repairing PEX piping

[JaneH]

Is there any cheaper way to repair 1/2" PEX piping without spending over $100 on a crimping tool? Thanks Dan

[padlin]

I've used Sharkbites.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by JaneH

Is there any cheaper way to repair 1/2" PEX piping without spending over $100 on a crimping tool? Thanks Dan

When I was doing renovations in my kitchen a few years ago, I rented the crimping tool from a local home building supply company (Home Depot, Rona, etc). Cost was typically about $10/day. Of course after doing this a half dozen times, I ended up buying my own.

[holo]

I also used Sharkbite fittings. My plumbing frustration level is very low so it's worth the extra in fittings. All you need is a pipe cutter.

[FMLNM]

Originally Posted by holo

I also used Sharkbite fittings. My plumbing frustration level is very low so it's worth the extra in fittings. All you need is a pipe cutter.

A PEX pipe cutter or a metal pipe cutter?

[sleepy]

PEX crimping tools require space (they open wide). There is a smaller opening crimping tool but even then you need some space to use it.
I asked around and a friend lent me his regular size PEX crimping tool.
PEX fittings are inexpensive.

Sharkbites can be used in confined spaces.
And they are expensive.

[Brian B-P]

Compression fittings are another alternative (just need a wrench, not a crimper). There are also band clamps (instead of crimped rings), but they still need a special tool.

[Jim Bennett]

You can rent crimping tools for $10 everywhere. Ask a few friends, you would be surprised how many people have them. I have three if anyone near me wants to use one, including a small 1/2" only one that gets into fairly tight spaces.

I really an not comfortable with using those Sharkbite connectors, but as long as they remain accessible, it would be easy to fix in case something went wrong.