Should you use a PEX stiffener with CTS fitting?

[Mikeiii]

Do you need to use a stiffener when connecting 1/2" PEX to a CTS fitting? Below is the fitting and stiffener I'm referencing. The SeaTech fitting doesn't come with the stiffener and the salesman says you don't need them and they don't sell them. I've seen videos that use them. I'm confused.

Thanks

 

[Reach4]

CTS (copper tubing size) is a size, not a type of fitting. Normal PEX is CTS, as are CPVC and copper pipe. Your images did not work for us. I see http://www.seatechinc.com/... Many push-on fittings, such as SharkBite, often have a built-in stiffener. http://www.seatechinc.com/Technical/Product_Features does not show such a stiffener.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Mikeiii]

CTS (copper tubing size) is a size, not a type of fitting. Normal PEX is CTS, as are CPVC and copper pipe. Your images did not work for us. I see http://www.seatechinc.com/... Many push-on fittings, such as SharkBite, often have a built-in stiffener. http://www.seatechinc.com/Technical/Product_Features does not show such a stiffener.

Thanks. I updated the post by uploading the photos. I'm using this in an RV that is plumbed using 1/2" PEX and plastic fittings.

 

[Reach4]

You are connecting PEX to what? Unless you know for sure, measure that what you will connect to is 0.625 OD.

 

[Mikeiii]

You are connecting PEX to what? Unless you know for sure, measure that what you will connect to is 0.625 OD.

I want to know if I need to put a stiffener in the 1/2" PEX before inserting it into the SeaTech Elbow. I uploaded a photo of the Elbow. (not sure if you can see it) here is a link to it.
https://www.freshwatersystems.com/p...lbow-1-2-cts-x-1-2-cts?variant=13249740570667

 

[Reach4]

 

[Mikeiii]

THANKS! That's what I needed.

Mike

 

[Jadnashua]

FWIW, many fittings that either use a push-on connection or compression require a stiffener to ensure a water-tight seal when used on pex. It's not unusual for the pipe to be slightly out-of-round, and the stiffener helps with that, too, making the o-ring actually work properly. Follow the instructions for the fitting you choose to use.

Both the Watts and Sharkbite fittings have an internal stiffener, and you'd need one to use a standard compression shutoff valve.