhodes81

Thanks.

SWEI

Don't forget Radiant Engineering, who actually invented them (and offers them in more configurations, including longer lengths) http://radiantengineering.com/productsthermofin/