How to make a push fitting connection with PEX and Copper pipes

Using Push To Connect Fittings with PEX Tubing:

Push to connect fittings and tools required for PEX tubing installation Tools & materials needed:
  1. PEX tubing
  2. PEX cutter
  3. Push fitting(s)
  4. Disconnect clips (optional)
  5. Deburr/depth gauge tool (optional)

Step 1:

Make a clean and square cut with a pipe cutter.

Cutting PEX tubing square using a PEX cutter tool

Step 2:

Mark insertion depth on the pipe. Refer to pipe depth insertion chart or use Webstone 28000-B deburr tool. Marking pipe insertion depth on PEX tubing for push fitting

Step 3:

Insert PEX stiffener. If PEX stiffener is already inserted in the fitting, there’s no need to remove it. Inserting PEX stiffener before connecting push fitting

Step 4:

Insert the pipe into the fitting and check insertion depth mark.

Checking PEX tubing insertion depth in push fitting

Connection is complete.

Completed push fitting connection with PEX tubing

How to disconnect:

1. Snap the disconnect clip over the pipe and align next to the fitting as shown. Aligning disconnect clip with push fitting on PEX pipe
2. Firmly push the disconnect clip over the collar of the fitting – this will release the locking mechanism. Releasing push fitting with disconnect clip on PEX pipe
3. Pull the pipe out and remove the insert if needed.

Pulling PEX pipe out using disconnect clip

Using Push Fittings with Copper Pipe:

Push fittings and tools required for copper pipe installation Tools & materials needed:
  1. Copper pipe
  2. Copper pipe cutter
  3. Push fitting(s)
  4. Disconnect clips (optional)
  5. Deburr/depth gauge tool (optional)
  6. Needlenose pliers

Step 1:

Cut the pipe using a standard copper pipe cutter. Avoid exerting too much pressure on the pipe, as it may deform its’ round shape. Cutting copper pipe cleanly using a pipe cutter tool

Step 2:

Using Webstone 28000-B tool or a standard copper reamer, ream the outside of the copper pipe so that it looks clean. Reaming the end of a copper pipe for push fitting

Step 3:

Mark the pipe insertion depth using the same tool or refer to the pipe depth insertion chart.

Marking insertion depth on copper pipe for push fitting

Step 4:

While removing a PEX insert is not required, it will reduce the flow through the copper pipe and is often removed. To remove the insert, follow the steps below. First, using needlenose pliers, grab the PEX insert. Second, pull the insert gently past the o-ring until the retainer ring (steel ring with teeth) stop it. Finally, use the disconnect clip as described in "how to disconnect" part to release the locking mechanism and pull out the insert.
Grabbing PEX insert with needlenose pliers from copper pipe
Partially pulled PEX insert from copper fitting
Fully removed PEX insert from copper pipe fitting

Step 5:

Insert the copper pipe into the push fitting.
Copper pipe ready to be inserted into push fitting
Copper pipe inserted into push fitting connection

Connection is complete

Completed push fitting connection with copper pipe

How to disconnect:

1. Snap over and position the disconnect clip next to the fitting as shown on the picture. Positioning disconnect clip near push fitting on copper pipe
2. Push firmly the disconnect clip over the collar of the fitting – this will release the locking mechanism. Pushing disconnect clip to release copper pipe fitting
3. Pull the pipe out of the fitting.

Pulling copper pipe out of push fitting using disconnect clip

Pipe Depth Insertion Chart:

Pipe Size (CTS/Nominal) Pipe Size (OD) Insertion Depth
1/4" 3/8" 13/16"
3/8" 1/2" 15/16"
1/2" 5/8" 15/16"
3/4" 7/8" 1-1/8"
1" 1-1/8" 1-5/16"
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