PLUMBING SYSTEMS

PLUMBING DESIGN
A S S I S TA N C E M A N U A L
(PDAM)

Uponor Plumbing Design

Assistance Manual (PDAM)
 Plumbing Design Assistance Manual
is published by
Uponor, Inc.
5925 148th Street West
Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA
Tel: 800.321.4739
Fax: 952.891.2008
uponorpro.com
uponorengineering.com
Uponor Ltd.
2000 Argentia Rd., Plaza 1, Ste. 200
Mississauga, ON L5N 1W1 CANADA
Tel: 888.994.7726
Fax: 800.638.9517
uponorpro.com
uponorengineering.com

© 2015 Uponor
All rights reserved.
Fourth Edition
First Printing March 2008
Printed in the United States of America
Uponor has used reasonable efforts in collecting, preparing
and providing quality information and material in this manual.
However, system enhancements may result in modification of
features or specifications without notice.
Uponor is not liable for installation practices that deviate from
this manual or are not acceptable practices within the mechanical trades.

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 Table of Contents
Plumbing Design Assistance Manual
Foreword. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Chapter 1: Uponor PEX Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Uponor PEX Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
PEX-a Distinctions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Stress Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Cleanliness of Uponor PEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Ultraviolet (UV) Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chemical Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Oxidative Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hydrostatic Temperature and Pressure Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Interpolation Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Excessive Temperature and Pressure Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Standards, Codes and Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ProPEX® Fittings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Uponor ProPEX Engineered Polymer (EP) Fittings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Strength of Uponor EP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Uponor ProPEX Lead-free (LF) Brass Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fittings by Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2: Making ProPEX Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

General ProPEX Connection Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Distance Between Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Making ProPEX Connections with Milwaukee®
M12™ and M18™ ProPEX Expansion Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Making ProPEX Connections with the Milwaukee
M18 FORCELOGIC™ ProPEX Expansion Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Making ProPEX Connections with the ProPEX 201 Corded Expander Tool. . . . . . . . 12
Making ProPEX Connections with the ProPEX Hand Expander Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Making 3⁄8" ProPEX Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Proper Expander Tool and Head Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Disconnecting a ProPEX Brass Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting ProPEX Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 3: Fire-resistant Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Wood-frame Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Steel/Concrete Wall Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Steel/Concrete Floor/Ceiling Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Wood-frame Assemblies (U.S.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Wood-frame Assemblies (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Concrete Assemblies (U.S.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Concrete Assemblies (Canada). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ASTM E814 or CAN/ULC-S115 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Fire Stopping Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Cast-in-place Sleeves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
ASTM E84 — Surface Burning Characteristics (U.S.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CAN/ULC-S102.2 — Surface Burning Characteristics (Canada). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2846. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chapter 4: Pipe Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Standard Dimension Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Temperature and Pressure Ratings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Pipe Sizing an Uponor AquaPEX Plumbing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Uniform Friction Loss Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Uponor AquaPEX Design Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Friction Loss with Uponor PEX Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Darcy-Weisbach Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Hazen-Williams Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Comparing Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Friction Loss of Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
The Cv Method for Calculating Friction Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
UPC Table 610.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
IPC Table E201.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
NPCC Table A-2.6.3.1(2)A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
NPCC Table 2.6.3.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Chapter 5: System Design and Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

The Uponor Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Unit/In-suite Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Uponor Logic Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Efficiencies of Uponor Logic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Hot-water Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Reverse Osmosis and De-ionized Water Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Surge Pressure and Sound Intensity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Water Hammer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Water Hammer Arrestors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Commercial Flush Bank Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Hot-water System Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Recirculated Hot-water Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Balancing of Recirculated Hot-water Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Heat Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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Thermal Conductivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Uponor PEX vs. Copper Heat Loss Comparison — Btu/(hr•ft). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Uponor Ecoflex® Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Thermal Expansion and Contraction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Chapter 6: Installation Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Local Code Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Storing and Handling PEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Uncoiling PEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Bending PEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Reforming Kinked Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Thawing Frozen Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Supporting Uponor PEX Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Supporting Fittings and Valves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Hanger and Support Layouts with PEX-a Pipe Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
General Requirements for PEX-a Pipe Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Strapping Requirements for PEX-a Pipe Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
ASTM E84 Requirements for PEX-a Pipe Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Expansion and Contraction Control with PEX-a Pipe Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Supporting Uponor Multiport Tees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Vertical Support Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Support Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Wood-frame Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Steel-frame Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Expansion-compensating Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Expansion and Contraction: Cold-water Risers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Expansion and Contraction: Hot-water Risers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Public-use Fixtures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Pipe Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Commercial Flush Bank Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Under-slab/Below-grade Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Pre-sleeved Uponor AquaPEX Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Water Service Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Trace Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Trench Bottom Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Piping Embedment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

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Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Handling and Repairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
H-20 Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Criteria for Uponor PEX Piping in HDD Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Joining Methods and Fittings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Water System Disinfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Pressure-testing Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Importance of Conditioning Uponor PEX Pipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Conditioning and Sustained Pressure Testing Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Icynene® Spray Foam Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Closed-cell Spray Foams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Recessed Light Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Painting Uponor AquaPEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Termiticides/Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Appendix A: Fluid Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Appendix B: Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Appendix C: Fitting Equivalent Length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Appendix D: ProPEX Fitting Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Appendix E: Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Appendix F: Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

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Foreword
This design assistance manual is Uponor is not liable for installation Direct any questions regarding
published for architects, building practices that deviate from this the suitability of an application or
officials, engineers and mechanical manual or are not acceptable a specific design to a local Uponor
contractors interested in Uponor practices within the mechanical representative by calling toll free
Professional Plumbing Systems. trades, codes or standards of practice. 888.594.7726 (United States)
It describes general installation or 888.994.7726 (Canada).
Refer to the Uponor AquaSAFETM
recommendations that use
Installation Guide to install a Note that this manual is
Uponor AquaPEX® piping
combination plumbing and fire safety available in English, Spanish
products. Refer to local codes
system using Uponor products. and French at no charge.
for additional requirements.
To order additional copies, go to
Uponor made reasonable efforts uponorpro.com/pdam.
to collect, prepare and provide
quality information and material
in this manual. However, system
enhancements may result in
modification of features or
specifications without notice.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Foreword vii

viii uponorengineering.com
Chapter 1
Uponor PEX Properties
Uponor PEX Properties
PEX is an acronym for crosslinked
polyethylene. The “PE” refers to
the raw material used to make
polyethylene; the “X” refers to the
crosslinking of the polyethylene
across its molecular chains.
The molecular chains are linked
into a three-dimensional network Figure 1-1: PEX-a Figure 1-2: PEX-b Figure 1-3: PEX-c
that makes PEX remarkably durable (Engel) 80%+ (Silane) 65-70% (Radiation) 70-75%
within a wide range of temperatures crosslinked crosslinked crosslinked
and pressures.
The pipe’s shape memory also and pressure. From 1973 to 2009,
Currently, three methods exist for offers the unique opportunity for the pipe was subjected to ongoing
producing PEX. ProPEX® fitting connections. Shape testing at 203°F (95°C) at 175 psi
•• Engel or peroxide method (PEX-a) memory allows PEX-a to expand and by Studvik in Sweden and BASF
•• Silane method (PEX-b) then shrink back to normal size — in Germany.
creating strong, durable and reliable
•• Electron beam (e-beam) or fitting connections. Cleanliness of
radiation method (PEX-c)
Finally, PEX-a pipe offers more Uponor PEX
All three processes generate pipe
resistance to crack propagation (how The quality materials and exacting
that is crosslinked to various degrees
a crack grows) than PEX-b or PEX-c process used in manufacturing
according to ASTM F876 and F877
pipe. A crack that occurs in PEX-a Uponor AquaPEX® yield remarkably
standards.
pipe is the least likely to grow over clean water-distribution piping.
Uponor manufactures Engel-method time and cause leaks or damage. Uponor PEX piping is made by
PEX-a pipe. The PEX industry crosslinking high-density,high-
considers this pipe superior because Stress Resistance molecular weight, 100% virgin
the crosslinking is done during Pipe installed in commercial polyethylene flake. It is subject to
the manufacturing process when applications must be capable the highest testing, codes, listings
the polyethylene is in its amorphic of withstanding the stresses that and standards.
state (above the crystalline melting result from installation within In addition to testing and
point). Accordingly, the degree of
commercial buildings. certification at NSF International,
crosslinking reaches more than
Canadian Standards Association
80%, resulting in a more uniform Typical stresses include:
(CSA) and Underwriters Laboratories
product with no weak links in the
•• Expansion and contraction (UL), Uponor PEX piping has been
molecular chain.
that result from repeated tested and approved for potable-
heating and subsequent cooling water applications by the most
PEX-a Distinctions of the heat-transfer fluid demanding agencies in the world,
The properties of PEX-a pipe make it including DVWG-Germany, KIWA-
•• Mechanical abrasion, shearing
the most flexible PEX on the market. Netherlands, CTSB-France and BSI-
and stretching that occurs as
This flexibility allows the tightest Great Britain.
a result of installation, normal
bend radius available — six times
structural movement and heating Toxicity extraction testing performed
the outside diameter of the pipe.
and cooling from seasonal in accordance with ANSI/NSF 61
Its flexibility also greatly reduces
weather changes Drinking Water System Components
instances of kinked pipe. And in the
rare instance of a kink, the thermal Uponor PEX provides the durability — Health Effects verifies Uponor
memory of PEX-a allows kink repair and reliability that is needed for these PEX piping does not leach
with a simple shot of heat from a applications and currently holds the potentially harmful substances
heat gun. unofficial world record for long-term into the drinking water.
testing at elevated temperature

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 1 – Uponor PEX Properties 1

 Ultraviolet (UV) Resistance for Outdoor Weathering Exposure period of 1 month. Piping with a
The test method for evaluating UV of Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX). “2” as the second digit indicates
resistance as required by ASTM According to ASTM F876, PEX piping a resistance period of 3 months.
F876 is ASTM F2657 Test Method must bear a four-digit code to signify
For the minimum UV resistance
the requirements it meets. The
of all Uponor AquaPEX products,
Product Marking UV Resistance second digit in the code references
refer to Table 1-1.
Uponor AquaPEX White 5106 1 month the minimum ultraviolet (UV)
resistance of the piping. For example, Note: See page 91 for handling
Uponor AquaPEX Blue 5206 3 months
piping with a 5106 marking has a guidelines regarding light fixtures.
Uponor AquaPEX Red 5206 3 months “1” as the second digit, which
Table 1-1: Uponor AquaPEX UV Resistance Ratings indicates the piping meets minimum Chemical Resistance
Note: Uponor AquaPEX Purple Reclaimed Water pipe has not been UV resistance requirements for a PEX has very good resistance to
tested for UV resistance and therefore retains a 5006 rating.
chemical-dissolving agents. The
unique molecular structure is
Property English Units SI Units
stable and inert, and it is virtually
Approximate Modulus of Elasticity
91,350 psi 630 N/mm2 unaffected by chemicals (organic
(Secant at 1% and 73°F/22.8°C) or inorganic) commonly found in
plumbing systems. Contact Uponor
Tensile Yield Strength at 68˚F (20˚C) per DIN 53455 2.76-3.77 psi 19-26 N/mm2
Technical Support for specific
Piping Density 59 lbs./ft3 936 Kg/m3 chemical compatibility verification.
Will not fail under impact Review the Plastics Pipe Institute
Impact Strength (PPI) Technical Report 19 Chemical
at temperatures of -284°F/-140°C
Room Temperature = 0.01% Resistance of Thermoplastics Piping
Water Absorption
Boiling for 40 Days = 0.07% Materials for more information about
Coefficient of Friction (Surface-roughness Factor) 0.000019 inches 0.0005 mm the transport of chemicals.
Surface Tension 0.00014 lbs./inches 25 dyne/cm
Oxidative Resistance
Recommended Working-temperature Limits -58°F to 200°F -50°C to 93°C
The test method for evaluating
Short-term Maximum Temperature 210°F 99°C
oxidative resistance as required
Coefficient of Linear Expansion at 135°F/57°C Ave. = 9.2*10-5 in/in-°F Ave. = 1.7*10-4 m/m-°C by ASTM F876 is ASTM F2023
Softening Temperature 264°F to 268°F 129°C to 131°C Test Method for Evaluating the
Specific Heat 0.55 Btu/lb-°F 2302.3 J/kg-°C Oxidative Resistance of Cross-linked
Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity 0.219 Btu/(hr•ft•°F) 0.38 W/(m•°K) Polyethylene (PEX) Piping and
Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water.
Degree of Crosslinking 70 to 89% (per ASTM F876)
According to ASTM F876, PEX piping
Minimum Bend Radius Six times the outside diameter must bear a four-digit code to signify
Table 1-2: Material Properties of Uponor AquaPEX Piping the requirements it meets. The first
digit in the code references the
Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of SDR9 PEX Pipe minimum chlorine resistance at
end-use conditions.
Nominal Pipe Weight of Pipe Only Contents of Pipe Weight of Pipe and
Pipe Size I.D. lbs/ft (kg/m) gal/ft (l/m) Water lbs/ft (kg/m) Uponor AquaPEX was evaluated
according to the ASTM F2023 test
¼" 0.241 0.04 (0.06) 0.0024 (0.03) 0.06 (0.089)
method for evaluating oxidative
⁄8"
3
0.35 0.05 (0.074) 0.005 (0.062) 0.09 (0.136) resistance to hot, chlorinated water.
½" 0.475 0.06 (0.089) 0.0092 (0.114) 0.14 (0.203) This is the most stringent test
¾" 0.671 0.1 (0.149) 0.0184 (0.229) 0.25 (0.377) method in the industry. Uponor
1" 0.862 0.2 (0.298) 0.0303 (0.376) 0.45 (0.673)
AquaPEX piping exceeds the
minimum life expectancy requirement
1¼" 1.054 0.34 (0.506) 0.0453 (0.563) 0.72 (1.071)
of 50 years when operating with
1½" 1.244 0.44 (0.655) 0.0632 (0.785) 0.96 (1.428) end-use conditions of 100%
2" 1.629 0.682 (1.015) 0.1083 (1.345) 1.58 (2.351) recirculation at 140ºF/60ºC for
2½" 2.011 0.93 (1.384) 0.1649 (2.048) 2.3 (3.423) potable water. Refer to Chapter 5
3" 2.4 1.28 (1.905) 0.2351 (2.92) 3.24 (4.821) for proper hot-water system design.

