PEX Installation Handbook 2006

INSTALLATION HANDBOOK:Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)Hot- and Cold- Water Distribution Systems

IMPORTANT NOTICEThe information in this manual was gathered from publicly available sources,

including reports of tests conducted by various independent entities under the testconditions specified in the standards listed.

The contents of this manual are informational only and are not intended as anendorsement or warranty with respect to any product or system.

The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) and its members have no respon-sibility for the design, administration, results or evaluation of any test. PPFA and itsmembers make no warranties, express or implied, as to: the fitness of any productor system for any particular purpose; the suitability of any product or system forany specific application; or the performance of any product or system in actualconstruction.

No product or system should be used or installed without first reviewing all appli-cable plumbing or building code provisions and the manufacturer’s installation orapplication instructions. Local code authorities and the product or system manu-facturer should be consulted with respect to unresolved questions or uncertain-ties.

In the event there is any conflict or inconsistency between the content of thisMANUAL and the applicable building or plumbing code and the manufacturer’s in-stallation or application instructions, the codes and the instructions shall be fol-lowed.

REVISION POLICYThe PPFA Flexible Polyolefin Hot and Cold Water Systems Product Line Committee

is responsible for revision of the manual. All suggestions and recommendations forrevisions shall be addressed to the Committee, which shall respond to them aspromptly as reasonably possible.

The Committee shall review the manual in its entirety at least once every three(3) years.

Published by the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association,800 Roosevelt Road, Building C, Suite 312, Glen Ellyn, IL, 60137www.ppfahome.org

INSTALLATION HANDBOOK:

Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)

Hot and Cold Water-Distribution Systems

Copyright © 2006 PPFA2

MANUAL CONTENT & USE ............................................................................ 3OTHER USES OF CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE (PEX) TUBING .......................... 3TUBING IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................ 4FITTING IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................ 4APPLICABLE STANDARDS .............................................................................. 4LIMITATIONS ON TUBING USE ......................................................................... 5TUBING INSTALLATION PRACTICES ................................................................... 5 GENERAL INSTALLATION ........................................................................... 5 BENDING THE TUBING............................................................................ 6 HANDLING & STORING TUBING ............................................................... 6TUBING SUPPORTS ...................................................................................... 6 SELECTION & INSPECTION ....................................................................... 6 SUPPORT SPACING & LOCATION ............................................................... 7 EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF TUBING ................................................. 7HYDRAULIC SHOCK (PRESSURE SURGE) ........................................................ 8MANIFOLD PLUMBING SYSTEMS ..................................................................... 8PARALLEL WATER DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD PLUMBING (HOME RUN) SYSTEMS ....... 9THAWING TUBING SYSTEMS ........................................................................ 10PRESSURE TESTING & INSPECTION OF SYSTEM .............................................. 10DISINFECTION OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS ................................................. 10BURIED PEX WATER SERVICE LINES............................................................11 FITTINGS ............................................................................................11 TRENCH PREPARATION ..........................................................................11 LAYING TUBING ...................................................................................11 PENETRATING FOUNDATION OR BASEMENT WALLS ......................................11 SLAB-ON-GRADE INSTALLATION LAYING & SUPPORTING TUBING UNDER SLAB .11 PROTECTION OF TUBING & FITTINGS FROM UV EXPOSURE AFTER THE POUR 12 BACKFILLING TRENCHES ..................................................................... 12TECHNICAL DATA ....................................................................................... 12 TUBING DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS FRICTION LOSSES ................................. 12 FRICTION LOSS & VELOCITY VS. FLOW RATE .......................................... 13CONNECTION (TRANSITION) TO OTHER PIPING MATERIALS ................................ 14 JOINING PROCEDURES UTILIZING METALLIC OR PLASTIC INSERT FITTING WITH A COPPER CRIMP RING (ASTM F 1807 OR ASTM F 2159) ...................... 14 MAKING A CONNECTION ....................................................................... 14 INCORRECT CONNECTIONS .................................................................... 14 TOOLS AND RINGS .............................................................................. 14 JOINING PROCEDURES UTILIZING ASTM F 1960 FITTINGS & PEX RINGS ... 14 ASTM F 1960 CONNECTIONS, HELPFUL HINTS ...................................... 15 TOOLS .............................................................................................. 16 JOINING PROCEDURES UTILIZING ASTM F 2080 FITTINGS & COMPRESSION SLEEVES ....................................................................... 16OTHER FITTINGS SYSTEMS.......................................................................... 16

