Let’s Talk About Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee
The Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee is a seemingly simple plumbing fitting, but its role in water systems, both residential and recreational, is critical. Manufactured by Flair-It, this tee is designed for use with PEX tubing, offering a lead-free solution for potable water applications. It promises durability, ease of installation, and compatibility with various PEX crimping methods.
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, you might be wondering why I’m reviewing a plumbing fitting. Years of setting up base camps with running water, building off-grid showers, and maintaining RV water systems have highlighted the importance of reliable plumbing components. I needed a durable, easy-to-install tee fitting for a remote cabin project, specifically to split a water line for an outdoor sink.
Upon unboxing, the Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee feels solid. The polysulfone material has a reassuring heft, and the barbs look cleanly molded. Compared to brass fittings, it’s noticeably lighter, which can be a plus in weight-sensitive applications like RVs. I considered using brass, but opted for the Flair-It fitting due to its lead-free certification and claimed corrosion resistance, crucial for long-term reliability in a potentially harsh outdoor environment.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. While it lacks the classic look of brass, the build quality seems robust, and the promise of easy installation is definitely appealing. Hopefully, this tee can hold up to the rigors of outdoor use and provide a reliable water connection for years to come.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee during the plumbing installation for a small, off-grid cabin in the mountains. The primary use was to split the main water line coming from a storage tank to supply both an indoor kitchen sink and an outdoor wash station. Conditions were typical for the mountains: cool mornings, warm afternoons, and occasional rain.
The installation process was straightforward. I used a PEX cutter to ensure clean, square cuts on the tubing, slid on the copper crimp rings, and inserted the Flair-It tee. Crimping was done with a standard PEX crimping tool. Everything fit snugly, and the crimps looked secure. The tee performed perfectly; there were no leaks, and water flow was consistent through both lines.
The ease of use was a definite plus. Unlike threaded fittings that require Teflon tape and careful tightening, the PEX system with the Flair-It tee allowed for quick and reliable connections. No surprises after the first use – just a simple, leak-free installation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After six months of use, the Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee is holding up remarkably well. The cabin is used primarily on weekends, so it hasn’t seen constant use, but it has been exposed to temperature fluctuations ranging from freezing nights to hot summer days. There are no signs of leaks, cracks, or discoloration.
Durability seems to be a strong point. The polysulfone material is resistant to UV degradation and doesn’t appear to be affected by the minerals in the well water. Maintenance has been minimal; I simply inspect the connections periodically for any signs of wear or leakage.
Compared to previous experiences with brass fittings, the Flair-It tee has outperformed expectations in terms of ease of installation and corrosion resistance. Brass fittings often require more effort to seal properly and can corrode over time, especially with acidic water. This Flair-It fitting provides a more worry-free solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee
Specifications
Size: 1/2 inch equal tee. This specifies that all three ends of the tee are designed to accept 1/2 inch PEX tubing.
Material: Polysulfone (PSU). This high-performance polymer offers excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and hydrolysis, making it suitable for potable water applications.
Compatibility: PEX tubing. Designed specifically for use with SDR-9 PEX tubing, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection.
Compliance: Meets cNSF-14 Annex G for Lead Free 61, Mfg to ASTM F2159, ASTM F 877 and CSA 137.5 specifications. This compliance ensures that the fitting is safe for potable water use and meets industry standards for performance and materials.
Connection Type: Insert PEX fitting. Requires copper PEX crimp rings or stainless steel PEX clamps for installation.
These specifications matter because they dictate the fitting’s suitability for specific applications. The polysulfone material ensures long-term durability and safety, while the PEX compatibility guarantees a secure and leak-free connection. The lead-free certification is critical for potable water systems.
Performance & Functionality
The Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee performs its job admirably. It provides a reliable and leak-free connection for splitting a water line.
Its strength lies in its ease of installation and the durability of the polysulfone material. A potential weakness could be its reliance on proper crimping technique; a poorly crimped connection could lead to leaks.
It meets and even exceeds expectations. The lead-free construction and corrosion resistance are significant advantages over traditional brass fittings.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The polysulfone material feels robust and the barbs are well-defined. The tee is lightweight, which can be advantageous in certain applications.
The design is user-friendly. The PEX system, in general, is relatively easy to learn, and the Flair-It tee fits seamlessly into this system.
Durability & Maintenance
The Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee is designed for long-term durability. Polysulfone is known for its resistance to degradation and chemical attack.
Maintenance is minimal. Periodic inspections for leaks or damage are the only required maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with the Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee. The fitting itself is not customizable.
It is compatible with standard copper PEX crimp rings and stainless steel PEX clamps. These are readily available from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee
Pros
- Lead-free construction for safe potable water use.
- Durable polysulfone material resistant to corrosion and UV degradation.
- Easy and fast installation compared to threaded fittings.
- Lightweight design suitable for weight-sensitive applications.
- Meets industry standards for performance and materials.
Cons
- Requires a PEX crimping tool for installation.
- Appearance may not be as aesthetically pleasing as brass fittings.
Who Should Buy Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee?
Perfect for: DIY plumbers, RV owners, off-grid cabin builders, and anyone needing a reliable and lead-free PEX fitting for potable water systems.
Who should skip this product? Those who prefer the traditional look of brass fittings or who do not have access to a PEX crimping tool.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality PEX crimping tool, PEX tubing, and copper crimp rings or stainless steel clamps are essential for installation.
Conclusion on Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee
The Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee is a well-designed and durable fitting that offers a reliable and lead-free solution for PEX plumbing systems. Its ease of installation and resistance to corrosion make it an excellent choice for various applications, especially in demanding outdoor environments.
At a price of $1.49, the value proposition is excellent. The Flair-It tee provides a cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to traditional brass fittings.
I would definitely recommend it. The Flair-It 29820 Flair It 1/2in.Equal Tee is a simple yet essential component that delivers on its promises of durability, ease of use, and safety. Upgrade your plumbing system today and experience the peace of mind that comes with using high-quality, lead-free fittings!