Table 1-3: Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of SDR9 PEX Pipe

2 Chapter 1 – Uponor PEX Properties — uponorengineering.com

Hydrostatic Temperature Interpolation Method Temperature
and Pressure Ratings Pressure ratings at different and Pressure Ratings
Through scientific research and temperatures are determined ºF/ºC PSI/Bar
historical experience, hydrostatic by using a linear relationship
200.0/93.3 80/5.5
design basis (HDB) ratings have between the standard-grade ratings.
been shown to be useful indicators See Table 1-5 for interpolated 190.0/87.8 90/6.2
of relative long-term strength of temperature and pressure ratings. 180.0/82.2 100/6.9
thermoplastic materials when tested 170.0/76.7 106/7.3
under the conditions specified in test Excessive Temperature
160.0/71.1 111/7.7
method ASTM D2837. The HDB is and Pressure Capability
150.0/65.6 117/8.0
used to determine the temperature In accordance with ASTM F876
Standard Specification for Crosslinked 140.0/60.0 123/8.5
and pressure ratings of a specific
material. These temperature and Polyethylene (PEX) Piping, the 130.0/54.4 128/8.8
pressure ratings are based on an excessive temperature and pressure 120.0/48.9 134/9.2
extrapolated life of 50 years. capability of Uponor AquaPEX is 110.0/43.3 139/9.6
210ºF at 150 psi (99ºC at 10 bar).
Standard PPI TR-3 defines the policies 100.0/37.8 145/10.0
and procedures for developing HDB This standard requires that Uponor 90.0/32.2 151/10.4
ratings for thermoplastic piping AquaPEX piping maintain its 80.0/26.7 156/10.8
materials or pipe. integrity for a period of 720 hours
73.4/23.0 160/11.0
(30 days) at 210ºF (99ºC) at
Uponor maintains standard-grade 60.0/15.6 168/11.6
150 psi (10 bar). If installed as
ratings for Uponor AquaPEX piping 50.0/10.0 173/11.9
directed, Uponor AquaPEX will
as tested in accordance with TR-3.
withstand these conditions. 40.0/4.4 179/12.3
Uponor AquaPEX carries the following
temperature and pressure ratings Note: Excessive temperature and Table 1-5: Interpolated
shown in Table 1-4. pressure requirements are always Hydrostatic Temperature and
Pressure Ratings for Uponor
subject to approval by local building
Note: Uponor EP and LF Brass AquaPEX Piping
codes (e.g., temperature and
fittings carry the same temperature
pressure-relief valves).
and pressure ratings as Uponor
AquaPEX pipe.

ASTM F876 Temperature and Pressure Ratings for SDR9 PEX

Rated Hydrostatic Design Pressure Rating for Water

Temperature Stress (HDS) psi psi
73.4°F/23°C 630 160
180°F/82°C 400 100
200°F/93°C 315 80
Table 1-4: Hydrostatic Temperature and Pressure Ratings for Uponor AquaPEX Piping
These listings are published in PPI TR-4, a culmination report of the listings that are maintained with PPI.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 1 – Uponor PEX Properties 3

 Standards, Codes and Listings
Uponor AquaPEX piping is manufactured to meet the following requirements.

Standards American Water Works •• CAN/ULC-S115 Standard Method

Association (AWWA) of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems
ASTM International
•• AWWA C904 Cross-Linked •• CAN/ULC/ORD-C199P
•• ASTM F876 Standard
Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Pipe, Combustible Piping for
Specification for Cross-linked 1
⁄2" (12mm) through 3" (76mm) Sprinkler Systems
Polyethylene (PEX) Piping
for Water Service
•• ASTM F877 Standard Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI)
Specification for Cross-linked Underwriters
•• PPI Technical Report TR-4
Polyethylene (PEX) Plastic Hot- Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
and Cold-Water •• ANSI/UL 263 Standard for
Distribution Systems Codes
Safety for Fire Tests of Building
•• ICC •• UPC •• UFGS
•• ASTM F1960 Standard Construction and Materials
Specification for Cold Expansion •• IPC •• UMC •• NPC of Canada
•• UL 1821 Standard for Safety for
Fittings with PEX Reinforcing Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and •• IMC •• NSPC •• NBC of Canada
Rings for Use with Cross-linked Fittings for Fire Protection Service •• IRC •• HUD
Polyethylene (PEX) Piping (NFPA 13D applications only)
•• ASTM F2023 Standard Test Listings
Method for Evaluating the •• UL 2846 Standard for Safety
for Fire Test of Plastic Water •• cNSFus-fs •• ETL
Oxidative Resistance of
Distribution Plumbing Pipe •• cNSFus-rfh •• PPI-TR-4
Cross-linked Polyethylene
(PEX) Piping and Systems for Visible Flame and Smoke •• cNSFus-pw •• ICC-ES-PMG
to Hot Chlorinated Water Characteristics •• cQAIus •• IAPMO
•• ASTM F2657 Standard Test •• UL •• BMEC
CSA Group (Canadian
Method for Outdoor Weathering Standards Association) •• CSA •• CCMC
Exposure of Cross-linked •• WH
•• CAN/CSA B137.5 Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Piping
Polyethylene (PEX) Piping Systems
•• ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Pressure Applications
for Surface Burning Characteristics
•• CAN/CSA B214 Installation Code
of Building Materials
for Hydronic Heating Systems
•• ASTM E119 Standard Test
Methods for Fire Tests of Building American Society of
Construction and Materials Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
•• ASTM E814 Standard Test •• ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and
Method for Fire Tests of Through- Flanged Fittings: NPS ½ through
Penetration Firestop Systems NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard

NSF International Underwriters Laboratories

of Canada (ULC)
•• ANSI/NSF Standard 14 Plastics
Piping System Components and •• CAN/ULC-S102.2 Standard
Related Materials Method of Test for Surface Burning
Characteristics of Flooring, Floor
•• ANSI/NSF Standard 61 Drinking
Covering and Miscellaneous
Water System Components —
Materials and Assemblies
Health Effects
•• CAN/ULC-S101 Standard
•• ANSI/NSF Standard 359 Valves Methods of Fire Endurance
for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tests of Building Construction
Water Distribution Systems and Materials

Note: O
 btain listings at qai.org, ul.com and nsf.org.

4 Chapter 1 – Uponor PEX Properties — uponorengineering.com

ProPEX® Fittings
Uponor ProPEX® fittings are available in both Engineered Polymer (EP) and Lead-free (LF) brass and are tested and listed to:
•• ASTM F1960 Standard Specification for Cold Expansion Fittings with PEX Reinforcing Rings
for Use With Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Piping
•• CAN/CSA B137.5 Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Piping Systems for Pressure Applications

Uponor ProPEX Engineered Polymer (EP) Fittings

Accessibility Performance Durable
Based on Uponor’s review of the EP is a high-performance Resistant to corrosion, pitting and
International Plumbing Code (IPC), thermoplastic material that has scaling, Uponor EP products are
National Plumbing Code of Canada superior mechanical, chemical and designed for any plumbing — and
(NPCC) and Uniform Plumbing Code thermal properties which provide even heating — application,
(UPC), there are no requirements dimensional stability in demanding whether residential or commercial.
for direct access to Uponor ProPEX applications, including areas of
Note: Do not expose EP fittings to
fittings (i.e., ASTM F1960 and CAN/ high stress, heat and moisture.
direct sunlight for more than 30 days.
CSA B137.5). Thus, ProPEX fittings
Uponor EP fittings comply with
(which includes Uponor's Mulitport Lead Free
NSF/ANSI 61 health effects
Tees) may be placed behind drywall or
requirements when tested at EP fittings are the ideal solution
other coverings without the need for
temperatures up to and including to lead-free requirements and are
openings or similar means of direct
180ºF/82.2ºC (i.e., commercial even approved for direct burial in soil,
access to the fittings. However, codes
hot water). making installation options endless.
require that an operating valve must
be accessible. Thus, a valve or similar Cost Effective
operable component that incorporates
Uponor EP is a more cost-effective
Uponor ProPEX connections must
option because it offers a stable
be accessible.
material cost and is not subject to
Couplings the wide price fluctuations of metal.

Elbows

Multiport Tees

Tees

Plugs

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 1 – Uponor PEX Properties 5

 The Strength of Uponor EP
Uponor EP is made from UDEL® polysulfone, Radel R® polyphenylsulfone or Acudel® modified polyphenylsulfone. These
materials are part of a family of polymers that have been used successfully in the demanding environments of medical
appliance, aerospace and plumbing for many years. In fact, lab tests prove the Uponor 2" ProPEX EP Tee and ProPEX
connection are able to withstand up to 2,900 lbs. of pull force without failure.

Figure 1-4: Beginning of Test Figure 1-5: At Approximately 2,900 lbs.

of Pull Force

Uponor ProPEX Lead-free* •• Uponor’s LF brass is approved Note that Uponor cautions the use of
(LF) Brass Fittings for direct burial in soil per other manufacturer’s PEX pipe with
NSF/ANSI Standard 14 testing Uponor ProPEX Rings as well as using
Uponor offers a complete line of
which established minimum other’s expansion rings with Uponor
LF brass transition fittings, valves,
performance criteria for DZR/ PEX pipe. Because of the lower
stub-outs, water-heater connectors
SCC resistance for PEX fittings degree and uniformity of crosslinking
and wall boxes.
intended for potable water. in PEX-b and PEX-c pipe, stress
•• All Uponor LF brass products cracking of the PEX-b and PEX-c
comply with NSF/ANSI 61 Annex
Soldering
pipe wall can occur during expansion,
G, NSF/ANSI 372 and conform to •• When soldering LF brass fittings, compromising the strength of the
the lead-content requirements for Uponor recommends using a fitting connection. Additionally, the
“lead-free” plumbing as defined lead-free flux and solder which 25-year limited warranty for Uponor
by California, Vermont, Maryland meet the requirements of NSF/ PEX systems is only valid when both
and Louisiana state laws as well as ANSI 372 or NSF/ANSI 61 Uponor PEX pipe and Uponor ProPEX
the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act, Annex G. Please refer to the solder fittings are used. Mixing the ProPEX
effective January 2014. and flux manufacturer for details Rings with other manufacturer’s
on properly soldering lead-free PEX pipe or other’s expansion rings
•• All Uponor LF brass fittings
brass materials. with Uponor PEX pipe will limit the
marked as NSFus-pw-G comply
with the dezincification resistance warranty. For complete warranty
(DZR) and stress-corrosion Fittings by Others details, refer to uponorpro.com/
cracking (SCC) requirements Uponor PEX piping can be warranties.
of Sections 5.8.1 and 5.8.2 per used with any type of SDR9 PEX
Note: Uponor does not permit a
the current NSF 14 Standard. fitting, including compression
press-type fitting to be used with
fittings. Compression fittings must
standard ProPEX sweat or fitting
be installed with an insert stiffener
sweat adapters. Brass material is not
to ensure the pipe wall doesn’t
*Per NSF Annex G, lead-free products contain nearly as malleable as copper material,
collapse under compression,
not more than 0.25% weighted average lead causing undo stress and affecting
content on wetted surfaces. compromising the connection.
the integrity of the connection.

6 Chapter 1 – Uponor PEX Properties — uponorengineering.com

Chapter 2::
Making ProPEX Connections
Uponor ProPEX ASTM F1960 and This document shows how to make Distance Between Fittings
CAN/CSA B137.5 cold-expansion proper ProPEX connections using one Uponor requires a minimum distance
fittings make solid, permanent, of the following tools. between ProPEX fittings to ensure
manufactured connections without •• Milwaukee® M12™ or M18™ the fittings are not damaged during
the need for torches, glues, solder, ProPEX Expansion Tools the expansion process by the
flux or gauges. The unique shape expander head. Refer to Table 2-2
•• Milwaukee M18 FORCELOGIC™
memory of Uponor PEX piping for the minimum distance between
ProPEX Expansion Tool
forms a tight seal around the fitting, fittings, which is expressed as cut
creating a strong, reliable connection. •• ProPEX 201 Corded Expander Tool length of pipe.
•• ProPEX Hand Expander Tool

General ProPEX Connection Tips Nominal Fitting Cut Length of

•• If the fitting does not slide into • •• Ensure the ProPEX Ring rests • Size Pipe
the piping all the way to the stop, snugly against the fitting shoulder. ½" 2"
immediately remove it from the If there is more than 1⁄16" (1mm) ¾" 3"
piping and expand the piping one between the ring and the shoulder 1" 3½"
final time. of the fitting, the connection must
1¼" 4½"
Note: To avoid over-expanding be replaced. Square cut the piping
2" away from the fitting for ½"• 1½" 4½"
the piping, do not hold the piping
in the expanded position. to 1" pipe, 3" away for 1¼" to• 2" 6"
2" pipe and 5" away for 2½"• 2½" 7½
•• Table 2-1 shows the recommended and 3" pipe prior to making the
number of expansions. Experience, 3" 9"
new connection.
technique and weather conditions
•• Brass ProPEX fittings can be Table 2-2: Minimum Distance
influence the actual number of Between ProPEX Fittings
disconnected and reused. EP
expansions. Fewer expansions may
fittings must be discarded. Be
be necessary under certain • Cut Length of Pipe
sure to follow the recommended
conditions. The correct number •
minimum distance between
of expansions is the amount •
ProPEX fittings shown in•
necessary for the piping and •
Table 2-2.
the shoulder of the fitting to •
fit snugly together.