Table of Contents

INSTALLATION H

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Copyright © 2006 Plastic Pipe and FittingsAssociationMANUAL CONTENT & USE

This Manual contains information onthe installation of Cross-linked Poly-ethylene (PEX) tubing for hot and coldwater distribution systems in residen-tial and light commercial installationsusing tubing up to 1" in diameter.

Information in this manual shall notbe separated as it is often interrelated.

Consult local codes for additional in-stallation requirements.

For additional information contact:

Local officials having jurisdiction (forcodes)

Manufacturer (for specific productinformation)

PPFA (for general installation instruc-tions)

Plastic Piping Institute (PPI)

OTHER USES OFCROSS-LINKEDPOLYETHYLENE (PEX) TUBING

Hydronic Radiant Heating

Heat Pump Applications

Other Uses With Similar ServiceRequirements

Note: Consult tubing manufacturerfor details.





TUBING IDENTIFICATIONCheck the PEX tubing for the proper

ASTM identification marking.

Please refer to the “TubingMarkings” table below.

Check for potable water listing (NSFInternational, Inc. [NSF-pw], or otherrecognized listing agency).

FITTING IDENTIFICATIONAll fittings shall be marked with:

Manufacturer’s name or Trademarkor other identification mark, plus theASTM standard specification withwhich the fitting complies.

APPLICABLE STANDARDSASTM F 876 - Specification

for Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)Tubing.

ASTM F 877 - Specificationfor Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)Plastic Hot and Cold Water Distribu-tion Systems.

ASTM F 1807 - Specificationfor Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a Cop-per Crimp Ring for SDR 9 Cross-linkedPolyethylene (PEX) Tubing

ASTM F 1960 - Specificationfor Cold Expansion Fittings with PEXReinforcing Rings for use with Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing

ASTM F 2159 - StandardSpecification for Plastic Insert FittingsUtilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tub-ing

ASTM F 2080 - StandardSpecification for Cold-Expansion Fit-tings With Metal Compression-Sleevesfor Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)Pipe

ASTM F2098 - StandardSpecification for Stainless SteelClamps for Securing SDR9 Cross-linkedpolyethylene (PEX) Tubing to MetalInsert Fittings

CSA B137.5 - Cross-linkedPolyethylene (PEX) Tubing Systems forPressure Applications

Use ASTM Standard Canadian StandardHot/Cold Water F 876 or F 876/F 877 and CSA B137.5

Standard for Fittings

Tubing Markings

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sgnittiffotsiLsdradnatshcihwhtiw

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F,7081FMTSA(selpmaxE)srehtoro0802F,0691

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noitangiseDedoc 6001XEP

INSTALLATION H

ANDBOOK:




LIMITATIONS ON PEX USEDo not use in applications where

the temperature of the water couldexceed 180o F at 100 psi unless spe-cifically approved in the code, e.g.,water heater relief line. Seemanufacturer’s recommendations forhigher operating temperatures at lowerpressures.

Do not use in any applicationwhere tubing will be exposed to directsunlight.

Do not allow tubing to come inextended contact with any of at leastthe commonly encountered construc-tion materials listed below:

(This list is not all-inclusive.)Pipe thread sealing compounds;Fire wall penetration sealing com-pounds. Exception: water soluble,gypsum-based caulking or othersealants approved by the PEX tubemanufacturer; Petroleum-based ma-terials or sealants such as:Kerosene, Benzene, Gasoline, Sol-vents, Fuel Oils, Cutting Oils, As-phaltic Paint, and Asphaltic RoadMaterials, Acetone, Tolulene, Xylene.Consult your tubing manufacturer ifyou have questions about these orany other materials not listed.

