SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › blog › new build & remodels › piping systems comparison & education › the differences between pex-a, -b and -c
The Differences Between PEX-A, -B and -C
October 15, 2025 - SharkBite PEX-a and PEX-b both have a material designation code of 5306. ... This type is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method and has the highest-rated flexibility.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › pro-tip: thinking of using pex-a? avoid sharkbite (brand) brass fittings (found at some lowes). the tiny shoulders make it next to impossible to get a proper fit on 90’s and tee’s.
r/Plumbing on Reddit: Pro-tip: Thinking of using Pex-A? Avoid Sharkbite (brand) brass fittings (found at some Lowes). The tiny shoulders make it next to impossible to get a proper fit on 90’s and Tee’s.
May 1, 2022 - ... Perhaps you now realize you were using the wrong fittings now? Those fittings are for pex B. ... Perhaps you realize you shouldn’t jump to conclusions mate? They’re fittings for pex-a/f1960.
PEX confusion - is this just marketing?
It seems that everyone is going PEX, and researching It, it seems like a good direction to go. Looking at A vs. B, and I like the supposed better flow of A. But locally everything in the stores is the less expensive B. I’ll probably have to order A if that’s what I want. That then could get exciting if I turn up one fitting short. Checking to see what I can get locally, Lowes has only B, and lots of SharkBite ... More on garagejournal.com
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plumbing - Mixing PEX brands - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Basically it boils down to this, a manufacturer certifies specific type of fitting and rings or clamps for their tubing, (or doesn't and uses totally proprietary parts like SharkBite.) In the case of Pex A, Uponor, most plumbers now seem to use F1960 which is commonly called expansion or "cold ... More on diy.stackexchange.com
Old Sharkbite PEX identification? No a or b type printed.
doesn’t matter if you’re shark biting it More on reddit.com
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October 23, 2023Pro-tip: Thinking of using Pex-A? Avoid Sharkbite (brand) brass fittings (found at some Lowes). The tiny shoulders make it next to impossible to get a proper fit on 90’s and Tee’s.
Uponor or nothing. More on reddit.com
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May 1, 2022Does SharkBite offer a warranty on its PEX plumbing system?
SharkBite PEX pipe carries a 25-year warranty against any manufacturer’s defect as long as the item has been installed per the installation instructions and complies with local code.Learn more: SharkBite Warranty
sharkbite.com
sharkbite.com › home › pex pipe & connectors
PEX-A, PEX-B & Oxygen Barrier Tubing for Plumbing | SharkBite
What is PEX?
SharkBite PEX pipe is a cross-linked polyethylene tubing that provides an excellent option for plumbing, radiant and hydronic systems in both residential and commercial plumbing applications. When combined with our push-to-connect fittings, manifolds, valves and other supplies, PEX pipe offers the fastest way to plumb any project. PEX pipe is made from cross-linked HDPE (high density polyethylene). The HDPE is melted and continuously extruded into a tube to form a high-performing pipe suitable for a variety of potable and non-potable plumbing applications.
sharkbite.com
sharkbite.com › home › pex pipe & connectors
PEX-A, PEX-B & Oxygen Barrier Tubing for Plumbing | SharkBite
What’s the difference between PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C?
The cross-linking method is the difference between PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. Cross-linking is defined as polyethylene material that has undergone a change in molecular structure using a chemical or a physical process whereby the polymer chains are chemically linked. SharkBite non oxygen barrier pipe is manufacture as PEX-B and SharkBite oxygen barrier pipe is manufactured as PEX-C.As background, the methods for cross-linking are: · PEX-A: Peroxide – This method employs organic peroxides that, when heated, generate reactive free radicals that splice PEX chains together during extrusion · PEX-B: S
sharkbite.com
sharkbite.com › home › pex pipe & connectors
PEX-A, PEX-B & Oxygen Barrier Tubing for Plumbing | SharkBite
Videos
02:17
4 Fitting Systems for SharkBite PEX Pipe - YouTube
06:14
#1 PEX Plumbing Mistake You Don't Want to Make (A vs B) - YouTube
Connecting PEX-A to PEX-B
r/askaplumber on Reddit: We get asked this question a lot, so we ...
