Pocket Guide Viega PureFlow® Systems
Viega. Connected in quality. Building on Tradition Founded 120 years ago, Viega is a privately owned, international group of companies. In the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America, Viega specializes in plumbing, heating, and pipe joining technologies. The values of Viega’s founder, Franz-Anselm Viegener, are just as present today as they were when he started the company in 1899. Courage, passion, and innovative spirit are still the basics of Viega’s foundation.
Table of Contents Introduction______________________________________________________ 6 Viega PureFlow Systems_______________________________________ 6 Smart Connect® Technology____________________________________ 6 Codes, Standards, and Certifications______________________________ 7 Specifying PureFlow Systems___________________________________ 7 Codes_ _____________________________________________________ 7 Standards___________________________________________________ 7 Certifications______________________
Table of Contents ManaBloc Systems______________________________________________ 23 Viega Manifolds______________________________________________ 23 Viega Manifold Markings_________________________________ 23 ManaBloc Design and Sizing_ _________________________________ 23 Supply and Distribution Line Sizing________________________ 24 Water Heater Placement_________________________________ 24 Distribution Line Sizing to Fixture__________________________ 24 ManaBloc Installation Overview_ __________________
Table of Contents Calculating Expansion Loops and Offsets________________________ 46 Corner Expansion Offset_________________________________ 46 Z-Type Expansion Offset_________________________________ 46 U-Type Expansion Offset_________________________________ 47 FostaPEX______________________________________________ 47 Coiled Loop____________________________________________ 47 Domestic Hot Water Circulating Systems________________________ 49 Installing Viega PureFlow Fittings_____________________________
Introduction Viega PureFlow Systems Smart Connect® Technology Viega PureFlow is a high-quality, flexible PEX system for hot and cold potable water distribution. It is the most complete potable water solution available on the North American market. With tubing, fittings, and distribution manifolds, Viega provides everything you need for a total plumbing system that is not only easy to install but also helps reduce energy costs and water waste.
Codes, Standards, and Certifications Specifying PureFlow Systems Standards Viega offers many tools to assist the specifying engineer, engineer, contractor, and installer to ensure Viega PureFlow systems are properly designed and installed. This can be done by referring to one of the resources listed below: ■ Engineering Specifications are available at www.viega.us. ■ Viega guide specifications in Master Spec format are available upon request at (800) 976-9819.
Codes, Standards, and Certifications Fire Resistant Construction U.S. listings Plenum rating Viega PureFlow PEX tubing has been tested and listed to the ASTM E84 with the following ratings: Manufacturer Viega ASTM E84 Plenum Ratings / Listing Products Flame Smoke Listed Spread Development ⅜" to 2" PEX 25 or less 50 or less Limitations ½" minimum insulation thickness, no spacing limitations Note: Listings include fitting connections in line when covered by insulation.
Codes, Standards, and Certifications Canadian listings Plenum rating Viega PureFlow PEX tubing has been tested and listed to the CAN/ULC S102.2 with the following ratings: Manufacturer CAN/ULC S102.
PureFlow Press Fittings PureFlow Press PureFlow Press Fitting Markings Viega PureFlow Press fittings allow installers to make secure press connections in less than seven seconds. With Viega press technology, pressure testing can be completed immediately after connections are made. Each Viega PureFlow Press fitting is marked where space permits with the following information: Viega PureFlow Press fittings are approved for potable water and hydronic heating applications.
PureFlow Crimp Fittings PureFlow Crimp PureFlow Crimp Fitting Markings Viega PureFlow Crimp fittings are in metallic or polymer configurations.
PureFlow Tools PureFlow Press Hand Tools PureFlow Press Power Tools The Viega PureFlow Press connection must always be carried out with the aid of a Viega PureFlow Press tool. The hand tool incorporates a forced compression mechanism to complete a secure connection each time. A ratchet inside the tool prevents the tool from being opened until the proper force has been applied to the press sleeve.
PureFlow Tools PureFlow Crimp Hand Tools The Viega PureFlow Crimp connection must always be carried out with the aid of a Viega PureFlow Crimp tool. There are multiple configurations of Viega PureFlow Crimp tools that are ideal for tight spaces and awkward locations. The compression of the tool also allows for crimp connections to be made in temperatures as low as -30°F. A caliper (GO/NO GO gauge) is available to check the calibration of the crimp tool.