Do not place any PEX tubing inheavily contaminated soils or otherheavily contaminated environments.

Do not use tubing with gouges,cuts, cracks, abrasions, evidence ofchemical attack, or other defects, ortubing which has been crushed orkinked.

Do not use in swimming poolpiping systems.

Copper or brass fittings, whenused in a PEX piping system, have thesame limitations as copper or brass fit-tings used in plumbing or heating sys-tems.

Store fittings in containers thatare free of oil, grease, lubricants, sol-der flux or other chemicals, and awayfrom corrosive atmospheres (Example:Ammonia).

TUBING INSTALLATION PRAC-TICESGENERAL INSTALLATION

Review all limitations on the use ofcross-linked polyethylene tubing, and

the fitting system you have selectedto use.

Keep tubing a minimum of 12inches vertically or 6 inches horizon-tally from sources of high heat, suchas recessed light fixtures, flue gasvents, or heating appliances.

Do not install PEX tubing down-stream of any point-of-use waterheater or immersed coil heater in aboiler where the output temperaturecan exceed 180o F or closer than 6inches upstream. Contact manufac-turer for recommended metallic tran-sition fittings.

PEX tubing may be connecteddirectly to residential electric waterheaters, if the local code andmanufacturer’s instructions allow.When connecting PEX tube to gaswater heaters, the tube must be keptat least 6 inches away from the ex-haust vent of the heater. Flexiblemetal water heater connectors maybe needed in some instances.

Hose bibbs shall not be sup-ported by PEX tubing. Hose bibbs shallbe anchored to prevent strain on PEXtubing.

Use only continuous length tub-ing (no fittings) when installing PEXunder or within a slab. Protect PEXtubing with nonmetallic sleeves whereit penetrates a slab or foundation.(Examples: PVC bend guides, PE





sleeving). Protect tubing from naildamage where appropriate.

BENDING THE TUBINGDo not bend PEX tubing tighter than

the following minimum recommendedbending radii .

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8/3 4

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NOTE: If using tubing in coils, and bendingthe tubing against the coil direction, the mini-mum bending radius is 3 times the radius givenabove (e.g., 3/8" Tubing = 3 x 4 = 12").

Handling and Storing Tubingand Fittings

Do not drag thetubing over roughterrain, rocks, or anysurface that cancut, puncture, or

damage the tub-ing wall.

Do not crushor kink the tubing.

Inspect alltubing and fittings

before and afterinstallation. Cutout and replaceall damaged sec-tions or fittings.

Tubing shallbe stored in away to protect

the system frommechanical dam-age (slitting,puncturing, etc.).Tubing and fittingsshall be stored un-dercover forcleanliness and toavoid exposure tosunlight. Consult

manufacturer for recommended limitsfor outside storage.

Tubing Supports:Selection and Inspection

Plastic hangersand straps arerecommended ,but metal sup-ports which aredesigned for usewith plastic tubingcan be used.

Do not use supports that pinch orcut the tubing. Support should allowfree tubing movement.

Inspect all supports prior to instal-lation to ensure that sharp edges donot exist that can damage the tubing.

INCORRECT CORRECT

INSTALLATION H

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Vertical tubing shall be supported atevery floor (8-foot to 10-foot height)and at the mid floor guide betweenfloors.

When penetratingmetal studs, utilize aproperly-designedbushing or sleevingmaterial on all pen-etrations to protecttubing.

Tubing and fittingsshall be installedwithout placing stress on the connec-tion. Stress on connections fre-quently occurs when tubing is notproperly strapped at changes of di-rections. See illustrations at right forproper methods.

CORRECT

CORRECT

INCORRECT

On cross brace Along wall stud

Examples of the use ofstraps when makingbends directly fromfittings.

SUPPORT SPACING & LOCATION

Do not pull tubing tight duringinstallation. This can cause exces-sive tensile forces on fittings andconnections when tubing cools andcontracts. Allow 1/8-inch slack perfoot of installed tubing.

Expansion can usually be accom-modated by tubing’s flexibility forsizes up to and including 1-inch sizetubing.