Milwaukee ProPEX Tool Uponor ProPEX Tool

Piping Size
M12 M18 FORCELOGIC Manual 100/150 201
/"
3 8 8 9 — 5 7 —
½" 5 6 — 4 4 —
¾" 9 8 — 9 9H —
1" 12 5 — 14 7H —
1¼" — 7 — — 7H —
1½" — 6 — — 8H —
2" — — 4 — — 5H
2½" — — 5 — — —
3" — — 7 — — —

Table 2-1: Recommended Number of Expansions for 3⁄8" to 3" Piping at

73.4ºF (23ºC)
Note: “H” in the table refers to Uponor H-series expander heads.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections 7

 Making ProPEX Connections with
Milwaukee ProPEX Expansion Tools
Note: All standard Uponor Expander Heads are compatible with the M12 and M18 tools.
Uponor expander heads will not auto-rotate on the Milwaukee tools (only Milwaukee •
expansion heads will auto-rotate on the M12 and M18). H-heads are not compatible •
with Milwaukee tools and Milwaukee heads are not compatible with Uponor tools. •
Milwaukee heads are easily distinguished by color coding and the Milwaukee logo.

Important! Making expansions •  Important! If making a 3⁄8" • Without Auto Rotation

are slightly different when using ProPEX Connection, you must • (Standard Uponor Heads)
a tool that features auto rotation. first expand each side of the ring 4. Press the trigger to expand •
When making a ProPEX • before placing it on the piping. the piping.
connection, be sure to follow • Refer to the “Making 3⁄8" ProPEX
the guidelines for the tool you • Connections” instructions on • 5. Release the trigger, remove the
are using in your application. page 16 for further information. head from the piping, rotate •
it 1⁄8 turn and slide the head
1. Square cut the PEX piping • With Auto Rotation back into the piping. Continue
perpendicular to the length of • (Standard Milwaukee Heads) expanding and rotating until •
the piping. Remove all excess 3. Milwaukee ProPEX Expansion Tools the piping and ring are snug
Shoulder material or burrs that might • come with built-in auto rotation. against the shoulder on the
affect the fitting connection. If using a Milwaukee expansion expander head. See Table 2-1 •
2. Slide the ProPEX Ring over • head, simply hold the piping and for the recommended number •
the end of the piping until it tool in place while holding the of expansions.
reaches the stop edge. If using a trigger to expand the piping. The
Important! Rotating the tool
ProPEX Ring without a stop edge, head will automatically rotate
between expansions will provide
extend the ring over the end of the to ensure the piping is evenly
smooth, even expansion of the
piping no more than 1⁄16" (1mm). expanded. Continue expanding
piping. Failure to rotate the •
until the piping and ring are
tool will cause deep grooves •
snug against the shoulder on the
in the piping which can result •
expander head. See Table 2-1
1 in potential leak paths.
3
⁄8" and 1⁄2" for the recommended number of
Milwaukee expansions for each piping size. 4
Expansion Head
Note: Do not force the pipe onto
the expander head. Ensure the
expander head is rotating during
Shoulder each expansion.

3, 5
2

3
⁄4" to 3" Milwaukee
Expansion Heads Expansion with Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Expansion Tool

8 Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections — uponorengineering.com

 6a 6b 6c

Shoulder

ProPEX Coupling
Insert ProPEX Fitting into ½" Uponor PEX Piping.

6d 6e
Shoulder

Insert ProPEX Fitting into 1" Uponor PEX Piping.

6. After the final expansion, • Important! Only perform the If you do not feel any resistance, •
immediately remove the tool • necessary number of expansions. • the piping may be over expanded •
and insert the fitting. Ensure • DO NOT over expand the pipe. • and will require additional time to
ProPEX Tee
the piping and ring seat against • You should feel some resistance • shrink over the fitting.
the shoulder of the fitting. as the fitting goes into the piping. •

3, 5 4 4

Expansion with Milwaukee M18 ProPEX Expansion Tool

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections 9

 Making ProPEX
Connections with
the Milwaukee
M18 FORCELOGIC
ProPEX Expansion Tool

FORCELOGIC Expansion
Head Installation
The Milwaukee FORCELOGIC ProPEX 3. Screw the head onto the tool c. Rotate the six expansion
Expansion Tool for 2", 21⁄2" and 3" (clockwise). Hand-tighten• segments in the clockwise
Uponor PEX pipe features an auto- securely. Do not over tighten.• direction. They will rotate•
rotating head with specially designed Ensure the expansion head fits freely. They should not•
alignment cogs. This requires slightly flush against the tool. rotate counter clockwise.
different head installation than the
4. Check the installation. d. The expansion head collar will fit
M12 and M18 ProPEX expansion
flush against the tool.
tools for 3⁄8" to 11⁄2" pipe sizes. a. Ensure the head segments do not
“flower” (see image 4a).
1. Remove the battery pack and
place the FORCELOGIC Tool in the b. If the head flowers, correct the
upright position (cone up). installation by loosening the
head slightly and rotating the
2. Verify the expansion cone is•
segments until they engage in
fully retracted.
the cogs. Re-tighten the head.

1 4a 4b

Incorrect Expansion Correct Expansion

Head “Flowering” Head Alignment

10 Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections — uponorengineering.com

Making a ProPEX Note: To cancel the expansion process 6. Repeat the process until the pipe
Connection quickly, pull and release the trigger. and ring are snug against the
1. Square cut the PEX piping shoulder of the expansion head.
4. Press the trigger to initiate the
perpendicular to the length of the Repeat the expansion one or two
rotation of the head. A green light
piping. Remove all excess material more times depending on the
will turn on and the work light
or burs that might affect the fitting ambient temperature.
will blink. Insert the pipe and ring
connection. and release the trigger. When the Note: Fewer expansions are required
2. Slide the ProPEX Ring over the end expansion head has reached its in colder temperatures.
of the piping until it reaches the maximum diameter, it will retract.
7. After final expansion,•
stop edge. Important! Do not force the• immediately remove the•
3. The Milwaukee tool comes with pipe and ring on the head during• tool and insert the fitting.
built-in auto rotation, meaning any expansion.
the head will automatically rotate 5. After the tool has retracted, the
to ensure the piping is evenly green indicator light blinks three
expanded. times. Press the trigger and repeat
the expansion process.

1 2a 2b

4 6 7

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections 11

 Making ProPEX
Connections with
the ProPEX 201
Corded Expander Tool

1. Square cut the PEX piping • 3. Slide the expander head into • 4. Press the trigger to expand •
perpendicular to the length of • the piping until it stops. Full the piping.
the piping. Remove all excess expansions are necessary to •
material or burrs that might • make a proper connection.
affect the fitting connection.
3
2. Slide the ProPEX Ring over the
end of the piping until it reaches
the stop edge. If using a ProPEX
Ring without a stop edge, extend
the ring over the end of the piping
no more than 1⁄16" (1mm).

2
5a

12 Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections — uponorengineering.com

 5. Release the trigger, remove the 5b
head from the piping, rotate it •
1
⁄8 turn and slide the head back into
the piping. Continue expanding
and rotating until the piping •
and ring are snug against the
shoulder on the expander
head. See Table 2-1 for the
recommended number •
of expansions.
Important! Rotating the tool
between expansions will provide
smooth, even expansion of the 6a
piping. Failure to rotate the tool
will cause deep grooves in the •
piping which can result in •
potential leak paths.
6. After the final expansion, •
immediately remove the tool •
and insert the fitting. Ensure •
the piping and ring seat against • 6b
the shoulder of the fitting.

6c

Insert ProPEX Fitting into 2" Uponor PEX Piping.

ProPEX EP Tee Inserted into Uponor PEX Piping ProPEX Brass Coupling Inserted into Uponor PEX Piping

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections 13

 Making ProPEX Connections with
the ProPEX Hand Expander Tool
1. Square cut the PEX piping • 3. Brace the free handle of the tool the piping and ring are snug
perpendicular to the length of • against your hip, or place one hand against the shoulder on the
the piping. Remove all excess on each handle. Fully separate the expander head. See Table 2-1
material or burrs that might • handles and slide the expander for the recommended number of
affect the fitting connection. head into the piping until it stops. expansions for each piping size.
Full expansions are necessary to
2. Slide the ProPEX Ring over the Important! Rotating the tool
make a proper connection. Bring
end of the piping until it reaches between expansions will provide
the handles together to expand.
the stop edge. If using a ProPEX smooth, even expansion of the
Separate the handles, remove •
Ring without a stop edge, extend piping. Failure to rotate the •
the head from the piping, rotate it
the ring over the end of the tool will cause deep grooves in •
1
⁄8 turn and slide the head back •
piping no more than 1⁄16" (1mm). the piping which can result in
into the piping. Continue •
potential leak paths.
Important! If making a 3⁄8" expanding and rotating until
ProPEX Connection, you must
first expand each side of the ring
before placing it on the piping. 3a
Refer to the “Making 3⁄8" ProPEX
Connections” instructions on •
page 16 for further information.

ProPEX Hand Expander Tool

14 Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections — uponorengineering.com

4. After the final expansion, •
3b
immediately remove the tool •
and insert the fitting. Ensure •
the piping and ring seat against
the shoulder of the fitting.
Important! You should feel •
some resistance as the fitting •
goes into the piping. If you do •
not feel any resistance, the piping
may be over expanded and will
require additional time to shrink
over the fitting.

3c

ProPEX Hand Expander Tool

4a 4b 4c

Insert ProPEX Fitting into Uponor PEX Piping.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections 15

 Making 3⁄8" ProPEX
Connections
The 3⁄8" ProPEX Ring must be •
expanded once on each side to •
properly fit over the piping. Refer •
to the following instructions to •
make a 3⁄8" ProPEX connection.
1. Square cut the PEX piping •
perpendicular to the length of •
the piping. Remove all excess
material or burrs that might •
affect the fitting connection.
2. Expand each side of the 3⁄8" •
ProPEX Ring once.
3. Slide the expanded ring over the
end of the piping. Extend the end
of the ring over the end of the
piping no more than 1⁄16" (1mm).
4. After the ring is on the piping,
Proper Expander Tool Caution: Excessive
continue with the regular steps • and Head Maintenance lubrication may result in
•• Use a lint-free cloth to apply • improper connections. •
for making a proper connection
a light coat of lubricant to • Only use a small amount •
with your specific tool.
the cone prior to making any of lubrication to keep the •
ProPEX connections. tool working properly.
1
•• If used regularly, apply the •• Keep all other parts of the tool •
lubricant daily to the cone of • free from lubricant.
the ProPEX Expander Tool •• Once a month, soak the heads •
(manual, air or battery) as well in degreasing agent to remove •
as the ProPEX Auto Rotation any grease from between the
Adapter. Failure to keep these segments. Clean the cone using •
tools lubricated may result in a clean, dry cloth.
E6081128 Pipe Cutter (plastic) improper connections.
•• The handles of the ProPEX Hand
Expander Tool will open and close
2
smoothly if properly lubricated.
A B

A Important Tips for a Proper 3⁄8" ProPEX Connection

B
•• The thicker 3⁄8" ProPEX Ring shrinks over the fitting faster than
larger-sized rings.
•• When the temperature is below 40°F (4.4°C), fewer expansions•
are required.
3

Max. 1⁄16"

16 Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections — uponorengineering.com

Disconnecting a 4. After removing the ring, apply heat
ProPEX Brass Fitting directly around the fitting and •
ProPEX brass and EP fittings are • piping connection. Do not use
manufactured connections that • open flame. Gently work•
can be concealed in walls, ceilings • the piping back and forth while
and floors. When necessary, ProPEX pulling slightly away from the
brass fittings can be disconnected. fitting until the piping separates
from the fitting.
Important! EP fittings cannot •
5. After removing the fitting,
be reclaimed.
measure:
Refer to the following guidelines for -- 2" (50.8 mm) minimum for
disconnecting a ProPEX brass fitting. 3
⁄8" to 1" pipe
1. Ensure the system is• -- 3" (76.2 mm) minimum for
not pressurized. 1¼" to 2" pipe
2. Use a utility knife to carefully • -- 5" (127 mm) minimum for
cut through the ProPEX Ring. 2½" and 3" pipe
 Important! Do not heat the ring 6. Square cut the piping at the •
prior to cutting it. Take care to cut proper marking.
only the ring and not the piping or
7. Allow the fitting to cool before
fitting. Gouges in the fitting may
making the new connection.
result in leaks. If you accidentally
damage the fitting, you must 8. Use a new ProPEX Ring and •
discard it. follow the steps to make a •
new connection.
3. Remove the ProPEX Ring from •
the piping.

2 4a 5

3 4b 6

4c

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections 17

 Troubleshooting
ProPEX Connections
Trouble-free ProPEX installations
begin with a tool that is maintained
in proper working condition. If the
tool or segment fingers are damaged,
it is very difficult to make a proper
connection. Refer to the following
guidelines to assist with challenges • Expansion with Proper Rotation
in the field.

Fittings Won’t Seal

•• Make sure the expander head is
securely tightened onto the tool.
•• Ensure the segment fingers are •
not bent. If the head does not •
completely close when the drive
unit is fully retracted or the •
handles of the manual tool are Expansion without Proper Rotation
open, replace the head.
•• Examine the tool for excess • •• Make sure that grease is • ••
grease on the segment fingers. • not getting into the piping.
More Than the Recommended
Remove excess grease prior to • •• Examine the segment fingers • Number of Expansions are
making connections. to ensure they are not damaged • Needed to Make a Connection
•• Check the fitting for damage. • or bent.
•• Ensure the head is hand-tightened
Nicks and gouges will cause the to the expander tool.
ProPEX Ring Slides Down
fitting to leak.
Piping During Expansion •• Examine the segment fingers •
•• Make sure the internal driver • for damage.
•• Ensure your hands are clean while
cone is not damaged or bent.
handling the piping. Any sweat •• Be sure to completely cycle •
•• Make sure the last expansion is or oils on your hands can act as a the tool on each expansion •
not held in the expanded position lubricant. Due to the smoothness (i.e., close the manual tool •
before the fitting is inserted. • of PEX, any form of lubricant can handle or release the trigger).
You should feel some resistance • cause the ProPEX Ring to slide
as the fitting goes into the piping. down the piping during expansion. Cold-weather Expansions
If you do not feel any resistance, •• Temperatures affect the time •
•• If you anticipate the ProPEX Ring
the piping may be over expanded required for the piping and ring •
may possibly slide down, position
and will require additional time to to shrink onto the fitting. The
the ring slightly farther over the
shrink over the fitting. colder the temperature, the slower
end of the piping and make the
•• Be sure to rotate the tool 1⁄8 turn first couple of expansions slowly. the contraction time.
after each expansion to avoid Once the ring and the piping • •• Warming ProPEX fittings and
deep grooves in the piping which begin to expand together, • ProPEX Rings reduces contraction
can result in potential leak paths. continue with the normal • time. Put fittings and rings in your
number and type of expansions. pockets prior to installation to •
Expansion is Difficult
•• Place your thumb against the • keep them warm.
•• Make sure the internal cone is
ProPEX Ring to help support • •• Fewer expansions are necessary in
properly greased.
it and feel for any movement.• temperatures below 40ºF (4.4ºC).
Expansion Head Slips If caught early, you can slide the •
Note: Do not use a heat gun on EP
Out of Piping When ring up the piping and expand •
fittings to speed up the contraction
Making Expansions as described in the previous •
time as this could result in damage to
•• Ensure the piping and • bullet point.
the fitting.
ProPEX Ring are dry.

