PEX Tubing Installation Manual

9
Dos and Don’ts for SharkBite PEX Tubing
For potable water and hydronic distribution
Dos
• Do use SharkBite PEX tubing for hot and cold water
distribution only.
• Do install SharkBite PEX tubing to the appropriate
plumbing code.
• Do pressure test the system upon completion.
• Do keep hot & cold lines separate.
• Do use only ttings and accessories that have been tested
and approved for the SharkBite PEX Connection System.
• Do leave extra tubing at both ends of run to make
connections easier.
• Do ensure the tubing is supported properly to prevent undue
stress, strain, thermal expansion and contraction.
• Do protect the SharkBite PEX tubing from damage,
both before and during the construction process.
• Do use SharkBite
tube liner with SharkBite Fittings and
SharkBite PEX joint. (exception - 1/4" ttings)
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Don’ts
• Do not use sharp instruments to open the SharkBite PEX
packaging, you may damage the pipe.
• Do not use with natural gas, propane, fuel oil or any other
uid, chemical or product. SharkBite PEX tubing (non
oxygen barrier) is for use with potable water only and is not
approved or intended for any other use.
• Do not freeze. SharkBite tubing is freeze-resistant, but not
freeze-proof. Pipe embedded in concrete that is subjected
to freezing conditions will likely damage both the concrete
and the pipe. Tubing that is not embedded and frozen may
damage joints or manifolds. Be sure to carefully pressure
test, inspect and repair systems that have been subjected to
a freeze prior to returning them to normal operation.
• Do not pressure test with water in freezing conditions.
• Do not store or install where tubing will be exposed to direct
or indirect ultraviolet light (i.e. sunlight).
• Do not expose the tubing to direct ame. Do not install
tubing near extreme heat.
• Do not use in excessive operating conditions inconsistent
with pressure ratings that appear on tubing and applicable
standards.
• Do not subject tubing to prolonged exposure to free chlorine
concentrations greater than 4 ppm.
• Do not use in contaminated soils.
• Do not expose to materials that affect the basic properties of
cross-linked polyethylene, brass, or copper. Avoid contact
with adhesives.
• Do not use with other tting systems.
• Do not install through metal studs or concrete without using
a protective sleeve.
• 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.
• Do not use defective ttings with the pipe.
• Do not use supports that may collapse or cut the pipe.
Supports should not have sharp edges which could damage
the pipe.
• 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.
• Do not pull pipe tight at connections. Prevent unnecessary
strain on the pipe, ttings and connections with straps
or clamps.
• Do not drag the pipe over rough terrain, rocks, or any other
surface which could abrade, cut, puncture or damage the
pipe wall in any way.
• Do not crush or kink the pipe.
• Do not heat kinked pipe to repair/reform. Inspect all pipe
before and after installation. Damaged or kinked sections
should be cut out and replaced. Keep the PEX pipe a
MINIMUM of 12" vertically and 6" 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 after
further construction and other mechanical systems have
been installed. PEX can be run in return air plenums. Bend
pipe 2" away from tting. This prevents the tting from being
used as an anchor point.
• Do not exceed the minimum bend radius of the pipe.
(see illustration on p.11)
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