PLUMBING SYSTEMS INSTALLATION GUIDE Uponor Professional Plumbing Installation Guide
Table of Contents Section 1: The Uponor Plumbing System. . . . . . . . . . 1 Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ratings, Standards, Listings and Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ratings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fittings Won’t Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expansion is Difficult. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expansion Head Slips Out of Tubing When Making Expansions. . . . . . . . . . . . . ProPEX Ring Slides Down Tubing During Expansion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bend Supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Drop Ear Bend Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 ProPEX Out-of-the-Wall Support System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Drop Ear Elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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This installation guide is published for building officials, plumbing professionals and contractors interested in Uponor professional plumbing systems. This manual describes general installation recommendations that use Uponor AquaPEX® tubing1 products. Local code requirements should be followed. ote: The Uponor plumbing system can include Uponor AquaPEX White, Blue N or Red tubing as well as AquaPEX Reclaimed Water (purple) tubing, Pre-sleeved AquaPEX tubing and Pre-insulated AquaPEX tubing.
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Section 1 The Uponor Plumbing System The Uponor Plumbing System consists of the following Uponor PEX tubing and Uponor plumbing components: • Uponor AquaPEX® Red, White and Blue tubing • Upnor AquaPEX Reclaimed Water (purple) tubing • Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX tubing • Pre-sleeved Uponor AquaPEX tubing • Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support • ProPEX® Engineered Polymer (EP) Fittings • ProPEX Lead-free Brass Fittings • ProPEX EP Multiport Tees • Manifolds • Supports • Finishes PEX is an acronym for crosslink
Ratings, Standards, Listings and Codes Our extensive listings and history of system testing ensures you that Uponor AquaPEX tubing is suitable for use in many types of residential and commercial structures, including, but not limited to the following: • Homes • Schools • Theatres • Nursing Homes • Restaurant • Hospitals 2 • Townhomes • Daycare Centers • Churches • Hotels • Gymnasiums • Apartments Ratings Uponor AquaPEX tubing has standard grade hydrostatic stress and pressure ratings in accordance with
Standards Uponor AquaPEX tubing, ProPEX EP fittings, ProPEX lead-free brass fittings, EP multiport products, EP valves and copper valved manifolds are manufactured and tested to the standards listed in Table 1-1.
Codes Second Digit Uponor AquaPEX listed to ASTM F876 and F877 is approved in the following model codes for water distribution. The second digit is for demonstrated UV resistance of PEX material when tested in accordance with ASTM F2657. A digit of 1 indicates the PEX tubing has a UV resistance of 30 days; a digit of 2 has a UV resistance of 90 days.
Print Stream on Tubing Explanation UPONOR AquaPEX Brand Name PEX 5106 ASTM F2023 Testing I/A/W ASTM F876 1 ⁄2 IN Tubing Size (Example: 1⁄2") SDR9 Standard Dimensional Ratio of 9 B137.
Fire-resistant Standards For a complete list of the fire-resistant standards, codes and listings, refer to the Uponor Plumbing Design Assistance Manual (PDAM). Firestop Listings Numerous firestop manufacturers have tested their products with PEX tubing. These tests establish the installation procedures for installing the firestop around PEX tubing at the penetration. The type of penetration (e.g., wall, floor or ceiling) determines how these test assembly sections are divided.
Uponor Residential Fire Safety Systems The Uponor Residential Fire Safety system is a residential fire protection system installed in combination with the cold side of the domestic potable water system. Only licensed contractors trained by Uponor can install this system. Contact your local Uponor representative for more information about training certification and project support for the Uponor Residential Fire Safety system.
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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.
Thawing Frozen Tubing Uponor AquaPEX tubing exceeds other tubing and piping in its ability to withstand extreme freeze/thaw cycles. The crosslinked structure of the tubing allows it to expand and absorb much of the expansion energy from the freezing process. No tubing product is freeze-proof, but Uponor AquaPEX tubing is extremely resistant to freeze damage.
PEX Handling Guidelines for use in Hot- and Cold-water Distribution Systems The following highlights the most common guidelines for installing Uponor PEX tubing in water distribution systems. For applications other than water distribution systems, refer to the appropriate Uponor manuals or contact your Uponor representative: • Install Uponor systems according to the installation instructions of the manufacturer.
