Product Description
Crimp-Compatible Stainless Steel PEX Elbow for Secure Mounting and Shower Arms
Product Overview
The Plumb-Eeze 304 Stainless Steel Dropear 90° PEX Elbow connects PEX tubing to female iron pipe thread (FPT) outlets. It is primarily used in residential and commercial plumbing where a fixture needs to be rigidly mounted to a wall stud or plywood backing. The drop ear design ensures the pipe remains stationary when shower heads or tub spouts are threaded into the fitting.
Designed for durability, this fitting is manufactured from 304 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional brass. It is ideal for areas with high acidity or water quality issues. This fitting is suitable for potable water and hydronic heating applications, but must be installed using crimp or clamp methods only.
Quick Specs
Connection Type: Crimp (ASTM F1807) / Clamp (ASTM F2098)
Compatible Tubing: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
Pressure Rating: 200 PSI
Material Temperature Rating: Up to 400°F (204°C)
Note: System operating temperature is limited by the PEX tubing rating (typically 180–200°F).
Certification: cUPC, NSF/ANSI 61, NSF/ANSI 372
Available In
1/2"
3/4"
3/4" x 1/2"
Key Features of Plumb-Eeze 304 Stainless Steel Dropear 90° PEX Elbow
Secure Mounting: Drop ear tabs allow for rigid attachment to studs, preventing movement during fixture installation.
High Corrosion Resistance: 304 stainless steel construction withstands acidic water conditions better than brass.
Superior Flow: The smooth internal geometry helps maintain consistent flow.
Chemical Compatibility: Commonly used in hydronic heating systems that may contain glycol solutions.
Stronger Material: Stronger and more corrosion resistant than traditional brass fittings.
Crimp Compatible: Works with standard copper crimp rings or stainless steel clamps.
304 Stainless Steel Dropear 90° PEX Elbow Specifications
Specification
Details
Material
304 Stainless Steel
Fitting Type
Drop Ear 90° Elbow
Connection A
PEX Barb
Connection B
Female Pipe Thread (FPT)
Max Pressure
200 PSI
Max Temp (Material)
400°F (204°C)
Standards
ASTM F1807, ASTM F2098
Certifications
cUPC, NSF/ANSI 61, NSF/ANSI 372
Dimensions
Size
Width (in)
Height (in)
Length (in)
Weight (lb)
1/2"
1.800
1.200
2.100
0.130
3/4"
1.800
1.400
2.300
0.220
3/4" x 1/2"
1.850
1.200
2.100
0.165
Installation Method
This drop ear elbow connects to PEX tubing using mechanical crimping or clamping.
Mounting: Secure the drop ear elbow to a wood backing or stud using screws through the ear holes.
Preparation: Cut the PEX tubing squarely and slide a copper crimp ring or stainless steel clamp ring onto the pipe.
Insertion: Insert the barbed end of the stainless steel PEX elbow fully into the PEX tubing.
Securing: Use a calibrated PEX crimp tool (for copper rings) or clamp tool (for stainless rings) to compress the ring over the barb.
Verification: Check the connection with a Go/No-Go gauge if using copper crimp rings.
Warning: This fitting is not compatible with PEX expansion tools or expansion sleeves. Do not use the cold expansion method.
Ideal Applications & System Integration
Shower Arms: Provides a rigid connection point for shower heads behind tiled walls.
Tub Spouts: Secures the stub-out pipe effectively to prevent rattling or movement.
Hydronic Heating: Corrosion-resistant PEX elbow fitting for hydronic heating systems using glycol.
Potable Water: Certified lead-free for safe drinking water installations.
Wall Penetrations: Stabilizes plumbing where pipes exit wall cavities.
Corrosive Environments: 304 stainless steel plumbing fittings resist degradation in aggressive water conditions.
Compliance & Certification
The Plumbeeze 304 Stainless Steel Dropear 90° PEX Elbow meets strict industry standards for safety and performance. It is cUPC certified and complies with NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free potable water systems. The fitting conforms to ASTM F1807 standards for metal insert fittings.
Get the Plumbeeze 304 Stainless Steel Dropear 90° PEX Elbow from Cleanflow
This Plumbeeze stainless steel PEX elbow must be installed using the correct crimp or clamp method specified above. Proper tool selection and PEX type compatibility ensure leak-free performance and long-term system reliability.
Cleanflow supplies certified PEX Fittings for potable water and hydronic systems. Trusted by contractors, municipalities, and facility operators for code-compliant plumbing components.
Check out our full Plumbeeze collection for more high-quality stainless steel plumbing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best practices for installing a drop ear PEX elbow?
Secure the drop ear elbow firmly to a stud or solid backing using corrosion-resistant screws before connecting the PEX tubing. Ensure the fitting is level and perpendicular to the wall surface so threaded fixtures such as shower arms install straight. Always pressure test the system before closing the wall.
Are stainless steel PEX fittings suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes. 304 stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance and performs well in outdoor environments. However, the PEX tubing itself must be protected from UV exposure according to manufacturer guidelines.
How can I prevent leaks with 90-degree PEX connections?
Ensure the PEX tubing is cut square and free of burrs. Position the crimp ring or clamp approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the tubing end and compress it using a properly calibrated tool. Verify crimp connections with a go/no-go gauge and never use expansion tools on crimp-style fittings.
Can this fitting be used with PEX-A tubing?
Yes, this fitting can be used with PEX-A tubing when installed using ASTM F1807 crimp rings or ASTM F2098 clamp methods. It is not compatible with ASTM F1960 cold expansion systems.
Why choose a stainless steel drop ear elbow instead of brass?
304 stainless steel provides greater corrosion resistance and strength compared to brass, especially in aggressive or high-acidity water conditions. It is also resistant to dezincification and inherently lead-free, supporting long-term reliability and water safety.
What is the temperature rating for this fitting?
The 304 stainless steel material is rated up to 400°F (204°C). However, actual system operating temperature is limited by the PEX tubing specification, which is typically between 180°F and 200°F.
Is this fitting compatible with the Uponor or Wirsbo expansion system?
No. This is a crimp-style fitting manufactured to ASTM F1807 standards. It is not compatible with ASTM F1960 cold expansion systems. Using an expansion tool with this fitting will result in connection failure.
