Thanks for the link but I have already checked and am unfortunately about 10 years too late to file a claim. Centre: A heating plate is inserted for a prescribed time and both pipes contact the sides of the heating plate surfaces under compression. Please use our Store Finder to select another local store. Some of the shark bite fittings say to only use them on copper, make sure you use the correct ones. Certain systems allow joints to be adjusted during the installation process, or demounted by using a special release tool. Plastic pipe, or for that matter, any pipe, will expand and contract, length wise any time there is a water temperature change inside of it or an outside temperature change. The crack in acetal fittings doesn't always show up. I'm not sure about the PB material, but for those it is rated to connect with, it should work. Sioux Chiefs line of PDQ copper fittings is industry leading and provide the necessary quick transition for water heaters or for stub outs. Guess they didn't use a Go-No Go crimp guide. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Flair-It Compression Fittings been referred to as the original Push-On fittingthe installer simply pushes the tubing onto and over the cone shaped barb on the Flair-It fitting, creating the only inside diameter seal in the market place. Plumbing, Piping, Water Heating, Wells, Air & Water Filtration and Conditioning, Troubleshooting Plastic Compression Fittings, Installing Compressing Fittings on a Water Line, hard to find fitting? Wonder why it took 23 years before it decided to leak? How to prepare cut copper pipe for sharkbite fitting? All Rights Reserved. 
Now there has been rumored to be troubles with one of the bigger PEX brand of fittings. That is what is starting to happen in the PEX line as people that don't know any better start using it. We might be able to do something about it. You should never use a brass compression fitting on plastic pipe unless it has the plastic ring. This is the second plastic fitting to leak in this past year so I decided to go ahead and replace every fitting I could get to in the attic at least. Flair-It has been used in North America for over 30 years as the highest valued compression fitting program for use with PEX pipe and Polybutylene (the old grey pipe), and can also be used with Polyvinyl tubing. These are socket fusion, compression fittings, electrofusion, and push-fit plumbing systems. 
Due to the creep behaviour as well as the flexural strength and heat resistance of PB-1, the connection can be subjected to temperature and pressure stress immediately after installation is completed. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Cannot budge retaining ring whose counterrotation is required to change cartridge. There was definitely no brass or copper insert inside the pipe. The Zurn website specifically warns about mixing and matching PEX and PB components: The crimping tool is the same. I have seen the watts Sea tech quick connect fittings listed as compatable with PB but not the sharkbites. Sioux Chief PDQ Push Fittings are the definition of versatile, efficient and complete. 
The sharkbites seem to be a higher quality of the same product from a visual inspection. I'll have to look and see if I kept it. As for contraction and expansion, if you mean due to freezing temperatures, this is not a real problem for me since I live in South Florida where we don't get freezing temps very often (maybe every 10 years. Slow bathroom faucet with nozzle that can't be removed and cleaned, Question on replacement for old UEC Blower Motor. They are to be used with PB tube, fittings and rings specific to the system. For decades, Sioux Chief has offered copper fittings which are naturally dezincification resistant, no lead, antimicrobial. I recently replaced a leaking plastic fitting on Polybuteline pipe with a sharkbite fitting.
