What are expert tips for fitting & connection costs?

For DIY plumbing, PEX crimp is the best value. A $50 tool and $0.50 fittings beat $8-$15 push-fit fittings every time. Push-fit fittings are worth the premium for repairs where you're making 1-3 connections. For 20+ connections, switch to crimp. Rent a ProPress tool ($50-$100/day) if you're doing a large copper project. It's dramatically faster than soldering. Buy fittings in bulk packs. A 25-pack of PEX crimp elbows costs 30-40% less per fitting than buying individually.

What mistakes should I avoid with fitting & connection costs?

Using push-fit fittings for an entire repipe -- material cost alone can double or triple vs crimp fittings. Soldering copper near combustible materials without proper fire protection. A torch and dry wood are a bad combination. Using compression fittings inside walls. They should only be used where accessible for future tightening. Mixing connection types on the same project without understanding compatibility.

Fitting & Connection Costs | The Plumbing Directory

Overview

Fittings are where pipes connect, change direction, or transition between sizes. They seem like small purchases, but on a typical plumbing project you might use 50-200 of them -- and the cost per fitting varies dramatically by connection type. Choosing the right fitting method affects both your material budget and installation time.

Cost Breakdown

Push-Fit (SharkBite Style)

Cost: $3-$15 per fitting. The most expensive per-fitting but fastest to install -- just push the pipe in. No tools, no soldering, no crimping. SharkBite, Tectite, and similar brands. Great for repairs and tight spaces. For a full project with 100+ fittings, the cost adds up fast. Most commonly used for repair work, not full installations.

PEX Crimp

Cost: $0.50-$2 per fitting. Requires a PEX crimp tool ($30-$70) and copper crimp rings ($0.15-$0.30 each). The most cost-effective connection method for PEX. Each connection takes about 30 seconds. The tool pays for itself after 10-15 fittings compared to push-fit.

PEX Expansion (ProPEX)

Cost: $1-$4 per fitting. Requires an expansion tool ($50-$300). The fitting is expanded, inserted, and the PEX shrinks back to create a watertight seal. Considered the most reliable PEX connection method. Slightly more expensive than crimp but with a reputation for zero-leak performance.

Copper Solder

Cost: $0.50-$5 per fitting (brass or copper fittings). Requires a torch, solder, flux, and fire cloth ($50-$100 in tools). Each joint takes 2-5 minutes to clean, flux, and solder. The gold standard for copper connections -- permanent and proven over decades. Labor-intensive compared to PEX methods.

Copper Press (ProPress)

Cost: $3-$12 per fitting. Requires a press tool ($300-$3,000 or rental $50-$100/day). No flame, no solder -- just press and done. Increasingly popular with professionals because it's faster than soldering. The tool cost limits it to pros or large DIY projects where rental makes sense.

Compression Fittings

Cost: $2-$8 per fitting. No special tools -- just wrenches. Used primarily for shut-off valve connections and fixture supply lines. Reliable for accessible connections that might need to be disconnected later. Not recommended for in-wall or buried connections.

Pro Tips

For DIY plumbing, PEX crimp is the best value. A $50 tool and $0.50 fittings beat $8-$15 push-fit fittings every time.
Push-fit fittings are worth the premium for repairs where you're making 1-3 connections. For 20+ connections, switch to crimp.
Rent a ProPress tool ($50-$100/day) if you're doing a large copper project. It's dramatically faster than soldering.
Buy fittings in bulk packs. A 25-pack of PEX crimp elbows costs 30-40% less per fitting than buying individually.

Mistakes to Avoid

Using push-fit fittings for an entire repipe -- material cost alone can double or triple vs crimp fittings.
Soldering copper near combustible materials without proper fire protection. A torch and dry wood are a bad combination.
Using compression fittings inside walls. They should only be used where accessible for future tightening.
Mixing connection types on the same project without understanding compatibility.

When to Call a Pro

If you're working with copper and not experienced with soldering, or if the project involves gas lines (which require specific fitting types and testing), hire a licensed plumber.

Bottom Line

PEX crimp: $0.50-$2/fitting -- best value for DIY. Push-fit: $3-$15/fitting -- fast but expensive. Solder: $0.50-$5/fitting -- proven but labor-intensive. Choose based on project size, your skills, and whether speed or cost matters more.

Fitting & Connection Costs