CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE - MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX I - INSTALLATION STANDARD FOR PEX TUBING SYSTEMS FOR HOT-AND COLD-WATER DISTRIBUTION
(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting Agency
BSC
BSC-CG
SFM
HCD
DSA
OSHPD
BSCC
DPH
AGR
DWR
CEC
CA
SL
SLC
1
2
1-AC
AC
SS
SS/CC
1
1R
2
3
4
5
Adopt Entire Chapter
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol:† The Office of the State Fire Marshal's adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
"The information contained in this appendix is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not been processed in accordance with ANSI's requirements for an ANS. As such, this appendix may contain material that has not been subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the standard."
The following IAPMO Installation Standard is included here for the convenience of the users of the California Plumbing Code. It is not considered as a part of the California Plumbing Code unless formally adopted as such. This Installation Standard is an independent, stand-alone document published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and is printed herein by the expressed written permission of IAPMO.
IAPMO IS 31-2014
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency, or referenced in the adopting ordinance.
This Standard specifies requirements for the installation of SDR 9 CTS crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing and fittings, including cold-expansion, crimp, press, and mechanical compression fittings, intended for hot- and cold-water distribution systems within buildings.
"shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy to comply with the Standard;
"should" is used to express a recommendation, but not a requirement;
"may" is used to express an option or something permissible within the scope of the Standard; and
"can" is used to express a possibility or a capability.
Notes accompanying sections of the Standard do not specify requirements or alternative requirements; their purpose is to separate explanatory or informative material from the text. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and can be written as requirements.
This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the current edition of those publications, including all amendments published thereto.
ASTM F876
Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
ASTM F877
Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution Systems
ASTM F1807
Standard Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
ASTM F1960
Standard Specification for Cold Expansion Fittings with PEX Reinforcing Rings for Use with Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
ASTM F2080
Standard Specification for Cold-Expansion Fittings With Metal Compression-Sleeves for Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe
ASTM F2159
Standard Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
ASTM F2657
Standard Test Method for Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
AWWA C904
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Tubing, 1/2 In. (12 mm) Through 3 In. (76 mm) for Water Service
Tools and tool accessories (e.g., tool heads) used for the installation of PEX tubing systems shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and written instructions.
PEX tubing passing through drilled or notched metal studs or metal joists, or hollow-shell masonry walls shall be protected from abrasion by elastomeric or plastic sleeves or grommets.
When receiving PEX tubing shipments, the receiver shall inspect and inventory each shipment, ensuring that there has been no loss or damage. In addition:
At the time of unloading, the markings of all tubing, fittings, and accessories shall be verified to ensure that all items have been manufactured in accordance with the applicable product Standard and appropriately certified.
An overall examination of the shipment shall be made. If the shipment is intact, ordinary inspection while unloading shall be sufficient to ensure that the items have arrived in good condition.
If the load has shifted, has broken packaging, or shows evidence of rough treatment, each item shall be carefully inspected for damage.
The total quantities of each shipment (e.g., tubing, gaskets, fittings, and accessories) shall be checked against shipping records.
Any damaged or missing items shall be noted on the delivery slip. The carrier shall be notified immediately and a claim made in accordance with its instructions.
No damaged material shall be disposed of. The carrier shall recommend the procedure to follow.
Shortages and damaged materials are normally not reshipped without request. If replacement material is needed, it shall be reordered from the manufacturer, the distributor, or a manufacturer's representative.
PEX tubing and fittings shall be stored indoors and in its original packaging until the time of installation. Appropriate precautions to protect the tubing from damage, impact, and punctures shall be taken.
Accumulative exposure time to UV radiation during storage and installation shall not exceed the UV exposure limits recommended by the manufacturer or specified in ASTM F876. Note:ASTM F876 has four categories for UV- resistance, ranging from untested to 6 months of continuous exposure, as listed in the material designation code.
In general, petroleum- or solvent-based chemicals (e.g., paints, greases, pesticides, or sealants) shall not be allowed to come in direct contact with PEX tubing or fittings.
Thermal expansion and contraction forces on suspended horizontal runs of PEX tubing that can experience a 22°C (40°F) or greater change in temperature (operating temperature compared to ambient temperature) shall be controlled by a means of mitigating temperature-induced stresses to other parts of the water distribution system. Means for controlling thermal expansion and contraction include
supporting the tubing with continuous runs of CTS support channels with
rigid anchor points installed every 20 m (65 ft); and
proper strapping (e.g., 27 kg (60 lb) straps or equivalent) spaced 1 m (3 ft) and rated for the maximum temperature and UV exposure of the PEX tubing application.
