Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures

Here’s how I see it after dealing with my own share of leaks and headaches:

- Copper’s great for spots where you can see it or where it might take a beating. I had a laundry room pipe get whacked by a dropped toolbox once - copper barely dented, PEX would’ve been toast.
- For behind walls, PEX is just easier. Less hassle, especially if you’re crawling around tight spaces or retrofitting old houses. I’ve saved hours just being able to bend it around weird corners.
- Those metal brackets for PEX at stub-outs are a must. I learned the hard way when my kid tried to “help” and yanked on the bathroom line - pipe flexed but didn’t break, thanks to the bracket.
- Push-to-connect fittings… mixed feelings. Handy in a pinch, but I’ve had two leak on me after a year or so. If you’re putting something in a spot that’s hard to reach later, stick with crimp or solder.
- Tool maintenance is non-negotiable. I got lazy once, didn’t check my crimper, and ended up redoing half a run after finding a slow leak months later.

If you’re picking new fixtures, just make sure whatever you get has solid mounting options and doesn’t put stress on the lines. Learned that lesson with a heavy kitchen faucet that kept loosening up the supply line - ended up adding extra support under the sink.

Hope that helps someone dodge a headache or two...

I get where you’re coming from on copper being tough, but I’ve actually had PEX survive some wild stuff - like my dog using a wall as a launch pad and slamming into a stub-out. No leaks, just a confused dog. I’m with you on push-to-connect though… they’re like fast food: great when you’re desperate, but you’ll regret it later if you rely on ’em too much. I still think PEX can handle more than folks give it credit for, especially if you’re not swinging hammers around your laundry room on the regular.

PEX really does take a beating, doesn’t it? I’ve seen it bounce back from some wild stuff - kids, pets, you name it. Still, I get a little twitchy about push-to-connect in spots where I can’t keep an eye on things. Ever had one pop off behind a wall? That’s a mess nobody wants to deal with twice.

Push-to-connect is handy for quick fixes, but I’m with you - behind a wall, it makes me nervous. I’ve seen one fail after a few years, and tracking down the leak was a nightmare. If you can, crimp or expand connections are just more reliable long-term. PEX itself holds up, but those fittings are the weak link if you can’t monitor them.

Totally get what you’re saying about push-to-connect. I’ve seen a couple that worked fine for a while, then started weeping just enough to cause headaches. Crimp rings or expansion fittings take a little more time, but honestly, peace of mind is worth it - especially inside walls. You’re on the right track thinking long-term.

Crimp rings or expansion fittings take a little more time, but honestly, peace of mind is worth it - especially inside walls.

Couldn’t agree more about the “peace of mind” part. I’ve watched enough water sneak out of push-to-connects to know I’d rather spend an extra hour with the crimper than spend a weekend tearing out drywall. That said, I’ll admit those push-to-connects are tempting when you’re in a crawlspace and your knees are screaming for mercy.

One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you’ve got the right tool for expansion fittings. Borrowed my uncle’s expander once, and it was like wrestling an angry raccoon. If you’re doing a bunch of connections, it’s worth investing in a decent tool. And always double-check pipe depth... I’ve seen leaks just because someone didn’t push the fitting on all the way.

Long story short: slow and steady wins the race, especially if you don’t want to meet your plumber again in six months.

I totally get the temptation with push-to-connects, especially when you’re wedged under a sink or in some weird crawlspace. I’ve used them a couple times for “temporary” fixes that somehow turned into permanent solutions… but I always end up worrying about them later. Maybe it’s just paranoia, but I’ve seen one too many slow leaks turn into a mess.

Crimp rings have been my go-to for most stuff behind walls, but I’m still kind of on the fence about expansion fittings. They seem solid, but that expander tool is no joke - mine jammed up once and I spent more time fixing the tool than actually plumbing. Has anyone else had issues with the tool itself? Or maybe I just got a dud.

Also, does anyone bother with those little depth gauges? I always think I can eyeball it, then second-guess myself after everything’s closed up. Maybe overthinking it, but water has a way of finding every mistake you make...

Yeah, those push-to-connects are a lifesaver in tight spots, but I never quite trust them long-term either. Had one start weeping behind a vanity once - total pain. I’m with you on crimp rings for stuff you’re closing up. As for the expander tool, mine’s jammed a couple times too, especially when it’s cold out. Not sure if it’s the tool or user error, honestly.

I do use the depth gauge, but only when I remember where I left it... Most of the time, I just eyeball and hope for the best. Ever tried pressing fittings instead? Curious if anyone thinks they’re worth the extra cost.

Press fittings are kind of like the unicorn of plumbing - everyone talks about them, but I don’t see them out in the wild much, at least not for small DIY jobs. I tried a set once when working on a buddy’s basement bathroom. The tool was a rental, and it felt like operating a hydraulic car jack on steroids. Super satisfying “clunk,” but man, those fittings are pricey.

Honestly, for stuff behind walls, I still lean toward crimp rings or even good old sweat joints if it’s copper. Just feels more bulletproof. Press is fast and clean, though - no torches or worrying about setting off smoke alarms (ask me about that time with the kitchen reno...).

I’ve also had my expander tool freeze up in the winter - thought it was just me being impatient. Maybe they just don’t like cold garages? As for depth gauges, mine’s probably hanging out with all my lost 10mm sockets somewhere.

If you’re doing a lot of work and want speed, press might be worth it. For occasional fixes, I’m not sure the cost adds up unless you hate crimping that much.