18 Chapter 2 – Making ProPEX Connections — uponorengineering.com

Chapter 3::
Fire-resistant Construction
Wood-frame •• Up to 4" PEX Pipe and Fittings
Wall Assemblies UL Design No. U372 •• Pipe: One or more Uponor PEX
Wood-frame wall assemblies piping runs ½" to 2"; weight of
•• 1-hour PEX piping not to exceed 0.63
complying with ASTM E119
and CAN/ULC-S101 have the •• Up to 2" PEX lbs/ft. (0.94 kg/m) of joist cavity.
following requirements. Note: Maximum size is available Support pipe with metal clips 16"
through QAI. O.C. for piping up to 1" diameter
Building Elements or metal clips 24" O.C. for piping
•• Studs: Nominal wood 2x4 spaced Wood-frame Floor/ larger than 1" diameter.
16" O.C. Ceiling Assemblies •• Fittings: Brass or engineered
•• Gypsum wallboard: Minimum Wood-frame floor/ceiling polymer (EP) fittings with a weight
one layer of 5⁄8" thick Type X assemblies complying with not exceeding 0.1 lbs/ft. (0.15
gypsum wallboard ASTM E119 and CAN/ULC-S101 kg/m) per joist cavity
Pipe and Fittings have the following requirements. Note: See assembly details for
•• Pipe: Maximum density of Uponor Building Elements more information.
PEX pipe is 4.85 lbs/ft (7.22
•• Joists: Nominal 2x10 solid sawn Assembly Numbers
kg/m) of stud cavity. Approved
wood, open web wood or wood ITS Design No. UW/FC 60-01
Uponor PEX pipes include:
I-joist (10" to 24" depth) installed
−− Uponor AquaPEX White at 24" O.C. maximum •• 1-hour
(up to 3") •• Up to 2" PEX
•• Subfloor: Minimum 5⁄8"
−− Uponor AquaPEX Red (up to 1") plywood; if using optional ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-02
topping, subfloor may be 5⁄8"
−− Uponor AquaPEX Blue (up to 1") •• 1-hour
oriented strand board (OSB)
•• Up to 2" PEX
−− Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed •• Gypsum wallboard:
Water (up to 1") QAI Design No. P321-1F
−− Minimum one layer of 5⁄8" Type
X gypsum wallboard when using •• 1-hour
−− Pre-insulated Uponor
solid sawn wood joists •• Up to 2" PEX
AquaPEX (up to 2" pipe
with 1½" thick insulation) −− Minimum two layers of ½" Type UL Design No. L557
X gypsum wallboard when using
−− Wirsbo hePEX (up to 4") wood I-joists (10" to 24" depth) •• 1-hour

•• Fittings: Maximum density of •• Up to 2" PEX

Uponor ProPEX brass or EP
fittings is 3.33 lbs (1.51 kg) ASTM E119 (ANSI/UL 263) or CAN/ULC-S101 Listings
per stud cavity.
Fire-resistive Assembly Ratings (ASTM E119/ANSI/UL 263 and CAN/ULC-S101)
Note: See assembly details for
more information. Construction Type Assembly Type UL Design No. Intertek QAI

Assembly Numbers K913 UW/FCA 120-01/-02 P321-1D (2-hr)

ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-02 Floor/Ceiling G524 - P321-1E (2-hr)
Non-combustable
•• 1-hour G573 - P321-1C (2-hr)
Concrete/Steel
•• Up to 2" PEX V444 UW/WA 60-01 P321-1A (1-hr)
Walls
- - P321-1G (2-hr)
QAI Design No. P321-1B
Floor/Ceiling L557 UW/FCA 60-01 P321-1F (1-hr)
•• 1-hour Wood Frame
U372 UW/FCA 60-02 P321-1B (1-hr)
•• Up to 4" PEX Construction Walls
- - P321-1H (2-hr)
QAI Design No. P321-1H
Table 3-1: ASTM E119 and CAN/ULC-S101 Listings
•• 2-hour

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 19

 Steel/Concrete Steel/Concrete Floor/ Assembly Numbers
Wall Assemblies Ceiling Assemblies ITS Design No. UW/FCA 120-01
Steel/Concrete wall assemblies Steel/concrete floor/ceiling •• 1-hour
complying with ASTM E119 and assemblies complying with ASTM
•• Up to 2" PEX
CAN/ULC-S101 have the E119 or CAN/ULC-S101 have the
following requirements. following requirements. ITS Design No. UW/FCA 120-02

Building Elements Building Elements •• 2-hour

Studs: 3 ⁄8" steel studs spaced
5
•• Concrete floor: Minimum slab •• Up to 2" PEX
maximum 24" O.C. thickness of 6½" QAI Design No. P321-1C
•• Gypsum wallboard: Minimum •• Steel Reinforcement: Various sized
•• 2-hour
one layer of 5⁄8" thick Type X Grade 40 or 60 steel bars located
as required by ACI-318 •• Up to 2" PEX
gypsum wallboard
•• Steel Joists: Minimum nominal QAI Design No. P321-1D
Pipe and Fittings
depth of 10" spaced maximum of •• 2-hour
•• Pipe: Maximum density of Uponor 6'-0" O.C.
PEX pipe is 4.85 lbs/ft (7.22 •• Up to 2" PEX
kg/m) of stud cavity. Approved •• Steel Floor: Minimum 1½"
QAI Design No. P321-1E
Uponor PEX pipes include: depth, 22 gauge uncoated
or galvanized fluted •• 2-hour
−− Uponor AquaPEX White
(up to 3") Pipe and Fittings •• Up to 2" PEX
•• Pipe: Maximum volume of UL Design No. K913
−− Uponor AquaPEX Red
Uponor PEX pipe is 14 cubic
(up to 1") •• 2-hour
inches per 1 cubic foot (8101
−− Uponor AquaPEX Blue cubic centimeters per 1 cubic •• Up to 2" PEX
(up to 1") meter). Approved Uponor PEX UL Design No. G524
−− Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed pipes include:
•• 2-hour
Water (up to 1") −− Uponor AquaPEX White
(up to 2") •• Up to 2" PEX
−− Pre-insulated Uponor
AquaPEX (up to 2" pipe with −− Uponor AquaPEX Red UL Design No. G573
1½" thick insulation) (up to 1") •• 2-hour
−− Wirsbo hePEX (up to 4") −− Uponor AquaPEX Blue •• Up to 2" PEX
•• Fittings: Maximum density of (up to 1")
Uponor ProPEX brass or EP −− Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed
fittings is 3.33 lbs (1.51 kg) Water (up to 1")
per stud cavity.
−− Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
Note: See assembly details for (up to 1" pipe)
more information.
−− Wirsbo hePEX (up to 2")
Assembly Numbers Note: See assembly details for
QAI Design No. P321-1A more information.
•• 1-hour
•• Up to 4" PEX
QAI Design No. P321-1G
•• 2-hour
•• Up to 4" PEX
UL Design No. V444
•• 1-hour
•• Up to 4" PEX
Note: Maximum size is available
through QAI.

20 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

 Wood-frame Assemblies (U.S.)
Multiport Tee Detail
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assembly (UL Design No. L557/QAI Design No. P321-1F)
Wood-stud Wall Assembly (UL Design No. U372/QAI Design No. P321-1B)

Maximum density of Uponor PEX pipe

is 4.85 lbs./ft. (7.22 kg/m) per cavity

• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")

• Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
(up to 2" pipe with 2" thick insulation)

Restricted-load bearing wood • Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed Water pipe

stud and gypsum wall assembly (up to 1")
Firestop listed to ASTM E814
(must be Uponor PEX pipe compatible)
Maximum density
of Uponor ProPEX
EP fittings is 3.33 lbs. Restricted load-bearing wood
(1.51 kg) per cavity joist floor/ceiling assembly with
maximum 2" Uponor PEX pipe

Optional concrete top pour

Figure 3-1: Multiport Tee Detail

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 21

 Fixture Detail 1
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assembly (UL Design No. L557/QAI Design No. P321-1F)
Wood-stud Wall Assembly (UL Design No. U372/QAI Design No. P321-1B)

Mid-story guide

Restricted load-bearing wood

Wood stud
stud and gypsum wall assembly

• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")

EP or metal drop-ear bend support, • Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
supported elbow or tee, (up to 2" pipe with 2" thick insulation)
or copper stub ell • Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed Water pipe
(up to 1")

Optional concrete top pour

Metal support clips required up
to 2" Uponor AquaPEX pipe
(clip spacing every 32")
Subfloor

½" through 2" Uponor AquaPEX pipe

Figure 3-2: Fixture Detail 1

Fixture Detail 2
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assembly (UL Design No. L557/QAI Design No. P321-1F)
Wood-stud Wall Assembly (UL Design No. U372/QAI Design No. P321-1B)

Wood stud

2 x 4 backing plate (typical)

Restricted load-bearing
wood stud and gypsum
EP or metal drop-ear bend support, wall assembly
supported elbow or tee, or
copper stub ell

½" or ¾" Uponor AquaPEX pipe

PVC, EP or metal bend support Optional concrete top pour

Fastener Subfloor

Figure 3-3: Fixture Detail 2

22 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

 Wood-frame Assemblies (Canada)
Multiport Tee Detail
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/FCA 60-01/QAI Design No. P321-1F)
Wood-stud Wall Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-02/QAI Design No. P321-1B)

Maximum density of Uponor PEX pipe

is 4.85 lbs./ft. (7.22 kg/m) per cavity

• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")

Restricted load-bearing wood • Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
stud and gypsum wall assembly (up to 2" pipe with 2" thick insulation)
• Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed Water pipe
(up to 1")
Maximum density of
Uponor ProPEX EP fittings
is 3.33 lbs. (1.51 kg) per cavity Firestop listed to CAN/ULC-S115
(must be Uponor PEX pipe compatible)

Restricted load-bearing wood

joist floor/ceiling assembly with
Optional concrete top pour maximum 2" Uponor PEX pipe

Figure 3-4: Multiport Tee Detail

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 23

 Fixture Detail 1
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/FCA 60-01/QAI Design No. P321-1F)
Wood-stud Wall Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-02/QAI Design No. P321-1B)

Mid-story guide
(Uponor AquaPEX pipe only)
Non-rated wall assembly or
CAN/ULC-S101 fire-rated wall
installed with Uponor AquaPEX pipe

• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")

• Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
EP or metal drop-ear bend support, (up to 2" pipe with 2" thick insulation)
supported elbow or tee, or
copper stub ell • Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed Water pipe
(up to 1")

Approved firestop system

per CAN/ULC-S115 (must be
For up to 1" Uponor AquaPEX, space
Uponor PEX pipe compatible)
clips every 16". For 1¼" to 2" Uponor
AquaPEX, space clips every 24". Optional concrete top pour

Figure 3-5: Fixture Detail 1

Fixture Detail 2
Wood-frame Floor/Ceiling Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/FCA 60-01/QAI Design No. P321-1F)
Wood-stud Wall Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-02/QAI Design No. P321-1B)

Wood stud

Backing plate (typical)

Restricted-load bearing wood
stud and gypsum wall assembly
EP or metal drop-ear bend support,
supported elbow or tee, or
copper stub ell

½" or ¾" Uponor AquaPEX pipe

PVC, EP or metal bend support Optional concrete top pour

Fastener Subfloor

Figure 3-6: Fixture Detail 2

24 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

 Concrete Assemblies (U.S.)
Multiport Tee Detail
Concrete Floor/Ceiling Assembly (UL Design No. K913/QAI Design No. P321-1D)
Steel-stud Wall Assembly (UL Design No. V444/QAI Design No. P321-1A)

Non load-bearing steel stud

and gypsum wall assembly

• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")

• Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX Maximum density of Uponor PEX

(up to 2" pipe with 2" thick insulation) pipe is 4.85 lbs./ft. per cavity
• Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed
Water pipe (up to 1") Firestop listed to ASTM E814 (must
be Uponor PEX pipe compatible)

Maximum density of
Restricted load-bearing
Uponor ProPEX EP fittings
floor/ceiling assembly with
is 3.33 lbs. (1.51 kg) per cavity
maximum 2" Uponor PEX pipe.

