Install Instructions

Professional Plumbing Installation Guide
29
Joining Methods
and Fittings
Use ProPEX or approved compression
fittings to connect tubing to itself or to
the corporation and curb stops. Check
with Uponor or the fitting manufacturer
for application suitability and proper
usage instructions. Common fittings for
direct burial include:
• Dezincification-resistant (DZR)
Brass Fittings
• Red Brass Fittings
• Lead-free Brass Fittings
• EP Fittings
• Stainless Steel
You can identify the fitting type by
the print stream on the fitting
(e.g., c314 = Red Brass).
ProPEX Red Brass Adapters are a
brass transition-fitting solution that is
resistant to both dezincification and
stress corrosion cracking due to its
lower zinc content.
Note: Water service fittings designed
for SDR-9 tubing available from other
manufacturers (FordPack, AY McDonald
and WIPEX
TM
) are approved for use with
Uponor AquaPEX tubing in cold-water
service applications. A pipe stiffener
for the appropriate size of PEX tubing
is required for use with these fittings.
Please contact the fitting manufacturer
for temperature and pressure ratings.
Tubing Embedment
Proper soil selection, placement and
compaction are essential in the area
around the tubing. Use sand or gravel
with a maximum particle size of
3
⁄4" to
backfill the tubing.
Compact the initial backfill around the
tubing to provide adequate tubing
support and prevent settlement. It is
particularly important to compact the
soil adequately around the tap
connection. Uponor recommends that
you pressurize the tubing prior to
backfilling to reveal any damage. In
heavy traffic areas, compact the backfill
to 90% of maximum soil density.
Do not use highly plastic clays, silts,
sharp or large rocks and organic materials
as backfill in the immediate vicinity of
the tubing. Compact the backfill from the
sub-grade to a level compliant with local
code that will cover the tubing 4" to 6".
This will provide protection around the
tubing and prevent settlement that puts
stress on the fittings and the tubing.
For additional information about
proper embedment practices, refer to
ASTM D2774, Standard Recommended
Practice for Underground Installation of
Thermoplastic Pressure Piping, or AWWA
Report TR31, Underground Installation of
Polyolefin Piping.
Water System
Disinfection
Disinfect Uponor AquaPEX tubing in
accordance with AWWA C651, Standard
for Disinfecting Water Mains, or in
accordance with local codes.