Install Instructions

Sleeving Service Main
Where PowerPEX tubing enters foundation walls, rigid
tubing shall be used to protect tube from shearing due
to ground settlement or other earth movement. The rigid
sleeve shall protrude into the earth minimally 12" and
pass through to the interior of the building. Backer rod
(closed-cell foam rod or mineral wool) can be used to
seal the gap around the tube and capped with water
based caulking as ller.
Where PowerPEX tubing enters concrete oors, follow
referenced slab penetration sleeve recommendations.
Expansion Joint Protection
(Concrete)
When PowerPEX tubing is being run below an eventual
radiant-type expansion joint, tubing shall be protected
from the possibility of being cut using a metal sleeve
material and/or by assuring that the tubing is suitably
set below the eventual cut.
Repairs in Service Work
If damage occurs to tubing while in the service stage, it
is recommended that the area be replaced (if at all
possible) without the use of a tting below grade. When
a tting must be installed below grade, use a tting
made from C69300 brass for maximum dezincication
resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance.
Sleeve and insulate the entire connection for protection
from possible corrosion and from any mechanical stress
that may occur. Test the assembly. Assure proper slack
has been left in the line and proper backll compaction
has been obtained to limit movement on the connection.
Water System Disinfection
AWWA C651-86 shall be referenced when disinfecting
PowerPEX tube installations and/or practices outlined by
local codes.
Do not allow solutions to remain in tubing for more
than 24 hours
Upon disinfection completion, ush all systems with
potable water.
Cover tube ends whenever not in use, preventing
debris from entering tube.
Only use disinfecting agents appropriate for PEX water
service as well as possible use of PPSU PEX ttings.
Tubing Installation Requirements & Limitations
Continued
35 www.siouxchief.com
Pressure Testing Water Mains
Water service tubing should have pressure applied
throughout the installation. Air should be bled off the line
prior to pressurizing fully hydrostatically. Sioux Chief
recommends continuous pressure throughout the
installation process to evidence any leaks or damage
that may cause tube/connection failure. Testing water
pressures should be set higher than the expected
service pressure within the system. Do not test beyond
225 PSI for extended periods of time. 150 PSI water
testing pressure is recommended for service mains
throughout the construction phase.
Pressure Testing Water Tubing
Water: (recommended). When using water to test
distribution tubing, it is important to follow local codes. It
is important not to exceed the pressure limit of the
tubing. Reference the continuous use pressures and
hydrostatic pressure limitations in section 2.4.
Air: When using air to test pipe, there may be a need to
condition the pipe especially when testing in hotter
weather. B tubing does not need to be conditioned to the
extent that A tubing should due to physical
characteristics of the two tubing types.
Conditioning the pipe is a process used to slightly
expand the tubing ID beyond what the test will effectively
expand it to in an effort to maintain the desired test
pressure without a 'false negative' of decreased
pressure due to normal tubing expansion. Expanding the
tube by using 40 psi beyond the testing pressure would
be recommended. Sioux Chief would suggest testing with
air up to 80 psi.
Procedure:
1) Fill system with air or water.
2) Remove all plumbing xtures or appurtenances that
may harm a pressure test and/or should not be exposed
to excessive pressures.
3) Increase pressure over desired testing pressure for a
period of about 30 minutes while maintaining the higher
PSI. IE: 100 psi if testing pressure will be 60.
4) After the 30-min conditioning time, relieve pressure
down to 60. The PSI may climb slightly above 60 as the
pipe shrinks due to relieved pressure. After witnessing
the nal pressure (which may take about 5 minutes
depending on ambient temperature and may increase to
around 63-65 PSI), determine if the system is air tight
over the necessary code mandated testing time.
Tubing Installation Requirements & Limitations