Don't like Wirsbo pex

Ken C.

I've used PEX occasionally, and have used three different PEX systems. The first two systems used crimped connections (QuestPex, with a solid copper crimp ring, and the other system, whose name I don't recall, used a ratchet tool that tightened a band). The company I work for now uses Wirsbo PEX, which makes connections by expanding the pipe and a PEX ring before the fitting is inserted. Frankly, I find using it extremely awkward. First, the PEX rings tend to slide down the tubing as you pump the expansion tool, so you need one hand to hold the ring. Problem is, you need two hands to work the expansion tool. Depending on what position you're in, you can sometimes use a leg to brace the tool, and your free arm to pump it. But if you're in a position you can't do that, you're in for a frustrating time. On a job the other day, I actually had to call a drywaller over to help me make a joint. Once you expand the tubing and ring, then you have to quickly insert the fitting. The key word is quickly, otherwise, you won't get the fitting in all the way. This system is for the birds, in my opinion. I'd take a crimp-type PEX system over Wirsbo any day. I'm not questioning the reliabilty of Wirsbo, I just think it's not user-friendly. Has anyone else found Wirsbo to be very awkward to use?

Pete B

Wirsbo PEX

Ken I have used Wirsbo PEX extensively. The original Wirsbo fittings were great ( nut, insert, & ferrule). your right about their newer fitting, they are difficult to work with. It looks great in the manual, but we all know how that is! Our company owns the tool, it can be a challenge in tight quarters. I also don't see how it's faster. Word to the wise on the other style Wirsbo fitting, put plumbers grease on the o-ring for assembly. I have seen them tear on assembly.

EJW

Pex

Heatway is your answer. It is crimp ring type and I use it all the time. You can make up a joint when its cold (winter)and air test right then. I think you have to wait with wirsbo, another draw back. Wirsbo is only avalible in white, Heatway is red and blue (domestic water), which is handy out in a crawl space when you get out to the very end and your working solo. JMHO, EJW

Al Letellier

PEX

We use Wirsbo almost exclusively (some Weil Mclain PexAlPex). It's only a little awkward until you get used to it. It's a great system, extremely reliable and available almost everywhere. I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't jsutify spending all that money for all the different tools out there. There is no perfect system out there, or we'd all be using it and all the others would be out of business. Wirsbo, in my opinion, is head and shoulders above the rest in product, support, training and general overall quality of product. I've tried most of the rest and I'll stick to Wirsbo, no questions asked!!!

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curiousity kills

wirsbo pex

Are you extending the ring a little past the pipe before you expand? This will stop it from slidding

kevin_5

That's exactly right

If you get the ring on right, I've never had trouble with it sliding down the pipe. UNLESS the pipe is wet. I tend to think the Wirsbo ProPex joint looks more professional than VanGuard crimps for instance. Viega crimps look awesome, and I could see some advantage in user friendliness. EXCEPT when you are in a real tight spot, you can just expand the tube down where you can reach it, then reach up and in to wherever it needs to go. I've repaired punctured (by 3" staples shot through drywall in closet brackets) tubing attached to a shower valve through a hole just big enough to get your hand in. I admit you gotta be quick, but hey if it were easy, anybody could do it. (Tell yourself that and you might feel better about it anyway)Kevin

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Tony_8

Wirsbo

Has my business. Crimps are OK but I've had some real tight spots I couldn't get into for a repair job.
Make sure the ring is 1/8" past the end of the tube and it shouldn't slip hardly ever. It's only happened to me once, when tubing was wet.
Hold the expander in for a few seconds longer and it will stay expanded longer, giving you more time to fit up.

Mark Hunt

Wet pipe!


Excellent observation Kevin!

I have been using Wirsbo pipe for a while now and I have noticed the same thing. If the pipe is wet, DRY it before attempting to use the Pro-Pex tool. Leaving a bit of the ring past the edge of the pipe is another good tip.