Thermal expansion and contraction forces on vertical runs of PEX tubing that pass through more than one floor and can experience a 22°C (40°F) or greater change in temperature (operating temperature compared to ambient temperature) shall be controlled by installing
a riser clamp at the top of every other floor; and
mid-story guides to maintain the alignment of the vertical tubing.
Note:Installing riser clamps isolates expansion and contraction to two-floor intervals allowing the PEX tubing to naturally compensate for the expansion and contraction.
Adequate clearance shall be provided between PEX tubing and the building structure (e.g., using bored holes and sleeves) to allow for free longitudinal movement of the tubing.
The minimum length of expansion loops shall be calculated using the equation in Section 6.4.1.2; however, the distance LB shall be divided into three sections as illustrated in Figure 2, where
made of materials that provide rigidity to the support system and utilize pipe clamps designed for plastic tubing capable of restraining the tubing; and
installed in accordance with Figures 1 or 2, as applicable (i.e., anchor distances and size of arms and offsets).
Note:Anchors are typically installed every 20 m (65 ft). See Section 6.
PEX tubing systems manufactured in accordance with the applicable standards referenced in Section 2 are deemed manufactured joints and may be installed in concealed spaces without the need for access panels.
Except for double-wall B-vents, which require a 25 mm (1 in) clearance, the clearance between gas appliancevents and PEX tubing shall be at least 150 mm (6 in).
Except when the PEX tubing is protected with fiberglass or closed-cell insulation or the recessed light is IC-rated, the clearance between recessed light fixtures and PEX tubing shall be at least 300 mm (12 in).
When in direct view of the light source, the clearance between fluorescent lighting and PEX tubing shall be at least 1.5 m (5 ft). If the minimum clearance cannot be achieved, the PEX tubing shall be protected with a UV-blocking sleeve.
The free (unsupported) bending radius for PEX tubing, measured at the outside of the bend, shall be not less than six times the actual outside diameter of the tubing, unless otherwise specified by the PEX manufacturer. Supportsshould be used to facilitate rigid bends and to alleviate stress on PEX joints when bends are needed in close proximity to such joints.
Tighter bends may be used when the PEX tubing is uniformly bent (supported) around a curved bracket or other rigid fixture. In this case, the minimum outside radius of the supported bend shall be as specified by the PEX manufacturer.
Directional fittings (e.g., 90° and 45° elbows) should only be installed where necessary. Note:The flexible nature of PEX tubing allows for sweeping bends resulting in less fittings and joints.
PEX tubing and fittings may be used in direct burial applications when allowed in the manufacturer's written installation instructions. Note:AWWA C904 should be consulted for water service applications.
Manufacturer's installation instructions shall be consulted prior to installation of PEX tubing in fire resistive constructions. PEX tubing penetrating a wall or floor-and-ceiling fire-rated assembly shall include a means of passive fire protection in accordance with the local codes.
PEX tubing shall be sized in accordance with IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1. Note:Potable water piping sizing is addressed in Section 610.0 and Appendix A of IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1—2012.
The tubing manufacturer's pressure-loss data should be referenced when using Appendix A of IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1. In absence of such data, Figures 3 and 4 shall be used. FIGURE 3 PRESSURE LOSS OF PEX TUBING AT 16 °C (60°F) (See Section 10.6.2)
FIGURE 4 PRESSURE LOSS OF PEXTUBING AT 49 °C (120°F) (See Section 10.6.2)
Flow velocities through the water distribution system, used for calculating flush tank and flush valvefixture units depending on the tubing sizes (see Table 1), shall not exceed
3.0 m/s (10 ft/s) for cold-water distribution systems; and
2.4 m/s (8 ft/s) for hot-water distribution systems.
Note:The flow velocities in Items (a) and (b) account for the increased velocities through the fittings.
be balanced to maintain adequate system temperatures; and
have flow velocities that do not exceed 0.6 m/s (2 ft/s) (see Table 2); and
use only PEX tubing designated for hot, chlorinated water recirculation systems and rated for the maximum percentage of time during which the system is intended to be operated at elevated temperatures, in accordance with ASTM F876.
TABLE 2 TUBING SIZES, FLOWS, AND FRICTION LOSSES FOR HOT-WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEMS (See Section 10.6.4)
Installation of PEX water distribution systems may be tested with air when
expressly allowed in the written instructions of the manufacturers of all plastic pipe and fittings installed at the time the PEX piping system is being tested; and
