How to Remove PEX Copper Crimp Rings with Plumbing Tools

Understanding PEX Copper Crimp Rings

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes have become increasingly popular in recent years for water supply plumbing. PEX is flexible, durable, and easy to install using copper crimp rings. However, there may come a time when you need to remove an existing PEX fitting and crimp ring.

When Do You Need to Remove PEX Crimp Rings?

There are a few common reasons you may need to remove PEX copper crimp rings:

• Replacing a worn or faulty fitting
• Moving or changing plumbing layout
• Transitioning from crimp to other fittings like SharkBite

Challenges of Removing Crimp Rings

PEX crimp rings cannot simply be unscrewed like fittings in rigid pipe systems. The crimped metal ring bites tightly into the PEX tubing, forming a waterproof seal, so they can be very difficult to remove.

Attempting to pry off a crimp ring will likely damage the PEX pipe too much to reuse. But cutting the PEX and abandoning crimp fittings inside the walls should only be done as a last resort.

Tools for Removing PEX Crimp Rings

Specialized PEX removal tools from quality brands allow crimp rings to be taken off cleanly so the tubing can be reused or repositioned. Useful tools include:

• Sioux Chief PEX removal tool - Cuts ring without damaging pipe
• iWiss PEX removal pliers - Grips and twists ring off
• PEX tubing cutter - Slices through the ringed section of pipe

Using PEX Removal Pliers

PEX removal pliers from iWiss and other brands are perhaps the most effective and affordable removal method. The plier jaws clamp down on the crimp ring to get firm grip. As you twist and rotate the pliers, the ring breaks open enough to detach it while leaving the PEX tubing undamaged.

Watch manufacturer instructional videos to get a better understanding of the removal plier techniques before attempting it yourself.

Cutting Off Crimp Rings

Dedicated PEX tubing cutters are another good option for getting rid of crimp rings. Place the pipe with ring in the cutter channel and slice through just one side of the ringed section. Cut partway into the piping on either side of the ring. Then flex the PEX enough to tear the ring free.

This will effectively remove the fitting but will cost you some amount of piping. Make sure to leave enough length on either side to reconnect with new fittings.

Transitioning to SharkBite Push-Fittings

An easy way to transition away from PEX crimp rings is using SharkBite push-to-connect fittings. SharkBite can connect directly onto plain PEX tubing ends without any clamping, crimping, or soldering.

How SharkBite Push-Fittings Work

Sharkbite fittings utilize teeth inside the connector ring end to bite into the tubing for a secure no-leak connection. Just push in the PEX end until it meets a stop point.

To release, you depress the release collar on the Sharkbite while pulling out the tubing. This retracts the teeth so the pipe can detach without damage.

Benefits of SharkBite Fittings

• No special tools needed
• Allows frequent tubing changes
• Wide range of adapter fittings

So if you decide to reuse PEX lines instead of fully re-plumbing, SharkBite fittings make connecting simple after removing old crimp rings.

When to Call a Professional

For major replumbing jobs, removal of lots of crimp fittings, or hard to reach places, it's best to call a professional plumber. They will have the right PEX tools, knowledge, and experience for the job.

But for small tasks like swapping out a leaky valve or connecting a new branch line, DIY PEX crimp ring removal is certainly achievable. Just be sure to use patience along with the proper PEX removal tools.

FAQs

Why can't I just pry off PEX crimp rings with a screwdriver?

Attempting to pry off a PEX crimp ring will likely damage the pipe too much to reuse. The metal ring is designed to bite tightly into the PEX tubing to form a watertight seal. Special removal tools are necessary to detach the ring without harming the pipe.

Do I need to cut the PEX pipe to remove old crimp fittings?

In some cases it may be necessary to cut through the crimped section of the PEX line with tubing cutters. This will remove the fitting but sacrifice some amount of piping. Be sure to leave enough pipe length on either side to reconnect with new fittings or couplings.

Can I replace PEX crimp rings with push-fittings?

Yes, SharkBite and other brands make push-to-connect fittings that transition easily from PEX tubing. After removing old crimp rings, simply insert the plain tube ends into the SharkBite connector. The internal teeth will grab the pipe for a secure no-leak joint.

Is it easy to mess up removing PEX crimp rings?

Removing PEX rings takes patience and using the proper tube removal tools. Attempting to rush through crimp ring removal often leads to damaged pipes or incomplete ring removal. Always follow the tool manufacturer's instructions carefully. Calling a plumber is recommended if dealing with large or complex PEX plumbing systems.