how to install pex expansion fittings

The crimp connection method uses a copper ring on the outside of the pipe and an insert fitting that goes into the pipe. 0000004609 00000 n 0000467469 00000 n For many of us, theres a Home Depot within a reasonable driving distance of our homes. Where required by code, disinfect per AWWA C651-86 with either a chlorine solution of 50 parts per million (ppm) for 24 hours or a chlorine solution of 200 ppm for three hours. 0000322041 00000 n 0000546806 00000 n All Rights Reserved. If you didnt already grease the head, be sure to before starting the first connection. For in-wall installations, hangers should be spaced five feet apart. The next step involves placing your expansion ring on the cut end of your PEX. 0000049381 00000 n 0000462562 00000 n Preventative Maintenance, Copyright 2022 Williams Plumbing, Civil Construction, Engineering, Transparency in Coverage - Machine Readable Files, Check out our deep-dive article on PEX-A vs PEX-B, 4 Ways to Unclog Your Toilet, Sink, or Bathtub, How to Change the Batteries in a Honeywell T4 Thermostat. PEX-A will clearly say PEX-A, while PEX-B will say you guessed it PEX-B. Horizontal Directional Drilling:This application is used when trenching or excavating is not practical. 148 88 For residential pressure testing, the minimum test pressure should be 25 pounds per square inch above working pressure, or 100 psi. For hot water, add an extra clamp at the top of every-other floor; for cold water, add one at the top of every fourth floor. 0000514285 00000 n 0000117234 00000 n *!xH9Fh. These listings are maintained by the various firestop manufacturers such as Hilti, 3M, Specified Technologies, Inc. and RectorSeal. Fire-Resistant Construction: PEX-a piping is rated for up to three-hour fire assemblies per ASTM E119. 0000515383 00000 n HWM_1Gf0|9[ ]yJ!?~OO|_.?yq/z}^|6-xI,imiy~^0Yj*uo tyse^l[|VY|up_\V"=k?xt9aT&{yy:G25yEx3CU^,\3*L9bMf^l[D*6^Uc.vTkZk{4Eb'd][`L~(KB, F1**`~[-'o%4l0eDj~4'w`^J^'Jr,U~>qU V?&G/MsZ5tPN-cx[qNp+~+G&pia@N6* IgD! p %,m^2}bX%q>rw9_X-l6OaGa WY(#G You can use a manual PEX expansion tool or a cordless tool. For installing expansion fittings, it is recommended to use PEX-A tubing due to its flexibility and elastic memory. But when it comes to system installations, what connection method is best? The last thing you want is to be left holding the bag if you have a service or warranty issue and the manufacturer cant help because youve mixed brands. Its also key to pressure-test the pipe after installation to ensure system integrity. Do not solder, braze, weld or fusion-weld within 18 inches of any PEX pipe in the same water line. When installing it, however, its important to understand its properties as well as heed certain practices that will allow it to operate as designed. Manufacturers recommendations vary on how often to calibrate the tool, so be sure to follow the proper calibration frequency. Like any plumbing project, your first step should be shutting off the water supply to the area you're working on. Please click here to continue without javascript.. Modern Hydronic Heating and Cooling For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 4th Edition. Since this product is considered more professional grade, products and tools are only available through professional plumbing supply distributors to trained installers. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. 0000192831 00000 n hbbbd`b``3 As a general guideline, the more head expansions you allow, the better as the temperature warms up. The expansion method is approved for installation behind walls, in soil and also in concrete. Be sure to flush the system with potable water after chlorine disinfection. A miscalibrated tool will result in leaks or damaged fittings. 0000002779 00000 n This makes pullback a non-issue. While push-to-connect fittings are approved for installation behind walls as well as direct burial in soil, the fittings must first be wrapped in an impermeable material to protect the connection from ground contaminants. Theres one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: Were all about the professional tool user and tradesman! 0000728914 00000 n 0000311422 00000 n 0000178778 00000 n Its important not to have PEX-a Pipe Support segments less than 48 inches long in a return-air plenum, and the space should not have more than 18 inches of bare PEX or fittings. If the installer doesnt push the fitting on far enough and misses the sleeve, there can be potential for leaks. Listings range from one-hour penetrations for combustible wood-frame construction to three-hour non-combustible listings for steel-frame and concrete construction. Also, being able to insert the fitting without formally making the connection can also increase the instance of dry fits. When done properly, this is a quick, easy method for connecting PEX. The best deck screws for composite decking may not be the same ones you use on pressure-treated wood decks. Were Gallatins Greatest Plumber and Heating & A/C Service! This can restrict flow and decrease system performance. Also, when making connections in colder weather (below 40 degrees F), the connection time will take longer. Insert the cone of the expansion tool into the end of the pipe and (with automatic expansion tools) press the trigger to begin expanding the pipe and ring. However, clamp connections offer a slight advantage as they only require one tool for any size connection. hb``a`e``c@,`q!