Kitec PEX-Al-PEX and Sharkbites

[Rossn]

I am in the middle of replacing some Kitec PEX-Al-PEX that was used for Cold and DHW, and need to temp re-connect it. Any reason I cannot use shark bites to temporarily connect the Kitec PEX-Al-PEX to the new copper? I believe the shark bites are fine on PEX, but wanted to confirm the PEX-Al-PEX.

 

[Terry]

I don't know, but a quick search pulled this up, still lookin though.

Compatible with compression type PEX fittings and Press type connection system.

PEX-AL-PEX tubing is a composite type tubing comprised of 3 layers (PEX, Aluminum and PEX) bonded together. Since aluminum is impermeable to oxygen, it acts as an effective oxygen diffusion barrier and eliminates the need for an additional EVOH layer (as in barrier PEX), making it suitable for hydronic and radiant heating applications, including warm floors, baseboard/radiator systems, snow melt systems and others.

Sharkbite
compatible pipe types, including PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT & HDPE. Transition fittings for PVC and polybutylene available.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[wwhitney]

To my understanding, PEX-Al-PEX is not CTS (copper tube size, OD = nominal + 1/8"), so you can't use a standard SharkBite.

https://www.pexuniverse.com/pex-al-pex-tubing-technical-specifications

So I think you'd need to find a compression connector made for PEX-Al-PEX. Unless Kitek is different?

The above chart does suggest a sharkbite might work on 1/2" (0.630" OD versus 0.625"), not sure what the OD tolerances are for Sharkbites, or (edit) if the ID being different would cause a problem with the stiffener.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Rossn]

Ok, thanks Terry and Wwhitney. I had also just called and they confirmed the same... I had forgotten that it may have a different OD. Shamefully I think I did cap some 1/2" with a sharkbite cap earlier in the project and it has held (given it is larger, probably not an issue).

I think Watts is now making the connectors for the Kitek, as I understand that Watts actually bought out the PEX equipment from Kitek, and is now making the same tubing.

I think I need to call Watts and confirm the product line that will work and/or see if I can find any alternatives that may be available at the big-box. If anyone knows, let me know.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

I think Watts is now making the connectors for the Kitek, as I understand that Watts actually bought out the PEX equipment from Kitek, and is now making the same tubing.

Interesting I'm working on a condo that has Kitec run to 4 units. We replaced one unit outright during a large remodel. I refuse to perform any repairs to the Kitec tubing itself, but was curious if I could use the same mechanical connectors with another brand of PEX or if I was going to have to modify the manifolds just to modify a single run leaving the rest in place. Would definitely be interested to hear what you found out

I found this from Watts. Tubing and fittings. They look exactly like the Kitec fittings.

 

[Shagpal]

I am in the middle of replacing some Kitec PEX-Al-PEX that was used for Cold and DHW, and need to temp re-connect it. Any reason I cannot use shark bites to temporarily connect the Kitec PEX-Al-PEX to the new copper? I believe the shark bites are fine on PEX, but wanted to confirm the PEX-Al-PEX.

I found this. sharkbite refers to pex-al-pex as multi-layer pex

MULTILAYER Pipe | SharkBite - English

en.sharkbite.es

 

[Shagpal]

I found this

MULTILAYER Pipe | SharkBite - English

en.sharkbite.es