Does ProPress work with PEX?
ProPress & PEX Compatibility Connecting PEX Using ProPress Press Fittings
Introduction to ProPress Press Fittings
RIIFO ProPress refers to a popular brand of cold-joining press fittings used with copper water pipes in plumbing and HVAC systems. These fittings utilize special smart-grip rings and o-ring seals inside that get compressed as the piping presses into a precisely shaped socket. The built-in seals provide an exceptional pressure-tight connection without needing torches, glues, or dispensers required for soldering, threading, or solvent-welding pipe joints. Installers can use compact pressing tools to quickly join ProPress fittings by hand to form secure, reliable seals in seconds. Their convenience and flexibility aids installation, especially in tight spaces.IFAN factory with 30+ years of manufacturing experience supports color/size customization and free samples. Welcome to consult for catalog and free samples. This is our Facebook Website: www.facebook.com.
PEX Press vs. ProPress Press Systems
PEX refers to flexible crosslinked polyethylene tubing that has gained widespread use for modern water distribution more recently. There exist many types of PEX-specific press fittings using the same basic pressing principle and smart seal technology as ProPress. However, standard ProPress fittings were designed solely for copper pipes, not PEX or other plastic tubing. Key differences in materials and sealing methods prevent direct interchangeability even though their cold-press joining approach remains similar.
The question becomes – can ProPress designed for copper pipes also work effectively and safely when applied to PEX lines?
Pressing Theory & Solenoid Valves
The pressing process serving both ProPress and PEX functions relies on precision-machined fittings with encapsulated O-ring(s) built into the socket cavities. When the pipe inserts fully and gets compressed, these O-rings deform to seal tightly against the wall. In ProPress for copper, the system also utilizes a shape memory retention ring that springs back to embed into the pipe surface. With PEX, the pressed section instead fuses semi-permanently to the contoured fitting interior for its grip.
In theory, inserting PEX tubing into a ProPress fitting and compressing it should activate the O-ring seal just as it does on copper. However, lacking the metal retention ring’s bite, the grip relies more on the PEX lining adhering completely flush to the surrounding O-ring and walls. Pressing PEX to a ProPress fitting can accomplish sealing this way with the right combinations. But consistency and longevity remain questionable at best.
Appropriate Use Considerations
Using ProPress on PEX risks erratic seal functionality for transmitting pressurized water long-term. This results from fundamental differences in key material properties. Understanding these variables helps determine appropriate applications.
Thermal Expansion Properties Copper and PEX differ significantly in thermal expansion and contraction properties when heated. Rigid copper tubes resist redirecting forces from temperature swings. PEX’s flexible nature causes it to deform more from the same heat/cooling cycles. This could compromise over time ProPress fittings designed solely to grip and contain copper.
Relative Stiffness & Compression Press fittings for PEX utilize a strong but ductile polymer housing that somewhat flexes and then rebounds around the fused tubing. Copper ProPress fittings remain unyielding. The PEX’s relative softness may allow seal relaxation over years if paired with the ultra-rigid metal ProPress fitting, allowing gradual leakage risks.
Fluid and Pressure Resistance PEX tubing and its compatible press fittings are manufactured specifically to endure hot, cold, salty, acidic, or alkaline flowing water for decades. The corrosion resistance and thermal insulation differ from copper pipe attributes. So fluid exposures tolerated by PEX may still degrade ProPress fittings unprepared for such, and vice versa.
Potential Long-term Issues Several problematic scenarios emerge when considering using ProPress fittings long-term with PEX tubing:
Seal Deterioration
Gradual leaks could develop as compression forces relax and PEX shrinks back minutely from temperature cycling. The grip might loosen over time since the retention ring cannot dig into the smooth plastic tubing walls like on rigid copper.
Connection Blowouts Pressurized water flows could theoretically over-stress the junction and suddenly blow PEX tubing right out of the ProPress fitting if gripped insufficiently to overcome the internal pressure forces. PEX press fittings incorporate extremely deep grip cavities and multiple O-rings to prevent this.