--I&T:@lQ9[Z't=abbjH=4Y@vSg)p^`#1#MX3$6XtA[Dz8^6flf\7m[dOHNays,)CYcqg7>\u='O~: 2``` JE Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. PEX-a also has superior acoustical properties, absorbing 10- to 100 times more sound, measured in decibels per centimeter, than metal piping. Third, place the fully closed expansion head into the tip of the PEX. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. 148 0 obj <> endobj Then, a PEX expansion ring slides over the end of the pipe. 0 F9J Because fittings with a smaller internal diameter are inserted into the pipe, it creates restriction to water flow. trailer There is no safety mechanism to back the jaws off the sleeve if a finger gets in the way. Following the ASTM F2080 standard specification, the expansion with compression method utilizes both an expansion process to insert a fitting and then follows with a compression sleeve pulled over the pipe and fitting to make the connection. 0000311301 00000 n You need to keep turning the expander as you go to eliminate potential leaks from a connection that didnt expand evenly. endstream endobj 234 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Index[6 142]/Length 27/Size 148/Type/XRef/W[1 1 1]>>stream Most rings feature a stop edge to ensure the ring has a 1/16-inch overlap on the end of the pipe. 0000445188 00000 n Slide the ring back toward the end of the pipe where the pipe and fitting overlap. Count an additional 3-6 expansions. Mid-story guides should consist of an iron pipe size support and are meant to guide the pipe and maintain direction. This also applies to PEX-a Pipe Support installed in the vertical position. Uponor photo. 0000892588 00000 n 0000473840 00000 n Again, use CTS hangers and support the bare PEX according to the applicable code. 0000894347 00000 n Please enable JavaScript to view the comments. Also, the clamp connection is easier to disassemble than a crimp connection if the connection needs to be removed. The five most common connection methods for PEX piping systems are crimp, clamp, push-to-connect, expansion, and expansion with compression. Loose crimps can result in leaks, and crimps that are too tight can damage the pipe or fitting. PEX pipe features shape memory, which means the pipe always wants to return to its natural shape. 0000441649 00000 n As the pipe and ring shrink back down to their original size, it creates a strong connection that will continue to press onto the fitting and continue to get stronger over time. 0000197006 00000 n Enable Performance and Targeting Cookies to view this content. Youll be much happier with your installations moving forward. Different installation practices apply for dealing with horizontal and vertical runs of PEX-a piping. E119 listings are maintained by each respective manufacturer and are product specific. And while the stainless-steel rings are not corrosion-resistant, they have the potential to provide slightly more resistance to corrosion compared to copper crimp rings. A very convenient way to increase spacing between hangers and thus save on installation costs is to utilize manufactured supports. 0000083207 00000 n Warmer temps mean the PEX will take back its original shape more quickly. No special tools are needed and the fittings can be removed and reused easily. These connections are approved for installation behind walls and direct burial in soil. 0000183857 00000 n Like crimp connections, clamp connections are fast and easy to learn, quick to install and the products are readily available at a variety of retailers. Like with expansion products, the expansion with compression products are also sold through professional plumbing supply distributors. 0000114941 00000 n The clamp connection method uses a stainless-steel ring on the outside of the pipe with an insert fitting going into the pipe. 0000180939 00000 n After properly positioning the ring, use a clamp tool to compress the ring until the tool stops. 0000656856 00000 n 0000472376 00000 n Also, due to its higher cost, some in the industry consider push-to-connect a temporary fix fitting. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Tools and rings are readily available at most retailers. How To: Wrap SharkBite Fittings for Underground Installation. 0000504125 00000 n The rings location varies based on manufacturer, so always refer to the manufacturers instructions. Because this connection method is a two-step process, some installers report it can take longer to make a connection, especially when both the heads and the jaws must be changed out for different pipe sizes (think: reducing tees). If you happen to be using a hand pump expander, things will be slower. 0000004495 00000 n Be sure to verify that with each expansion the head shifts position slightly. For risers, which run between building stories, have a riser clamp at the base of each floor, as well as a mid-story guide to maintain piping alignment in the stud cavity. 0000004458 00000 n However, since this method is relatively new to the PEX market, its availability may be limited compared to other products. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. PEX can make a complicated job go by quickly and cost-effectively. An F1960 expansion connection is a simple, solid, durable connection which requires the use of an expansion tool to expand the pipe and expansion ring before inserting a larger internal diameter fitting. The mantra to remember is pump and turn. 0000016488 00000 n Automatic tools feature auto rotation, which rotates the head with each expansion. The number of expansions will be dictated by the tubing size. Another challenge with this type of connection is the pinch point danger with the compression jaws when the tool is pulling the sleeve over the pipe and fitting. Would love your thoughts, please comment. While there are certainly plenty of home improvement ideas and materials taking up most of the floor space, that power tool section is where you can what []. 0000310656 00000 n For rings without a stop edge, leave a 1/16-inch overlap before making the connection. However, do not use heat guns to speed up contraction time, especially on engineered polymer fittings. All Rights Reserved BNP Media. To make a proper connection, the installer must first ensure the tool is properly calibrated. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Doing so saves you from having to play detective on soil contaminants. Dan Bedard grew up around tools, mostly in woodworking thanks to his grandfather's passion for it. Deck screws are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes, threads, and drive types. And if you have access to a cordless model, like the M12 or M18 from Milwaukee, itll make your life much easier. Thus, its advisable to do a hanger layout that will allow for the full benefits of the manufactured PEX pipe support product. 0000193299 00000 n Then, the metal compression sleeve slides onto the pipe far enough to leave room for inserting the fitting. 0000257622 00000 n 0000028101 00000 n 0000193864 00000 n This ensures no deep grooves on the interior of the pipe which can lead to leak paths. How to properly check and calibrate your SharkBite PEX Clamp tool. Andwe'll even send you our "Best Tools for Your Hard-earned Dollars" white paper! The second way is to identify the style of fittings. To make a connection, start with a clean, straight cut on the end of the pipe. 0000310617 00000 n Three types of PEX exist: PEX-a, PEX-b and PEX-c. PEX-a, the type were mostly concerned with here, is extruded above its crystal melting temperature using the Engel Method. Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. The main drawback with crimp fittings is that they actually work against the properties of PEX. <]/Prev 928959/XRefStm 2446>> For Uponors specific E119 listings, refer to the Uponor Plumbing Design Assistance Manual or the Underwriters Laboratory Online Certifications Directory. Place anchor points at 65 feet for domestic hot water and 150 feet for domestic cold water. As a plumbing and gas fitting Pro, he leads a rough-in crew north of the border in Edmonton Alberta. Get Residential Plumbing articles, news and videos right in your inbox!Sign up now. If you look closely at the pipe, you will see information printed on the side. Why? Do not exceed maximum direct ultraviolet exposure. Do not use PEX pipe where temperatures and pressures exceed ratings. Listings include assemblies for combustible wood-frame construction as well as non-combustible steel-frame and concrete construction. Plus, it offers the greatest flow and system performance. Before testing, allow the system pressure to stabilize and always test in accordance with local codes. Just remember to purchase separate tool heads for each pipe size. 0000094326 00000 n It is important to note that most codes currently require hammer arrestors for fast-acting valves, regardless of pipe material. If done properly, crimp connections are an easy-to-learn, fast-to-install, inexpensive method for connecting PEX. 0000634614 00000 n Join our newsletter and get the latest tool reviews every week! Do not install PEX within 12 inches of any recessed light fixture, unless the PEX is protected with suitable insulation or the can light is Insulation Contact-rated. Additionally, the tool requires different head sizes for each pipe size, so its important to purchase the proper head sizes for each pipe size you plan to install. If you don't want to bring your iPad into the bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free! Want more? 0000383809 00000 n There are a variety of ways to connect PEX pipe. Do not install PEX pipe within five feet of direct view from fluorescent lighting without sleeving the pipe with a UV-blocking material. Tools are available in manual and automatic versions. 0000180616 00000 n Another downside with using insert fittings is the smaller internal diameter compared to the pipe. PEX expansion (also known as cold expansion) conforms to the ASTM F1960 standard specification and uses a PEX expansion ring and a fitting with a larger internal diameter to make a connection. 0000388716 00000 n Update your cookie settings to view this content. Easy peasy. Do not use PEX pipe for an electrical ground; PEX is not a conductive material. The colder the temperature of the pipe, the slower the contraction time, so warming the expansion rings prior to installation is advised it can be as simple as keeping the rings in your pocket. 2022 The cordless expander is about as easy and foolproof as can be. On the flip side, the colder it is, the fewer expansions you want to allow as too many expansions will require you to hold the PEX on your fitting for an extended period of time.

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