16:22
Can we blow off these PEX fittings? Sharkbite vs Viega vs Uponor ...
SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › videos › different types of pex pipe
Different Types of PEX Pipe | SharkBite
PEX-b is the most commonly used PEX tubing in North America for over 40 years and typically carries a 25-year warranty. It’s slightly more rigid than PEX-a, giving it a higher burst pressure, and it has the highest chlorine resistance rating.
Published July 17, 2024
Terry Love
terrylove.com › home › forums
Can I use a Sharkbite connector on PEX-A?
March 14, 2021 - I could use some help with replacing expansion tank in glycol boiler system. Pic included. ... Remodeling discussions. Post your questions, pictures of your projects here. ... Question On Snake Cable Sizes... ... Running PEX-B along interior concrete block walls...
Amazon
amazon.com › stores › SharkBite › page › 7A8F4AEF-DA2D-4BC6-8534-2DF255C0DC5F
Amazon.com: SharkBite: PEX-B Pipe
SharkBite 3/4 Inch x 300 Feet Blue PEX-B, Made in the USA, Flexible Water Pipe Tubing for Plumbing, U870B300
Plumbing Forums
plumbingforums.com › general plumbing discussion › general plumbing help
Is Sharkbite brand PEX B reliable? | Plumbing Forums - Professional & DIY Plumbing Forum
January 15, 2025 - Rehau is a new name for me! ... SharkBite PEX B is a convenient option for small projects, especially if you only need a short length instead of a full roll. It meets industry standards and is widely used in residential plumbing.
SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › pex pipe & connectors
PEX-A, PEX-B & Oxygen Barrier Tubing for Plumbing | SharkBite
SharkBite non oxygen barrier pipe is manufacture as PEX-B and SharkBite oxygen barrier pipe is manufactured as PEX-C. As background, the methods for cross-linking are: PEX-A: Peroxide – This method employs organic peroxides that, when heated, ...
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › ordq1-does-shark-bite-push-connect-connector-will.html
SharkBite Push-to-Connect: PEX A & B Connector FAQ
April 17, 2024 - To connect two PEX pipes (A and B), use a SharkBite coupling designed for PEX. Ensure pipe ends are cut square and deburred before insertion. The fitting’s stainless steel teeth grip the pipe, while an O-ring seals it.
SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › blog › new build & remodels › piping systems comparison & education › how to pick the right pex system for new construction
How to Pick the Right PEX System for New Construction | SharkBite
October 15, 2025 - While PEX-a pipe is compatible with expansion fittings, PEX-b is not. ... This type is created using the electronic irradiation, or cold, method of cross-linking. It is commonly used for supply lines from the supply stop to the fixture.
SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › blog › new build & remodels › repipes & pipe transitions › quickly transition from copper to pex with sharkbite
Quickly Transition from Copper to PEX with SharkBite | SharkBite
October 15, 2025 - They are designed to help connect two pieces of PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and/or SDR-9 HDPE pipe in any combination. Look for the tan collar to easily connect copper pipe to PEX pipe.
Williams Plumbing
willplumb.com › how-to-connect-pex-a-to-pex-b
How to Connect PEX-A to PEX-B - Williams Plumbing
April 5, 2021 - In this article, you learned how to identify PEX pipe, either by the pipe label or the connection style of your fittings. Next, we told you our recommended joining method: the PEX-B insert-style fitting with the crimp rings between PEX-A and ...
Airstream
airforums.com › airstream restoration, repair & parts forums › plumbing - systems & fixtures › fresh water systems
1/2" Pex.. A / B / Sharkbite? | Airstream Forums
June 14, 2022 - Can someone provide a direct link to either the white or red or both so I know exactly what I need to buy? Thanks. ... If you're using crimped fittings you want Pex-B. Pex-A is used with expansion fittings and is installed without the crimped rings.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › meq38-regular-sharkbite-fittings-used-pex-a-pipe-thx.html
Can You Use Sharkbite Fittings with PEX-A? Expert Q&A
... PEX-A systems may face fitting leaks and connection failures if incompatible fittings are used. SharkBite fittings are compatible with PEX-A pipes due to their push-to-connect design. Ensure the pipe end is cut squarely and free of burrs ...
