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Question

Difficulty: MediumPlumbing and Pipe Materials

A plumber is preparing to join cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) water supply tubing using standard brass insert fittings and copper crimp rings. What is the correct sequence of steps to create a secure, leak-free crimped connection?

  1. 1Cut the PEX tubing squarely to length using a dedicated tubing cutter.
  2. 2Slide the copper crimp ring over the end of the tubing.
  3. 3Insert the barbed fitting into the tubing until the pipe reaches the fitting shoulder.
  4. 4Position the ring approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the tube end and compress it with a crimping tool.

Answer

Cut the tubing squarely, slide the crimp ring onto the tube, insert the barbed fitting until fully seated, and position the ring over the barbs to compress it with a crimping tool.
The correct procedural order requires cutting the tubing cleanly first, sliding the crimp ring onto the pipe before it expands, seating the barbed fitting fully against its shoulder, and finally positioning and compressing the ring over the barb area.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Make a clean, 90-degree square cut on the PEX tubing using a sharp cutter.
The tubing end is smooth, round, and ready to receive fittings without burrs.
An angled or jagged cut prevents full seating against the fitting shoulder, causing uneven sealing and potential leaks.
2
Slide a copper crimp ring over the outside of the tubing and push it past the cut end.
The ring is positioned on the tubing before the outer diameter expands from fitting insertion.
Inserting the barbed fitting first expands the tubing, making it difficult or impossible to slide the crimp ring over the connection area.
3
Push the barbed fitting completely into the tubing until the tube end rests against the shoulder stop.
The tubing fully covers all sealing ridges on the barbed fitting.
Partial insertion leaves sealing barbs exposed, compromising the mechanical grip and water seal.
4
Slide the crimp ring to 1/8" to 1/4" from the tubing end and squeeze the crimping tool jaws completely closed.
The copper ring deforms uniformly around the tubing, locking it permanently into the barbs.
Correct ring placement and full compression ensure even clamping force across the barb ridges.

Key Concept

PEX Crimp Connection Procedure
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Plumbing and Pipe Materials

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