How do I Connect a Copper Water Tube to a Flex Tube & Water Filter?
The advent of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing has made it easy for homeowners to carry out complex DIY projects without hiring a professional plumber. In addition, by using specialized Apollo or Sharkbite fittings, any combination of CPCV, PEX and copper tubing can be joined without using solder, glue, and in many cases, clamps or unions. Although specialized tools are required, the flexibility and low cost of PEX makes it a viable alternative to copper tubing in domestic plumbing. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tubing cutter
- 80-grit emery paper
- PEX tubing
- PEX tubing cutter
- Apollo or Sharkbite push-fit coupling
- Stainless steel clamp
- Apollo or Sharkbite male threaded
- PEX clamping tool
- Water filter
- Adjustable wrench
Instructions
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1
Clamp the end of the copper tubing between the blade and rollers of a hand-held tubing cutter. Rotate the tool around the pipe while progressively tightening the blade adjusting knob after every three turns. This will cut through the tube at a right angle. Remove the burr left by the tubing cutter on the inside lip of the pipe with a piece of rolled up 80-grit emery paper.
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2
Place the end of the PEX between the jaws of a PEX tubing cutter resembling a pair of pruning shears. The concave saddle in the lower jaw will hold the material at a right angle while you bring the handles together to cut the tube.
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3
Grasp the copper tubing in one hand and press the end firmly into an Apollo or Sharkbite push-fit coupling. You will feel the internal serrated clamp ring click into place. Repeat with the PEX tubing.
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4
Cut the PEX to the desired length. Place a stainless steel clamp ring over the end of the PEX tube. Insert the ribbed shaft of an Apollo or Sharkbite male threaded adapter into the end of the tube. Position the clamp ring halfway along the length of the ribbed shaft. Clamp the square lug on the side of the clamp ring between the jaws of a PEX clamping tool. Bring the handles of the clamping tool together to squeeze the clamp ring onto the PEX.
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5
Place the rubber washer supplied into the hexagonal adapter nut. Thread the nut onto the water filter and tighten with an adjustable wrench. Turn the water supply on to test for leaks.
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References
- Photo Credit plumbing image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com
