PEX pipes with Brass Compression Fittings

[DPM31]

Simple question and I couldn't find the answer in the FAQ's.

Can I use brass compression fittings on PEX piping (Floplas) if I fit the pipe inserts and use standard brass olives?

Any pitfalls I need to know about? It is for Central Heating and H/C water.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Softus]

Yes you can. With compression there aren't any pitfalls - you can even scratch the pipe to buggery and it still seal under the olive, unlike when you use a push-fit fitting.

Note that you can't use plastic pipe within 1 metre of a boiler or similar appliance.

If you're using it on CH then make sure you buy barrier pipe - standard is porous enough to allow oxygen into the system and thereby enable it to be corroded.

 

[croydoncorgi]

How else would you connect a PEX pipe under the floor to a chrome-plated pipe on-show?

(Just in case anyone failed to realise the problem: push-fit connectors are NOT generally reliable with chrome pipe. The grab-ring teeth tend not to grab and one day when you least expect it the fitting will come flying off the end of the pipe! OK - you CAN scrape off the chrome to expose the copper underneath but I suggest that a compression fitting (with pipe inserts) is easier and better.)

 

[Softus]

Why do you think there is need to couple to chrome plated copper tubing?

 

[Doctor Drivel]

Yes you can. With compression there aren't any pitfalls - you can even scratch the pipe to buggery and it still seal under the olive, unlike when you use a push-fit fitting.

Note that you can't use plastic pipe within 1 metre of a boiler or similar appliance.

See boiler makers, some you can.

 

[croydoncorgi]

Why do you think there is need to couple to chrome plated copper tubing?

Loads of examples in bathrooms and cloakrooms: plastic plumbing under floor, chrome connections to towel-rail, WC cistern inlet, ...