PEX Crimp Valves
PEX crimp valves connect directly to PEX tubing using a copper crimp ring, giving plumbers a full range of shutoff, check, balancing, and specialty valve types without switching to a different connection method mid-run. The category covers ball valves, check valves, and pressure and mixing valves built for crimp connections.
Selecting a crimp valve keeps the entire PEX run on one consistent connection method, which simplifies tooling on the job since a single crimp tool services both fittings and valves. Matching valve function, whether shutoff, check, or pressure reducing, to the application keeps the plumbing system operating as designed.
Subcategories
- PEX Crimp Balancing Valves: PEX crimp balancing valves let an installer adjust flow rate on individual branches of a hydronic or radiant system so each loop receives its intended share of water regardless of pipe length or fixture count.
- PEX Crimp Boiler Drains: PEX crimp boiler drains provide a hose bib style connection point for draining or filling a boiler loop, installed directly into PEX tubing at the low point of the system.
- PEX Crimp Check Valves: PEX crimp check valves allow flow in a single direction and close against backflow, commonly installed on pump discharge lines or anywhere reverse flow could cause circulation problems in a loop.
- PEX Crimp Pressure Reducing Valves: PEX crimp pressure reducing valves lower incoming water pressure to a safe operating range for downstream fixtures and equipment, protecting a system supplied by a municipal line running above typical residential pressure.
Buying Guide
Identify the specific function needed, balancing, draining, backflow prevention, or pressure reduction, before selecting a valve, since these four styles aren't interchangeable even though they all crimp onto PEX the same way.
Confirm the PEX tubing size and classification match the valve's rated crimp ring size, since a mismatched ring diameter won't seal properly even if the valve itself appears to fit.
Check the pressure and temperature rating of the specific valve against the system it's going into, particularly for boiler drains and pressure reducing valves where operating conditions vary widely between a domestic water line and a closed hydronic loop.
Verify orientation requirements before installing, since check valves and some balancing valves are directional and will block flow entirely if installed backward.
Keep a go/no-go gauge on hand to verify every crimp after installation, since an under-crimped or over-crimped ring is one of the more common causes of a slow leak showing up after a system is pressurized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PEX crimp valve be installed with the same tool used for standard PEX fittings?
Yes, PEX crimp valves use the same crimp ring and crimping tool as standard PEX fittings, so no additional equipment is needed beyond what's already used for a typical PEX rough-in.
What's the purpose of a balancing valve in a radiant heat system?
A balancing valve adjusts flow on an individual loop so branches of different lengths or fixture counts still receive an even share of water, preventing some areas from running warmer or cooler than others.
Where should a boiler drain valve be installed?
Boiler drain valves are typically installed at the low point of a hydronic loop so the system can be fully drained for service or seasonal shutdown.
Do check valves have a required installation direction?
Yes, check valves are directional and include a flow arrow on the body, so installing one backward blocks flow entirely rather than simply failing to prevent backflow.
When is a pressure reducing valve needed on a PEX system?
A pressure reducing valve is needed when incoming water pressure from the municipal supply or a well pump exceeds the safe operating range for the fixtures and equipment downstream.
Resources
Subcategories
- PEX Crimp Balancing Valves: PEX crimp balancing valves let an installer adjust flow rate on individual branches of a hydronic or radiant system so each loop receives its intended share of water regardless of pipe length or fixture count.
- PEX Crimp Boiler Drains: PEX crimp boiler drains provide a hose bib style connection point for draining or filling a boiler loop, installed directly into PEX tubing at the low point of the system.
- PEX Crimp Check Valves: PEX crimp check valves allow flow in a single direction and close against backflow, commonly installed on pump discharge lines or anywhere reverse flow could cause circulation problems in a loop.
- PEX Crimp Pressure Reducing Valves: PEX crimp pressure reducing valves lower incoming water pressure to a safe operating range for downstream fixtures and equipment, protecting a system supplied by a municipal line running above typical residential pressure.
Buying Guide
Identify the specific function needed, balancing, draining, backflow prevention, or pressure reduction, before selecting a valve, since these four styles aren't interchangeable even though they all crimp onto PEX the same way.
Confirm the PEX tubing size and classification match the valve's rated crimp ring size, since a mismatched ring diameter won't seal properly even if the valve itself appears to fit.
Check the pressure and temperature rating of the specific valve against the system it's going into, particularly for boiler drains and pressure reducing valves where operating conditions vary widely between a domestic water line and a closed hydronic loop.
Verify orientation requirements before installing, since check valves and some balancing valves are directional and will block flow entirely if installed backward.
Keep a go/no-go gauge on hand to verify every crimp after installation, since an under-crimped or over-crimped ring is one of the more common causes of a slow leak showing up after a system is pressurized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PEX crimp valve be installed with the same tool used for standard PEX fittings?
Yes, PEX crimp valves use the same crimp ring and crimping tool as standard PEX fittings, so no additional equipment is needed beyond what's already used for a typical PEX rough-in.
What's the purpose of a balancing valve in a radiant heat system?
A balancing valve adjusts flow on an individual loop so branches of different lengths or fixture counts still receive an even share of water, preventing some areas from running warmer or cooler than others.
Where should a boiler drain valve be installed?
Boiler drain valves are typically installed at the low point of a hydronic loop so the system can be fully drained for service or seasonal shutdown.
Do check valves have a required installation direction?
Yes, check valves are directional and include a flow arrow on the body, so installing one backward blocks flow entirely rather than simply failing to prevent backflow.
When is a pressure reducing valve needed on a PEX system?
A pressure reducing valve is needed when incoming water pressure from the municipal supply or a well pump exceeds the safe operating range for the fixtures and equipment downstream.