PEX A shutoff valves are easy to install.
I like using them for sink faucets and toilets.
But frequently, folks struggle with the installation.
The HoldRite fixture outlet box solves this problem.
In this tutorial, you’ll see how to use it and make your PEX A project shine.
Let’s dive in!
HoldRite Fixture Outlet Box Guide
I’ve organized this tutorial into the following sections:
- Why PEX A is Better Than PEX B and Copper
- How to Connect PEX A to the HoldRite Fixture Outlet Box
- How to Fasten the Fixture Outlet Box to the HoldRite 170 bracket
- How to Add Debris Covers to the Fixture Outlet Box
You can tap the above links, and they’ll take you to that section.
Here’s a list of the supplies I used:
- HoldRite Fixture Outlet Box with PEX A
- HoldRite 170 Bracket
- SharkBite PEX A Expansion Ring
- SharkBite PEX A Coupling
- Milwaukee M12 Expansion Tool
Many thanks to HoldRite for sponsoring this tutorial.
HoldRite makes a variety of plumbing and construction products. I use them for bathroom remodels, kitchens, laundry rooms, and plumbing projects.
Why PEX A is Better Than PEX B and Copper
PEX A installation requires expansion rings, fittings, and an expansion tool.
You could also use SharkBite push-to-connect fittings, which I also use to fix copper pinhole leaks.
But I like PEX A for several reasons, regardless of the methods.
First, it’s FAST!!!
It only takes about 30 seconds to expand the tubing and ring.
Second, PEX A is easy to use in tight areas like stud or joist bays.
This is incredibly helpful under sinks, inside walls for shower valves, or up in ceilings.
Third, PEX A is more flexible than PEX B and copper.
I can frequently bend it to minimize the number of required fittings.
This saves money and also reduces the likelihood of potential leak points.
Finally, PEX A is less prone to water leaks in cold temperatures because of its elasticity.
And that’s always a bonus in cold climates.
However, with all that said, some folks still struggle to make PEX A look nice at the shutoff valve connection.
The HoldRite fixture outlet box solves this problem as well as several more.
How to Connect PEX A to the HoldRite Fixture Outlet Box
The HoldRite fixture outlet xox can be used for the hot and cold water lines of a vanity cabinet, kichen sink, and toilet shutoff valve.
Keep this in mind,
Even though I’m showing how to use PEX A, the fixture outlet box also has a copper pipe version.
I make square cuts and slide an expansion ring onto the tubing.
Then I expand the tubing and the ring 5 to 6 times for 1/2-inch PEX A.
I immediately slide the coupling into the tubing/ring and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds.
The slick part about the fixture outlet box is that it already has the PEX A attached to the 1/4 turn chrome shutoff valve.
As such, I just slide the expansion ring onto the PEX A, expand it, and slide it onto the other end of the coupling.
I do the same thing for the cold water supply line.
Thus, I have two fixture outlet boxes for one vanity cabinet.
I chose the 3/8-inch compression fitting for the shutoff valves since most sink faucet water lines are 3/8 inch.
The next step is to fasten the fixture outlet box to brackets.
How to Fasten the Fixture Outlet Box to the HoldRite 170 Bracket
Loose shutoff valves are problematic.
The last thing you want when trying to turn off a valve is for it to be loose inside the wall.
On this project, I’m using the HoldRite 170 bracket with the fixture outlet box.
There are slots on the top and bottom of the box flange.
The 170 bracket slides into those slots, and that’s awesome for several reasons.
First, I slide the bracket into both the hot and cold fixture outlet boxes.
This makes both fixture outlet boxes super strong.
The second reason this is helpful is that the 170 bracket can be fastened to the inside of the studs (like in this example) or to the face of the studs.
I use four 1-inch screws, two for each 170 bracket, to secure the brackets.
In addition, the fixture outlet boxes can slide onto the 170 brackets and be adjusted at either 3 inches or 4 inches on-center from the sanitary tee.
Then, I use self-drilling screws on the top and bottom of the box flange to secure it to the bracket.
Frankly, it doesn’t get any easier.
But there’s one more thing that I love about this option.
How to Add Debris Covers to the Fixture Outlet Box
New shutoff valves shouldn’t get damaged or have debris on the moving parts.
But this happens all the time because of drywall work or other trades working in the same space.
The fixture outlet box comes with orange debris covers for this reason.
They thread into the box flange and can stay there until the room is completed.
Plus, the escutcheons also screw into the box flange.
And there are two different escutcheon sizes, one for normal-sized holes and one that ‘whoops’ where the drywall or vanity cabinet is overcut.
I made this video tutorial showing how to install the fixture outlet box
Keep this in mind: the outlet can be PEX or copper.
Plus, it can swivel 360 degrees in any direction, e.g., vertical, horizontal, angled, etc.
Here’s the link on HoldRite’s site for more information.
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Jeff
