Installation Guide

sharkbite.com 8
SharkBite PEX Pipe
Guidelines
What to do:
For potable water and hydronic distribution
y Do install SharkBite PEX pipe to the appropriate
plumbing code.
y Do use SharkBite PEX pipe for hot and cold water
distribution only.
y Do keep hot and cold lines separate.
y Do use only ttings and accessories that have
been tested and approved for the SharkBite PEX
connection system.
y Do leave extra pipe at both ends of the run to make
connections easier.
y Do ensure the pipe is supported properly to prevent
undue stress, strain, thermal expansion and
contraction.
y Do protect SharkBite PEX pipe from damage, both
before and during the construction process.
y Do use SharkBite pipe liner with SharkBite ttings
and SharkBite PEX joint. (exception - 1/4 in. ttings)
y Do use the following types of products when sealing
between PEX tubing/ttings and slab penetration
protection devices.
- Latex caulk
- Latex foam
- Silicone sealant
- Polyurethane expanding foam
Note: Do Not Use petroleum-based sealants on
PEX tubing.
y Do pressure test the system upon completion.
What not to do:
y Do not use sharp instruments to open the SharkBite
PEX packaging. You may damage the pipe.
y Do not use with natural gas, propane, fuel oil or any
other uid, chemical or product. SharkBite PEX
pipe (non-oxygen barrier) is for use with potable
water only and is not approved or intended for any
other use.
y Do not freeze. SharkBite pipe is freeze resistant,
but not freezeproof. Pipe embedded in concrete
that is subjected to freezing conditions will likely
damage both the concrete and the pipe. Pipe that
is frozen and not embedded may damage joints or
manifolds. Be sure to carefully pressure test, inspect
and repair systems that have been subjected to a
freeze before returning them to normal operation.
y Do not pressure test with water in freezing
conditions.
y Do not store or install where pipe will be exposed to
direct or indirect ultraviolet light (i.e. sunlight).
y Do not expose the pipe to direct ame. Do not
install pipe near extreme heat.
y Do not use in excessive operating conditions
inconsistent with pressure ratings that appear on
pipe and applicable standards.
y Do not subject pipe to prolonged exposure to free
chlorine concentrations greater than 4 ppm.
y Do not use in contaminated soils.
y Do not expose to materials that aect the basic
properties of cross-linked PEX, brass or copper.
Avoid contact with adhesives.
y Do not use with other tting systems.
y Do not install through metal studs or concrete
without using a protective sleeve.
y Do not install pipe that has defects such as: gouges,
cuts, deep scratches, kinks, evidence of grease, tar
or any chemical, exposure fading or discoloration.
y Do not use SharkBite brass or poly crimp ttings
with stainless steel clamps when using PE-RT pipe
in ambient temperature conditions of 32F or less.
If using SharkBite brass or poly crimp ttings with
PE-RT pipe when conditions are 32F or less, copper
crimp rings should be used.
y Do not use defective ttings with the pipe.
y Do not use supports that may collapse or cut the
pipe. Supports should not have sharp edges, which
could damage the pipe.
y Do not use metal hangers with sharp or abrasive
edges or hangers that may pinch or penetrate
the pipe. Proper hangers, clamps and straps are
available from your SharkBite supplier.
y Do not pull pipe tight at connections. Prevent
unnecessary strain on the pipe, ttings and
connections with straps or clamps.
y Do not drag the pipe over rough terrain, rocks or any
other surface that could abrade, cut, puncture or
damage the pipe wall in any way.
y Do not crush or kink the pipe.
y Do not heat kinked pipe to repair/reform. Inspect
all pipe before and aer installation. Damaged or
kinked sections should be cut out and replaced.
Keep the PEX pipe a minimum of 12 inches
vertically and 6 inches horizontally from sources of
high heat such as recessed light xtures, gas ue
vents, heating appliances or electric motors. Forced
air heating ducts are not generally considered
sources of high heat. These areas of installation
should be rechecked aer further construction and
other mechanical systems have been installed. PEX
can be run in return air plenums. Bend pipe 2 inches
away from tting. This prevents the tting from
being used as an anchor point.
y Do not exceed the minimum bend radius of the
pipe. (see illustration on p.10)