Product Instructions Viega PureFlow Press Hand Tool 1 2 3 4 5 1" Tool only FostaPEX® 6 7 8 9 PureFlow 1/2” w PureFlo 1/2” 1 Square off tubing to proper length. Uneven, jagged, or irregular cuts will produce unsatisfactory connections. 2 If using FostaPEX tubing, insert into prep tool, push and turn until no resistance is felt. If using Viega PureFlow PEX, continue to Step 3. 3 Insert PureFlow Press fitting with attached sleeve into tubing and engage fully.
Product Instructions Viega PureFlow Press Power Tool 1 2 3 4 5 FostaPEX® 6 7 8 1 Square off tubing to proper length. Uneven, jagged, or irregular cuts will produce unsatisfactory connections. 2 If using FostaPEX tubing, insert into prep tool, push and turn until no resistance is felt. 3 Insert PureFlow Press fitting with attached sleeve into tubing and engage fully. 4 Ensure full tubing insertion at view holes in attached press sleeve.
Product Instructions Viega PureFlow Crimp Hand Tool 1 2 3 5 4 90° 1 1 The tubing should be cut squarely and evenly without burrs. Uneven, jagged, or irregular cuts will produce unsatisfactory connections. 2 Slide the crimp ring onto the tubing and insert the fitting into the tube to the shoulder or tube stop. 3 Position the ring ⅛" to ¼" from the end of the tubing. 4 The ring must be attached straight. Center the crimping tool jaws exactly over the ring.
Tubing Overview PureFlow PEX Tubing Viega PureFlow PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the ideal tubing choice for potable water systems. In addition, the smooth walls of Viega PureFlow PEX tubing are resistant to corrosion and scaling. Properties and Performance Linear Expansion Coefficient: 1.1 inch per 100 feet per 10°F Temperature and Pressure Ratings: 180°F at 100 psi 73.
Tubing Overview FostaPEX® Tubing Viega FostaPEX tubing is the ideal companion for the Viega PureFlow plumbing system. This tubing can be easily bent by hand like the Viega PureFlow PEX tubing but holds its shape after bending (combining the benefits of both rigid and flexible tubing). The result is fewer fittings and bend supports and less labor. A unique feature of FostaPEX is that the inner layer is fully dimensioned Black Viega PureFlow PEX tubing.
Tubing Overview PureFlow PEX Tubing with Corrugated Sleeving Viega PureFlow PEX tubing is available with a flexible polypropylene corrugated sleeving that is pre-installed on Viega PureFlow PEX red and blue 300-foot coils in ½" and ¾" sizes. This sleeved PEX product is ideal for direct burial and/or cast in cement applications. Properties and Performance Linear Expansion Coefficient: 1.1 inch per 100 feet per 10°F Temperature and Pressure Ratings: 180°F at 100 psi 73.
Design Considerations General System Sizing and Calculations Viega PureFlow systems should be designed following standard plumbing engineering practice. Follow local codes to determine minimum tubing size and required fixture pressures. Pressure drop through fittings can be estimated from the charts on the following pages.
Design Considerations Viega PureFlow PEX Tubing Flow Velocity Flow Velocity ft/sec Flow Rate GPM 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 17.0 18.0 19.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 55.0 60.0 65.0 70.0 75.0 ⅜ ½ 1.7 2.5 3.3 5.0 6.7 8.3 10.0 0.9 1.4 1.8 2.7 3.6 4.5 5.4 6.3 7.2 8.1 9.1 10.9 ¾ 0.7 0.9 1.4 1.8 2.3 2.7 3.2 3.6 4.1 4.5 5.4 6.4 7.3 8.2 9.1 10.0 10.9 11.
Design Considerations Viega PureFlow Pressure Loss Viega recommends the following velocities for hot and cold PEX water distribution systems: ■ Domestic cold water — 10 fps ■ Domestic hot water — 8 fps The flow velocity through Viega’s PEX fittings does not fall under these limitations. The equivalent length of PEX tube for Viega PureFlow fittings is available from Viega to assist in system sizing where applicable (refer to “Viega PureFlow Press Friction Loss” on page 20 ). Flow Rate GPM 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.
ManaBloc Systems Viega Manifolds Viega offers several different manifolds to meet a variety of applications, whether it is a parallel water distribution system or combination installation. Do not expose Viega products to any foreign substance that includes but is not limited to VOC (volatile organic chemical) compounds, paints, solvents, glues, cleaners, and disinfectants. Viega products that are exposed to these types of substances are at risk of having failures (leaks).
ManaBloc Systems Supply and Distribution Line Sizing The best water and energy savings of a ManaBloc system are realized when distribution lines are sized according to the fixture demand and the length of the individual line. Viega recommends the following tube sizing.
