User Guide

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual l Chapter 6 – Installation methods l 63
Chapter 6:
Installation methods
This section proles potable-
water installation methods
that are typical for commercial
buildings to which both re and
building codes apply (generally
referred to as re-resistant
construction buildings). Each
method includes a detailed
illustration with notes for
installing potable-water piping
in re-resistant construction
buildings.
For specic re-assembly
details, refer to Chapter 3.
Local code approvals
Before installing any piping,
discuss the installation with
local building and plumbing
ofcials. While the Uponor
plumbing systems described
in this section meet the
requirements of most building
and plumbing codes found in
the United States and Canada,
some inspectors are not aware
of these types of installations.
Chapters 1 and 3 in this
design manual provide
supporting information and
listings for United States and
Canadian code compliance.
Storing and
handling PEX
Although not comprehensive,
the following highlights the
most common guidelines
when storing and handling
Uponor AquaPEX.
• Uponor AquaPEX is
approved for direct
connection to electric water
heaters as well as power-
vented gas water heaters
where allowed by local code.
• Do not store Uponor
AquaPEX piping outdoors.
• Keep Uponor AquaPEX
piping in the original
packaging until the time of
installation.
• Install Uponor systems
according to the installation
instructions. Failure to
follow the instructions and
installation guidelines in this
manual can result in the
failure of Uponor systems.
• Do not use Uponor AquaPEX
piping where temperatures
and pressures exceed
ratings.
• Do not use or store Uponor
AquaPEX White piping
where it will be exposed to
direct sunlight for more than
30 days.
• Do not use or store Uponor
AquaPEX Red and Blue
piping where it will be
exposed to direct sunlight for
more than 90 days.
• Do not weld, glue or use
adhesives or adhesive
tape with Uponor AquaPEX
piping.
Note: You may temporarily
afx adhesive tape to Uponor
AquaPEX piping during
installation. However, to
protect the integrity of the
system, the tape should not
be permanent. Remove the
tape and residual adhesive
after completing the
installation.
• Do not apply open ame to
Uponor AquaPEX piping.
• Minimum clearance from
Insulation Contact (I.C.)
rated xtures is 2". Minimum
clearance from non-I.C. rated
xtures is 12". For distances
closer than the above
minimums, protect the pipe
with an approved insulation.
• Do not install Uponor
AquaPEX within 5 ft. of
direct view from uorescent
and LED lighting without
protecting the pipe with a
UV-blocking material.
• Do not use Uponor AquaPEX
piping to convey natural gas.
• Do not solder, braze, weld or
fusion-weld within 18" of any
Uponor AquaPEX piping in
the same water line. Make
any heat-related connections
prior to making the ProPEX
connection.
• Do not install Uponor
AquaPEX piping between
the tub/shower valve and tub
spout.
• Do not use Uponor AquaPEX
piping for an electrical
ground.
• Do not spray on or allow
organic chemicals, strong
acids or strong bases to
come into contact with
Uponor AquaPEX piping.
• Do not use petroleum
or solvent-based paints,
greases or sealants on
Uponor AquaPEX piping.
• Use only approved and
appropriate restop materials
with Uponor AquaPEX
piping.
• Do not allow rodents, insects
or other pests to come
into contact with Uponor
AquaPEX piping.
• Do not subject Uponor
AquaPEX piping to blunt
impact.
• Do not install Uponor
AquaPEX piping in soil
environments contaminated
with solvents, fuels, organic
compounds, pesticides or
other detrimental materials
that may cause permeation,
corrosion, degradation
or structural failure of the
piping. In areas where such
conditions are suspected,
perform a chemical analysis
of the soil or groundwater to
ascertain the acceptability
of Uponor AquaPEX piping
for the specic installation.
Check local codes for
additional requirements.
• Do not press standard
ProPEX LF brass ttings
(i.e., copper press). Only
press Uponor ProPEX
copper press adapters.
• Do not install Uponor
AquaPEX pipe in steel-stud
applications without the use
of grommets to protect the
pipe from abrasion.
Note: When transitioning from
PEX to other piping materials,
follow the appropriate
installation instructions for that
product.