PEX Installation Manual

IM-PF 724596 0416
60
Testing Viega PEX Systems (Branch and Main / ManaBloc)
Test Method Min/Max Duration (Min) Max Pressure (psi) Min Pressure (psi) Allowable Variance (psi)
Water 15 min/1 hr 100 40 N/A
Air 15 min/1 hr 100 40 8*
Table 18.1
* If the pressure in the system declines more than 8 psi during the 15-minute to one-hour period, repressurize the system to the
original test pressure and retest. If the system pressure declines more than 8 psi again during the test period, test the distribution line
test caps or any other ttings in the system with the approved leak-detect solution.
NOTE: Some plumbing xtures may not withstand test pressures greater than 80 psi. Consult xture manufacturer’s instructions for pressure
limitations or plug all distribution lines at the xture end. The system shall, at a minimum, withstand the test pressure, without leaking, for a
period of 15 minutes.
18 Pressure Testing Viega PEX Systems
18.1 General
Upon the completion of installing a Viega PEX
plumbing system, a hydrostatic (potable water)
pressure test shall be conducted. If potable water
is not available, or the potential for a freezing
condition exists, pneumatic* (air or nitrogen) testing
and/or the use of an RV antifreeze** solution are
also acceptable methods for pressure testing.
* Use air testing only if approved by local code or
the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)!
** RV antifreeze shall be drained and ushed from
all portions of the plumbing system prior to
consumer use.
Always refer to local plumbing code for pressure
testing requirements and approved methods
specic to plastic plumbing systems. If none
is specied, refer to Table 18.1 for acceptable
methods, test pressures and durations.
NOTICE - ManaBloc VALVE INFORMATION!
Opening a port valve to an empty or
unpressurized distribution line may cause
valve damage.
To prevent potential valve damage or failure, open the
port valves before filling and pressurizing the lines. The
force of water rushing to fill an empty line can cause
the valve’s seal to “clip off,” resulting in incomplete
sealing or complete valve failure.
CARE must be exercised when opening a port valve to
an empty or unpressurized line. The fixture to which the
line is connected should be in the OFF position and the
valve must be opened slowly until water starts to flow
into the line.
DO NOT CONTINUE to open the valve until the line is
full and pressurized. Open the valve fully only after the
line is up to system pressure. The fixture can then be
opened to purge the line of air.
Valve stems are replaceable. Order part number 51602.
WATER TESTING SHALL BE AVOIDED
DURING FREEZING CONDITIONS. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE SYSTEM BE
TESTED AT TEMPERATURES LOWER THAN
10˚F (-12˚C).
FOLLOW ANTIFREEZE MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONCENTRATIONS.
Use only nontoxic antifreeze approved for
drinking water systems.
NOTE: If such a solution is used, the antifreeze solution
must be sufciently concentrated to withstand the
lowest temperature encountered while the testing uid
is in the system. Antifreeze solutions should be purged
and the system ushed with potable water prior to
consumer use.
WARNING! PRESSURES USED IN
TESTING CAN BLOW UNMADE OR
INCOMPLETE CONNECTIONS APART
WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE!
This force is many times greater when air is used as
a test medium. To reduce the risk of personal injury,
ensure that all connections are completed before
testing. Use only the pressure and time required to
determine that the system is leak free.