There are many reasons why people prefer cinch clamp connections on a PEX pipe. For instance, cinch clamps are compatible with nearly all PEX tube sizes.
Also, a cinch tool is much easier to use in hard-to-reach areas because it doesn’t fully wrap around the PEX tube. These connections also last for a very long time.
Besides these many benefits, PEX cinch clamps are also susceptible to failure. Today, I’ll be addressing what causes PEX cinch clamp failure and share some tips on how to deal with and prevent these problems.
What Causes PEX Cinch Clamp Failure?
1. Crimping the Cinch Clamps Too Tight
This is the most significant cause of cinch clamp failure. Some people assume that over-tightening a cinch clamp will create a more secure connection. But that can damage it.
Cinch clamps have a limit when it comes to tightening. So, if you go past this limit, you risk damaging the setup.
The ideal tightness of a cinch clamp depends on the size of the PEX tube and the clamp you are using.
The good news is that all cinch claps often come with instructions from the manufacturer and that’s what you should adhere to.
2. Using the Wrong Cinch Tool
If you have decided to use a cinch clamp connection on a PEX pipe, please stick to the appropriate cinch tool.
Should you decide to improvise and use another tool, you’re increasing the odds of failure. There are a couple of things that might go wrong when you use the wrong cinch tool;
• You may end up over-compressing the connection which affects the structural integrity of the clamp connection.
• There is also a high risk of damaging the PEX tubing as you’re securing the connection.
• In specific scenarios, the wrong cinch tool can lead to an uneven crimp.
3. Using Low-Quality PEX Cinch Clamps from Unknown Brands
Sometimes, the manufacturer you’re getting your PEX cinch clamps from could be the source of your woes. Here is the thing, not all PEX cinch clamps are built equally.
There are a few of them on the market that are of low quality. If you decide to buy these, be prepared for premature failure.
Not that I’m pointing fingers. but of late, most imported PEX cinch clamps tend to be of inferior quality. So, you need to stay clear of such. Before buying from a certain brand, it’s advisable to do a bit of research.
For instance, I was shocked to come across a class action lawsuit against Oetiker, a popular manufacturer, who is being accused of making defective PEX clamps that are easily vulnerable to failure.
A little bit of research can help you identify high-quality PEX conch clamps that are more resistant to failure.
4. Corrosion
Considering that cinch clamps are going to be used with plumbing systems, it makes sense that they should be made out of rust-resistant material.
Unfortunately, there are some PEX cinch clamps out here that will corrode when exposed to moisture or water. And when that occurs, they lose their structural integrity and fail eventually.
When shopping for cinch clamps for PEX tubes, always go for those that have a higher resistance against corrosion.
5. Excessive Pressure or Temperature
One of the perks of using PEX tubes is that they can withstand extreme pressure and temperature. However, the same can’t be said for cinch clamps.
If the tubes are used to transport water at very high temperatures and pressure, eventually, the cinch clamp will give in and fail.
If your PEX tubes will be working under such environments, I would highly recommend using a high-pressure or temperature clamp.
6. Heavy Impact
I listed this last because it’s the least common cause of PEX cinch clamp failure. However, if this connection is exposed to heavy impact, then it may fail.
It’s advisable to install plumbing fixtures such as PEX cinch connections in secluded areas. This will prevent them from physical damage.
How to Fix a PEX Cinch Clamp Failure?
Now that you are familiar with the causes of PEX cinch clamp failure, you know what to do or avoid. Up next, I want to take you through the steps on how you can handle and remedy a PEX cinch clamp failure.
Let’s get right into it;
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
The minute you suspect your PEX cinch clamp has failed, quickly turn off the water supply. Doing so prevents more water from leaking and wreaking havoc on your residential or commercial property.
Step 2: Check the Cinch Clamp
You shouldn’t rush to replace the clamp without confirming if it’s damaged. Some of the things you should be on the lookout for are corrosion, cracks, deformation, or any sort of damage. That should be pretty easy.
Step 3: Replace the PEX Cinch Clamp
Unfortunately, PEX cinch clamps can’t be repaired. So, the best solution is to replace them. However, this time around, you should go for a quality clamp from a reliable manufacturer. Make sure that you get the correct size.
Inspect the PEX tubing and if it’s also damaged, you’ll need to cut and rejoin it. But if it’s okay, proceed to crimp the clamp with a cinch tool. Ensure the compression is even and secure but do not overtighten it.
Step 4: Turn On the Water Supply
Perform a visual inspection to confirm whether everything is working correctly and then turn on the water supply. Everything should work smoothly. And for a few days, monitor the connection to ensure it is tight.
What are the Side Effects of PEX Cinch Clamp Failure?
A PEX cinch clamp failure may seem like a small issue but it can cause extensive damage. It’s due to such reasons that you need to act ASAP when you suspect that a cinch clamp has failed.
To show you how disastrous this problem is, here are some of the side effects you may run into;
• The first thing that will happen when a PEX cinch clamp fails is water leakage.
• That leaking water can damage nearby materials such as floors and drywall.
• The same water can trigger mold growth.
• If you don’t fix the PEX cinch clamp failure on time, you’ll always be getting abnormal water bills.
• Should there be electrical components close by, the presence of leaking water can pose considerable danger.
• The longer this problem lasts, the higher the repair costs will be.
How Long Do PEX Cinch Clamps Last?
PEX cinch clamps have a lifespan of 8 to 20 years. However, this is only if the cinch clamp is installed correctly and is of high quality. If you go with a low-quality cinch clamp, the most you may get out of it is 2 or 3 years of service.
Apart from quality, issues such as water temperature and pressure play a crucial role in a cinch clamp’s lifespan. For normal water, you can even get 25 years.
Through regular inspection and maintenance, you can prolong the life of PEX cinch clamps. But don’t forget that it’s normal for such objects to experience wear and tear.
In my opinion, if a PEX cinch clamp lasts for 10 years, that’s pretty fair.
Are Cinch Clamps Good for PEX?
Just because cinch clamps are vulnerable to failure, it doesn’t mean that they are not good for PEX pipes. If you look at most causes of PEX cinch clamp failure, they mostly revolve around human error.
If you get a quality cinch clamp and install it correctly, it will be the best clamp you have ever used on a PEX connection.
Cinch clamps are perfect for PEX tubes and there are several reasons behind that. First of all, they are easy to install.
Also, they are pretty versatile. Remember when I said they can be used with a wide range of PEX tubes? As if that’s not enough, cinch clamps can be re-used if they are not damaged.
This gives it a competitive advantage over alternatives like crimp rings. Therefore, do not let the risk of failure prevent you from using cinch clamps on PEX tubes!