Best PEX Pipe & Fittings for DIYers
PEX has replaced copper for most home plumbing: flexible, freeze-tolerant, and DIY-friendly with crimp, clamp, or push-fit connections. The main choice is PEX-A versus PEX-B, and which fitting system you prefer.
What to look for
- ·PEX-A is the most flexible and freeze-tolerant and uses expansion fittings; PEX-B is stiffer, cheaper, and uses crimp or clamp rings.
- ·Push-to-connect fittings (SharkBite) need no special tool and are great for repairs and DIY, but cost more per fitting.
- ·Color code by convention: red for hot, blue for cold, white for either. Keep PEX out of direct sunlight and UV.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uponor AquaPEX (PEX-A) | Editor's pick | Varies (~$0.50 to $1 per ft) | Premium flexible PEX-A |
| SharkBite Max PEX-B + Push Fittings | Editor's pick | Varies (~$0.40 to $0.80 per ft) | The easiest DIY system |
| Apollo PEX-A Expansion | Editor's pick | Varies (~$0.45 to $0.85 per ft) | Value PEX-A |
| Apollo PEX-B Tubing | Best value | Varies (~$0.30 to $0.60 per ft) | Value standard PEX-B |
| Vanguard PEX-B | Best value | Varies (~$0.30 to $0.60 per ft) | Dependable PEX-B value |
| SharkBite PEX-B Tubing | Best value | Varies (~$0.35 to $0.65 per ft) | Flexible fitting compatibility |
| Store-Brand PEX-B Tubing | Budget pick | Varies (~$0.25 to $0.50 per ft) | Lowest-cost repipes |
| EZ-FLO PEX Tubing | Budget pick | Varies (~$0.25 to $0.55 per ft) | Budget repairs and small runs |
| Generic PEX Crimp Fittings Kit | Budget pick | Varies ($0.50 to $2 per fitting) | Budget fittings stock |
Editor's pick
Uponor AquaPEX (PEX-A)
Varies (~$0.50 to $1 per ft)
A premium PEX-A (formerly Wirsbo) that is highly flexible, kink-tolerant, and freeze-resistant, with reliable expansion fittings. The pro and enthusiast choice for a clean install.
Best for: Premium flexible PEX-A
Typically available at Plumbing suppliers, Home Depot.
SharkBite Max PEX-B + Push Fittings
Varies (~$0.40 to $0.80 per ft)
PEX-B tubing with the famous push-to-connect fittings that need no special tool, ideal for DIY and repairs. The easiest system to work with, fitting by fitting.
Best for: The easiest DIY system
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Apollo PEX-A Expansion
Varies (~$0.45 to $0.85 per ft)
A quality PEX-A option with expansion fittings at a slightly friendlier price than Uponor. Flexible and freeze-tolerant for a clean whole-house run.
Best for: Value PEX-A
Typically available at Home Depot, Plumbing suppliers.
Best value
Apollo PEX-B Tubing
Varies (~$0.30 to $0.60 per ft)
Reliable PEX-B tubing for crimp or cinch connections at a fair price, widely stocked. A strong value for a standard home plumbing run.
Best for: Value standard PEX-B
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Vanguard PEX-B
Varies (~$0.30 to $0.60 per ft)
A long-used PEX-B brand with dependable tubing for crimp systems. A solid mid-value choice for repipes and additions.
Best for: Dependable PEX-B value
Typically available at Plumbing suppliers.
SharkBite PEX-B Tubing
Varies (~$0.35 to $0.65 per ft)
SharkBite's standard PEX-B tubing for crimp, cinch, or push fittings, color-coded for hot and cold. A flexible value that works with multiple fitting systems.
Best for: Flexible fitting compatibility
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Budget pick
Store-Brand PEX-B Tubing
Varies (~$0.25 to $0.50 per ft)
Basic PEX-B tubing at the lowest cost for crimp connections on a budget repipe. Standard performance, the cheapest way to run a lot of line.
Best for: Lowest-cost repipes
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
EZ-FLO PEX Tubing
Varies (~$0.25 to $0.55 per ft)
An affordable PEX option for repairs and small runs, stocked at home centers. Basic but serviceable for budget plumbing jobs.
Best for: Budget repairs and small runs
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Generic PEX Crimp Fittings Kit
Varies ($0.50 to $2 per fitting)
Budget brass crimp fittings and rings to connect PEX-B runs for less. A cheap way to stock the elbows, tees, and couplings a project needs.
Best for: Budget fittings stock
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Frequently asked
PEX-A or PEX-B?+
PEX-A is the most flexible, kink-tolerant, and freeze-resistant, and uses expansion fittings that need a special tool. PEX-B is stiffer and cheaper, using crimp or cinch-clamp rings. Both are reliable; PEX-A is nicer to work with, PEX-B is the budget standard.
What connection system should I use?+
Crimp (copper rings) and cinch-clamp are affordable and reliable with the right tool. Expansion fittings pair with PEX-A. Push-to-connect (SharkBite) needs no tool and is great for repairs and tight spots, but costs more per fitting.
Is PEX better than copper?+
For most homes, yes for cost and ease: PEX is cheaper, faster to install, flexible around corners, and more freeze-tolerant. Copper lasts long and is fully rigid and UV-stable, but costs more and needs soldering. PEX cannot be used outdoors in sunlight.
Can I install PEX myself?+
Yes, PEX is one of the most DIY-friendly plumbing materials. With a crimp or cinch tool (or push-fit fittings needing no tool), you can run lines, make connections, and repair leaks without soldering. Follow code for your area and support the pipe properly.
Does PEX freeze and burst?+
PEX tolerates freezing far better than copper because it can expand, but it is not freeze-proof. It may survive a freeze that would split copper, but you should still protect lines from freezing. PEX-A handles freeze-expansion best.