ManaBloc Systems ManaBloc Installation Overview Carton Contents Internal Divider Plate Valve Key Hot Port(s) Hot Water Supply Inlet Cold Port(s) Port Valve Cold Water Supply Inlet or Outlet Cold Port(s) Plastic Mounting Bracket Cold Water Supply Inlet or Outlet Typical 24-Port ManaBloc Additional package contents include: ■ Valve T-Handle ■ Instruction Sheet/Drill Guide ■ Port Labels ManaBloc Location The ManaBloc is much like an electrical breaker box.
ManaBloc Systems If a home requires multiple ManaBlocs to service the number of fixtures in the home, these guidelines should be followed if the ManaBlocs are closely located to each other. ■ Consider dividing high-demand fixtures between the units. ■ Consider a reasonable division, i.e., upstairs/downstairs, east/west, or front/back.
ManaBloc Systems Flow-thru piping (standard) Hot water from W/H Cold water to W/H Non-flow-thru piping Top supply (Bull head tee) Hot water from W/H Cold water supply Water service (cold) ManaBloc Supply Piping Options Water service (cold) ManaBloc Supply Piping Options Non-flow-thru piping Top supply (Standard) Hot water from W/H Cold water supply to W/H Cold water to W/H Water service (cold) Bull head tee End cap If a main inlet/outlet will not be used, it must be capped.
ManaBloc Systems Draining the ManaBloc Unit If the ManaBloc system has been filled with water and there exists the possibility that the ambient temperature will drop close to or below 32°F (0°C), the ManaBloc unit MUST be drained to prevent irreparable damage. The process of draining involves loosening and removal of one or more supply line connections and two distribution lines from the ManaBloc. Note: Depending on the installation, some supply connections may be capped.
ManaBloc Systems Mounting the ManaBloc Mounting the ManaBloc Between Studs Dimensions in these instructions are for 16" stud centers and must be adjusted for other stud spacing. Once the general location of the ManaBloc has been determined (see “ManaBloc Location” on page 25), the ManaBloc may be mounted to a suitable surface between a pair of adjacent studs. For 16" stud spacing, the mounting straps (part number 45716) can simplify installation.
ManaBloc Systems 5. Standing in front of the wall, using a framing square or straight edge, mark the center line position of the top and bottom ports onto both studs. 11. Using an awl, nail, or other pointed tool (C), mark the stud by tapping through the Drill Guide at each printed center line between the two nails. Mark the centers of the top and bottom ManaBloc ports (A, B) 6.
ManaBloc Systems Mounting the ManaBloc – Without Mounting Straps If not using the mounting straps, this procedure applies: 1. Cut two pieces of lumber (1x4 or ¾" plywood approximately 3½" wide) to a length that provides a snug fit BETWEEN two studs. 2. The top of the ManaBloc should be between four feet and six feet from the floor (but may be at any height provided that it maintains accessibility to all of the ports on the ManaBloc).
ManaBloc Systems 4. The mounting base must be firmly attached to a structure solid enough to support, at a minimum, the weight of the ManaBloc filled with water. The base should be square and level. 5. Center the ManaBloc on the base both vertically and horizontally. Attach the ManaBloc to the mounting base with four ½" or longer drywall screws or wood screws through the holes in the plastic brackets on the ManaBloc. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. 90° 4"- 6" 6.
ManaBloc Systems 4. Position bottom metal tie-rod into the bottom clip of the mounting brackets then roll manifold toward top clip. The MiniBloc may be mounted either vertically or horizontally. Vertical mount 2. Align the 1¼" lock clips (B) with the marks transferred on the mounting surface from Step 1 and attach them using a 1" or longer screw appropriate for the mounting surface. Note: Lock clips sold separately (part number 58075). Horizontal mount B 5.
Installing PureFlow Systems Storage Recommendations Do’s 1 2 1 Inspect pipe and fittings before installing on the job site. 2 Damaged sections of tubing should be cut out and discarded. 3 4 3 Cover any PEX exposed to direct sunlight with an opaque covering. 4 Handle PEX carefully, especially in freezing weather. Don’ts 5 6 5 Do not expose Viega PureFlow tubing to sunlight or UV source for extended periods of time. 6 Do not expose Viega PureFlow tubing to sharp objects or open flames.
Installing PureFlow Systems Handling Viega PureFlow PEX Tubing The properties of Viega PureFlow PEX tubing make it easy to work with and install in most types of construction. Some care must be taken to prevent damage to the tubing before and during installation: ■ Use care to protect both Viega PureFlow PEX and FostaPEX tubing from physical damage during storage and installation. Keep the tubing away from sharp objects, open flames, etc., and do not place heavy objects on the tubing.
