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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
I need to install several exterior piping runs that will be totally exposed to sunlight. I plan to use 1/2" PEX-Al-PEX tubing and standard low-lead brass crimp fittings.
Can I use my standard PEX copper-ring crimp tool or need to purchase one of the specialty PEX-Al-PEX crimp tools that I have seen around?
Thanks!
Vince
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Author:
Pipe runner (AZ)
You might want to reconsider a different material because of sunlight exposure. Check out this very
interesting article.
www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/pex/exhibit_e_clark_pex.pdf
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
Thanks for the link! From what I have read there were MANY issues associated with PEX tubing and fittings from 2000-2005 (primarily from Kitec, a division of IPEX) that has resulted in a very long-running Class Action Lawsuit (http://kitecplumbing.com/). Some of the other manufacturers had some very minor issues in that same time frame and it did give the product a black eye. It seems that all of these minor issues were subsequently resolved. There have been only good reports from post-2007 products from all that I seen. Please let me know if I have missed some info since I would hate to join the "misery brigade"!
Based on about 7 years of actual usage in a number of locations (both in the US and Canada) PEX-Al-PEX is highly resistant to UV degradation from sunlight.
Vince
Edited 2 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
The P-A-P company my supply house was using went out of the "domestic water business" and concentrated on hydronic heating.
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
I know that a couple of manufacturers have exited the P-A-P "domestic water" business (though I do not know why...could not find any info about that) but there are at least 3 US and 2 Canadian manufacturers still highly active. Unfortunately, one manufacturer (Viega) makes a P-A-P tubing that has a larger OD that all of the others (WHY??).
Vince
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
packy (MA)
viega doesn't make a pex-al-pex. they make an aluminum wrapped pex. it is truly resistant to UV rays. you need a special 'prep' tool to remove the aluminum and expose enough pex to press or crimp. BTW, once the aluminum is removed, the OD is the same as all other pex.
fostapex..
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
Thanks for the clarification... I misunderstood. Are you familiar with the product? Do you need to do anything to protect the joint since the UV sensitive PEX is exposed?
Thanks!
Vince
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
wrap it in tin foil ? said foil is actually aluminium (to use the proper name)
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
packy (MA)
i use it all the time.
i use the press sleeves rather than the side crimp clamp. no bare pex is exposed since the sleeve is the same length as the uncovered fostapex. note the little round window in the sleeve. it lets you know the pex is bottomed out in the fitting.
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
Very informative! Thanks!! If I go this route it appears that the tools and fittings will be rather expensive, but I guess that is the toll for this route.
Vince
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
The 3 ply wall thickness and the desire to keep the i.d. compatible with the rest of the industries fittings forces the o.d. to be greater. If it were not then some other dimension would have to change.
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Author:
packy (MA)
buy the tools on ebay and resell after. just hang onto the prep tool.
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
That had crossed my mind! I do not know when I might ever need these tools again, but it is becoming clear that I probably cannot do a neat installation without using something like FostaPEX, and the tools are essential. BTW, are those fittings only made by Viega, or are there generic ones available also? Thanks!
Vince
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Author:
packy (MA)
i mix and match fittings from different companies with no problems. the trouble is viega sells their fittings with the press sleeves already attached while big box stores or online stores sell fittings that you need to buy sleeves or other style crimp rings seperately. big problem is finding the press sleeves as a stand alone product. viega doesn't sell them that way. you have to find a supply house that does. so just buy the viega fittings even if they cost more.
fostapex does come in straight 20 foot lengths in grey, red and blue..
be aware that without the 'prep' tool you can not clean the aluminum off the outside.
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
Thank you VERY much! Your help has been invaluable.
Vince
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
I contacted Viega, just to be sure and this is what they sent back.
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Although FostaPEX tubing has an extended UV resistance, it would still need to be protected from long term UV exposure. I have included a screen shot from our ViegaPEX Water System Installation manual that states do not install FostPEX where it will permanently exposed to sunlight. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there are any additional questions or if we can be of further assistance.
(could not get the image to post)
Kind regards,
ViegaJason Allison, CPDT
Associate Technical Support Specialist
Viega LLC
(877) 843-4262 x 350
-------------------------
I guess that I am running out of options!
Vince
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Author:
packy (MA)
i'm not sure i agree. i think they are just covering there A$$..
i looked online and it says, "if you can't see thru it, it will block UV rays" .
they said even aluminum foil (which is much thinner than fostapex protection) will protect you.
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Author:
Vince48 (VA)
You are right. The lawyers probably made them do it.
Vince
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