EXPANSION / CONTRACTION OF TUBING

Nominal Tubing Diameter (in.) Spacing (in.) 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 32





HYDRAULIC SHOCK (PressureSurge)

The following table provides themaximum pressure that will occur fromrapid closure of a valve in the varioustubing systems at a given velocity.The faster the velocity, the greaterthe hydraulic shock (pressure surge).Excessive hydraulic shock (pressuresurge) may result in audible water ham-mer with metallic piping systems,though this is highly unlikely with PEXtubing due to the flexibility of the tub-ing itself.

Table 2 shows the additional hydrau-lic shock (pressure surge) that canoccur in various types of pipes at thewater velocities shown when a fast-acting valve closes. Hydraulic shockpressure is in addition to the systemstatic pressure (measured on site). Todetermine the instantaneous total sys-tem pressure that occurs, add thehydraulic shock pressure to the staticpressure.

For normal plumbing installations,water hammer arrestors are not nec-essary with a PEX tubing system.

In predominantly metal piping sys-tems in which PEX is used, it may benecessary to install water hammer ar-restors.

MANIFOLD PLUMBING SYSTEMSThe parallel manifold plumbing con-

cept is relatively simple. Each faucetor water outlet is fed by its own dedi-cated line which runs from a centralmanifold. By providing each outlet withits own distribution line, the systemoffers quieter water flow, more bal-

anced water pressure, a dramatic re-duction in the number of fittings re-quired, and the ability to save bothwater and energy, versus traditionalsystem designs.

The following information applies toa PEX tubing plumbing manifold sys-tem in addition to the general limita-tions and installation information onPEX tubing and fittings in this manual.

Manifolds can be installed in ahorizontal or vertical position.

In larger installations, with mul-tiple water heaters, remote manifoldsmay be used to handle groups of re-mote outlets.

Each faucet or water outlet isfed by its own dedicated line from themanifold, which may be located nearthe water supply or water heater.

Tubing shall be run continuouslyand as directly as possible betweenmanifold and fixture locations. Ap-proved fittings may be used to repairkinked or damaged PEX distributionlines, or to add to a distribution linethat was mistakenly cut too short dur-ing installation. Excessive use of fit-tings is unnecessary.

Shutoff valves can be placedat the manifold or fixture. Check withyour local inspector.

Tubing shall not be pulled tight.Leave slack to allow for expansion andcontraction.

Install tubing cautiously toavoid binding, kinking, or abrasion.

Leave excess tubing at the be-ginning and end of runs for connec-tion to fixtures and the manifolds.

When running lines to a groupof fixtures, they may be bundled to-gether, but must be bundled looselyenough to allow individual tubing move-ment. Plastic ties may be used.

Do not use tape when bundlingtubing as it may restrict movement oftubing runs.

When bundled lines passthrough conventional structural mem-bers, cut a hole at the centerline ofthe member. Consult the applicablecode for maximum allowable hole size.

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INSTALLATION H

ANDBOOK:




Identify and mark all lines atthe manifold.

PARALLEL WATER DISTRIBU-TION MANIFOLD PLUMBING(HOME RUN) SYSTEMS

Each faucet or water outlet is fedby its own dedicated line from themanifold. Manifolds for hot watershould be installed near the waterheater to minimize hot water deliverytime. Manifolds shall be installed atleast 36" away vertically, or 18" awayhorizontally from the water heater. Amanifold for cold water only may beinstalled near the water supply.

The following information applies toa PEX tubing plumbing manifold sys-tem in addition to the general limita-tions and installation information onPEX tubing and fittings in this manual.

Manifolds can be installed in ahorizontal or vertical position.

In larger installations, with mul-tiple water heaters, use a manifold ateach water heater for the fixturesserved by the water heater.

Tubing shall be run continuouslyand as directly as possible betweenmanifold and fixture locations. Ap-proved fittings may be used to repairkinked or damaged PEX distributionlines, or to add additional length to a

distribution line that was mistakenlycut too short during installation. Ex-cessive use of fittings is unnecessary.