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Section 3 ProPEX® Fitting System Uponor ProPEX® F1960 cold-expansion fittings make solid, permanent, manufactured connections without the need for torches, glues, solder, flux or gauges. The unique shape memory of Uponor crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-a) tubing forms a tight seal around the fitting, creating a strong, reliable connection. General ProPEX Connection Tips This section provides the information you need to make strong, reliable connections using the ProPEX fitting system.
Making ProPEX Connections with Milwaukee ProPEX Expansion Tools Note: All standard Uponor Expander Heads are compatible with the M12 and M18 tools. Uponor expander heads will not auto-rotate on the Milwaukee tools (only Milwaukee expansion heads will auto-rotate on the M12 and M18). H-heads are not compatible with Milwaukee tools and Milwaukee heads are not compatible with Uponor tools. Milwaukee heads are easily distinguished by color coding and the Milwaukee logo.
3, 5 4 Expansion with Milwaukee M18 ProPEX Expansion Tool Continue expanding and rotating until the tubing and ring are snug against the shoulder on the expander head. See Table 3-1 on page 13 for the recommended number of expansions. Important! Rotating the tool between expansions will provide smooth, even expansion of the tubing. Failure to rotate the tool will cause deep grooves in the tubing which can result in potential leak paths. 6a 4 6.
Making ProPEX Connections with the ProPEX 201 Corded Expander Tool 1. Square cut the PEX tubing perpendicular to the length of the tubing. Remove all excess material or burrs that might affect the fitting connection. 2. Slide the ProPEX Ring over the end of the tubing until it reaches the stop edge. If using a ProPEX Ring without a stop edge, extend the ring over the end of the tubing no more than 1⁄16" (1mm). 3. Slide the expander head into the tubing until it stops.
5. Release the trigger, remove the head from the tubing, rotate it 1⁄8 turn and slide the head back into the tubing. Continue expanding and rotating until the tubing and ring are snug against the shoulder on the expander head. See Table 3-1 on page 13 for the recommended number of expansions. Important! Rotating the tool between expansions will provide smooth, even expansion of the tubing. Failure to rotate the tool will cause deep grooves in the tubing which can result in potential leak paths.
Making ProPEX Connections with the ProPEX Hand Expander Tool 1. Square cut the PEX tubing perpendicular to the length of the tubing. Remove all excess material or burrs that might affect the fitting connection. 2. Slide the ProPEX Ring over the end of the tubing until it reaches the stop edge. If using a ProPEX Ring without a stop edge, extend the ring over the end of the tubing no more than 1 ⁄16" (1mm).
With Auto Rotation 4. When using a ProPEX Hand Expander Tool with the ProPEX Auto Rotation Adapter, simply hold the tubing and tool in place while separating and closing the handles to expand the tubing. The Auto Rotation Adapter will automatically rotate to ensure the tubing is evenly expanded. Continue expanding until the tubing and ring are snug against the shoulder on the expander head. See Table 3-1 on page 13 for the recommended number of expansions for each tubing size. 4a 4b 5.
Making 3⁄8" ProPEX Connections Disconnecting a ProPEX Brass Fitting The 3⁄8" ProPEX Ring must be expanded once on each side to properly fit over the tubing. Refer to the following instructions to make a 3⁄8" ProPEX connection. ProPEX brass and EP fittings are manufactured connections that can be concealed in walls, ceilings and floors. When necessary, ProPEX brass fittings can be disconnected. 1. Square cut the PEX tubing perpendicular to the length of the tubing.
5. After removing the fitting, measure 2" (minimum) from the end of the tubing. 4b 6. Square cut the tubing at the 2" marking. 7. Allow the fitting to cool before making the new connection. 8. Use a new ProPEX Ring and follow the steps to make a new connection.
Troubleshooting ProPEX Connections Trouble-free ProPEX installations begin with a tool that is maintained in proper working condition. If the tool or segment fingers are damaged, it is very difficult to make a proper connection. Refer to the following guidelines to assist with challenges in the field. Fittings Won’t Seal • Make sure the expander head is securely tightened onto the tool. Expansion is Difficult • Make sure the internal cone is properly greased. • Ensure the segment fingers are not bent.