Mark H

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Don Walsh

Rachet expander

I purchased a rachet style expander from Rehau that doubles as an Everlock press tool. It work great on Wirsbo PEX products too, and is really a one handed operation. Sure is more convenient than the large tool. No trouble with the Wirsbo rings if you let it overlap the tube by an 1/8th" or so

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Floyd_5

This tool....

makes things go much easier!!!!
Hold with one hand and pull the trigger with the other.
As has been stated.... keep the pipe dry, the oil from your hands makes it slippery, if you want you can rough it up a bit with emery cloth, move the ring just ahead of the end of the pipe, keep the rings in your pocket in cold weather, hold the last expand a bit if you have a tight place to put the pipe on, it gives you more time.
The more you work with it the easier it gets, and the more tricks you will learn.
Oh, and BTW.... they do make the pipe in RED now......
Invest in the battery tool.....your shoulder will thank you!!! and it goes very fast with that thing!!!!
Yeah, I forgot to mention.... the heads for the 3/4 and up for the battery tool are redesigned to reduce the slippage problem. They are the "H" head, said to reduce the number of expansions needed, but they also reduce the push back of the ring.....at least that is my experience.
Just my couple of cents worth.....

Floyd

Unknown

Sliding rings;

Sometimes it happens. With me; it's because I've been holding the pex ring in my mouth and breathing on it. It slides with any moisture on pipe or ring. A fact; It can't be stopped even with two hands. It's not an awkward joint to make (pro-pex) if you position your expansions correctly. The air tool helps ALOT. As others have said, leave a little bit of ring past the cut. That's what seperates the certified installers from the rest, A quality expansion> contraction with visual inspection afterwards.

I tried the new Aquacenter™ manifold systems this evening after a LONG wait from my supplier. (arrrived at 5pm) Expectations were high. Product quality and value seems low. (REALLY low). IMO Any feedback on this new line of manifolds by Upanor?

Gary

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Weezbo

While i like rehau pipe and wirsbo pipe and stadler....

i am really really into pls fittings:) i ought to buy stock in wirsbo i have so many of them:))) and as for red and blue hey they have it:) buh they holdin out:))) i offered to buy all kinds of stuff right off the manufacturing warehouse shelves buh no such luck:)too bad really as they got lotsa good stuff:) here i buy stuff then special order more then they think hmmmm...evidently Someone is buying the 1/4 turn pexXpex 90¡ãlow profile 1/2"ballvalves... or well someone is buying the Heck out of all these pls fittings:)) i have the 1/2"rehau tool too got it from Germany a While ago:)the first fitting ever done with the tool was banging a rehau angle stop on a piece of 1/2"wirsbo:)aquapex... man it looks shiney:) people buy shiney:) really though, seriously,.. keep your feet on the ground when you make up(pump up) wirsbo fittings and theres never any problems.its sorta like black iron just figure out the way you are going and it is easy...well blackiron aint zackly easy however if you have a plan it sure is less hassel than not having one:)

John Felciano

Wirsbo

We use Wirsbo exclusivly for ALL out waterpiping and once you get used to working with it there are no problems at all.Like others have mentioned keep the ring just ahead of the tube and if it's wet dry it and hit it with the scratch cloth a little to rough it up and the rings won't slip.The battery tool is the only way to fly.We have one as well as a hand tool on each truck.

We use colored electrical tape (blue and red) to mark our runs when pulling tubing.A quick wrap around the end than cut it off when making a connection.I believe wirsbo has a much stronger connection than simple crimp rings as the whole fitting insert is held tight with the full length ring.

Still faster than cutting, reaming, cleaning, fluxing,soldering,wiping copper tube.

Tony_8

I use

and love those Wirsbo EP fittings too. Must be we're fighting over the available stock as I have to order tons of it way in advance Be nice if they had MIP adapters and valves (in-line) in plastic also.

Weezbo

Tony.....say i have been thinking the same way too.

how about you "running that idea by them and i will do the same:) maybe a couple inquires might get them onto that idea. i thought that the ice maker in line t they have was pls it Looks like it is in the book:)pls is so light:) if i had that many fittings in brass to carry about my back or the one ton would break:) i already asked them about pls tub and shower valves ...:( it would probably have to be a wirsbo item however i think the moen designe would work... the stainless steel residential fire sprinkler system suggests they can indeed make top of the line fittings... i have spun this in in Alaska....So if you have a brief momment to mention it to one of the wirsbo reps on the way by sooner or later someone will get the idea it is a good thing:) the gisepi blue bird is a handy tool for spinning in 1/2" &3/4 the newer version has little more Beef to it and goes larger fittings...The wirsbo Team are all cool people they are not " Remote"i think very highly of every one there...

Tony_8

I plan on it

I bring it up every time I see someone who has ANYTHING to do with product.

Maybe next time I need something with a 30 day wait I could just come get it from you 1 week up, 2 weeks huntin', 1 week back... 30 days !

Weezbo

You a real clear thinking sorta dude:)