All information is provided "AS IS." The difference in the rings is to match the differences in the pipe and fittings, but the outside diameter of the crimped ring remains the same. Also, the light weight and ease of handling of PB-1 piping allows factory prefabrication and rapid on-site installation. If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. Piping systems from Polybutene-1 have revolutionised how hot and cold water pressurised systems are installed. Sorry, there are no products available online or in your local store. But I'd be interested in knowing if you're having problems with brass fittings or copper rings. Thanks to everyone for your help. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The fusion device is small enough to operate on site in confined spaces - all that is required is a source of electricity. The acetal fittings were horrible, as were the aluminum crimp rings. Sioux Chief Polybutylene (PB) fittings conform to CSA B137.8 and ASTM F-1380 Standard for Metal Insert Barb Fittings for Polybutylene. When the weld is complete, the device produces a signal which indicates the pipe and fitting can then be disconnected. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). 1999-2017 Sioux Chief Mfg. Any suggestions and/or tips? I didn't look real close at the fitting once I cut it out to see if the fitting had a crack or not. The pipe should be tugged back, to ensure that the gripping mechanism has engaged on the pipe. What leaked, just a crimp or did the fitting actually crack? If the pipe is stretched it could pull out of any type fitting. PVC transition fittings provide a quick and easy way to transition from PVC cold water service to other systems in one, compact, robust and warranted solution. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Left: Both pipes are clamped to ensure they are accurately aligned. See our Privacy Policy to learn more about the use of data and your rights. PDQ fittings work with all CTS tube such as COPPER, CPVC, PERT and PEX. There are four possibilities for joining pipes made from PB-1 with fittings. Have Everpure H100 filter system. Push fit is also applicable for a wide range of contract and retrofit projects and is particularly suitable for first fix installations. I think I would rather use the PB to PEX fittings and change anything that would cause major damage in the event of a leak. Sub-assemblies such as basement manifolds and riser pipe systems can be prefabricated in a workshop environment. home improvement and repair website. Millions of fittings have been installed and continue to provide perfect service whether it is a water heater connector, tub spout, stub out or valve. For the most part, the pipe is strapped and tied to the trusses so should not move. Sorry I did not answer all the questions. Modern jointing technology for Polybutene-1 piping systems, whether prefabricated in the workshop, or carried out on the building site, provides easy, safe and efficient installation which is therefore more cost-effective. JavaScript is disabled. any experience with Qicktite brand of compression fittings? Places like Home Depot sell them with a copper-colored ring for the PB side and a black-colored ring for the PEX side. 2000-2022 Home Depot. For larger pipe sizes, electrofusion is often used to produce prefabricated assemblies in a workshop environment. Long flexible pipe in coils means less connections, Few tools required and no flame, heat or fluxes needed, Lightweight, flexible PB-1 piping in coils is easy to ship and handle on site, PB-1 systems' suppliers provide complete systems, optimising performance and jointing integrity, Multiple systems choices are available for specific project needs and jointing options, Cuts material costs and installation time, Place the pipe into the fitting and tighten the screws to fix the pipe, Insert plugs into connection weld points and start process using system fusion unit, Good fitting access for constrained areas, Fitting body, in which all the components are housed, together with a cap (which may or may not be removable) to hold the components in the fitting, A sealing mechanism, usually either an 'O' ring or ring seal, An integral gripping mechanism which permanently grips the pipe firmly in position, A support sleeve which fits into the end of the pipe to prevent deformation when the pipe is inserted into the fitting, The support sleeve should be inserted into the pipe end, The pipe should be pushed firmly into the fitting until the next depth insertion mark reaches the end of the cap. Co., Inc. All rights reserved. They may be used on plastics pipe or copper tube, provided the manufacturers instructions are followed. Also, the light weight and ease of handling of PB-1 piping allows pre-fabrication and rapid on-site installation for project locations where business down-time is critical. Plastic does a lot more so it takes special care when strapping it along with straps approved by the manufacturer to install it. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Mechanical compression fittings are used when Polybutene-1 pipe needs to be connected to metal system components. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Simplicity of installation means faster onsite turnaround times and lower overall project costs. The coil lies just below the surface of the area to be welded to the pipe. The Sharkbite connectors are approved for connections hidden behind closed walls. These economical and quality solutions offer unequaled strength not available through any other fitting provider. Off-site pre-fabrication can be an added advantage on busy building sites where efficient scheduling of the various sequences of construction is key to meeting project deadlines or for installations at commercial and industrial locations where interruption of normal operations can be expensive and disruptive. All rights reserved. An appropriate current is then passed through the heating coil for a precise time to provide optimum welding temperature conditions. Installations can be made in suspended floors from below before ceilings are fitted and flexible PB-1 pipe can be cabled around obstructions and through joists significantly reducing the number of joints. We use cookies to customize your experience and perform analytics to deliver content our users find informative and interesting. Large diameter pipes can also be joined using butt welding. Polybutene-1 push fit plumbing systems are quick to install, without the need for tools, glues or heat. This system produces consistent quality, high performance welds and has delivered excellent long term service reliability. Modern jointing technology for Polybutene-1 piping systems, whether carried out on the building site, or prefabricated in the workshop, provides fast, safe and efficient installation, and as a result is more cost-effective. By separating the sealing and clamping areas of the fitting, a tension-free, durable and leak-proof connection between pipe and fitting can be achieved without the use of an elastomeric seal. Each fitting is removable, reusable, rotatable and replaceable. CPVC fittings are listed, approved, easy to use and will last for the lifetime of the system. Sioux Chief offers a wide variety of sweat and compression fittings to perform the job right starting on the backbone of Sioux Chief innovation and the development with spun closed copper stub outs and air chambers. Don't see any cracks but the copper ring is kinked enough that my guess is the leak was just due to a bad crimp. By clicking 'Accept' below, you consent to the use by us of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platform. Local store prices may vary from those displayed.
