I'm doing a basement renovation and I'm going to be using pex. So I purchased a Milwaukee pex expansion tool and I know it works with Pex- A, but I'm having a difficult time finding Uponor at supply houses around me. I've found Sharkbite branded Pex- A. Can I use this brand with the expansion tool or does the Sharkbite pex only work with Sharkbite connections which I'm trying to avoid at all costs. I'm trying to learn my way around pex so bear with me.

I’ve seen some sharkbite hate in this sub, and some of it’s probably pretty valid. Personal experience has been alright with them, I have 3 or 4 in my home, and one of them has been in use for 6 years (although this is copper).

I have a rental property that’s completely plumbed with CVPC (I hate that shit with a passion, really). And it’s been busting, and I’ve been patching it with PEX and shark bites until I can re do it all in PEX. I’ve done this because I’m not a professional, and I’ve had decent luck with them.

Couple questions: What’s the probability the bites will hold until summer of next year?

If you have seen them fail, do they “blow out” completely, or does a small leak spring first?

Thanks.

Installing a water softener and curious on tips for using shark bite fittings. Also my builder put in this water softener loop for me when I built. Where do I cut it ?

Installing the tub spout appears impossible as the sharkbite just starts to spin inside the wall when crank I it down. What can I do?