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Author:
kmb8145 (AZ)
Re-doing all supply in my remodel. Using pex a as recommended by many. It’s all completely in, used the professional Milwaukee expansion tool for all fittings. Now air pressure testing and using soapy water to find any leaks…I am getting small bubble builds in areas…these areas are on their second rebuild because they bubbled the first go around. This second time I used a heat gun to ensure a tight fit. I am at a loss since this is the second round and I am still seeing bubbles under pressure. I have asked a couple plumbing stores and professionals, they all have said to use water…I truly don’t want to cut and couple any more lines at this point…is the issue that I am using air and not water?
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
No, it should hold 80 psi air and not generate any bubbles, however small they may be.
Assuming your are following the proper procedures, about the only cause for a leak would nicked fittings. Fittings that were roughly handled could develop nicks.
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Author:
kmb8145 (AZ)
Alright - yea on my second round I was very cautious, square cuts, expansion ring seeded, not too many stretches, hold then heat gun let set for over 24hrs...
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Author:
sum (FL)
I have not heard of heat gun to seal PEX to fittings? Is this recommended by the manufacturer? What PEX A brand? Is it Uponor? Shark bite? Wspro?
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
Warmth does make the pex shrink quicker. I remember running pex in a crawl space at about 40F temperature and the 3/4 Uponor pex took a long time (twenty to thirty minutes) to shrink back down.
Excess heat can damage the joint. Hopefully the OP was not over exuberant in his use of the heat gun.
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Author:
sjones12121994 (KY)
If you're encountering small bubbles during an air pressure test on your PEX plumbing, consider switching to a water test, as PEX systems often respond better to water for detecting smaller leaks. Ensure all fittings and connections are secure, verify the calibration of the Milwaukee expansion tool, and inspect the PEX tubing for any visible damage. Pay attention to your technique with the heat gun, avoiding overheating or deformation. If issues persist, consult manufacturer guidelines, and if needed, seek professional assistance like for a more thorough evaluation of your PEX installation.
Edited 1 times.
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