PEX Installation Manual

Table Of Contents
IM-PF 724596 0416
44
15.4 Removing Viega PEX connections
Should a mistake be made, simply cut out the PEX
tting and replace with a new one.
Do not reuse Viega PEX fittings
Inserting a coupling to repair kinked tubing
15.5 Repairs
Sections of kinked tubing should be repaired by
cutting out the damaged section and installing a
repair coupling.
PEX tubing systems
should not be
intentionally subjected
to freezing.
Do not use open torch
or excessive heat to
thaw PEX tubing. Tubing
failure or damage can result.
Heat (DO NOT USE A TORCH) must be applied
directly to the frozen tubing section. Temperature
on tubing shall not exceed 180°F.
Several suitable methods exist to thaw PEX
tubing:
• Hot water
• Wet, hot towels
• Handheld hair dryer
• Low-wattage electrical heating tape (self limiting)
• A commercial system that pumps heated water
through a tube to the ice blockage and returns
the cooled water for reheating
15.7 Water heaters
ViegaPEX Ultra tubing should not be connected directly
to gas-red water heaters. The high temperatures of
these appliances can damage the tubing.
When connecting a Viega PEX system to a gas-red
water heater, install a minimum of 18" of metallic piping
between the water heater and tubing, keeping tubing
more than 6" away from the vent pipe. Where local
code allows, ViegaPEX Ultra tubing may be connected
directly to electric water heaters and used for hot water
recirculation lines that do not come within 6" of the gas
heater vent.
15.6 Freezing
The exibility of ViegaPEX Ultra tubing makes it
resistant to damage from freezing, but precautions
to prevent freezing should be taken when low
temperatures might be encountered.
Insulating each PEX tube individually or as a group is
not generally necessary if the PEX tubing is installed
within the insulation envelope of the structure, i.e. the
heated area. For example, the tubing may be installed
under the insulation in the attic or within an interior wall
of a heated space.
A minimum of 18" of metallic piping is required
between a gas-fired water heater and PEX tubing.
ViegaPEX Ultra may be used to connect to
instantaneous/tankless water heaters or other hot water
producing devices. However, consult manufacturer’s
recommendations for use with plastic tubing and
ensure temperature and pressure do not exceed the
maximum ratings of the tubing.