Maximum density of Uponor PEX pipe

is 14 cubic inches per 1 cubic foot of
concrete (with or without sleeving)

Figure 3-7: Multiport Tee Detail

Fixture Detail
Concrete Floor/Ceiling Assembly (UL Design No. K913/QAI Design No. P321-1D)
Steel-stud Wall Assembly (UL Design No. V444/QAI Design No. P321-1A)
Steel back plate (typical)

Non load-bearing steel stud

and gypsum wall assembly
Uponor EP or metal drop-ear
bend support, supported elbow
or tee, or copper stub ell ANSI/UL 263 slab listed with
Firestop listed to ASTM E814 Uponor AquaPEX pipe only.
requirements (must be Uponor (ANSI/UL Design No. K913)
AquaPEX compatible); firestop
required in ANSI/UL 263 wall

½" or ¾" Uponor AquaPEX pipe

(25 FS/50 SD)

Approved bend support

Figure 3-8: Fixture Detail

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 25

 Concrete Assemblies (Canada)
Multiport Tee Detail
Concrete Floor/Ceiling Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/FCA 120-02/QAI Design No. P321-1D)
Steel-stud Wall Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-01/QAI Design No. P321-1A)

Non load-bearing steel stud

and gypsum wall assembly

• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")

• Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
Maximum density of Uponor PEX pipe
(up to 2" pipe with 2" thick insulation)
is 4.85 lbs./ft. (4.22 kg/m) per cavity
• Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed
Water pipe (up to 1")

Firestop listed to CAN/ULC-S115

(must be Uponor PEX pipe compatible)

Maximum density of
Restricted load-bearing
Uponor ProPEX EP fittings
floor/ceiling assembly with
is 3.33 lbs. (1.51 kg) per cavity
maximum 2" Uponor PEX pipe

Maximum density of Uponor PEX pipe

is 14 cubic inches per 1 cubic foot of
concrete (with or without sleeving)

Figure 3-9: Multiport Tee Detail

Fixture Detail
Concrete Floor/Ceiling Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/FCA 120-02/QAI Design No. P321-1D)
Steel-stud Wall Assembly (ITS Design No. UW/WA 60-01/QAI Design No. P321-1A)

Steel back plate (typical)

Non load-bearing steel stud

and gypsum wall assembly
Uponor EP or metal drop-ear
bend support, supported elbow
or tee, or copper stub ell CAN/ULC-S101 concrete slab
rated with Uponor AquaPEX pipe
Approved firestop system
per CAN/ULC-S115 (must be
Uponor PEX pipe compatible)
½" or ¾" Uponor AquaPEX pipe

Approved bend support

Figure 3-10: Fixture Detail

26 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

ASTM E814 or conditions that have been tested and websites to easily research and find
CAN/ULC-S115 listed as a system per ASTM E814, CAN/ a listing that matches the specified type
Combustible and non-combustible ULC-S115 or ANSI/UL 1479. Listed fire of construction.
pipes penetrating a wall or floor/ceiling stop components include the penetrated
fire-rated assembly must include a substrates, penetrating item, penetration Fire Stopping Solutions
code-compliant means of passive fire hole, insulating materials, sealants and There is a wide range of fire stopping
protection. The function of a passive installation method. Deviation from solutions that have been tested
fire protection system, such as fire the listed fire assembly documentation and listed with PEX pipe; including
stopping, is to contain the fire within the severely compromises the effectiveness intumescent caulks, wrap strips,
area in which it started by preventing of the fire stop system. pass-through devices, collars and
the products of combustion (smoke, Fire assembly documentation and listings cast-in-place sleeves. Some fire stop
hot gasses and flames) from spreading shall be obtained from the selected fire manufacturers include, but are not
throughout the structure. stop solution manufacturer. Most of the limited to, 3M™, Hilti®, RectorSeal®,
fire stop manufacturers have system Passive Fire Protection Partners,
Effective fire stopping requires accurate Specified Technologies Inc., Holdrite®
adherence to a specific combination of selector tools or navigators on their
and ProSet Systems®.

The steps below show an example of Step Three

how to research and find a listed fire
Review the system matches for accuracy
stop assembly for PEX pipe.
and consider all available options. In
regards to fire listings
Step One
for pressure pipe applications,
Choose a fire stop solution
domestic water piping (Division 22,
manufacturer and consult their
Section 22 11 16) and hydronic piping
website or search the UL Online
(Division 23, Section 23 21 13) may be
Certifications Directory for
defined as being “closed” or “pressure”
applicable listings. (See Figure 3-11.) type systems. (See Figure 3-13 on the
following page.)
Step Two
Select the desired and specified
features of the through penetration
system. Defining the country of use,
assembly type, penetrating item, fire
stopping product and F rating of the
system may help refine search results.
(See Figure 3-12.)
Figure 3-11: UL Online Certifications Directory

Figure 3-12: Select Appropriate Features

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 27

 Max 2" SDR 9 PEX (closed only). U300, U400, or V400 series
3M™ Fire Barrier Sealant CP 25WB+ gypsum wallboard assemblies. Max. diameter of opening 11⁄2"
WL2547 1, 2 3M™ Fire Barrier Sealant IC 15WB+ UL larger than OD of penetrant. Point contact to max. 11⁄2" annular
3M™ Fire Barrier Water tight Sealant 3000 WT space. Concentric or eccentric installations. 1 & 2 hour F rating.
No mineral wool required.

Figure 3-13: Search Results

Step Four •• Penetration hole size and shape Refer to the respective firestop
Ensure the selected fire assembly •• Fire stop solution availability manufacturer for more information
document matches: pertaining to the appropriate
(See Figures 3-14, 3-15 and 3-16.)
application of their products. Be
•• Type of construction
Note: It may be desirable to select mindful of information stated in
•• F rating of assembly a fire stop product that can be used the published listings to ensure
•• Through penetrant defined as for other MEP system penetrations compliance during installation.
crosslinked polyethylene pipe or such as drain, waste and vent (DWV)
PEX pipe and conduit applications. This can
•• Range of pipe size being installed help ease coordination on the jobsite
during the fire stop installation.

System No. W-L-2547

Through Penetrations

August 04, 2009

F Ratings – 1 and 2 Hr (See Item 1)
T Ratings – 0 and 1-3/4 Hr (See Item 1)

System No. W-L-2547

Through Penetrations

August 04, 2009

F Ratings – 1 and 2 Hr (See Item 1)
T Ratings – 0 and 1-3/4 Hr (See Item 1)
Non-Metallic Pipes
2000 Series

1. Wall Assembly – The 1 and 2 hr fire rated gypsum board/stud wall assemblies shall be constructed of the materials and in the manner
specified in the individual U300, U400 or V400 Series Wall and Partition Designs in the UL Fire Resistance Directory and shall include the
following construction features:
A. Studs – Wall framing may consist of either wood studs or steel channel studs. Wood studs to consist of nom 2 by 4 in. (51 by 102 mm)
lumber spaced 16 in. (406 mm) OC. Steel studs to be min 3-1/2 in. (89 mm) wide and spaced max 24 in. (610 mm) OC.
B. Gypsum Board* – Thickness, type, number of layers and fasteners as required in the individual Wall and Partition Design. Diameter of
Non-Metallic Pipes

opening shall be 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) larger than the outside diam of tubing (Items 2).
The hourly F Rating of the firestop system is equal to the hourly fire rating of the wall assembly in which it is installed. The hourly T
Rating is 0 and 1-3/4 hr for 1 and 2 hr rated assemblies, respectively.
2. Crosslink Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing – Nom 2 in. (51 mm) diam (or smaller) SDR 9 PEX tubing for use in closed (process or supply)
piping system. Tubing installed concentrically or eccentrically within opening. Annular space between tubing and edge of opening to be min
0 in. to max 1-1/2 in. (38 mm). Tubing to be rigidly supported on both sides of wall assembly.
3. Fill, Void or Cavity Materials* – Caulk or Sealant – Min 5/8 in. (16 mm) thickness of fill material applied within the annulus, flush with
both surfaces of wall assembly. An additional min 1/2 in. (13 mm) bead of fill material applied at the tubing/gypsum board interface at point
contact location on both surfaces of wall assembly.
3M COMPANY
Gypsum

3M FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS – CP 25WB+, IC 15WB+ or FB-3000 WT

*Bearing the UL Classification Mark
Reprinted from the Online Certifications Directory with permission from Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Copyright © 2010 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.®
WL

3Fire Protection Products Product

Product
Support
Support
LineLine
3m.com/firestop W-L-2547 • 1 of 1 1-800-328-1687
1-800-328-1687

Figure 3-14: Fire Assembly Document Figure 3-15: Assembly Drawing

2000 Series

1. Wall Assembly – The 1 and 2 hr fire rated gypsum board/stud wall assemblies shall be constructed of the materials and in the manner
specified in the individual U300, U400 or V400 Series Wall and Partition Designs in the UL Fire Resistance Directory and shall include the
following construction features:
A. Studs – Wall framing may consist of either wood studs or steel channel studs. Wood studs to consist of nom 2 by 4 in. (51 by 102 mm)
lumber spaced 16 in. (406 mm) OC. Steel studs to be min 3-1/2 in. (89 mm) wide and spaced max 24 in. (610 mm) OC.
1. Wall Assembly — The 1 and 2 hr fire rated gypsum board/stud wall assemblies B. shallGypsum
be constructed
Board*of the materials
– Thickness, and
type, in theof
number manner specified
layers and in the
fasteners individuals
as required U300,
in the U400 or
individual V400
Wall andSeries Wall
Partition and Partition
Design. Diameter of
opening
Designs in the UL Fire Resistance Directory and shall include the following construction shall be 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) larger than the outside diam of tubing (Items 2).
features:
A. Studs — Wall framing may consist of either wood studs or steel channel studs.The Woodhourly F Rating
studs of the
to consist firestop
of nom 2 bysystem is equal
4 in. (51 by 102 tomm)
the hourly
lumberfire rating
spaced 16ofin.the wallmm)
(406 assembly in which
OC. Steel studsittoisbe
installed. Thein.
min 3-1/2 hourly T
(89 mm) wide and spaced max 24 in. (610 mm) OC. Rating is 0 and 1-3/4 hr for 1 and 2 hr rated assemblies, respectively.
2. Crosslink Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing – Nom 2 in. (51 mm) diam (or smaller) SDR 9 PEX tubing for use in
B. Gypsum Board* —Thickness, type, number of layers and fasteners as required in the individuals Wall and Partition Design. Diameter of opening shall be 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) larger than the outside diameter of closed (process or supply)
tubing (Items 2). piping system. Tubing installed concentrically or eccentrically within opening. Annular space between tubing and edge of opening to be min
0 in. to max 1-1/2 in. (38 mm). Tubing to be rigidly supported on both sides of wall assembly.
The hourly F Rating of the firestop system is equal to the hourly fire rating of the wall assembly in which it is install. The hourly T Rating is 0 and 1-3/4 hr for 1 and 2 hr rated assemblies,
3. Fill, Void or Cavity Materials* – Caulk or Sealant – Min 5/8 in. (16 mm) thickness of fill material applied within the annulus, flush with
respectively. both surfaces of wall assembly. An additional min 1/2 in. (13 mm) bead of fill material applied at the tubing/gypsum board interface at point
2. Crosslink Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing — Nom 2 in. (51 mm) diameter (or smaller) contactSDR 9 PEXontubing
location for use in
both surfaces ofclosed (process or supply) piping system. Tubing installed concentrically or eccentrically within
wall assembly.
opening. Annular space between tubing and edge of opening to be min 0 in. to max 1-1/2 in. (38 mm). Tubing to be rigidly supported on both sides of wall assembly.
3M COMPANY
Gypsum

3. Fill, Void or Cavity Materials* — Caulk or Sealant — Min 5/8 in. (16 mm) thickness 3M FIRE of fillPROTECTION
materials appliedPRODUCTS – CP 25WB+,
within the annulus, IC 15WB+
flush with or FB-3000
both surfaces WTassembly. An additional min 1/2 in. (13 mm) bead
of wall
of fill material applied at the tubing/gypsum board interface at point contact*Bearing
location the
on both surfaces of wall
UL Classification Markassembly.
3M COMPANY Reprinted from the Online Certifications Directory with permission from Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
3M FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS — CP25WB+, IC15WB+ OR FB-3000WT Copyright © 2010 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.®
*Bearing the UL Classification Mark

Reprinted from the Online Certifications Directory with permission from Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Copyright © 2010 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. ®

Figure 3-16: Assembly Criteria

WL

3Fire Protection Products Product

Product
Support
Support
LineLine
3m.com/firestop W-L-2547
Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant • 1 of 1
Construction — 1-800-328-1687
1-800-328-1687
uponorengineering.com
28
 Manufacturer
Assembly Types 3M™ Hilti® RectorSeal® STI
Wall Floor/Clg Wall Floor/Clg Wall Floor/Clg Wall Floor/Clg
PHV-120-04 F-C-2039 W-L-2186 F-C-2081 W-L-2342 F-C-2298 F-C-2319 F-C-2032
PHV-120-11 F-C-2240 W-L-2235 F-C-2230 W-L-2262 F-C-8015 W-L-2100 F-C-2252
W-L-2091 F-C-2343 W-L-2466 F-C-2310 W-L-2373 F-C-2329 W-L-2144 F-C-2319
W-L-2146 F-C-2344 W-L-2474 F-C-2334 W-L-2430 F-C-2212 W-L-2241 F-E-2003
W-L-2173 F-C-2391 F-C-8038 W-L-2526 W-L-2242
1-hour
W-L-2448 F-E-2002 F-C-8044 W-L-2121 W-L-2423
Wood-stud/steel-stud Assemblies

W-L-2483 F-E-2012 W-L-2209 W-L-2508

W-L-2543 F-E-2040 W-L-2528 W-L-2548
W-L-2547 PHV-120-04 W-L-2402 W-L-2549
W-L-7193
PHV-120-04 PHV-120-04 W-L-2186 F-C-2081 W-L-2342 W-L-2100
C-AJ-2510 W-L-2235 F-C-2310 W-L-2262 W-L-2144
PHV-120-11 W-L-2466 W-L-2373 W-L-2241
W-L-2090 W-L-2474 W-L-2430 W-L-2242
W-L-2091 W-L-2526 W-L-2423
2-hour
W-L-2146 W-L-2121 W-L-2508
W-L-2448 W-L-2209 W-L-2548
W-L-2483 W-L-2528 W-L-2549
W-L-2543 W-L-2402 W-L-7193
W-L-2547
C-AJ-2510 C-AJ-2510 C-AJ-2170 C-AJ-2170 W-J-2162 C-AJ-2628 W-J-2021 C-AJ-2031
C-AJ-2536 C-AJ-2536 C-AJ-2407 C-AJ-2407 W-J-2122 F-A-2171 W-J-2043 C-AJ-2140
PH-120-10 F-A-2115 C-AJ-2647 C-AJ-2647 W-J-2180 F-A-8033 W-J-2076 C-AJ-2291
PHV-120-04 PH-120-10 F-B-2040 W-J-2025 C-AJ-2701 W-J-2077 F-A-2186
Concrete Assemblies

2-hour PHV-120-11 PHV-120-04 F-B-2041 C-AJ-2628 W-J-2232 F-A-2225

C-AJ-2213 PHV-120-11 F-A-2142 C-AJ-2679 W-J-2233
C-AJ-2378 C-AJ-2076 W-J-2071 C-AJ-2701 W-J-5148
W-J-2231
W-J-2110
C-BJ-2028 C-BJ-2028 C-AJ-2176 C-AJ-2176 C-AJ-2578
3-hour C-BJ-2040 C-BJ-2040 F-A-2203
C-BJ-2041 C-BJ-2041 F-A-2204

Table 3-2: Fire Assemblies per Manufacturer

Note: This table is not meant to address every compatible fire assembly or firestop manufacturer. It is the end user’s responsibility
to ensure that the fire assembly documentation being used is approved and current for the specific application. Please refer to the
respective manufacturer’s website for detailed listing information.