Shutoff valves may be placedat the manifold or at the fixture. Checkwith your local inspector for the localrequirements.

Tubing shall not be pulled tight.Leave slack to allow for expansion andcontraction.

Install tubing cautiously toavoid bending, kinking, or abrasion.

Leave excess tubing at the begin-ning and end of runs for connection tofixtures and the manifolds.

When running lines to a group of fix-tures, they may be bundled together,but must be bundled loosely enoughto allow individual tubing movement.Plastic ties may be used. Hot and coldlines may be bundled together butsome jurisdictions do not permit thispractice. Be sure to check with thelocal authority.

Do not use tape when bundling tub-ing as it may restrict movement of tub-ing runs.

When bundled lines pass throughconventional structural members, cuta hole at the centerline of the mem-ber. Consult the applicable code formaximum allowable hole size

Identify and mark all lines at themanifold.

Manifolds shall be accessible andprotected from freezing and exposureto sunlight.

Hot water and cold water manifoldsshall be sized in accordance with thefollowing table:

This drawing represents atypical manifold system.

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Individual fixture shutoff valves maybe installed at the manifold if permit-ted by the local authority. If installed,they shall be identified as to the fix-ture being supplied.

Individual distribution lines suppliedfrom a manifold and installed as partof a parallel water distribution systemshall be sized in accordance with thefollowing table:

THAWING PEX TUBING SYS-TEMS

PEX tubing systems should not beintentionally sub-jected to freezing.

Do not use opentorch or excessiveheat to thaw PEXtubing. Tubing fail-ure or damage canresult. Use a hotair gun or ablowdryer.

Heat (DO NOT USE A TORCH) mustbe applied directly to the frozen tub-ing section. Temperature on tubingshall not exceed 180o F.

Several suitable methods exist tothaw PEX tubing. They include:

A commercial system whichpumps heated water through the tubeto the ice blockage, and returnsthe cooled water for reheating.

Wet hot towelsHot waterHand-held hair dryerLow wattage electrical heating

tape

PRESSURE TESTING AND IN-SPECTION OF THE COMPLETEDSYSTEM

Test system with water.

Test pressure shall be at least equalto the expected working pressure (mainpressure), but not less than 40 psi andnot greater than 225 psi at 73O F.

Compressed air testing is only rec-ommended when water is not avail-able or when cold weather could freezethe system. Compressed air tests shallinclude appropriate safety precautionsand the test pressure shall not ex-ceed 100 psi. PEX tubing is ductileand will not shatter during a pressuretest and release shards of plastic.However, plastic fittings or other sys-tem components, or unassembled fit-tings, may cause a hazzard. Checkwith local codes before using air pres-sure testing.

Test duration should not be less than15 minutes.

Do not allow water in system tofreeze.

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DISINFECTION OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMSIf disinfection of the system is required by code, and the conditions are

not specified, the following procedures can be used.

Use one of the recommendations above.

Premix the solution before injection into the system.

Thoroughly flush all lines of the system at the end of the disinfectionperiod. Failure to do so may damage the plumbing system.

Chlorine Concentration Disinfection Period Authority50 to 100 ppm 3 hours AWWA*

50 ppm 6 hours ICC***American Water Works Association**International Codes Council

INSTALLATION H

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BURIED PEX WATER SERVICELINESFittings

Consult manufacturer for proper fit-tings for water service application.

Trench PreparationTrench bottom shall be solid with no

hollows, lumps, rocks, or other mate-rials that could damage the tubing.

Laying the TubingTubing should be laid with suf-

ficient slack (snaking) to accommo-date any contraction due to coolingprior to backfilling. Tubing will expandor contract approximately 1 inch inlength for each 10O F change in tubingtemperature for each 100 feet of tub-ing.

Minimum bending radius require-ments for PEX tubing shall be followed.See “Bending the Tubing” Table, Page6.

Inspect tubing for damage. Re-move and replace damaged sections.

In poor soil conditions, such asmud, rock, black gumbo, or clay, it isnecessary to excavate deeper and usegood clean fill or granular fill to smooththe trench bottom.

