PEX is a lot more forgiving for tight retrofits, especially if you don’t want to demo too much. Out of curiosity, did you use crimp or expansion fittings? I’ve seen people run into issues with the cheaper clamp rings failing after a few years, especially if they’re not installed perfectly.
That’s actually something I’ve been wondering about. I’ve mostly seen crimp rings used on jobs, but it always makes me nervous thinking about those tiny leaks that can show up later if you’re even a little off with the tool. Have you ever had to go back and fix a clamp ring that failed, or is it mostly just stories you hear? I keep hearing expansion fittings are more forgiving, but then again, not everyone has the tool for that, and it’s a bit more expensive up front.
Totally agree about copper’s track record, but I’m starting to see why people are leaning toward PEX for remodels. Makes me wonder if we’ll even be seeing copper in new installs in a decade or two, or if it’ll just be all PEX everywhere. Do you think the water chemistry in a house should be the deciding factor, or is it more about the install method? Just trying to wrap my head around all the variables...
I keep hearing expansion fittings are more forgiving, but then again, not everyone has the tool for that, and it’s a bit more expensive up front.
You’re not wrong about the tool cost—expansion setups aren’t cheap, and most DIYers just stick with crimp or clamp rings for that reason. I’ve had to go back and fix a couple of clamp ring leaks, usually when someone rushed the job or didn’t check alignment. It’s not super common, but it does happen. Water chemistry can definitely play a role, but honestly, I think install quality matters more in most cases. PEX is great for tight spaces, but you’ve gotta be careful with those connections. Copper’s still king for longevity, but I doubt we’ll see much of it in new builds soon... too pricey and labor-intensive.
