Yeah, totally get your hesitation with SharkBites behind walls—I've heard similar stories too. A plumber friend mentioned that while they're quick and easy, the rubber O-rings inside can degrade over time, especially with harder water or temperature fluctuations. Personally, I'd lean toward PEX with crimp rings—not as tricky as soldering copper and pretty reliable long-term. Plus, fewer chemicals involved than solder flux, which is a nice eco-friendly bonus. Just something else to consider...
Yeah, SharkBites can be hit or miss. Had a customer last year whose basement flooded after one failed behind drywall—wasn't pretty. PEX crimps are solid, though; haven't had callbacks on those yet. Worth the peace of mind, imo.
Had a similar experience with SharkBites myself—worked fine at first, but after a couple years, started noticing tiny drips behind the cabinet. Luckily caught it early, but lesson learned. PEX crimps have been my go-to ever since. They're reliable, and honestly, the crimp tool isn't that expensive if you're planning more DIY plumbing projects down the road. If you're comfortable with basic plumbing, I'd say DIY with PEX crimps is totally doable...otherwise, plumber might save you some headaches.
"PEX crimps have been my go-to ever since. They're reliable, and honestly, the crimp tool isn't that expensive if you're planning more DIY plumbing projects down the road."
Have you found the crimp connections hold up well long-term compared to SharkBites? I've been debating switching over myself after a similar drip issue behind my dishwasher. Also, is there a noticeable learning curve with the crimp tool, or is it pretty straightforward for someone who's done basic plumbing before? Just want to avoid another surprise puddle down the line...
From what I've seen during my apprenticeship, crimp connections definitely hold up well over time—provided they're done correctly. SharkBites are great for quick fixes or tight spots, but I've heard mixed reviews about their longevity, especially behind walls or appliances where leaks can go unnoticed for a while.
"the crimp tool isn't that expensive if you're planning more DIY plumbing projects down the road."
Agreed on the cost-effectiveness; once you get past the initial purchase, it pays for itself pretty quickly. The learning curve isn't too steep either—mostly it's about getting a feel for how much pressure to apply and making sure the ring is positioned right. If you've handled basic plumbing tasks before, you'll probably pick it up fast enough. Just double-check your connections carefully at first and maybe practice on some scrap pipe to build confidence.
One thing I'm curious about though: has anyone here had experience with the stainless steel cinch clamps versus the copper crimp rings? I've seen both methods used, but haven't personally tried the cinch clamps yet...