Corrosion & Deposits
RIIFO Fluids safe for PEX might interact with the fitting sealing elements and embedded retention ring to cause unseen corrosion or mineral accumulations that disturb the integrity over years of use. Again, PEX press fittings focus on material chemistry compatibility.
fitting Cracks & Fractures Repeated heating/cooling swings could potentially propagate cracks or fractures within the ultra-rigid ProPress fittings not designed to flex and expand alongside PEX tubing. Their stiffness leaves no room for insulating movements.
Difficult Integrity Testing Clogged or slowly leaking ProPress joints brazed to copper offer no pathway for borescope insertion common with PEX fittings. This eliminates inspection access to the critical seals and pipe insertion points hidden from view inside the metal body.
Potential Benefits Using ProPress on PEX While lacking official approval or recommended use for PEX, pressing ProPress connectors onto PEX tubing is possible and can provide some unique advantages in certain applications.
Transition Flexibility Mixing ProPress with PEX enables direct transitions between copper and PEX lines using the same press fitting brand with no adapters required. This approach potentially suits low-pressure drainage transitions or short test stubouts.
Fast Assembly & Disassembly The compression grip of ProPress on PEX allows reasonably secure temporary connections for equipment isolation and leak checks during modifications or repairs. The PEX releases reasonably easily for reconfigurations using the same fittings.
Vibration Cushioning
The grip of ProPress on PEX likely withstands vibration better than PEX or copper systems alone. The interface provides dampening isolation allowing some relative motion between tubing and fittings to reduce stress transfer and pipe fatigue over time.
Availability & Affordability
Standard ProPress fittings offer another option when immediate PEX-specific press fittings remain unavailable or costly to acquire in small quantities. This applies best for short-term or experimental connections only.
Appropriate ProPress Uses with PEX
When handled by knowledgeable professionals, ProPress fittings can integrate with PEX tubing reliably in certain non-critical applications. Appropriate example uses include:
Testing & Temporary Setups
ProPress offers quick connectivity for temporary PEX inserts used while adjusting equipment or during system tests. Just ensure to cap ends and limit pressure exposures when unattended.
Low-Pressure Drain/Vent Lines
While permanent sealing proves uncertain long-term, PEX to ProPress connects safely accommodate the minimal pressures and corrosion risks seen on condensate drains or vent lines.
Compressed Air Circuits
Industrial grade PEX tubing can pair with ProPress fittings adequately on the clean, dry compressed airlines associated with automation devices and pneumatic tool circuits up to 100psi.
Isolation Valve Connections
For basic isolation valves seeing only intermittent use, ProPress mechanically secures PEX tubing stubs reasonably well despite gradual seal concerns inappropriate for permanent potable water service.
Transition Joining
In times before universal PEX support, pressing ProPress fittings enabled the integration of the advancing plastic tubing technology with existing metal piping systems using a common connection method. This bridging approach supports tentative early adoption trials.
Conclusion
In summary, while the cold-press sealing concept looks identical between ProPress and PEX systems, the specifically engineered properties of each product remain incompatible for reliably permanent applications carrying pressurized water long-term. Still, practicality prevails – and ProPress does function reasonably well as a temporary connectivity solution or low-pressure junction with PEX tubing in a pinch. Just take precautions around sealing capacity uncertainties, pressure exposures beyond ratings, and long-term carryover of potable water where health safety risks require assurance. Consider system variables as well as application longevity needs when deciding whether or not to integrate ProPress with PEX tubing.
IFAN
IFAN factory started in 1993. And IFAN has a workshop of 120000 square meters with 610 staff. IFAN can design and produce all plumbing pipe and fitting including PPR, PVC, CPVC PPSU HDPE PEXA PEXB PERT pipe and fitting, brass fitting, brass ball valve, heating system, gas system, sanitary faucets, and hose, In the past 30 years, IFAN has never forgotten his mission-To protect health and safety. And IFAN factory uses the best materials to produce high-quality pipe and fittings with an automatic production line and high-tech quality control machines.
