Sub-Head
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
www.nibco.com
15
www.nibco.com
A H E A D O F T H E F L O W
®
Pressure Testing and Inspection of the Completed System
After complete installation, the system should be tested. Local code requirements should be consulted for proper testing.
•
Test system with water.
• Test pressure shall be at least equal to the expected working pressure (main pressure), but not less then 40 psi and not greater than
225 psi at 73°F.
• Compressed air testing is only recommended when water is not available or when cold weather could freeze the system. Compressed
air tests shall include appropriate safety precautions and the test pressure shall not exceed 100 psi. PEX tubing is ductile and will
not shatter during a pressure test and release shards of plastic. However, plastic fittings or other system components, or
unassembled fittings, may cause a hazard. Check with local codes before using air pressure testing.
• Test duration should not be less than 15 minutes.
• Do not allow water in systems to freeze.
Freeze Resistance
PEX piping is freeze damage resistant and can expand and contract as water freezes and thaws within the tubing. No tubing material is
freeze-break proof, however, and PEX should be installed using the same locally-prescribed insulation requirements to prevent freezing
of any plumbing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my tubing gets kinked?
A: Cut out the kink.
Q: Can I use NIBCO
®
PEX as an electical ground?
A: PEX does not conduct electricty and can NOT be used as a ground.
Q: Can I use NIBCO
®
PEX outside?
A: NIBCO PEX has UV stabilizers which allow for some limited exposure to sunlight during the installation process. But like all PEX,
it is not intended for outdoor installation and should be protected, to the greatest feasible extent, from exposure to UV light at all times.
Q: Can I use NIBCO
®
PEX for compressed air or natural gas?
A: These are not intended or approved uses of the product.
Q: How are NIBCO
®
poly PEX fittings used?
A: NIBCO’s poly PEX fittings (made of PPSU) can be used in all the same potable water applications as brass fittings. They are naturally lead
free and are time tested. They are subject to degradation when exposed to PVC and CPVC primers and glues - so avoid this condition!
Q: Can NIBCO
®
PEX be used for cold water service lines?
A: Yes. Although the enhanced temperature resistance of PEX makes it particularly suitable for hot- and cold-water interior plumbing
applications, it also makes excellent underground water service piping.