Cast-in-place Sleeves
Several manufacturers offer cast-in-place sleeves, which provide floor/ceiling
penetrations in concrete slab applications. Some manufactures include:
•• Holdrite HydroFlame •• ProSet Systems •• Hilti
Refer to the respective manufacturer’s website for detailed product information.

Figure 3-17: Cast-in-place Sleeves

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 29
 ASTM E84 — QAI P321-1 QAI P321-1
Surface Burning ½" to ¾" Uponor PEX-a Up to and Including 3"
Characteristics (uninsulated) Uponor PEX-a (insulated)
As defined by the International Adjacent runs of uninsulated Uponor PEX-a piping manufactured
Building Code (IBC), combustible ½" to ¾" Uponor PEX-a piping with a maximum nominal OD of 3"
piping may be installed in areas in a return-air plenum must be and encased in a minimum ½" thick
required to be of noncombustible separated by 18". insulation in accordance with
construction, provided the piping is Table 3-5 shall have no limitation
installed in a wall or concrete-floor QAI P321-2 on spacing.
slab or the pipe has a flame-spread Up to and Including 3" Uponor
index (FS) rating of not more than 25 PEX-a Supported with Uponor
and a smoke-developed index (SD) PEX-a Pipe Support
rating of not more than 50 when See Chapter 6 for installation details.
tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Uponor PEX-a piping manufactured
with a maximum nominal outside
Uponor PEX-a piping systems
diameter (OD) of 3" and supported
comprised of Uponor PEX-a piping,
with Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support.
Uponor ProPEX Rings, Uponor EP
Pipe or fitting sections without PEX-a
fittings, Uponor LF brass fittings
Pipe Support must be covered with a
and Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support
rated insulation per Table 3-5. There
products are listed for installation
is no minimum length of PEX-a Pipe
in return-air plenums as tested in
Support segments. There are also no
accordance with ASTM E84.
spacing limitations between adjacent
The below listings apply to runs of this pipe.
Uponor PEX-a piping systems
installed in either horizontal or
vertical orientations in the field.
Refer to Table 3-3 for
installation requirements.

Classified as to Surface Burning Characteristics

ASTM E84 Flame Spread Smoke Developed Limitations

Nominal ⁄2" to ⁄4" size

1 3
25 or less 50 or less Adjacent pipe runs shall be located at
least 18" apart.
3" maximum nominal size Uponor 25 or less 50 or less Pipe or fitting sections without PEX-a
PEX-a Supported with Uponor Pipe Support must be covered with a
PEX-a Pipe Support rated insulation per Table 3-5. There
is no minimum length of PEX-a Pipe
Support segments.
3" maximum nominal size Uponor 25 or less 50 or less 1
⁄2" minimum thickness insulation as
PEX-a with 1⁄2" insulation specified in Table 3-5.

Table 3-3: Uponor AquaPEX ASTM E84 Requirements

30 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

 United States — ASTM E84

Minimum 18"
Clamp

½" through ¾"

Uponor PEX pipe

Figure 3-18: QAI P321-1

Guidelines: ½" through ¾" (uninsulated)
Limitations: Adjacent runs shall be located at least 18" apart.

No limitation Clamp
Minimum ½" 25/50
rated insulation
½" through 3"
Uponor PEX pipe

Figure 3-19: QAI P321-1

Guidelines: ½" through 3" (insulated)
Limitations: ½" minimum thickness insulation as specified in Table 3-3

No limitation
Clamp

½" through 3"

Uponor PEX pipe
Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support

Figure 3-20: QAI P321-2

Guidelines: ½" through 3" (PEX-a Pipe Support)
Pipe or fitting sections without PEX-a Pipe Support must be covered with a rated insulation per Table 3-5. There is no
minimum length of PEX-a Pipe Support segments.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 31

 CAN/ULC-S102.2 products are listed for installation QAI P321-1
— Surface Burning in return-air plenums as tested in Up to and including 3" Uponor
Characteristics accordance with CAN/ULC-S102.2. PEX (insulated)
As defined by the National Building The below listings apply to Uponor Uponor PEX piping manufactured
Code of Canada (NBCC), combustible PEX-a Piping Systems installed in with a maximum nominal OD of
piping may be installed in areas either horizontal or vertical orientations 3" and encased in ½" insulation in
required to be of noncombustible in the field. Refer to Table 3-4 for accordance with Table 3-4 shall have
construction, provided the piping installation requirements. no limitation on spacing.
is installed in a wall or concrete-floor
slab or the pipe has a flame-spread QAI P321-1 QAI P321-3
index (FS) rating of not more than ½" Uponor PEX-a (Uninsulated) Up to and Including 2" Uponor
25 and a smoke-developed index Adjacent runs of un-insulated ½" PEX-a (Water-filled, Uninsulated)
(SD) rating of not more than Uponor PEX-a piping in a return-air Adjacent runs of water-filled,
50 when tested in accordance plenum have no spacing limitations. uninsulated piping in a return-air
with CAN/ULC-S102.2. plenum have a no spacing limitations.
¾" and 1" Uponor PEX-a
Uponor PEX-a piping systems (Uninsulated)
comprised of Uponor PEX-a piping, Adjacent runs of uninsulated 3⁄4" and
Uponor ProPEX Rings, Uponor EP 1" Uponor PEX-a piping must be
fittings, Uponor LF brass fittings separated by 18".
and Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support

Classified as to Surface Burning Characteristics

CAN/ULC S102.2 Flame Spread Smoke Developed Limitations

1
⁄2" nominal size 25 or less 50 or less No spacing limitations.

⁄4" and 1" nominal sizes

3
25 or less 50 or less Adjacent pipe runs shall be located at least
18" apart.

2" maximum nominal size (water-filled) 25 or less 50 or less No spacing limitations.

3" maximum nominal size Uponor 25 or less 50 or less 1

⁄2" minimum thickness insulation as
PEX-a with 1⁄2" insulation specified in Table 3-5.

Table 3-4: Uponor AquaPEX CAN/ULC-S102.2 Requirements

32 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

 Canada — CAN/ULC-S102.2

No limitation
Clamp

½" Uponor PEX pipe

(uninsulated)

Figure 3-21: QAI P321-1

Guidelines: ½" (uninsulated)
Limitations: No spacing limitations.

Minimum 18"
Clamp

¾" and 1"

Uponor PEX pipe
(uninsulated)

Figure 3-22: QAI P321-1

Guidelines: 3⁄4" and 1" (uninsulated)
Limitations: Adjacent pipe runs shall be located at least 18" apart.

No limitation
Clamp

½" through 2"

Uponor PEX pipe
(water-filled, uninsulated)

Figure 3-23: QAI P321-3

Guidelines: ½" through 2" (water-filled)
Limitations: No spacing limitations

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 33

 Canada — CAN/ULC-S102.2

No limitation Clamp
Minimum ½" 25/50
rated insulation
½" through 3"
Uponor PEX pipe
(insulated)

Figure 3-24: QAI P321-1

Guidelines: ½" through 3" (insulated)
Limitations: ½" minimum thickness insulation as specified in Table 3-5

34 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com

Underwriters Laboratories Uponor PEX piping (up to 4") Installation Criteria
(UL) 2846 carries the UL 2846 Standard for Piping must be covered with a
Until recently, piping materials Fire Test of Plastic Water Distribution minimum ½" thick, UL-classified pipe
were to be tested under the Plumbing Pipe for Visible Flame and and equipment covering material as
ASTM E84 method, which was Smoke Characteristics. described on the marking.
originally developed to test building Approved Uponor PEX pipes include:
construction components. The UL
2846 test method was developed •• Uponor AquaPEX (up to 3")
specifically for plastic piping materials •• Wirsbo hePEX (up to 4")
to test flame and smoke development.

Specifications for Pipe Insulations in ASTM E84 and CAN/ULC-S102.2 Applications

ASTM E84 and CAN/ULC-S102.2 Density of

Products (minimum thickness)
Flame Spread Smoke Developed Insulation

⁄2" Manson Alley-K Fiberglass Pipe Insulation

1
25 or less 50 or less 4.0 pcf
⁄2" Armaflex Composite Pipe Insulation
1
25 or less 50 or less 3.0 pcf
⁄2" Johns Manville Micro-Lok Fiberglass Pipe Insulation
1
25 or less 50 or less 3.3 pcf
⁄2" Johns Manville Micro-Lok HP
1
25 or less 50 or less 3.5 pcf
⁄2" Owens Corning VaporWick Pipe Insulation
1
25 or less 50 or less 4.0 pcf
⁄2" Owens Corning Fiberglass Pipe Insulation
1
25 or less 50 or less 3.5 pcf
⁄2" Knauf Earthwool Redi-Klad Pipe Insulation
1
25 or less 50 or less 3.8 pcf
⁄2" GLT Pipe and Tank Insulation
1
25 or less 50 or less 4.5 pcf
⁄2" Nomalock Pipe Insulation*
1
25 or less 50 or less 4.0 pcf

Table 3-5: Specifications for Pipe Insulations in ASTM E84 and CAN/ULC-S102.2 Applications
*Check the rated grade of Nomalock insulations for plenum use.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction 35

36 Chapter 3 – Fire-resistant Construction — uponorengineering.com
Chapter 4::
Pipe Sizing
Standard Dimension Ratio ASTM F876 Temperature and Pressure Ratings for SDR9 PEX
Standard dimension ratio (SDR)
is a term used in describing the Rated Hydrostatic Design Pressure Rating
Temperature (˚F) Stress (psi) for Water (psi)
size of PEX piping — it is the
conceptual equivalent of a pipe 73.4 630 160
schedule. Dimension ratio (DR) is
180 400 100
the average outside diameter (OD)
of PEX piping divided by its 200 315 80
minimum wall thickness. Table 4-1: ASTM F876 Temperature and Pressure Ratings for SDR9 PEX
Temperature and Pipe Sizing an Uponor smoother than new copper pipe. This
Pressure Ratings AquaPEX Plumbing System smoothness means it can be designed
Temperature and pressure ratings at higher velocities, thus reducing
Uponor AquaPEX® pipe is
for PEX piping are determined by the difference in flow characteristics
manufactured to have an outside
the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) as between PEX-a and copper (resulting
diameter (OD) equal to copper tube
required by the ASTM F876 standard. from PEX-a’s smaller ID).
size (CTS) dimensions and a wall
The minimum burst pressure per To calculate pressure loss for an
thickness with a standard dimension
F876 is 480 psi at 73°F (22.7°C) for Uponor AquaPEX Plumbing system,
ratio (SDR) of 9 (i.e., wall thickness
½" PEX and 475 psi at 73°F (22.7°C) refer to the Uponor PEX Friction
is one-ninth the pipe OD.)
for ¾" and larger PEX. Loss Tables which can be found
Due to the thickness of PEX, which
Note that Uponor PEX pipe can starting in Appendix B or online
provides superior insulation and
withstand burst pressures up to 800 at uponorpro.com in Technical
durability characteristics, the
psi at 73°F (22.7°C) without failure, Support/Manuals/Plumbing.
inside diameter (ID) of Uponor
so designers can feel comfortable
AquaPEX pipe is slightly smaller
designing Uponor PEX pipe up to
than that of copper pipe.
its maximum temperature and
However, Uponor PEX is three times
pressure limits.
To start the evaluation, pipes of all
sizes are empirically tested to ASTM
D2837 to determine the hydrostatic
design basis (HDB); this test method
is used for all polyethylene-based
piping. That data is then multiplied
by 0.5 design factor to determine
the hydrostatic design stress (HDS).
The HDS is then run through an
ISO equation (ISO R-161-1690)
to determine the temperature and
pressure limits of the pipe.

s
SDR = D/s
D = Outside
D

ISO Equation 2S/P=R-1
Where S= HDS, P= psi, R= SDR

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 37

 C C
A - Flow path

29% LARGER I.D.

70% GREATER flow
B - Internal
diameter 1

1
W hen comparing 1" F1960 engineered polymer (EP) with F2159 plastic fittings.
ProPEX ASTM F1960 ASTM F1807/
and CAN/CSA B137.5
8 7 6 5 F2159 4 3 2

Expansion Fitting Insert Fitting

3x P1110502-AA "Date Code" 2.3 REF
D
"Supplier ID"
D
"Country
of Origin"

Uponor ProPEX Cold-expansion Fitting Standard Insert (Crimp) Fitting

2x R.050 ASTM F1960 Brass BACK SIDE MARKINGS

ASTM F1960 EP
ÿ .485 ±.010 3x .04
ASTM F1807 Brass ASTM F2159 Plastic
DETAIL

0.112 sq. inches 0.116 sq. inches 0.096 sq. inches 0.078 sq. inches
C
1
⁄2" 2.8 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 2.9 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. C
2.4 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 1.9 gpm @ 8 ft./sec.
4.2 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 4.4 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 3.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 2.9 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.

0.278 sq. inches 0.273 sq. inches 0.221 sq. inches 0.166 sq. inches
3
⁄4" 6.9 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 6.8 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 5.5 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 4.1 gpm @ 8 ft./sec.
10.4 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 10.2 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 8.3 gpm @ 12 ft.sec. 6.2 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.
B B

0.496 sq. inches 0.488 sq. inches 0.396 sq. inches 0.292 sq. inches
1" 12.4 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 12.2 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 9.9 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 7.3 gpm @ 8 ft./sec.
18.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 18.2 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 14.8 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 10.9 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.

