Removing a crimped PEX ring can be a bit of a tricky process, but it is possible to do. The best way to remove a crimped PEX ring is to first use a pair of pliers, such as needle-nose pliers, to remove the ring from the fitting.
This can be done by gently squeezing the ring on both sides of the fitting and pulling it away from the fitting. Once the ring has been broken from the fitting, it can then be taken off with a wrench or pliers.
Alternatively, the fitting itself can be cut off and the ring removed. To do this, use a hacksaw to cut through the metal of the fitting and then use pliers or a wrench to remove the ring. Be sure to proceed with caution when doing this as the metal can be sharp and cause injury.
It is also important to wear protective gear such as safety glasses when performing this work as pieces of metal can fly off as the fitting is being cut.
How do you remove a PEX clamp ring without a tool?
Removing a PEX clamp ring without a tool can be done by using two standard scissors. To do this, open one set of the scissors as wide as possible, and use it to press against the center of the PEX clamp ring.
Gently press against the ring with the scissors, and move them around the circumference of the ring to pry it upward. Once the bottom of the PEX clamp ring is elevated, you can use the other set of scissors to slide underneath it and pull it off the pipe.
Make sure the scissors remain open and pressed against the PEX clamp ring to prevent it from slipping off and becoming difficult to remove.
Can PEX expansion fittings be reused?
Yes, PEX expansion fittings can be reused as long as they are still in good condition and not damaged or distorted. It is important to note that when PEX expansion fittings are reused, the ratings for the fitting may not match the manufacturer-rated system pressure.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that reused expansion fittings are still safe and suitable for their intended purpose before reusing them. Additionally, never use plastic PEX fittings on metal pipes and vice versa as this is unsafe and can lead to issues.
It is also important to make sure the fitting you are using is compatible with the specific pipe and tubing you are using. Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.
How do you remove a compression ring from a plastic pipe?
Removing a compression ring from a plastic pipe is a relatively simple task. First, you’ll need to make sure the area around the pipe is clear and you have ample room to work. You’ll also need to make sure you have the appropriate tools.
Depending on the type of compression ring and plastic pipe, you’ll likely need a flat head screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a pair of adjustable wrenches.
To begin, match the size of the adjustable wrench to the size of the compression nut and loosen it. Once it is loose, you can use the flat head screwdriver to carefully pry the nut away from the pipe.
Be careful not to damage the pipe during the removal process.
Next, you’ll need to free the ring from the threads of the pipe. To do this, get a firm grip on each side of the ring with a pair of pliers and twist gently. As you twist, the ring will begin to come off of the threads.
After the ring has been loosened and detached, you can then remove it from the pipe.
Finally, once the compression ring has been removed, it is a good idea to inspect the area for any damage or remaining compression nut fragments. If any fragments remain, use the flathead screwdriver to carefully remove them.
Once all of the fragments have been removed and the area has been checked for any damage, the job is complete.
How do you use shark bite removal tool?
Using a shark bite removal tool can be a relatively simple task, depending on the complexity of the leak or repair. To use the tool, begin by turning off the water supply that runs to the damaged pipe or fitting.
After the water is turned off, use a cutting tool to cut the SharkBite fitting off the water line. Depending on the type of fitting, use either side cutters, a hack saw, or a rotary tool to remove the pipe or fitting attached to the SharkBite fitting.
Once the pipe or fitting is removed, insert the shark bite removal tool into the SharkBite fitting and twist it to remove the fitting from the line. To make reassembly of the water lines easier, use a small amount of lubricant on the threads of the new fitting, so it can be easily tightened and secured.
After the new fitting is tightened, turn the water supply back on for testing.
Can a PEX clamp be removed?
Yes, a PEX clamp can be removed. Depending on the type of PEX clamp, you can typically remove it using pliers or a special PEX clamp removal tool. The most common type of PEX clamp is called a crimp ring, which is installed using a crimping tool.
To remove the crimp ring, you need to insert the legs of a pair of pliers into the crimp, and then squeeze and twist the pliers to get a better grip on the ring, before carefully working the crimp ring off the PEX tubing.
Other types of PEX clamps, such as a cinch clamp or a stainless steel clamp, are for reuseable and do not need to be removed. To remove these types of clamps, you would simply unscrew them from the fitting and discard them.
Can you undo a PEX crimp?
Yes, you can undo a PEX crimp, although the process of doing so depends on which type of fitting you are using. Generally speaking, the type of fitting you choose will determine the best way to undo it, as different fittings and methods require different tools.
For example, the most basic type of PEX crimp uses a crimp ring and a crimp tool. To undo such a connection, you must remove the crimp ring and then gently push the tubing out of the fitting by pressing down on the barrel of the fitting with a special tool.
In contrast, a PEX connection that uses a cinch clamp can be undone by cutting the clamp off the tubing and then gently pushing the tubing out of the fitting. Whatever type of fitting you are dealing with, you can usually remove the connection by gently pressing down on the barrel of the fitting or cutting the clamp off of it.
How do you undo a pinch clamp?
To undo a pinch clamp, you’ll need to locate the release tab or handle. It should be located at the very end of the clamp closest to the opening. Gently pull on the tab to release the clamp and pull the clamp away, being careful not to damage the material being clamped.
Depending on the type of clamp being used, you may need to use some force to completely separate the two parts. Once the clamp is completely released, it should come apart easily. Once the clamp is released and taken off, the material being clamped can be removed.
Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?
It depends on the job. Generally, crimping is the preferred method of making watertight connections with PEX, as it provides a secure lock to the pipe. It does require special crimpers, but allows for a reducible fitting.
On the other hand, clamping also creates a watertight connection, and is much quicker and easier to install. It does not require any special tools, just a pair of scissors, and a heavy duty clamping tool.
However, this isn’t recommended for reducing fitting. Clamping is often used when making less critical connections with PEX pipe, such as for water lines that go to a water heater or run to a sink. In short, it is best to crimp for critical connection, and clamp for other less critical plumbing runs.
What does a bad PEX crimp look like?
A bad PEX crimp typically appears as a soft or loose crimp, where the crimp ring does not look uniform and is not securely connected to the tubing. Poor crimps may appear with flattened ring edges or depressions, or with a visible gap between the crimp ring and the tubing.
Additionally, the tubing itself may be wrinkled or separated at the crimp point, or the crimp fittings may have other obvious signs of damage. In more extreme cases, the tubing may not be properly seated in the crimp at all.
It’s also important to note that any visual changes in the appearance of the tubing at the crimp point may be indicative of a bad crimp. Thus it is necessary to pay close attention to the shape and alignment of the crimp ring, tubing, and end connectors.
Can you unscrew PEX fittings?
Yes, you can unscrew PEX fittings, as long as no sealant has been used. Since PEX fittings are made of plastic, you’ll need a pair of channel lock pliers to get a strong grip to turn them in order to unscrew them.
Make sure you turn them counter-clockwise if you’re trying to loosen them. It can sometimes be helpful to have a heat source nearby, as heating up the fitting can help to loosen it. If you find that the fitting is stuck and won’t unscrew, you may need to use a PEX cutter or saw to cut the fittings off, and then get new ones to replace them.