Each male sweat fitting is compatible with press-fitting systems as well as all push-fitting systems. Sioux Chief PB fittings can be used to transition to other PowerPEX solutions using a warranted and approved fitting. All PB-1 push fit fittings include four basic elements: Although push fit fittings are simple to use, there are basic steps which must be taken to ensure an effective joint is made: The manufacturer's installation instructions should always be closely followed when installing push fit fittings. The Hardware market sees the Flair-It fitting as a plumbing necessity in their stores to accommodate the several variations of fresh water plumbing installs brought to them by the consumer. Polybutene-1 electrofusion fittings have a moulded-in wire heat-fusion coil and plug connector. Plumbing Done Quickly. But this is not the case with every pipe there. GF electrofusion installation instructions INSTAFLEX | INSTABIG. I found the original troubler maker elbow that was leaking that I had cut out. Any advice would be appreciated. Adapter Water heater bypass kit parts and flex tuning. Sure wish I could get into my walls as well without the pain of re-dry walling. Sioux Chief offers a complete line of transition and termination fittings and assemblies for CPVC that save labor and material.
With PB-1, many installations can be made without accurate pre-measuring, since it is easy to measure and cut in situ. You might stress it a little under a bright light and use magnifying lenses and you'll be able to see it. the only compression fittings that i would use on pb tubing are the grey ones made by qest. We welcome your comments and I need everyone's opinion and expertise. Pipework of up to 50mm in diameter is supplied in lightweight and easily handled coiled lengths of up to 500 metres. The butt fusion method for connecting Polybutene-1 pipes and fittings is mostly utilised for larger pipe diameters. From water service to stub out, Sioux Chief provides products that make plumbing easier, quicker and more cost effective. The best thing is to use a PB to PEX fitting and crimp it. View our Privacy Policy here. Copyright You are using an out of date browser. Butt fusion is possible up to very large diameters and very thick wall sections. It looks like you're using an ad blocker. Millions of Flair-It fittings are in use today, with uncompromised leak-free quality. Need Help? Since the first successful European installations in the 1970's, advances in material technology, manufacturing and sophisticated new product systems; along with national and international standards protocols, has advanced the performance of PB-1 piping systems even further. Polybutene Piping Systems Association 2022 All Rights Reserved. In addition to the potential cost savings of faster installation, PB-1 pipes provide significant benefits for projects requiring installations in tight, cramped spaces. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Or am I missing something. Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice. Mine are definitely the gray acetal fittings with the copper crimp rings. The PB rings area a bit thinner, the outside diameters the same. I have heard conflicting stories on if you can connect polybutylene pipe to copper with compression fittings or not. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Butt fusion machines applicable to variable pipe diameters clamp both pipes accurately and perform the following essential functions to create a strong butt joint per the images below (L-R). I'm wondering what kind of PB fittings you're having problems with? The is a lot of movement. The fitting that leaked was a plastic elbow crimped on 1/2" PB pipe with what looks like a copper ring (but it could be brassnot sure). submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". To achieve consistently acceptable welds, it is important that the temperatures and times of welding and the procedures for bringing the pipe and fitting components together to produce the weld are precisely controlled. The surfaces of both pipes are shaved simultaneously to ensure they will butt cleanly with full surface contact. Most of the PB fittings I've changed actually cracked, I think mostly because there was no slack left in the pipe for expansion and contraction. We need your consent before you use our website. These are: With PB-1, many installations can be made without accurate pre-measuring, since it is easy to measure and cut in situ. