I hear you on the SharkBites—they’re super convenient, but I just can’t bring myself to trust them for anything permanent. I’ve had one start leaking after a year, and that was enough for me. With PEX crimps, at least you know if you did it right, it’s probably going to last. Have you tried any of the newer push-to-connect fittings that claim to be more eco-friendly or reusable? I’m curious if they actually hold up or if it’s just marketing.
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I’ve been burned by SharkBites too. Had one pop off behind a washing machine, and let’s just say the tenant was not thrilled about the surprise indoor pool. I get the appeal—no torch, no mess, and you’re done in five minutes. But after that fiasco, I stick to PEX crimps for anything I want to sleep easy about.
Those new eco-friendly push-to-connects? Tried a couple brands when they first came out, mostly because the packaging made them sound like the second coming of plumbing. They’re fine for a quick fix or if you know you’ll need to take it apart again, but I wouldn’t trust them behind drywall. Maybe I’m old school, but if I can’t see a solid crimp or solder, I just don’t buy it’ll last 20 years.
Honestly, I think a lot of the “eco” claims are just marketing fluff. If you want something reusable, sure, but for permanent stuff, I’d rather do it once and not worry about callbacks.
I had a similar debate with myself when I bought my place last year. Ended up going with PEX crimp rings after reading way too many horror stories about push-to-connects failing behind walls. The install took longer, but I feel better knowing it’s solid. I do wonder if the eco ones will improve over time, though... maybe in a few years I’ll trust them more.
I get where you’re coming from—those push-to-connect fittings make me nervous too, especially when you can’t see what’s happening behind the drywall. I’ve been looking into the newer eco-friendly options, but I keep wondering how they actually hold up long-term. Has anyone here had luck with recycled PEX or other “green” piping? I’m all for sustainability, but not if it means risking a leak down the line...
I keep wondering how they actually hold up long-term. Has anyone here had luck with recycled PEX or other “green” piping?
I get the hesitation—I've swapped out a lot of copper for PEX over the years, but the recycled stuff is still a bit new to me. I’ve tried it in one rental, and so far, no complaints or leaks, but it’s only been about two years. I still trust regular PEX more, honestly. The push-to-connect fittings make me double-check everything, especially behind walls... I usually stick with crimp rings where I can see 'em. Sustainability’s great, but not if I’m getting late-night calls about water in the basement.