Installing PureFlow Systems Removing PureFlow Connections To reduce damaging stress on Viega PureFlow fittings, bend supports or tubing fasteners must be used to anchor all bends made close to fittings. Support must be provided for tubing bends located closer to fittings than distance “L” in the table below (also see the diagrams below for typical installation examples). Since FostaPEX will maintain its shape once bent, supports may not be necessary.
Installing PureFlow Systems Freezing Water Heaters The flexibility of Viega PureFlow PEX tubing makes it resistant to damage from freezing, but precautions to prevent freezing should be taken when low temperatures might be encountered. Viega PureFlow PEX tubing should not be connected directly to gas-fired water heaters. The high temperatures of these appliances can damage the tubing.
Installing PureFlow Systems Heaters, Flues, Vents, and Recessed Lights Keep Viega PureFlow PEX tubing a MINIMUM of 12" vertically and 6" horizontally from sources of high heat such as gas flue vents, heating appliances, or electric motors.
Installing PureFlow Systems Fastening the PureFlow System Wood Frame Construction Viega PureFlow PEX and FostaPEX tubing are ideal for use in wood frame construction. The ability to bend the tubing around corners and obstacles greatly simplifies installation. This system eliminates the expensive and timeconsuming use of fittings where tubing turns within a wall, and it eliminates the potential fire hazard of soldering close to exposed framing members.
Installing PureFlow Systems Supporting PureFlow PEX Tubing Use only plastic or plastic-coated tubing supports. Metal supports may damage tubing. When running tubing, leave a small amount of slack between fasteners to account for tubing contraction. Note that Viega PureFlow PEX tubing will expand or contract 1.1" per 100 feet for every 10°F of temperature change. In long straight runs, allow adequate clearance for this (see “Tubing Expansion” on page 45).
Installing PureFlow Systems Installation Considerations PEX Risers Viega PureFlow tubing can be used as a riser to supply multiple floors with hot and cold water. To help control thermal expansion between multiple floors, use a midlevel guide at every floor and riser clamps at the following intervals: Code approved floor assembly CTS riser clamps Midlevel guide Support There are a variety of clamps and hangers to support PEX tubing risers to support members or wall surfaces.
Installing PureFlow Systems PEX Support Trays PEX support trays are for use with clevis hangers and/or coated ring clamps to help reduce the number of support hangers that are required for hanging PEX tubing. These trays are available in 10-ft. lengths for 1" through 2" PEX tubing sizes. 3. Snap the tubing into the support trays. Installing PEX Support Trays 1. Install hangers at recommended spacing per table below. 4.
Installing PureFlow Systems Installation Details Hanger to end of tray Tray strapping detail Pipe Labels When pipe labels are required, it is acceptable to place flexible, pressuresensitive stickers directly on Viega PureFlow tubing and/or on jacketed insulation that is installed over the tubing. If label adhesion is an issue, zip ties can be used to assure long-term placement. Refer to local code for required pipe labeling and placement.
Installing PureFlow Systems ■ Install fixtures that are not water hammer prone. As a general rule, two-handle fixtures are less likely to cause a hammer than single-handle fixtures. Single-handle shower valves, which rotate to close and therefore are difficult to close quickly, might be good choices. ■ Clamping or strapping more frequently may help prevent tubing noise. It is important that the tubing not be in contact with the wallboard, forced air ducts, or other high-resonance articles.
Installing PureFlow Systems Fire Stop Compounds Most building codes require the use of a fire-stopping compound when tubing penetrates a fire-rated wall. There are a number of fire-stopping compounds identified as water based, acrylic, or latex that have been listed for use with PEX tubing that include but are not limited to the following: ■ 3M Fire Protection – CP 25WB+ Caulk ■ Tremco, Inc – TREMstop® IA ■ Specified Technologies, Inc.
Installing PureFlow Systems Calculating Expansion Loops and Offsets There are three types of expansion offsets recommended for use with largediameter tubing: the corner expansion offset, the Z-type expansion offset, and the U-type expansion loop. Descriptions and illustrations for each type of offset are located on the next several pages (see “FostaPEX” on the facing page for FostaPEX recommendations).
Installing PureFlow Systems U-Type Expansion Offset The U-type expansion loop integrates four 90° elbows that form a “U” pattern. LT ∆L/2 ∆L/2 4 - 6" Anchor point 4 - 6" L4 L4 Anchor point L3 U-Type Looped Offset Looped Offset L4 = 8.28" L4 = 8.28" L3 = 4.14" U-Type Expansion FostaPEX FostaPEX tubing has a fully dimensional PEX wall with an additional outer layer of aluminum and polyethylene.