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent There are four possibilities for joining pipes made from Polybutene-1 with fittings. You must log in or register to reply here. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. Website operating This fusion device automatically measures the resistance in the heating coil to determine the type and dimension of the fitting. I have had a couple that leaked at the crimp. Push fit features a one step jointing operation for quick and easy installation. Replacing toilet on older house(late 60's), broken and strange toilet flange, 3/4" Braided stainless steel connector pushing the PEX pipe away+lots of hardware attached to the PEX pipe due to weird coupling. Fittings are certified and approved. Long radius bends decrease system noise and preformed ends speed up the installation, saving the contractor and builder. Push fit systems are suitable for use in most plumbing and heating installations including hot and cold water and underfloor heating applications. So far as I know, PB fittings except for transition couplings no longer exist. 1995-2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. It must have room to expand and contract, a lot of room. Once the pipe is in position, an electrically operated fusion device is connected to the fitting via the plug. Polybutene-1 offers superior handling due to its flexibility, reduced pipe wall thickness and low memory effect. Continuous, flexible pipe with fewer joints means optimum system integrity and faster installation. With the installation of PB-1 piping, no bending tools, no naked flame, and no fluxes or chemicals are needed. Could have been just a matter of time before the next one blew. The light weight of PB-1 means that prefabricated sub-assemblies can be easily transported to the project site, and installed quickly and efficiently. The house was built in 1984 and the leak has to have occurred within the first 13 years (1997 for me) and the claim must be filed within 14 years (1998). To achieve consistently high quality welds, precise control is required for welding temperatures, times and pressures and surface interface between pipes and fittings in line with the instructions of the pipe system manufacturers. It seems to be holding fine but should I have any concern about the sharkbite fittings pulling loose over time? Upon inspecting some of the other fittings I removed, I see some of them had some nasty crimps as well although not as bad as the one that leaked. I have used PEX fittings and not had problems. No other plumbing fitting in the US can boast of its simplicity, practicality and integrity like Flair-Itit just works. You may freely link It sounds like if I do decide to replace the sharbite with another fitting, I should only use the crimp on copper insert fittings made specifically for PB pipe. Right: The heating plate is removed and the two heated pipe surfaces come together under the correct compression and time period as specified by the machine to create a strong integral bond.
I have heard about guys trying to make PEX pipe look nice and straight like copper and strapping it tight, this is wrong. Does anyone have experience using sharkbite fittings to connect to Polybutylene pipe? Some of the problem with PEX and a lot of plastic pipe is if it is strapped too tight. The socket fusion method for connecting Polybutene-1 pipes and fittings is designed for off-site prefabrication. Sioux Chiefs Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) fittings define the companys capacity and capability to manufacture the products the industry desires. You have to switch to PEX and use the transition coupling. Go to the website Zurn PEX has and read their installation instructions, PB should be similar.
This can only be achieved when the required equipment is operated under workshop conditions. Thanks. GF socket fusion installation instructions. Compression fittings are designed with the unique characteristics of PB-1 in mind. I always used the quest compression fittings, but the sharkbite fittings work as far as everyone says.
they will also work on copper so they'd be a good choice to connect the 2. you know how a compression fitting goes on copper and cinches up on threads on t Ok.. These fittings are approved for residential and recreational use, and are offered in more than 250 variations, in 3/8, and , from Valves for PEX to specialty fittings for Poly tubing. suggestions. Some say it works great and some say it won't.