Watts WaterPEX
®
Installation Guidelines
Product Overview
The CinchClamp
™
should be installed in accor-
dance to local plumbing code and practices.
In addition to these standards, the following
should be considered:
Tools:
Use an approved tool such as Watts
CinchTool
™
or equivalent (must be ratchet-
ing-type tool meeting ASTM 2098 specifi-
cations). Failure to use this type of tool will
result in an improper fit. Use of other tools,
such as pliers, will result in an improper fit
and possible leaks.
Warning!
• If connections must be made in tempera-
tures below 30°F, caution must be taken
to allow the WaterPEX to form a proper
seal against the barb. Apply the connec-
tion slowly to ensure the PEX material
conforms to the barb.
• When the CinchTool’s jaws are closed, the
gap between the jaws must be less than
1
⁄
16
”. Any gap greater than
1
⁄
16
” is a sign of
tool wear. Discard the tool and replace it
immediately. Use of an out-of-spec tool
will cause leaks.
• Never use a CinchTool
™
to remove a
CinchClamp
™
. Damage to the tool’s cali-
bration may result. Use a pair of pliers or
vice grips.
Making WaterPEX
®
Connections with CinchClamps™ & Close Ear CinchClamp
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 2:
Step 1:
The Connection
Make sure the WaterPEX
®
has a clean,
square end. Use a WaterPEX
®
Tube Cutter
to ensure the WaterPEX
®
does not deform
while cutting.
For CE™ CinchClamps:
WaterPEX connections made with Close
Ear (CE) CinchClamps are a snap. Place the
Close Ear CinchClamp over the end of the
pipe. It stays where you put it! Follow steps
1 through 4 and allow the same
1
⁄
8
" gap
between the shoulder of the fitting and the
CinchClamp.
Step 1:
Slide the CinchClamp
™
over the end of the
WaterPEX
®
. Allow enough room for the fitting
to be inserted.
Step 2:
Insert the fitting into the tube end making
sure the tube is fully sealed over the fit-
ting. Allow for
1
⁄
8
” of clearance between the
CinchClamp™ and the fitting.
Warning: Never use CinchClamps
™
on
PEX fittings made from copper. Leaks
may result. Use only ASTM brass or poly-
sulfone crimp insert fittings.
Step 3:
Position the open jaws of the CinchTool
™
over the tab of the CinchClamp
™
and com-
press the handles of the CinchTool together.
The ratcheting mechanism of the CinchTool
™
will not allow for an improper connection.
The CinchTool
™
will automatically release
when the connection is complete.
Step 4:
Verify the connection is secure by visually
checking the CinchTab
™
. The tab should be
shaped as shown in Step 4.
IS-WP-CinchClampGuidelines