Penetrating Foundation orBasement Walls

When PEX is run through a base-ment or foundation wall, it must beprotected by a rigid sleeve that spansthe distance from within the wall outto the undisturbed soil in the pipetrench. The purpose of this protec-tive sleeve is to prevent shearing ofthe PEX tubing at the wall in the eventthere is settlement in the backfillaround the wall. At the point wherethe sleeve terminates inside the foun-dation or wall, the space between thePEX and the sleeve should be sealedto prevent leakage into the building.

Note: Petroleum-based caulks orsealants should not come in direct con-tact with PEX.

Slab-on-Grade InstallationLaying and Supporting TubingUnder Slab

Only continuously-run lengths oftubing without fittings shall be usedwhen installing PEX under a slab. Allconnections shall be outside or abovethe slab. Tubing shall be completelyburied by a suitable, easily compacted,backfill material such as sand or peagravel. PEX tubing should be installedunder the re-bar, re-mesh or

CORRECT

INCORRECT

INCORRECT

Do not use blocking for sup-port, or to change the tubing’selevation.





tensioning cables in the slab. PEX tub-ing shall be covered or fastened toprevent the tubing from floating orbeing pulled up to the slab surface.

PEX tubing does not have to besleeved its entire length where it liesbeneath a slab. PEX tubing shall beprotected with a non-metallic sleevewhere it comes through the slab. Be-cause PEX is flexible, it may needsupport to keep it from falling backonto the slab once it exits the slab.To prevent this, PEX can be carefullytied to re-bar, wood stakes or rigiddrain pipe for support. This will serveto protect the PEX tubing as the slabis poured, leveled and smoothed andfrom subsequent framing and con-struction work.

Protection of Tubing andFittings from UV ExposureAfter the Pour

Due to the nature of slab-on-gradeinstallations, tubing and fittings maybe exposed to UV light for unspecifiedperiods of time after the slab is pouredand before the structure is framed andenclosed. To prevent damage from UVexposure, PEX tubing and fittings thatare exposed above the slab shall bewrapped with an opaque covering suchas black polyethylene bags or sheet-ing immediately after the pouring ofthe slab. This covering should extenddown to the surface of the slab toprotect all of the tube above the slabfrom excessive UV exposure. For spe-cific limitations on UV exposure, con-sult the PEX tube manufacturer.

BackfillingDo not use clay, silt, or rocky

backfill. Remove the construction ma-terials, trash or foreign objects fromtrench prior to backfilling.

The tubing and fittings shouldbe surrounded with good clean fill, orsand, or river run gravel of 1/2-inchmaximum particle size.

Compact the initial backfillaround the tubing to provide adequatetubing support and prevent settlement.It is particularly important to ad-equately compact the soil around thetap connection.

It is recommended that thetubing be pressurized with water priorto backfilling to reveal any damage.

TECHNICAL DATATubing Dimensions and Weights(ASTM F 876/F 877)

Friction Losses

Consult manufacturer for otherfitting friction losses.

Tubing water flow rate, velocity, andfrictional losses are given in the fol-lowing tables. Long-radius tubing bendshave the same head loss as straighttubing.

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INSTALLATION H

ANDBOOK:




Friction Loss and Velocity vs. Flow RatePEX Plumbing Tubing (CTS) (ASTM F 876/F 877)

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1 0.7 33.3 6.1 18.1 3.0 69.0 1.0 55.0

2 4.52 76.6 8.5 26.3 1.1 18.1 3.0 01.1

3 9.35 00.01 2.21 34.5 3.2 27.2 7.0 56.1

4 8.19 43.31 8.02 42.7 9.3 36.3 1.1 91.2

5 4.13 50.9 9.5 45.4 7.1 47.2

6 0.44 68.01 2.8 44.5 4.2 92.3

7 6.85 76.21 9.01 53.6 2.3 48.3

8 0.41 62.7 1.4 93.4

9 4.71 71.8 1.5 49.4

01 1.12 70.9 2.6 84.5

11 2.52 89.9 4.7 30.6

21 6.92 98.01 7.8 85.6

31 3.43 97.11 1.01 31.7

41 4.93 07.21 6.11 86.7

51 2.31 32.8

61 8.41 87.8

NOTE: Friction Loss based on Hazen-Williams Formula (C = 150)

