When deciding which fittings to use for PEX piping there are a wide variety of products and tools available, as well as a variety of variables to consider, including costs, safety and ease of installation. If you don't do the research you could end up with major headaches, like getting sued due to groundwater contamination or a leaky system.
"There are so many choices for PEX fittings," said Marisa Chandley, senior marketing manager for Vanguard Plumbing, a company that sells PEX pipe and fittings. "What I would focus on is insuring that the fittings you purchase have an ASTM standard and are marked and certified by a third party agency like UL or NSF, or some other third party testing and listing agency."