0.724 sq. inches REVISIONS

UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
0.739 sq. inches
WIRSBO COMPANY
CAD GENERATED DRAWING,
DO NOT MANUALLY UPDATE
0.595 sq. inches
5925 148TH STREET WEST
21.8 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 18.4 gpm @ 8 APPLE
ft./sec. 14.8 gpm @ 8 ft./sec.
TOLERANCES ARE:

11⁄ " Not Available

LETTER ECO # DATE .X ± .06 DO NOT SCALE DRAWING
VALLEY, MN 55124
A 4
SECTION A-A AA NO PRINT
.XX
.XXX
± .01
± .005 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
PHONE (952) 891 - 2000
DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF A
32.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 27.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 22.2 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.
ANGLES ± 1∞ UPONOR WIRSBO. ANY REPRODUCTION
FAX (952) 891 - 1246
A
AB APV20650 08/10/05 SURFACE FINISH UNLESS IN PART OR WHOLE WITHOUT THE
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF UPONOR
AC APV20718 09/06/06 OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: WIRSBO IS PROHIBITED.
NOTES: MACH./ MOLDED 125 SSC EP TEE,
APPROVALS DATE
1/2" PEX x 1/2" PEX x 1/2" PEX
Flow Path
DRILLED 250
DRAWN BY
1. RADIUS ALL CORNERS .005 - .015, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED OTHER 250 REV.

0.923 sq. inches 0.923 sq. inches P4755050 0.817 sq. inches
SIZE PART NO.
ALP 07/21/05
MATERIAL
ACUDEL 22000 A AC
2. REGRIND NOT ALLOWED AC APPROVED BY
BK937 LDH 09/11/06 SCALE - CAD FILE: P4755050 SHEET OF
8 7
1 ⁄2"
1 6
23.0 gpm5 @ 8 ft./sec.
4
23.0
3
gpm @2 8 ft./sec. 20.4 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. Not Available
34.5 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 34.5 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 30.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.

1.877 sq. inches 1.730 sq. inches 1.463 sq. inches

2" 47.1 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 43.1 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 36.5 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. Not Available
70.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 64.7 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 54.7 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.

3.110 sq. inches 2.688 sq. inches

21⁄2" 77.6 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 67.0 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. Not Available Not Available
116.3 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 100.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.
4.562 sq. inches 3.871 sq. inches
3" 113.8 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. 96.5 gpm @ 8 ft./sec. Not Available Not Available
170.6 gpm @ 12 ft./sec. 144.8 gpm @ 12 ft./sec.
1
⁄2" 0.378" 0.385" 0.350" 0.315"
3
⁄4" 0.595" 0.590" 0.530" 0.460"
1" 0.795" 0.788" 0.710" 0.610"
B
Minimum 11⁄4" 0.960" 0.970" 0.870" Not Available
Internal 11⁄2" 1.084" 1.084" 1.020" Not Available
Diameter
2" 1.550" 1.484" 1.365" Not Available
21⁄2" 1.990" 1.850" Not Available Not Available
3" 2.410" 2.220" Not Available Not Available

Table 4-2: Uponor ProPEX Fittings vs. Standard Insert (Crimp) Fittings

Note: Refer to Table C-1 in Appendix C for an equivalent length comparison.

38 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com

 Uniform Friction fixture working pressure.
U.S. Pipe Sizing Loss Method •• Static loss (height in ft. of the
For sizing an Uponor AquaPEX For larger systems, the most common highest fixture outlet above
Plumbing System in residential and method of pipe sizing is the uniform the supply source)
light commercial buildings in the friction loss method. This method •• Additional component loss
U.S., use the fixture unit tables for utilizes the pipe material’s specific (total pressure loss in psi of the
determining pipe size as published flow characteristics in conjunction following system components —
in the model plumbing codes. with velocity sizing criteria (see water meter, filters, softeners,
To support this pipe sizing practice, Appendix B for Uponor PEX Friction backflow prevention devices
Uponor consulted with the Loss Tables). and pressure regulators)
International Code Council (ICC) The following examples illustrate
and the International Association how to employ the uniform friction
Step Two
of Plumbing and Mechanical loss method. Calculate the total developed length
Officials (IAPMO) by means of (TDL) of the system and divide the
an evaluation report (ER) to To simplify the uniform friction loss
available pressure for friction
substantiate their approvals. method when sizing an Uponor
loss (calculated in Figure 4-1) by
AquaPEX Plumbing System, use
The following ER numbers endorse the TDL to determine the friction loss
Uponor’s pipe sizing calculator at
the use of the 2012 UPC Table 610.4 per foot or per 100 feet of pipe.
uponorpro.com/calculator.
(see page 46) (or 2009-prior UPC (See Figure 4-2.)
Table 6-6) and 2015-prior IPC Step One Designer must know the following:
Table E201.1 (see pages 47-48) Perform a building water supply
for pipe sizing an Uponor AquaPEX •• Longest run to fixture (total linear
calculation to determine how much
Plumbing System. feet of piping from water meter
pressure is available for friction
or supply source to the most
•• IAPMO ER-0253 loss through the pipe and fittings.
hydraulically demanding fixture)
(See Figure 4-1.)
•• ICC ES PMG 1006 •• Fitting allowance (percentage of
Designer must know the following: longest run piping that represents
Canada Pipe Sizing friction loss through fittings and
•• Pressure available at building
For sizing an Uponor AquaPEX (minimum static pressure valves along critical path, typically
Plumbing System in residential high- available before water meter or between 20 and 50 percent for an
rise and small commercial buildings in after hydro-pneumatic tank/ Uponor AquaPEX system)
Canada, use Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A booster-pump system) N
 ote: Alternatively, the designer
(see page 49) and other applicable can add up equivalent-length
•• Minimum fixture working pressure
sections within the 2010 National losses of fittings and valves along
(minimum pressure required at
Plumbing Code of Canada (NPCC). the critical path and add to the
farthest fixture outlet)
Note: Be sure to select the most longest run footage.
demanding fixture in the farthest
fixture group (i.e., bathtub).
Refer to local code for minimum

Figure 4-1: Building Water Supply Calculation

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 39

 Step Three •• Maximum velocity of each pipe Step Four
Develop water size charts for each material per water temperature Apply the appropriate water size chart
pipe material and water temperature. •• Table approved by the local to the plumbing design. Calculate
(See Figures 4-3 and 4-4.) authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) WSFU demand per pipe segment by
or referenced plumbing code table adding all the WSFUs of the fixtures
Designer must know the following:
for converting gallons per minute being supplied by that pipe segment.
•• Pipe materials being designed and (GPM) to water supply fixture (See Figure 4-5.)
range of sizes for each system units (WSFU)
•• Supply and return design •• If the domestic cold-water system
water temperatures demand is predominately flush
Note: For commercial systems, valve or flush tank WSFU
size domestic hot-water return
piping per the requirements stated
in ASPE Plumbing Engineering
Design Handbook, Volume 2,
Plumbing Systems

Figure 4-2: Determine the Friction Loss Per Foot (or Per 100 Feet) of Pipe

Figure 4-3: System Parameters

40 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com

Uponor AquaPEX Domestic Hot-water Piping Domestic Hot-water Return Piping
Design Parameters •• Maximum velocity of •• Maximum velocity of 2 ft./sec.
Domestic Cold-water Piping 12 ft./sec. through pipe through pipe

•• Maximum velocity of •• Recommended velocity of •• Max. operating temperature of

12 ft./sec. through pipe 8 ft./sec. through pipe 140°F (60°C)

•• Recommended velocity of •• Maximum operating •• Sized per the requirements

10 ft./sec. through pipe temperature of 200°F (93.3°C) stated in ASPE Plumbing
Engineering Design Handbook,
Volume 2, Plumbing Systems

Note: Uponor allows the dedicated fixture supply pipe to be of the same nominal size as the fixture being supplied,
provided the dedicated pipe is no longer than 25 linear feet from a uniform-friction-loss-sized pipe.
Note: Uponor allows the use of ½" pipe for domestic hot-water return piping provided a flow-control device is in place
to maintain velocities at or below 2 ft./sec. Refer to Table 5-8 on page 58 for appropriate flow rates at 2 ft./sec.
To determine the maximum velocities based on the use, geographical region and intended operating conditions
for your specific project, contact Uponor Design Services at:
U.S.: 888.594.7726 or [email protected]
Canada: 888.994.7726 or [email protected]

Figure 4-4: Water Size Chart

15 FU 15 FU 15 FU
8 FU 8 FU 8 FU

75 FU 60 FU 45 FU 30 FU
Flow
40 FU 32 FU 24 FU 16 FU
2" CW 1½" CW 1½" CW 1¼" CW 1" CW
1½" HW 1¼" HW 1¼" HW 1" HW ¾" HW
15 FU 15 FU
8 FU 8 FU

Figure 4-5: Apply Water Size Chart to Plumbing Design

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 41

 Friction Loss with 1
[ ]
E/D
The following shows a 2.51
—– = -2. log —–– + ———–
Uponor PEX Piping Darcy-Weisbach equation √—ƒ 3.7 Re √ ƒ
There are two commonly accepted l V2
hƒ = ƒ •— • — Where,
methods to calculate head loss or
D 2g
friction loss in piping systems. The ƒ = diminesionless friction factor
first method, which is preferred and Where,
D = internal pipe diameter (ft)
will be discussed in this manual, is
hƒ = head loss due to friction (ft)
the Darcy-Weisbach methodology. E = internal roughness (ft)
The second method is the Hazen- ƒ = diminesionless friction factor
The roughness of Uponor
Williams methodology.
l = length of pipe (ft) PEX-a pipe is 1.58 × 10-6 ft.
Darcy-Weisbach Method D = internal pipe diameter (ft) pVD
Re = Reynolds Number = ——
The Darcy-Weisbach equation is a µ
V = average velocity (ft/sec)
phenomenological equation, which Where,
is directly related to empirical test g = acceleration due to
D = internal pipe diameter (ft)
data. This method relates friction in gravity ft lb
piping to the roughness of the pipe, ( ——2 ) p = fluid density ( —–— )
sec  ft 3
fluid velocity, fluid density (water All the parameters in the equation V = average velocity (ft/sec)
temperature) and fluid viscosity are functions of system design and lb • sec
without leveraging correction factors. μ = dynamic viscosity ( —–––––––— )
layout except for the dimensionless ft 2
This is the same for systems using friction factor, ƒ. The friction factor
different concentrations of fluids ƒ is derived using the Colebrook
(e.g., propylene glycol). formula which represents ƒ implicitly.

Since the Colebrook formula is an implicit formula, many approximations have been derived to explicitly represent
the friction factor. Using the Manadilli approximation yields a very small error with respect to the Colebrook equation.
In fact, the maximum error is up to 2.06 percent. The Manadilli approximation shown below is used for all Uponor
pipe head loss calculations.

[ )]
1 1 2
ƒ = -2•log ( E + 95 – 96.82
3.7•D Re0.983 Re

The friction factor can also be found by using a standard Moody Diagram. The Moody Diagram is a function of
the Reynolds number and the ratio between pipe roughness and internal diameter. Below is a Moody Diagram
created for PEX pipe.

Moody Diagram for ASTM PEX by Pipe Size — Manadilli Approximation

Reynolds Number - Re
1E+03 1E+04 1E+05 1E+06 1E+07 1E+08
0.2 ¼"
5⁄16"
⅜"

½"
Friction Factor - f

⅝"

¾"
0.01
1"

1¼"

1½"

2"

2½"

0.001

Figure 4-6: Moody Diagram for ASTM PEX by Pipe Size

• Text for Hydronic Design Process
42 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com
The Uponor Hydronic Design Process

Sizing hydronic piping systems is often done in a very traditional manner by using head
 After finding the friction factor, incorporate it into the Darcy-Weisbach equation to calculate head loss in the pipe.
This calculation method yields less than 1 percent error when compared to NSF empirical test data. The following graph
shows the correlation between Uponor PEX friction loss using the Darcy-Weisbach method versus the NSF test data.

Pressure Differential
10
9
8
Pressure Differential - ft

7
6
5
NSF Test P (ft)
4
Calculated P (ft)
3
2
1
0
0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00
Pipe Size - Nominal
Figure 4-7: Friction Loss Comparing Darcy-Weisbach vs. NSF Test Data

Hazen-Williams Method
The Hazen-Williams method is However, correlation with test data is Since its development, additional
another method for sizing PEX. much more limited. This formulation temperature correction and fluid
However, it is not preferred by Uponor set was derived for fire sprinkler correction factors have been
(especially for heating and cooling design and large water supply established. However, results
system sizing). Like the Darcy- networks with 3" and larger piping. can show significant error when
Weisbach formula, this formulation It is also strictly for 100 percent compared to test data.
is also based on empirical relationships water and does not account for
with water flowing through pipes. temperature and fluid viscosity.
The following equation shows the Hazen-Williams method.

100
hƒ = 0.2083 • –––––
C ( ) 1.852 q1.852
• ––––4.8655
D
–––––

Where,
ft
hƒ = head loss due to friction per 100 ft ––––––water
–––––––
100 ftpipe ( )
C = Hazen-Williams roughness constant
The Hazen-Williams roughness constant for Uponor PEX-a is 163.
q = volumetric flow rate (gpm)
D = internal pipe diameter (in)

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 43

 Comparing Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams
NSF performed testing to calculate the friction loss of Uponor PEX pipe and Uponor ProPEX fittings. The testing allowed
Uponor to analyze empirical test data and compare it with the Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams methods.
The following graph illustrates the comparison.

Percent Error from Test Data

30% Darcy-Weisbach % Difference from Test
25%
Darcy-Weisbach Average Error from Test
20%
15% Hazen-Williams % Difference from Test
10% Hazen-Williams Average Error from Test
5%
0%
-5%
-10%
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Pipe Size - Nominal
Figure 4-8: Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams Comparison

The Y axis represents the percent error from the test data; the X axis represents nominal pipe size. The graph shows
the average error when using the Darcy-Weisbach method is less than 1 percent when compared to the test data.
The Hazen-Williams method, however, yields an 18 percent average error compared to the test data.
Note: The test was performed with 70°F (21.1°C), 100 percent water.