More Than the Recommended Number of Expansions are Needed to Make a Connection • Ensure the head is hand-tightened to the expander tool. Cold-weather Expansions • Temperatures affect the time required for the tubing and ring to shrink onto the fitting. The colder the temperature, the slower the contraction time. • Examine the segment fingers for damage. • Warming ProPEX fittings and ProPEX Rings reduces contraction time. Put fittings and rings in your pockets prior to installation to keep them warm.
Proper Expander Tool and Head Maintenance • ProPEX expander tools are sturdy, but you must handle with care to prevent possible damage to the cone and the expander heads. • Remove and clean the segment fingers as needed. • Remove the segments from the attachment ring by pushing the segment finger down toward the opening in the ring. Once you have removed the first segment, the rest follow easily. • Place the segments on a flat surface with the ridges facing up.
Handling Guidelines for EP Fittings The following highlights the most common guidelines for handling EP fittings: • Do not solder within 18" of any EP fittings in the same water line. You must make sweat connections prior to making the ProPEX connection. • Do not subject EP fittings to impact. • Do not use adhesives or adhesive tape with EP fittings. • Do not expose EP fittings to open flame. • Do not expose solder, flux, pipe dope or solvents to EP fittings as immediate damage may result.
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Section 4 Water Service Phase Uponor AquaPEX tubing meets the requirements of the following standard: • ANSI/AWWA Standard C904-06, Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) 1⁄2 inch (12mm) through 3 inches (76mm) for Water Service To reform kinked tubing, refer to Section 2: Reforming Kinked Uponor AquaPEX Tubing on page 9. If damaged beyond the thermal memory capacity of the tubing, use a ProPEX repair coupling that is suitable for direct burial.
Minimum 24" for Vehicular Traffic AquaPEX Tubing Fill Level Excavation Level Desired Tubing Elevation Figure 4-2: Trench Example of Bad Surrounding Soil Bad Soil Conditions If installing in rocky, clay, muddy or other poor soil conditions, it may be necessary to prepare the trench bottom using granular material of such size and grading to provide a stable base. See your local code for additional requirements.
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.
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Section 5 Ground and Top-out Stage of Installation After installing the service water line into the building, the next area of focus is the groundwork —under and in the soon-tobe-poured concrete. The level of activity during the groundwork stage varies throughout the country. Areas doing primarily slab-on-grade construction may put the bulk of the tubing in the slab, below the slab or run it overhead in the attic.
Installing Uponor AquaPEX Tubing During Ground Work • Properly secure tubing at intervals necessary to keep the tubing from floating up during the pour. • When installing fittings for in-slab applications, use only EP fittings. For under-slab applications, use EP, Red Brass, Lead Free or DZR Brass ProPEX fittings. • When passing through a concrete slab, Sleeve Protection Figure 5-1: Sleeve Protection ensure tubing is protected and allows for movement, including expansion and contraction of tubing.
Termiticide or Pesticide Treatment Uponor PEX tubing for hot- and cold-water distribution (plumbing) is approved for installation directly within or below concrete slabs where soil termiticide or pesticide treatment is required. This is especially useful in slab-on-grade construction. You are not required to sleeve PEX tubing installed within or below concrete slabs.
Installing Uponor AquaPEX Tubing in Frame Construction Tubing Runs • Leave extra tubing at the beginning and end of runs to simplify the connection to fittings, multi-ports and manifolds. • Ensure runs are as direct as possible between fittings, multi-ports or manifolds and the fixtures they supply. • Insulate hot- and cold- water tubing runs where code requires or as necessary.
Tubing Supports: General Guidelines • Uponor recommends using plastic or metal tubing supports designed for use with plastic tubing. • Do not use supports that will damage the tubing. Inspect metal supports for sharp edges. • Allow for the linear expansion rate of Uponor AquaPEX tubing — approximately 1.1" (27.9mm) per 10°F (5.6°C) temperature change for every 100’ of tubing.
• Bends within 6" of a ProPEX connection require a tube talon or bend support (for 3⁄8" and 1⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX tubing). Figure 5-5: Tube Talon or Bend Support • For ⁄4" and 1" tubing, support is required for bends within 10" of a ProPEX connection. 3 Common Components Bend Supports • Use Uponor bend supports to hold the tubing in a 90-degree bend. It is common to use bend supports Figure 5-7: when exiting a slab Support for 90-degree Bend to control the direction of the tubing out of the slab.
