PEX A connections

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Eagle4x

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I want to use pex-A tubing for installing my hot water heater because I've read it's more flexible than pex-B. I have some questions about pex-A tubing:
1) The big box stores sell pex-A brass connections, and I've removed one from a package and it fits tight inside the tube, however, I watched a youtube video showing using a tool inserted in the end and expanding it, slipping a small white fitting over the outside and then inserting the brass fitting. Why would that be required when appears all that would need to be done is to insert a brass fitting in the end of the tube and put a crimp ring over it and then tighten it?

2) Another alternative to fittings are the compression fittings. Are they as good as using crimp fittings?

3) I've read about some lawsuits about using red/blue colored pex tubing. Would it be better to use white tubing and wrap a red piece of tape around the hot tubing?
 

Reach4

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See https://pexuniverse.com/types-of-pex-fittings

1) The big box stores sell pex-A brass connections, and I've removed one from a package and it fits tight inside the tube,
No, an F1960 fitting will not fit into a PEX-A tube without expansion. I expect the fittings you tried are not expansion (f1960) fittings.
2) Another alternative to fittings are the compression fittings. Are they as good as using crimp fittings?
While compression fittings are supposedly OK, I don't think many have posted that they use that. So I don't know. I do know that many successfully use Sharkbite! Crimp rings are used with F1807 and F2159 fittings. I have thought that stainless steel clamps would also work well.

3) I've read about some lawsuits about using red/blue colored pex tubing. Would it be better to use white tubing and wrap a red piece of tape around the hot tubing?
Those pipes with the known problems have already been withdrawn from the market.

I want to use pex-A tubing for installing my hot water heater because I've read it's more flexible than pex-B.
The PEX-A was less flexible than I had anticipated. But yes, PEX-A has a slightly smaller minimum bend radius.
 

Integrity Repipe

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PEX-A is a solid choice for hot water systems. The expansion tool is necessary because PEX-A connections rely on expanding the tubing to insert the fitting. As the tube contracts, it creates a strong seal without needing crimp rings. Compression fittings are another option, but they’re not as secure as the expansion method. As for the colored tubing, the lawsuits were likely linked to specific manufacturing issues, not the colors themselves. White tubing marked with red tape for hot water is a smart and simple way to avoid confusion.
 
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