CTS Tubing manufactured per ASTM F 876/F 877

Friction Loss is expressed as -psi per 100 ft. of tubing

Velocity (VEL) feet per second

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CONNECTION (TRANSITION) TOOTHER PIPING MATERIALS

Solder copper transition fittings ontothe copper pipe and allow to cool be-fore connecting to PEX tubing. Highheat (greater than 180O F) may dam-age the PEX tubing.

Do not use plastic male threads ornon-gasketed female threads whenmaking a connection to metal threads.Use only manufacturer’s recommendedtransition fittings.

When making connections to CPVCpipe or fittings, use only approvedtransition fittings.

JOINING PROCEDURES UTILIZ-ING METALLIC OR POLYMERINSERT FITTINGS INSERT FIT-TING WITH A BLACK COPPERCRIMP RING (ASTM F 1807 ORASTM F 2159)Making a Connection

1. Cut tubing squarely, removeburrs, and slip the copper crimp ringonto the tube.

2. Insert fitting into tube to thetube stop; do not apply lubricant orpipe dope on the insert fitting. Posi-tion crimp ring 1/8" to 1/4" from endof tubing. To prevent ring from mov-ing, squeeze the ring slightly with yourfingers or a pair of pliers.

3. Center crimping tool jaws overthe ring. Keeping both ring and toolsquare with tube, close the tool com-pletely. DO NOT CRIMP TWICE.

4. It is recommended that thefinished crimps be checked with theappropriate GO NO/GO gauge. Slipgauge squarely over the crimped ring.If the “GO” slot of the gauge doesn’tfit across the crimped ring, the diam-eter of the ring is too large and thefitting must be cut out. DO NOTRECRIMP. If the “NO/GO” slot of thegauge fits across the crimped ring, thediameter of the ring is too small andthe fitting must be replaced. Cut outthe ring and fitting, and replace them.

Incorrect ConnectionsThe consequence of not following

correct procedures is a potential forleaks.

1. Ring crimped over end of tube.

Result: Doesn’t cover enough ribsand / or tool could crush or crackfitting

2. Tool not at 90 degrees to tubewhen crimped.

Result: Insufficient rib coverage;tubing dented.

3. Ring not completely covered bycrimp tool.

Result: Ring distortion, non-uniform crimp.

4. Tubing not cut squarely.

Result: Insufficient rib coverage.

5. Ring too far from pipe end.

Result: Insufficient rib coverage.

Tools and RingsUse tools recommended by fitting

and tubing manufacturers.

All tools must make a full-circlecrimp.

Check tool adjustment at least dailyand readjust as necessary.

Use only black colored crimp ringsdesigned for this PEX system.

Joining Procedures Utiliz-ing ASTM F 1960 Fittingsand PEX Rings

1. Cut the PEX tubing perpendicu-lar to the length of the tubing using acutter designed for plastic tubing. Re-move all excess material or burrs thatmight affect the fitting connection.

2. Slide the Pex Ring over the endof the tubing.

The Pex Ring should extend over theend of the tubing no more than a 1/16".The end of the tubing and inside ofthe Pex Ring must be dry and free ofgrease or oil to prevent the Pex Ringfrom sliding out of place during expan-sion.

3. Place the free handle of thetool against your hip, or place one handon each handle when necessary. Fullyseparate the tool handles and insertthe expander head into the end of thetubing until it stops. Be sure you havethe correct size expander head on thetool. Full expansion are necessary to

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make a proper connection. Bring thehandles together to expand. Separatethe handles, remove the head from thetubing and rotate it 1/8 turn. Slide thetool head into the tubing in the newlyrotated position and expand again.

