Best PEX fitting/set up

[Jadnashua]

FWIW, pex-a was the first pex. It is the most flexible, the only one that can be repaired without a fitting if crimped, and has the least restrictions. People wanted to make it cheaper, and -b and -c were developed. If all you're interested in is cost, then -b or -c tends to be cheaper. If you want the best performance, -a is your best bet. A manual expander tool works, but you really need a strong hand to do it, and can be a pain if you're doing a lot of fittings. Powered ones are your friend!

 

[wwhitney]

A recirc system with an on demand water heater? Doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of having an on demand system if it's going to be running all the time to keep the lines full of hot water?

No, you could install an "on-demand" recirculation system. Press a button by your distant sink, the system recirculates till you get hot water (and probably quicker than if you just ran the faucet), then shuts off. Saves water.

If you go with an automatic recirculation system, then I agree it blunts the benefit of the tankless water heater. The tank and its thermal losses are still gone, but you have all the thermal losses of the recirculation loop.

Cheers, Wayne