Failing PEX Crimp Ring?

Javelin

Dear Pros, I've done a ton of PEX crimps in my life, never had a problem, always get a "go" on my go/no-go gauge, etc... always just seems straightforward. HOWEVER - this morning just by change I saw this crimp on a 1" tee. Has anyone seen this before? Does it mean failure is imminent? It could have been like this for a day or 4 years for all I know.

I've tuned the main water off as a precaution and plan to re-crimp it this afternoon, but am now nervous about any other connections. Admittedly, 1" is a bit harder to work with than smaller diameters, but I thought as long as I got a "go", I was in good shape.

Any thoughts/advice?

Thanks,

Jay

Mark Eatherton

1 out of how many crimped joints you've done in your business? I seriously doubt its a crimp ring failure situation. Looks more like a fitting dezincification issue to me, which pretty much every major tubing manufacturer has experienced. I'd just cut it out and do it again...

No sense in losing sleep over lost water

ME

Larry Weingarten

Hello, If you do replace the fitting, it would be fun to see a photo of the brass and see if it looks de-zincified and just how it shows up. Maybe replace it with a polysulfone fitting?

Yours, Larry

Leonard

Just a guess , nick in the fitting edges???

hot_rod

Judging by the ring on the left side it looks like the tube ID, inside diameter may have been too large, the rings can only handle so much out of tolerance.
I've seen some pex with oversized ID that you can wobble around on the fitting.

If the fitting spins easily after the crimp, something is out of whack, either the tool adjustment or tube- fitting tolerance.

When you take apart old crimp fittings it's amazing how little actually seals, those stains go out to the last barb, often.

the_donut

Mark Eatherton said:

1 out of how many crimped joints you've done in your business? I seriously doubt its a crimp ring failure situation. Looks more like a fitting dezincification issue to me, which pretty much every major tubing manufacturer has experienced. I'd just cut it out and do it again...

No sense in losing sleep over lost water

ME

I see this a lot in western Indiana.

kcopp

Milrose makes a "ringbuster".. you could pop off the ring and see what you can identify for a weak spot.
May be a damaged fitting or a scratch in the inside of the pex. Is this well or city water?

EBEBRATT-Ed

Also, to me it looks like the tee is sagging??

Javelin

Thanks for the replies all.. So I misunderstood.. I replace the crimp RING last night, but not the tee (didn't have any handy). I guess I'll get another tee and try it again... Not really sure.. It IS city water, and it's supported on either side of the tee about 1 foot on either side, so while it looks like it's sagging a bit, it's really not. Plus the whole thing with 1" is really pretty rigid.

Anarchist1

Maybe it's time for a new crimping tool. It might be worn from years of use. If the tolerances are so small that might explain it. Just a thought.
Dave.

vantien2405

We need to use tools check after installation

https://www.sharkbite.com/products/stainless-steel-clamp-ring

HomerJSmith

I like Oetiker PEX Clamps on Sharkbite B pex.

BillyO

I like to use Viega Press sleeves

psb75

I think Uponor pex expander rings and fittings are the best. Best positive connections and best flow through fittings.

BillyO

I like to use Viega Press sleeves