Install PEX Water Supply Lines with Crimp or Clamp Fittings

A. Finished-Project Specification

Quantity: one PEX water-supply branch, joined entirely with one selected method (copper crimp ring or stainless clamp), supported at the manufacturer- and code-controlled interval, protected at every penetration within the prohibited fastener zone, and pressure-tested at the permitted test pressure and duration.

B. Method Selection

Select one approved PEX joining system before beginning layout: Method A — copper crimp ring or Method B — stainless clamp. Do not mix crimp-ring and clamp connections in the same assessed branch unless the approved branch drawing explicitly includes a documented transition. State the selected method on the PEX Branch Test Worksheet before the first cut.

C. Branch Schedule

Item	Target Condition	Verification Method
Selected method	One method chosen and recorded before the first cut; not changed mid-branch	Written record on worksheet
Tubing condition	Free of UV damage, kinks, cuts, contamination, flattening, or incompatible markings	Visual inspection before cutting
Tool verification	Crimp or clamp tool calibrated or gauge-checked per manufacturer procedure	Manufacturer calibration or gauge check
Routing and support	Route, penetrations, bends, and supports marked before the first cut	Visual layout inspection
Connection inspection	Every crimp or clamp confirmed with the required gauge or visual method	Go/no-go gauge or visual confirmation
Support spacing	Supports installed at manufacturer- and code-controlled intervals while allowing required movement	Measured spacing check
Pressure test	Branch holds the permitted test pressure for the permitted duration with no leakage or movement	Direct observation under test pressure

D. Material Takeoff

• Tubing: PEX tubing of the size and length specified by the branch drawing, plus the manufacturer- or project-specified waste allowance for cutting and fitting insertion.
• Fittings: compatible fittings matched to the selected joining method and tubing size, one set per connection specified in the branch drawing.
• Rings or clamps: copper crimp rings or stainless clamps matched to the selected method and tubing size — one per connection, never reused.
• Supports and protection: tubing support straps or hangers at the specified interval, and protection plates at every penetration within the prohibited fastener zone.
• Test equipment: a test cap, valve, or manifold sized to seal the test boundary for the permitted test pressure and duration.

E. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Method consistency	Every connection in the branch uses the single selected joining method
Connection insertion	Fitting inserted to the manufacturer-controlled full-insertion mark before crimping or clamping
Connection confirmation	Every connection passes the go/no-go gauge or manufacturer-specified visual check
Routing	No kinks, abrasion, or excessive tension; bends within the manufacturer-specified radius or supported bend fitting used
Support spacing	Supports installed at the manufacturer- and code-controlled interval while allowing required tubing movement
Penetration protection	Protection plates installed at every penetration within the prohibited fastener zone
Pressure test	No leakage, movement, or pressure drop observed at the permitted test pressure for the permitted duration

F. Method and Branch Review

1. Select one approved PEX system and confirm tubing type, fitting standard, ring or clamp type, tool compatibility, gauge requirements, support method, and test procedure. Record the confirmed specifications on the worksheet before proceeding.
2. State whether the project uses crimp rings or stainless clamps; do not mix methods in one assessed branch unless the approved design includes a transition. Write the selected method on the worksheet.
3. Review the branch drawing, pipe size, fitting sequence, valve locations, support points, bend limits, protection plates, and test boundaries. Confirm every value is supplied by the drawing rather than assumed.

G. Tubing and Tool Inspection (Both Methods)

1. Inspect the tubing for UV damage, kinks, cuts, contamination, flattening, or incompatible markings. Reject and replace any specimen that fails this inspection.
2. Inspect and verify the crimp or clamp tool using the manufacturer's calibration or gauge procedure. Do not proceed to the first connection until the tool passes verification.

H. Route Layout and Framing Preparation (Both Methods)

1. Establish the tubing route and mark penetrations, supports, bends, valves, and termination points. Confirm the marked route matches the branch drawing before drilling.
2. Drill or use approved framing openings without damaging structural members, electrical wiring, or other utilities. Verify each penetration location against the marked route.
3. Install protection plates where the tubing passes within the prohibited fastener zone. Confirm plate placement covers the full width of the vulnerable zone.

I. Cutting and Connection Assembly (Both Methods)

1. Measure and cut the first tubing section square. Confirm a clean, square cut before proceeding to the next step.
2. Slide the specified ring or clamp onto the tubing in the required orientation. Confirm orientation against the manufacturer's instructions before inserting the fitting.
3. Insert the compatible fitting fully and position the ring or clamp at the manufacturer-controlled distance from the tubing end. Confirm full insertion at the reference mark before crimping or clamping.
4. Apply the crimp or clamp tool square to the connection and complete the tool cycle. Confirm the tool completes its full cycle without interruption.
5. Inspect the completed connection using the required go/no-go gauge or visual confirmation method. Do not proceed to the next connection until this one passes inspection.
6. Repeat the connection procedure for every fitting without reusing rings or clamps. Confirm a new ring or clamp is used at each connection.

Where the project uses Method B, complete Sections G through I using the stainless-clamp tool, clamp orientation, and clamp engagement verification specified by the clamp manufacturer instead of the crimp-ring tool and gauge. Do not substitute crimp-ring components or verification steps into a clamp-method branch.

J. Routing, Support, and Protection (Both Methods)

1. Route tubing with approved bends or bend supports and without kinks, abrasion, or excessive tension. Confirm each bend meets the manufacturer's minimum radius or uses a supported bend fitting.
2. Install supports at manufacturer- and code-controlled intervals while allowing required movement. Confirm measured spacing against the branch drawing.
3. Protect tubing at framing penetrations and isolate it from damaging metal edges or heat sources. Confirm every penetration and edge contact point is protected before concealment.

K. Pressure Testing and Correction

1. Install approved test caps, valves, or manifolds. Confirm the test boundary is fully sealed before pressurizing.
2. Fill and purge the branch using the approved water test method. Confirm air is fully purged before applying test pressure.
3. Apply the permitted test pressure and duration under the required supervision. Confirm the exact pressure and duration values against the branch drawing or adopted code before applying them.
4. Inspect every connection, tubing length, support, and termination for leakage or movement. Record the result of each inspected connection.
5. Depressurize before correcting any failed connection. Do not attempt a correction under pressure.
6. Remove and replace failed fittings or tubing using the system-approved correction method. Use a new ring or clamp; do not re-crimp or re-clamp a used one.
7. Retest and document the final result before concealment. Confirm every connection passes before the branch is considered complete.