PEX piping

[James Orven]

I'm looking at using Pex plumbing tubing.
The cost is much lower than copper and seems very easy to work with.

My debate now is how to do the connections.

Sharkbite fittings are ridiculous in price.

I will use the conventional system for PEX plumbing (and buy the PEX tool), but I still have 3 choices; the cinch (compression)ring, the cinch (like a band strap), both of which mean using a smaller ID fitting or going with a flared connection which will hold the same ID as the tubing (still needing to use one of the above to clamp onto).

Maybe I'm thinking about these reduced sized fittings too much and whatever reduction they cause are insignificant.
That's really my main question right now...

What it comes down to;
Are the size of fittings nothing to be concerned about?
Then it's band or compression style connector?

Would love to hear your advise or experiences.

[Jeff Zehnder]

I was a diehard copper frantic for many years but Pex has won me over during the last ten years. I prefer the rings and the crimp tool as well as a manifold system where possible

[James Orven]

I was a diehard copper frantic for many years but Pex has won me over during the last ten years. I prefer the rings and the crimp tool as well as a manifold system where possible

You mean crimp connectors like this? Elbows (PEX x PEX), Pex Tubing (http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/category/elbows)
PEX Crimp Rings (Copper Crimp Rings) (http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/category/copper-crimp-rings)

[Scott Patterson]

I'm looking at using Pex plumbing tubing.
The cost is much lower than copper and seems very easy to work with.

My debate now is how to do the connections.

Sharkbite fittings are ridiculous in price.

I will use the conventional system for PEX plumbing (and buy the PEX tool), but I still have 3 choices; the cinch (compression)ring, the cinch (like a band strap), both of which mean using a smaller ID fitting or going with a flared connection which will hold the same ID as the tubing (still needing to use one of the above to clamp onto).

Maybe I'm thinking about these reduced sized fittings too much and whatever reduction they cause are insignificant.
That's really my main question right now...

What it comes down to;
Are the size of fittings nothing to be concerned about?
Then it's band or compression style connector?

Would love to hear your advise or experiences.

Unless you know how to install PEX (been to a manufacturers training class) you really should not attempt to install it. Pay a person who knows how to do it! PEX is very unforgiving with screwups.

Each manufacturer makes their own fittings, crimps etc.