The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the garage › general garage discussion
PEX confusion - is this just marketing? | The Garage Journal
November 27, 2022 - The flow will be better and is the reason I am using. Pex B is your more commonly available tube and you can use the cheaper crimp rings and compatible fittings or sharkbite fittings.
SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › pex faqs
PEX Pipe FAQs | SharkBite
August 12, 2025 - There are no performance differences between red, white, blue and white PEX and all are intended for use in potable water systems. The colors can be used to easily distinguish between hot and cold distribution lines. Orange PEX pipe is an oxygen barrier PEX pipe used only for hydronic heating ...
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › plumbing › pipe & fittings › pipe › pex pipe
SharkBite - PEX Pipe - The Home Depot
Orange · Purple · All Filters · Nominal Inside Pipe Diameter (In.) PEX Type · Pipe Features · Actual outside diameter (in.) Actual inside diameter (in.) Product Length (ft.) Connectivity · In Stock at Store Today · Free 1-2 Day Delivery · Sort byTop Sellers · Brand:SharkBite ·
Terry Love
terrylove.com › home › forums
PEX connection question
May 25, 2014 - You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
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Edit: Looks like HD carries PEX-A and B from Apollo, so make sure what your store carries.
Uponor makes PEX-A and the Apollo found at Home Depot is PEX-B. Some fittings will only work for PEX-A and can't be used with B, but these are somewhat proprietary expansion fittings that rely on the extra flexibility of A. The good news is, you don't have those fittings. The poly fittings with stainless clench rings work with A and B as do the brass fittings that take crimp rings. These systems are safe to interchange.
The main issue with the crimp systems is the expensive tools you need to use them. You might be able to rent a tool, but I've never looked into that.
Another option are the push-on "Sharkbite" type fittings that also work with A and B. Some people shy away from putting them in walls, but they have a good safety record. On installs the crimp fittings are much cheaper, but when making changes or repairs, the extra money for a few push fittings is small in the grand scheme of the job, and they require no tools to install.
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PEX comes in three types: Pex-A, Pex-B and Pex-C. These are classified based on the way the are manufactured. Pex-A is the only type that Uponor manufactures and is considered to be the best. Apollo manufactures both Pex-A and Pex-B. If your supplier is selling Sharkbite fittings, all sharkbite fittings will work on all three types of Pex. I have only seen Apollo expansion fittings and all Pex expansion fittings will only work with Pex-A due to the I.D.
If you have Uponor, you have Pex-A tubing. So the Apollo fittings (if that is what they have) should work since they are for Pex-A applications. If they are selling Apollo, they will know that the Apollo brass expansion fittings will only work on Pex-A so that's probably what they are selling. I would ask or simply read the description on the tubing.
Pex Fitting Chart
Amazon
amazon.com › SharkBite-U870W5-4-Inch-5-Feet-Length › dp › B00A8J17PU
Amazon.com: SharkBite 3/4 Inch x 5 Feet White PEX-B, Made in the USA, Pack of 10, Flexible Water Pipe Tubing for Plumbing, U870W5 : Industrial & Scientific
SharkBite 1/2 Inch x 100 Feet Blue PEX-A, Made in the USA, Flexible Water Pipe Tubing for Plumbing, UA60B100 ... Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › old sharkbite pex identification? no a or b type printed.
r/Plumbing on Reddit: Old Sharkbite PEX identification? No a or b type printed.
October 23, 2023 -
I had what appears to be older PEX tubing from Sharkbite coupled to a copper connected spigot. The copper froze (mitigated for now) and I’m thinking I want to just cap off the PEX as I don’t need the spigot. The PEX itself is printed as Sharkbite PEX OT. No mention of a, b, or c. Can someone help me identify?