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A very common connector used in installations where a home is being converted to PEX. This connector allows 1/2" PEX to connect to compression fittings on fixtures, such as a kitchen sink, with the common 3/8" OD size. This is a straight style stop valve. Remember, OD is an "Outer Diameter" measurement, which is why it appears larger than the 1/2" PEX side of the fitting. Most kitchen sink faucets now have Flexible Water Connectors built in with 3/8" OD fittings. However, there is a lot of diversity in fixture connections and you can never count on something being "common." This stop valve is a "quarter turn" valve, which last longer than the older style shutoffs which had an internal compression washer that would go bad.A very common connector used in installations where a home is being converted to PEX. This connector allows 1/2" PEX to connect to compression fittings on fixtures, such as a kitchen sink, with the common 3/8" OD size. This is a straight style stop valve. Remember, OD is an "Outer Diameter" measurement, which is why it appears larger than the 1/2" PEX side of the fitting. Most kitchen sink faucets now have Flexible Water Connectors built in with 3/8" OD fittings. However, there is a lot of diversity in fixture connections and you can never count on something being "common." This stop valve is a "quarter turn" valve, which lasts longer than the older style shutoffs which had an internal compression washer that would go bad.=== Quick Connect 1/2" CTS Coupler ===[[File:120x120_12QuickConnect.jpg|none]]Quick-Connect connectors are becoming increasingly more popular in pluming installations with hybrid pipe types. Pictured is a 1/2" CTS to 1/2" CTS quick connect coupler. CTS stands for Copper Tube Size. With this connector you can join connections to PEX (plastic) CPVC, and copper tubing. They seem to be reliable and are certainly very easy to install. Inside the connecter are rubber seals, plastic and sometimes metal pieces. Like a Chinese finger trap, you can insert the pipe in and it locks from coming back out. It is possible to unlock to remove the pipe if necessary. The CPVC, PEX, or copper pipe is inserted all the way, and a water tight seal is created. Water pressure just aids in the locking action and seal. When used with copper, ensure that the copper is clean and smooth, with no corrosion. If pressed onto copper with corrosion present, there will likely be leakage. It is recommended that you cut the copper tubing, clean it, and mark it just as you would with preparing for any other method of fitting connection. However instead of having to solder, you can simply push the fitting onto the copper until it reaches your mark and snaps tight. Finally, pipes connected with quick connect couplings can be rotated without causing a leak. Also, since there is no opening reduction there is no loss of water pressure or flow.