Install Instructions

Professional Plumbing Installation Guide
9
Section 2
Working with Uponor PEX Tubing
General Storing and
Handling of PEX Tubing
• Do not store PEX tubing outdoors.
• Keep PEX tubing in the original
packaging until you are ready to install.
• Ensure that exposure to sunlight
during installation does not exceed the
maximum recommended UV exposure
time of 30 days for Uponor AquaPEX
White and 90 days for Uponor
AquaPEX Red and Blue.
Uncoiling PEX Tubing
We recommend using one of the
following Uponor uncoilers to facilitate
convenient uncoiling of PEX tubing:
• Uponor Select Uncoiler (E6062000)
• Uponor Compact Select Uncoiler
(E6063000)
• Uponor Tube Uncoiler (E6061000)
If one is not available, construct a
suitable uncoiler.
Bending PEX Tubing
The minimum bend radius of Uponor
AquaPEX tubing in any direction is six
times the outside diameter (6 x OD).
Bend supports are available for
3
⁄8",
1
⁄2",
3
⁄4" and 1" Uponor AquaPEX tubing to
facilitate 90-degree rigid bends.
Reforming Kinked
Uponor AquaPEX Tubing
For kinked tubing that hinders flow,
repair as follows:
1. Ensure that the system is not
pressurized.
2. Straighten the kinked portion of
the tubing.
3. Heat the kinked area to approximately
265°F (129.4°C) with an electric
heat gun (approximately 450 watts of
power). Apply the heat evenly until the
tubing returns to its original size and
shape. Do not use an open flame.
Caution: Do not allow the
temperature of the tubing
surface to exceed 338°F
(170°C). Do not apply
direct flame to Uponor
AquaPEX tubing.
4. Let the repaired Uponor AquaPEX
tubing cool undisturbed to room
temperature. When the tubing returns
to its opaque appearance, the repair
is complete.
Uponor AquaPEX tubing repaired
according to these recommendations will
return to its original shape and strength.
If Uponor AquaPEX tubing is sliced,
punctured or otherwise damaged beyond
the capacity of the crosslinked memory,
it is necessary to install a coupling.
Crosslinked polyethylene cannot be
welded or repaired with adhesives.
Note: You may temporarily affix
adhesive tape to PEX tubing or EP
fittings 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.