Installing PureFlow Systems Tubing Viega PureFlow PEX Tubing Viega PureFlow PEX L1 5.9 L2 15.0 13.2 L1 8.3 7.5 6.6 L2 19.7 18.1 16.4 14.4 L1 11.3 9.8 9.1 8.2 7.2 L2 24.3 21.3 19.6 17.7 15.6 L1 12.2 10.6 9.8 8.8 7.8 L2 26.0 22.7 20.9 18.9 16.7 L1 13.0 11.4 10.5 9.5 8.3 L2 27.6 24.1 22.2 20.1 17.7 L1 13.8 12.1 11.1 10.0 8.8 L2 29.1 25.4 23.4 21.1 18.6 L1 14.5 12.7 11.7 10.6 9.3 L2 200 L2 11.8 6.7 16.5 9.0 22.5 180 L1 5.1 13.4 7.
Installing PureFlow Systems Domestic Hot Water Circulating Systems A hot water circulation system can be incorporated into most plumbing systems and works by constantly (or periodically throughout the day on a timer) circulating hot water through the main hot supply line of the plumbing system. This is done by using a return line at the end of the main hot supply line and a low-flow pump (usually near the hot water tank).
Installing PureFlow Systems Installing Viega PureFlow Fittings Stub Out Options The Viega PureFlow system includes fittings to accommodate most plumbing needs. Stub outs are available for a variety of fixture situations, as well as fittings and valves to connect to other plumbing materials and fixtures. The exposed tubing can then be connected to a valve, using an optional chrome sleeve to cover the tubing if desired.
Installing PureFlow Systems PureFlow PEX Tubing Installed in Slab Viega PureFlow PEX tubing can be installed within concrete slabs. Best practice dictates that only continuous lengths of tubing should be run within the slab. Viega does not recommend the installation of fittings within a slab as part of a design. Fittings should only be used in a slab if it is necessary to make a repair.
Installing PureFlow Systems Sealants The space between corrugated sleeving and opening of a building envelope, wall, floor, or ceiling assembly penetrated by a pipe shall be sealed in an approved manner with caulking material, foam sealant, or gasketing system tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479. Use of a silicone, acrylic, or siliconized acrylic caulk may be necessary to seal any voids between PEX tubing and the sleeving material.
Installing PureFlow Systems below the tubing level and backfilled with appropriate material to provide a stable base (coarse sand, pea gravel, or similar). PEX tubing must be sleeved at all expansion joints and every point where it enters, exits, or penetrates the slab. For expansion joints that are to be cut, the tubing must be dipped below the slab to prevent damage Backfill material must be free of large rocks, glass, or other sharp objects.
Pressure Testing PureFlow Systems General Upon completion of a Viega PureFlow plumbing system installation, a hydrostatic (potable water) pressure test shall be conducted. If potable water is not available, or the potential for freezing conditions exists, pneumatic* (air or nitrogen) testing and/or the use of an RV antifreeze** solution are also acceptable methods for pressure testing. ■ *Use air testing only if approved by local code or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Pressure Testing PureFlow Systems WARNING! PRESSURES USED IN TESTING CAN BLOW UNMADE OR INCOMPLETE CONNECTIONS APART WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE! This force is many times greater when air is used as a test medium. To reduce the risk of personal injury, ensure that all connections are completed before testing. Use only the pressure and time required to determine that the system is leak free.
Pressure Testing PureFlow Systems Stage 2: Gradually increase system pressure to 50 psi (over the course of approximately 1 minute). ■ Wait for 10 minutes before inspecting pressure gauge. ■ If pressure holds stable, continue to Stage 3. ■ If pressure falls over the test period, look for potential leaks with an approved leak-detect solution. Once system pressure is completely relieved and the leak is fixed, restart testing procedure from beginning.
System Disinfection General California Flushing Requirements Local codes may require system disinfection. When no other method is available, follow the time limitations and exposure levels shown below. 1. Use a chlorine solution and one of the exposure durations listed below: The State of California requires all installations of PEX piping, where it is the initial plumbing system installed in new construction, shall be flushed twice over a period of at least one week.
Limited Warranty The following warranty does not cover fire protection and motor home / RV applications. For warranty information on these and other applications, refer to applicable warranty.
Limited Warranty a manufacturing defect in the products covered by this warranty and the failure or leak or resulting damage occurred during the warranty period.
Viega LLC 585 Interlocken Blvd Broomfield, CO 80021 Ph: 800-976-9819 Fax: 800-976-9817 www.viega.