4. Repeat the expansion processuntil the tubing and ring are snugagainst the shoulder on the expanderhead.

5. Immediately remove the tooland slide the tubing over the fittinguntil the tubing reaches the stop onthe fitting. As you slide the tubing overthe fitting, you should feel some re-sistance. If the tubing reaches theshoulder of the fitting without any re-sistance, the tubing may be over-ex-panded and may require additional timeto fully shrink over the fitting. To en-sure a proper connection, the Pex Ringmust be seated up against the shoul-der of the Pex fitting.

7. At minimum, ASTM F 1960 con-nections must be pressure tested tothe system’s working pressure. PEXtubing and fittings are safe for air andhydrostatic testing. Refer to your lo-cal code for additional requirements.

ASTM F 1960 Connections,Helpful Hints

Holding the tubing in the ex-panded position increases the time ittakes for the tubing to shrink around

the fitting.

The tubing should hold the fit-ting firmly after just a few seconds. Ifthe fitting appears loose for more thana few seconds, the tubing has beenover-expanded.

If there is more than 1/16" be-tween the PEX Ring and the fitting,square cut the tubing two inches awayfrom the fitting and make another con-nection using a new PEX Ring.

Ring does not meet the pipestops on the fitting. Tubing and ringsshould both meet the pipe stops onthe fitting

Tubing does not meet the pipestops on the fitting. Tubing and ringsshould both meet the pipe stops onthe fitting

Tubing and ring fo not meet thepipe stops on the fitting. Tubing andrings should both meet the pipe stopson the fitting. Tubing is not cut square.

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ToolsThere are a variety of PEX expander

tools that are designed for ease of usewhen making reliable, permanent con-nections.

Joining Procedures utilizingASTM F 2080 Fittings andCompression-SleevesSummary:

Fittings shall be joined to PEX pipeby first expanding the end of the pipewith the expander tool, inserting thecold-expansion fitting into expandedpipe, then pulling the compression-sleeve over the PEX pipe and the fit-ting, compressing the pipe betweenthe compression-sleeve and the fit-ting.

Procedure:Slide the compression-sleeve

onto the pipe so that the inside-bev-eled end is facing toward the end ofthe pipe. Slide the compression-sleevefar enough down the pipe so that itwill not prevent expansion of the pipe.

Insert the head of the expandertool into the pipe. The expander toolsegments shall be centered inside thepipe.

Fully expand the pipe, holdingit open for approximately 3 seconds,and remove the tool. Rotate the toolapproximately 30°, insert the ex-pander-tool into the pipe and repeatthe expansion process. This ensuresthat the pipe is round inside.

The cold-expansion fittingshould be inserted within 30 secondsof the expansion, otherwise the pipewill shrink back to its original size andbecome too small for fitting expansion.The fitting is properly inserted whenthe PEX pipe is pushed up against thelast rib of the cold-expansion fitting.If full insertion is not possible, removethe cold-expansion fitting immediately

and expand the pipe again for 3 sec-onds.

When the expansion is com-plete, and the cold-expansion fittingis inserted properly into the PEX pipe,the metal compression-sleeve shall bepulled over the fitting with the com-pression tool (this may be the sametool as the expander tool, or a sepa-rate tool).

Use the compression tool to pullthe compression-sleeve over the cold-expansion fitting and the PEX pipe enduntil the sleeve touches the collar ofthe fitting or until the tool stops.

The maximum allowable gapbetween the edge of the compression-sleeve and the collar of the cold-ex-pansion fitting shall be 0.040 in. Ifthis gap is too large, the repeat thecompression step and/or adjust thetool.

Other Fitting SystemsSome PPFA Members have propri-

etary fitting systems for which ASTMstandards have not been written.These systems are typically listed asmeeting the performance requirementsof ASTM F 877 for PEX systems buttheir fitting dimensions and materialshave not been specified in a standard.These fittings are typically availableonly through a single manufacturer andthe components of the system do notinterchange with similar looking partsfrom a different manufacturer.

When using these systems, users arecautioned to be sure they do not mixcomponents from different manufac-turers even if they look the same.

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PEX Installation Handbook 2006

Documents

Transcript of PEX Installation Handbook 2006