ProPEX Out-of-the-Wall Support System Installation Example The ProPEX Out of the Wall Support System is a complete, easily installed system that makes exiting the wall with PEX easier than ever. This system includes: 1. Feed the Uponor AquaPEX tubing through the wall opening.
Drop Ear Elbows Steel-plate Protectors The ProPEX Drop Ear Brass Elbow provides a rigid 90-degree bend and the ability to secure 3⁄8" or 1⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX tubing where it exits a stud wall or connects to a showerhead. The Steel Plate Protector (F5700002) protects installed tubing from possible damage (e.g., if tubing is in danger of damage by drywall, paneling, trim screws or nails).
Shower Valve Connections ProPEX Copper Tub Ells Uponor AquaPEX tubing is suitable for hot and cold inlets on the shower valve, as well as the supply to the showerhead. Refer to Figure 5-13 for an illustration of valve connections. The ProPEX Copper Tub Ell provides a 90-degree transition from tub and shower valve to Uponor AquaPEX tubing. • Uponor offers this product in several sizes. Refer to the Uponor Product Catalog for a complete listing.
Hose Bibs • Connect Uponor AquaPEX tubing to a standard hose bib using a ProPEX threaded or sweat adapter. • Rigidly anchor the hose bib to prevent it from loosening. Pressure Test the System • You must pressure test the system in accordance with local code requirements, but the recommended test pressure is at least 25 psi above working pressure or 100 psi. Slight fluctuations of pressure are normal due to ambient temperature changes.
Figure 5-17: Washing Machine Outlet Box Washing Machine Outlet Box • Use the Uponor Washing Machine Outlet Box (Q5930500) to transition Uponor AquaPEX tubing to washing machine valves. • Connect Uponor AquaPEX tubing to the valves using a ½" ProPEX connection. Ice Maker Outlet Box • Use the Uponor Ice Maker Outlet Box (Q5955025) or ProPEX In-line Ice Maker Tee (Q4455050) to supply the icemaker. • Connect Uponor AquaPEX tubing using a ⁄2" ProPEX connection.
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Section 6 Final Stage of Installation During the final stage of installation, install the finishing items in the structure. Set and connect all lavs, tubs and water closets. This section discusses the supporting components used at this stage. Straight and Angle Stop Valves Point of use at the fixture is the intended use of ProPEX straight and angle stop valves. These valves allow for direct transition from PEX tubing to the riser. To review ProPEX connections, refer to Section 3.
Figure 6-3: Uponor AquaPEX Risers Uponor AquaPEX Risers Install Uponor AquaPEX 3⁄8" outside diameter (OD) risers with Delrinengineered plastic compression rings included with the risers. The risers are available in the following sizes: • 12" Lav • 20" Lav • 30" Lav • 36" Lav • 12" Closet • 20" Closet Lav Risers • Uponor AquaPEX Lav Risers are sold with a Delrin-engineered plastic compression ring. You can also purchase metal washers (sold separately).
Section 7 Plumbing Inspector Checklist This checklist serves as a guideline to the local authority and may not include all applicable requirements. Please review guidelines for the codes and standards in Section 1 of this installation guide as well as the local code in your area for additional guidelines and restrictions. Note: If any conflict exists between the information contained in this installation guide and that of the local code, the local code always takes precedence.
Tubing Supports • Use plastic or metal supports designed for use with plastic tubing. • Place horizontal support every 32" for PEX tubing. If installed in fire-rated construction, local code requirements are in force. • Provide vertical support every 4 to 5 feet with a mid-story guide placed between floors. • Bends within 6" of a ProPEX connection to 3⁄8" and 1⁄2" tubing and within 10" of a ProPEX connection to 3 ⁄4" and 1" tubing require support.
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PLU_InsG_P731_0213, Copyright © 2013 Uponor. Printed in the United States Uponor, Inc. 5925 148th Street West Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA Tel: 800.321.4739 Fax: 952.891.2008 Uponor Ltd. 2000 Argentia Rd., Plaza 1, Ste. 200 Mississauga, ON L5N 1W1 CANADA Tel: 888.994.7726 Fax: 800.638.9517 www.uponorpro.
