NIBCO INC. WORLD HEADQUARTERS • 1516 MIDDLEBURY ST. • ELKHART, IN 46516-4740 • USA • PH: 1.800.234.0227
TECH SERVICES PH: 1.888.446.4226 • FAX: 1.888.336.4226 • INTERNATIONAL OFFICE PH: +1.574.295.3327 • FAX: +1.574.295.3455
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A H E A D O F T H E F L O W
®
NIBCO
®
PEX Fixture Connections
• A metal adapter at least 12” long should be used to connect NIBCO
®
PEX pipe to a gas water heater.
• NIBCO
®
PEX pipe can be connected directly to an electric water heater using metal insert adapters.
• NIBCO
®
PEX pipe can be connected to PEX insert accessories as long as the barb meets ASTM F1807
specifications. Such accessories include supply stop valves, ball valves, icemaker boxes, washing
machine boxes, copper stub outs and manifolds, etc.
Pressure Limits
Non-chlorinated water:
80 PSI @ 200° F
100 PSI @ 180° F
160 PSI @ 73° F
Chlorinated water: 80 PSI @ 140° F
Expansion
Systems with back flow protection are “closed systems” and are subject to thermal expansion when water is heated. Protection
against increased water pressure from thermal expansion utilizing a pressure relief valve or expansion tank to keep system pressure
under the maximum must be incorporated in the system.
Recirculation
Use of circulation loops with hot water distribution is gaining popularity in some areas of the country. However, there is debate about
the efficiency of these systems due to the constant heating, recirculation, and reheating of water including periods of low or no de-
mand. Data published in the PPI/NAHB PEX Design Guide shows a properly designed Home-Run system can reduce hot water delivery
time and water use by 30-40%.
If circulating loops are used with NIBCO
®
PEX, the use of a timer or other device is recommended so the maximum recirculation time
does not exceed 8 hours per day.
Insulation
When sealing a penetration for air infiltration purposes, silicone or acrylic caulks, canned expanding foams and open or closed cell pipe
insulation may be put in direct contact with NIBCO
®
PEX. Do not use any oil based caulks. If there is no information about the compat-
ibility of a sealing material with NIBCO
®
PEX, wrap the tubing in several layers of aluminum foil which extends several inches beyond
the area of contact before applying the sealant.