- Press fittings are slick, but I’m with you - cost is hard to justify for one-off jobs.
- Crimp rings have been my go-to for PEX. Reliable, and the tools aren’t bank-breakers.
- Sweat joints on copper? Still feels like the gold standard for anything permanent, especially behind drywall.
- Had a similar “torch vs smoke alarm” moment during a laundry room update...not fun.
- Expander tools and cold weather don’t mix - mine locked up last January and I nearly chucked it across the garage.
- For fixtures: if you’re doing a lot of changes or future-proofing, maybe invest in press tools, but for most renos, crimp or sweat still make sense.

Crimp rings have been my go-to too - never had a leak, and the tool paid for itself after a couple projects. Press fittings are tempting, but unless you’re doing a whole house or tons of repairs, I just can’t see dropping that much cash on the tool. Sweat joints still make me nervous behind walls, though. I always worry about missing a pinhole or not getting it hot enough. Anyone here actually prefer push-to-connect for quick fixes, or do those feel too temporary?

Push-to-connect fittings always seemed a bit too “quick fix” for my taste, but I’ll admit I’ve used them behind a vanity when I was in a pinch. No leaks yet, but I still find myself checking every few months, just in case. Maybe it’s paranoia from seeing one pop off in a buddy’s basement years ago. Has anyone actually had a push-to-connect fail, or is that just old horror stories floating around?

“Maybe it’s paranoia from seeing one pop off in a buddy’s basement years ago.”

Seen that happen myself - water everywhere, not fun. Honestly, push-to-connects are a lifesaver for tight spots or quick repairs, but I always double-check the pipe’s clean and fully inserted. They’re solid if installed right, but I still trust a good old sweat joint for anything behind walls or ceilings. Call it old habits... but hey, if yours aren’t leaking, you’re probably fine.

I get where you’re coming from - seeing a fitting blow off once is enough to make you second-guess every connection after that. I’ve only used push-to-connects for exposed spots or temporary fixes, mostly because I’m always worried about what’s happening behind the drywall where you can’t see if something’s starting to weep. Maybe it’s just me being overly cautious, but I’ll take the extra time to sweat a joint if it means I can sleep at night.

Out of curiosity, do you guys use any extra supports or clips when you’re running PEX with push-fits behind walls? I’ve heard some folks say movement can loosen them over time, but I haven’t seen it firsthand. Also, anyone ever had issues with hard water messing with the seals? Just trying to cover all the bases before I commit to using them in my own place.

I’ve only used push-to-connects for exposed spots or temporary fixes, mostly because I’m always worried about what’s happening behind the drywall where you can’t see if something’s starting to weep.

I totally get that. I tried using push-fits behind a bathroom wall once, but honestly, I kept thinking about what could be happening back there. Ended up pulling it all out and sweating copper instead - took longer, but like you said, peace of mind matters. As for supports, I used those plastic PEX clips every couple feet, just in case. Haven’t had any hard water issues yet, but I do wonder if that’s just luck or good seals.

I hear you on the push-fits - honestly, I just don’t trust them for anything long-term behind walls. I know they’re rated for it, but sweating copper or even crimping PEX feels way more reliable. Those PEX clips are a good call, though. As for hard water, I think seals can only do so much... eventually minerals will find a way if they’re going to. Maybe it’s worth checking your water hardness and adding a filter if you’re worried?

As for hard water, I think seals can only do so much... eventually minerals will find a way if they’re going to. Maybe it’s worth checking your water hardness and adding a filter if you’re worried?

That’s my worry too - hard water seems like it always wins in the end. Have you looked into any eco-friendly filtration options? I’ve been debating between a salt-free softener and just sticking with a basic sediment filter. Not sure which is better long-term for both the pipes and the planet. Also, does anyone else feel like sweating copper is almost meditative, or is that just me?

Salt-free softeners get hyped, but honestly, they don’t actually remove minerals - they just try to keep them from sticking. If you’ve got serious hardness, a basic sediment filter won’t cut it either. I’ve seen more long-term success with traditional softeners, even if they’re not the greenest. And yeah, sweating copper is weirdly calming... until you burn your fingers.

Salt-free softeners get hyped, but honestly, they don’t actually remove minerals - they just try to keep them from sticking.

Yeah, that’s spot on. I’ve pulled apart a few “salt-free” setups after years in service and the scale buildup was still there, just maybe a bit less crusty. Traditional softeners are more work, but they actually get the job done if your water’s really hard. Sediment filters are great for sand or rust, but they’re not touching calcium or magnesium. And sweating copper - totally agree, it’s almost meditative until you slip and end up with a nice little burn. Been there more times than I’d like to admit...

That bit about “almost meditative until you slip and end up with a nice little burn” made me laugh. Been there, done that, and still have the scar on my knuckle to prove it. Soldering copper is one of those things that looks easy until you’re sweating in a cramped crawlspace, upside down, cursing gravity.

On the fixtures side, I’ve noticed hard water does a number on anything with a cartridge - faucets, shower valves, you name it. Even with a softener (the salt kind), I end up pulling apart the bathroom faucet every couple years just to clear out the gunk. Salt-free systems didn’t do much for me either. Like you said, it’s still there, just not as chunky.

Sediment filters are great for sand or rust, but they’re not touching calcium or magnesium.

Exactly. I put in a whole-house sediment filter when we moved in because our well water looked like weak tea some days. Helped with the grit, but nothing changed with the white crust on everything metal. Ended up biting the bullet and going with an old-school softener. More maintenance, sure, but less time spent scraping scale out of the dishwasher.

If you’re picking new fixtures and your water’s hard, I’d say stick to brands where you can actually get replacement parts. Some of these designer brands look great but try finding a cartridge for them after five years - good luck. I learned that the hard way with a fancy kitchen faucet that turned into an expensive paperweight after three years.

Anyway, just my two cents from too many hours under sinks and in crawlspaces. Hard water wins unless you actually remove the minerals.