Upgrading or repairing home water supply lines is simple when working with reliable plumbing components. Explore the range of PEX fittings at Ace Hardware, from SharkBite, Flair-It and other brands. Whether updating residential branch lines or tackling quick plumbing repairs, quality components help support secure water delivery across your system.
Types of PEX Fittings for Water Supply Lines
Choosing the right connection style depends on your existing pipe material, space accessibility and specific plumbing project requirements.
- Crimp and clamp fittings:These traditional pipe fittings utilize copper crimp rings or stainless-steel pinch clamps to secure barb-style inserts. Available selections typically include durable brass fittings, poly alloy and lightweight plastic fittings for tees, elbows, couplings, plugs and drop ear connections.
- Push-to-connect fittings:Designed for fast, flame-free joining without specialized crimping equipment, modern push fittings allow quick transitions between PEX pipe, CPVC and copper fittings during repairs or remodeling.
- Expansion fittings:Engineered specifically for cold-expansion PEX-A tubing, these fittings rely on an expansion tool and expansion ring, allowing the PEX-A tubing to contract around the fitting body to help maintain high water flow with minimal restriction.
- Manifolds and adapters:Multi-port distribution manifolds help distribute water to multiple home fixtures and can reduce pressure fluctuations, while threaded adapters connect tubing smoothly to dedicated shut-off valves and transition points.
Comparing PEX Fitting Connection Methods
Use this comparison to evaluate fitting types and determine which style best aligns with your plumbing project requirements.
| Connection Style | Best For | Tool Requirement |
| Barb & Crimp | Budget-conscious whole-house repiping | Standard crimp or clamp tool |
| Push-to-Connect | Fast emergency repairs and multi-material transitions | No specialized tools needed |
| Expansion (PEX-A) | High-demand systems requiring optimal water flow | Mechanical or powered expansion tool |
| Manifolds and Adaptors | Distributing supply to multiple fixtures from a central point | Matches the connection style of the tubing used |
Can You Use Crimp Fittings on Any Type of PEX Pipe?
Standard barb and crimp fittings can typically be used across PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C tubing of matching nominal sizes. In contrast, expansion fittings are engineered specifically for PEX-A tubing and cannot be installed on standard PEX-B or PEX-C lines because those materials lack the flexibility and memory needed for expansion. Checking the tubing type and manufacturer markings printed along your pipe wall before purchasing helps confirm fitting compatibility.
Can PEX Fittings Be Installed Behind Drywall or Underground?
Standard crimp, clamp and expansion fittings are widely approved for concealed installations behind walls and under floors according to model plumbing codes. Push-to-connect fittings are also permitted behind walls in most jurisdictions, though underground burial typically requires a manufacturer-approved protective wrap to protect metal components from soil corrosion. Checking your local plumbing code prior to purchasing helps you choose the approved connection style for your installation location.
Shop PEX Fittings at Ace Hardware
Order online to explore our catalog of plumbing parts with convenient home delivery or free in-store pickup options. Visiting your neighborhood store lets you speak with helpful staff who can assist you in finding the correct fitting sizes, tools and connection styles for your home. Find the right supplies today when you shop PEX fittings near you at Ace Hardware.
