Plumbing Question: Which is better, glued joints or Crimped joints?

Favorite Answer

It depends on your application. The idea behind Pex (crimp) is you can run a continuous line with only the joints at the end. In theory less joints equals less potential for leaks. The Pex also does better when exposed to freezing temperatures expanding 3X its size before fracturing. The downside to it is in the crimps themselves, if the installer does not ensure the crimps are done correctly they will leak. This product is a better choice for remodeling activities as it can be snaked through a wall in a similar fashion to wire requiring less repairs. It is also a viable consideration for new home construction. The crimping tool usually runs around $100 for individual sized tools and the all in one which I believe goes to 1 1/4" runs around $300. In a typical residential job you will need 1/2" and 3/4" crimping tools which will require a $200 investment. Fittings such as elbows typically cost more than their CPVC counterparts. The crimps are relatively cheap and are comparable cost wise to glue if the product is run as intended. You will need a pipe shear/cutter for either product, these typically run around $20 for the ratcheting ones and look kind of like shears or garden pruners.

CPVC is good from a production standpoint as you can teach helpers to run it in a short amount of time. It comes in 20' lengths which means more joints, which in theory, is more potential for leaks. The primer and glue also put off noxious fumes. As long as the installer is careful to clean the fittings and pipes then apply the correct amount of glue then leaks are rare. That said I have seen glue joints leak even when done properly. It does not hold up as well as the polypropylene to freezing temperatures. This product is well suited to new home construction but in most cases will require more openings than Pex in a remodeling job....Show more

Depends on the pipe. You can't glue copper pipes, but the crimp-on fittings are fine. Glue (solvent-cements, actually) are the best for PVC pipes....Show more

If you want the "best" you will use copper pipes. After that I'd use glue before crimped....Show more

if it is glue right i can not see any difference for you have one less tool to look after. glue joints will hold up to more then one hundred pounds of air pressure in plumbing school...Show more

I am not a plumber but check out plumbing2heating.com have a look through the help pages and just E-mail them I am sure they will know!
Hope this helps.......Show more