WARNING
-
Do not use open
fl
ames to disassemble the joint. Open
fl
ames can
cause injury or property damage.
-
Never use a torch, open
fl
ame or heat gun on a pressurized system.
-
Never rework a connection that is under pressure. Depressurize the
system, cut out connection and replace.
Fig. 5.9: Heating compression sleeve with heat gun
Fig. 5.10: Removing pipe from LF brass
fi
tting
For re-assembly of a joint, the following should be considered:
- The end of the pipe where the previous
fi
tting had been installed
must be completely cut off prior to making a new joint. Cutting off a
minimum of 3 in (approximately 75 mm) is recommended.
Fig. 5.11: Cut off 3 in. of pipe from end prior to making new joint
5.3.1.2 Fitting Removal of Partially Completed Joint (LF Brass
ONLY)
If the
fi
tting has been inserted into the pipe, but the sleeve has not
been compressed, attempt to remove it without damaging the
fi
tting.
If
fi
tting cannot be easily removed, heat 1 to 1 1/2 in (25 to 38 mm) of
the pipe that covers the
fi
tting and pull the
fi
tting out of the pipe.
5.3.2 Protecting Joints
REHAU permits compression-sleeve joints (polymer and
LF brass) to be buried or concealed. REHAU recommends that
threaded connections never be buried or concealed as they must be
accessible for periodic inspection, per prevailing local codes.
The requirement to wrap an joint can depend on many
factors including location and the presence of other materials that
contact or can come in contact with the joint.
When wrapping an joint, the following is required:
- Wrap the joint, ensure minimum of 50% overlap of the tape
- Avoid wrinkles or kinks in the tape and ensure the joint is completely
covered, extending on to the pipe as necessary
- Indicate the location of each joint as required on the “as-built”
drawings
Fig. 5.12: REHAU Protective Tape, Red Fig. 5.13: Linerless Rubber Tape, Black
Note: Use only REHAU recommended protective tapes referenced in
REHAU
Technical Bulletin TB266 Protecting Joints
. Do not
use other types of tapes (e.g., duct tape, standard electrical tape) to
wrap the joint, as chemicals in the adhesive may not be compatible
with the PPSU
fi
tting material or the PEXa pipe.
Note: Never use heat shrink tubing (e.g., RAUCROSS) to wrap the
joint, as the high temperatures produced from a heat gun will soften
the pipe and may cause it to pull away from the
fi
tting.
Fig. 5.14: DO NOT use heat shrink tubing for joints
5.3.2.1 Concealed in Inaccessible Locations
When joints are concealed but are still in open air space
(e.g., behind drywall), it is not necessary to wrap the joint. However,
the installer should ensure that the
fi
tting does not come in contact
with chemicals (e.g., PVC glues, solvents and cements) that could
damage the
fi
tting material.
15