Friction Loss of Fittings For example, a fitting with a Cv of The second method uses equivalent
There are two commonly accepted 5.0 would flow 5.0 gpm at a 1 psi lengths. Uponor has created charts
methods when analyzing pressure loss pressure drop across the fitting. Since for both equivalent length and Cv.
or head loss of fittings. The first and Cv is a function of flow rate versus The equivalent lengths were
preferred method uses Cv values to pressure drop, it yields an accurate developed using a flow velocity
precisely calculate fitting losses. The representation of fitting friction loss. of 8 fps.
Cv value represents how many gallons
per minute (gpm) can flow through
a fitting at 1 psi pressure drop.

44 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com

The Cv Method for Calculating Friction Loss
Cv is a function of flow rate versus pressure drop across the fitting. It also accounts for the density of the fluid.
Refer to the following friction loss calculation using the Cv method.

( )( )
2
Pƒ
∆P = –––– F
––––
Pw Cv
Where,
∆P = pressure drop across the fitting (psi)

( )
Pƒ = fluid denisty ––lb––3
ft 

Pw = density of water at 60°F ––lb––3

ft  ( )
The density of water at 60°F (15.6°C) is 62.38 pounds per cubic foot.
F = volumetric flow rate through the fitting (gpm)
Cv = known Cv rating of the fitting
This calculation yields a value in pounds per square inch which, for hydronic sizing,
needs to be converted to feet of head as 100 percent water.
The conversion to feet of water is shown below.
144in 2 • ∆P
hƒ = ––––––––––––––––
1ft 3• Pƒ
Where,
hƒ = head loss due to friction across the fitting (ft)

( )
Pƒ = fluid denisty ––lb––3
ft 
∆P = pressure drop across the fitting (psi)
This value can be cumulatively added to the values from the other fittings in
the distribution line to calculate the total loss for the fittings in the system.

Example 2
For a given elbow with a Cv of 6.7 and a flow rate of 3.5 gpm at a water temperature
of 160°F (71.1°C), what is the friction loss of the fitting (in feet)?
Assuming the fluid is 100 percent water, here is the calculation.
lb
Pƒ = 60.99 ––––
ft 3
F = 3.5 gpm
Cv = 6.7

( )(
lb

( )( ) 60.99 –––
)
2
Pƒ F ft 3 3.5 gpm 2
∆P = ––– ––– = –––––––––– –––––––– = 0.267 psi
Pw Cw lb
62.38 –– –3 6.7
ft 
Note: To make the units work in the Cv formula, it must be assumed the Cv has the units of gpm and
the result multiplied by 1 psi.
With the pressure differential known, the value found can be converted to head loss in feet as seen below.

144in 2 • ∆P 144in 2 • 0.267 psi

hƒ = –––––––––––– = –––––––––––––––––––– = 0.63 ft
1ft 2 • Pƒ lb–
1ft 2 •60.99 –– 
ft 3

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 45

 UPC Table 610.4
WaTer SuPPlY and diSTribuTion
Tables taken from IAPMO ER 0253

Table 610.4
fiXTure uniT Table for deTerMining WaTer PiPe and MeTer SizeS
building MaXiMuM alloWable lengTh
MeTer and (feet)
SuPPlY
STreeT
and
ServiCe
branCheS 40 60 80 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
(inches)
(inches)

PreSSure range – 30 to 45 psi1

3
⁄4 1
⁄22 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3
⁄4 3
⁄4 16 16 14 12 9 6 5 5 4 4 3 2 2 2 1
3
⁄4 1 29 25 23 21 17 15 13 12 10 8 6 6 6 6 6
1 1 36 31 27 25 20 17 15 13 12 10 8 6 6 6 6
3
⁄4 11⁄4 36 33 31 28 24 23 21 19 17 16 13 12 12 11 11
1 11⁄4 54 47 42 38 32 28 25 23 19 17 14 12 12 11 11
11⁄2 11⁄4 78 68 57 48 38 32 28 25 21 18 15 12 12 11 11
1 11⁄2 85 84 79 65 56 48 43 38 32 28 26 22 21 20 20
11⁄2 11⁄2 150 124 105 91 70 57 49 45 36 31 26 23 21 20 20
2 11⁄2 151 129 129 110 80 64 53 46 38 32 27 23 21 20 20
1 2 85 85 85 85 85 85 82 80 66 61 57 52 49 46 43
11⁄2 2 220 205 190 176 155 138 127 120 104 85 70 61 57 54 51
2 2 370 327 292 265 217 185 164 147 124 96 70 61 57 54 51
2 21⁄2 445 418 390 370 330 300 280 265 240 220 198 175 158 143 133
PreSSure range – 46 to 60 psi1
3
⁄4 1 2 7 7 6 5 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
⁄2
3
⁄4 3
⁄4 20 20 19 17 14 11 9 8 6 5 4 4 3 3 3
3
⁄4 1 39 39 36 33 28 23 21 19 17 14 12 10 9 8 8
1 1 39 39 39 36 30 25 23 20 18 15 12 10 9 8 8
3
⁄4 11⁄4 39 39 39 39 39 39 34 32 27 25 22 19 19 17 16
1 11⁄4 78 78 76 67 52 44 39 36 30 27 24 20 19 17 16
11⁄2 11⁄4 78 78 78 78 66 52 44 39 33 29 24 20 19 17 16
1 11⁄2 85 85 85 85 85 85 80 67 55 49 41 37 34 32 30
11⁄2 11⁄2 151 151 151 151 128 105 90 78 62 52 42 38 35 32 30
2 11⁄2 151 151 151 151 150 117 98 84 67 55 42 38 35 32 30
1 2 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 83 80
11⁄2 2 370 370 340 318 272 240 220 198 170 150 135 123 110 102 94
2 2 370 370 370 370 368 318 280 250 205 165 142 123 110 102 94
2 21⁄2 654 640 610 580 535 500 470 440 400 365 335 315 285 267 250
PreSSure range – over 60 psi1
3
⁄4 2 7 7 7 6 5 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 0
1
⁄2
3
⁄4 3
⁄4 20 20 20 20 17 13 11 10 8 7 6 6 5 4 4
3
⁄4 1 39 39 39 39 35 30 27 24 21 17 14 13 12 12 11
1 1 39 39 39 39 38 32 29 26 22 18 14 13 12 12 11
3
⁄4 11⁄4 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 34 28 26 25 23 22 21
1 11⁄4 78 78 78 78 74 62 53 47 39 31 26 25 23 22 21
11⁄2 11⁄4 78 78 78 78 78 74 65 54 43 34 26 25 23 22 21
1 11⁄2 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 81 64 51 48 46 43 40
11⁄2 11⁄2 151 151 151 151 151 151 130 113 88 73 51 51 46 43 40
2 11⁄2 151 151 151 151 151 151 142 122 98 82 64 51 46 43 40
1 2 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85
11⁄2 2 370 370 370 370 360 335 305 282 244 212 187 172 153 141 129
2 2 370 370 370 370 370 370 370 340 288 245 204 172 153 141 129
2 21⁄2 654 654 654 654 654 650 610 570 510 460 430 404 380 356 329
For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force per square inch = 6.8947 kPa
Notes:
1
Available static pressure after head loss.
2
Building supply, not less than 3⁄4 of an inch (20 mm) nominal size.

106 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing

uniforM PluMbing Code
— uponorengineering.com
46
IPC Table E201.1
Tables taken from ICC-ES-PMG 1006

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 47

 IPC Table E201.1
Tables taken from ICC-ES-PMG 1006

48 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com

NPCC Table A-2.6.3.1(2)A
Tables taken from NPCC
Addition of 3.65 m/s (12 fps) flow velocity to Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A of the National Plumbing Code of Canada, 2010

Current Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A, Pressure Range 200-310 kPa

Water  Maximum Allowable Length, meters 
Service  Water  12  18  24  30  46  61  76  91  122  152  183  213  244  274  305 
Pipe  Distribution 
Size  Pipe Size  Number of Fixture Units Served 
in.  in.  Flow Velocity, m/s:  3.0  2.4  1.5 
Pressure Range  200  to  310  kPa 
3/4  1/2  6  5  4 3 2 1  0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
3/4  5/8  12  10  9 7 5 3  3 3  2 2 1 1 1 1 0 
3/4  3/4  18  16  14 12 9 6  5 5  4 4 3 2 2 2 1 
1  1  36  31  27 25 20 17  15 13  12 10 8 6 6 6 6 
1‐1/2  1‐1/4  83  68  57 48 38 32  28 25  21 18 15 12 12 11 11 
1‐1/2  1‐1/2  151  124  105 91 70 57  49 45  36 31 26 23 21 20 20 
2  1‐1/2  151  151  132 110 80 64  53 46  38 32 27 23 21 20 20 
2  2  359  329  292 265 217 185  164 147  124 96 70 61 57 54 51 
2‐1/2  2‐1/2  445  418  390 370 330 300  280 265  240 220 198 175 158 143 133 

Modified Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A, Pressure Range 200-310 kPa

Water  Maximum Allowable Length, meters 
Service  Water  12  18  24  30  46  61  76  91  122  152  183  213  244  274  305 
Pipe  Distribution 
Size  Pipe Size  Number of Fixture Units Served 
in.  in.  Flow Velocity, m/s:  3.65  3.0  2.4  1.5 
Current Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A, Pressure Range 311-413 kPa
Water  Pressure Range  200  to  310  kPa  Maximum Allowable Length, meters 
Service 
3/4  Water 
1/2  12 6  18 5  24 4 30 3 46  2 61  1 76  0 91  0  122  0  152 0 183 0  213 0 244 0  274 0 305 0 
Pipe  Distribution 
3/4  5/8  12  10  9 7 5 3 3 3  2  2 1  1 1  1 0 
Size 
3/4  Pipe Size 
3/4  18  16  14 12 9 Number of Fixture Units Served 
6 5 5  4  4 3  2 2  2 1 
in.  in.  Flow Velocity, m/s:  3.0  2.4  1.5 
1  1  42  31  27 25 20 17 15 13  12  10 8  6 6  6 6 
1‐1/2 Pressure Range 
1‐1/4  311 
89  to 
68  413 
57 kPa 48 38 32 28 25  21  18 15  12 12  11 11 
3/4 
1‐1/2  ½ 
1‐1/2  163 8  125 7  1056 915 704 573 2
49 2 
45  1
36  1
31 1 
26  230 0
21  200  20 0 
3/4 
2  5/8 
1‐1/2  13 
194  13 
159  12
132 11
110 809 647 5
53 5 
46  3
38  3
32 2 
27  232 1
21  201  20 1 
3/4 
2  ¾ 
2  21 
465  21 
357  19
295 17
265 14
217 11
185 9
164 8 
147  6
124  5
96 4 
70  614 3
57  543  51 3 
1 
2‐1/2  1 
2‐1/2  42 
510  42 
439  41
395 36
370 30
330 25
300 23
280 20 
265  18
240  15
220 12 
198  10
175 9
158  1438  133 8 
1‐1/2  1‐1/4  83  83  83 83 66 52 44 39  33 29 24  20 19 17  16 
1‐1/2  1‐1/2  151  151  151 151 128 105 90 78  62 52 42  38 35 32  30 
Page 3 of 8
2  1‐1/2  151  151  151 151 150 117 98 84  67 55 42  38 35 32  30 
2  2  359  359  359 359 359 318 280 250  205 165 142  123 110 102  94 
2‐1/2  2‐1/2  611  611  610 580 535 500 470 440  400 365 335  315 285 267  250 

Modified Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A, Pressure Range 311-413 kPa

Water  Maximum Allowable Length, meters 
Service  Water  12  18  24  30  46  61  76  91  122  152  183  213  244  274  305 
Pipe  Distribution 
Size  Pipe Size  Number of Fixture Units Served 
in.  in.  Flow Velocity, m/s:  3.65  3.0  2.4  1.5 
Current Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A, Pressure Range Over 413 kPa
Pressure Range  311  to  413  kPa 
Water  Maximum Allowable Length, meters 
3/4 
Service  ½ 
Water  10  7  6 5 4 3 2 2  1 1 1  0 0  0 0 
12  18  24  30  46  61  76  91  122  152  183  213  244  274  305 
3/4  Distribution 
Pipe  5/8  19  18  14 11 9 7 5 5  3 3 2  2 1  1 1 
3/4 
Size  ¾ 
Pipe Size  30  25  20 17 14 11 9 8 
Number of Fixture Units Served 6 5 4  4 3  3 3 
in. 
1  in. 
1  65  55  45 30 25 3.0  23 2.4  20  1.5  18
36 Flow Velocity, m/s:  15 12  10 9  8 8 
1‐1/2 Pressure Over 
1‐1/4  118  kPa 118 
413  103 83 66 52 44 39  33 29 24  20 19  17 16 
1‐1/2 
3/4  1‐1/2 
1/2  194 
8  194 
8  194
7 151
6 128
5 105
4 390 3 78  262 152 42 
1  138 35 
1 32
1  30 
0 
2 
3/4  1‐1/2 
5/8  194 
13  194 
13  194
13 194
13 150
11 117
8 798 6 84  567 455 42 
3  338 35 
3 32
2  30 
2 
2 
3/4  2 
3/4  429 
21  429 
21  429
21 429
21 359
17 318
13 280
11 250 
10  205
8 165
7 142 
6  123
6 110 
5 102
4  94 
4 
2‐1/2 
1  2‐1/2 
1  797 
42  733 
42  663
42 614
42 535
38 500
32 470
29 440 
26  400
22 365
18 335 
14  315
13 285 
12 267
12  250 
11 
1‐1/2  1‐1/4  83  83  83 83 83 74 62 54  43 34 26  25 23 22  21 
1‐1/2  1‐1/2  151  151  151 151 151 151 130 113  88 73 51  51 46 43  40 
2  1‐1/2  151  151  151 151 151 151 142 122  98 82 64  51 46 43  40 
2  2  359  359  359 359 359 359 359 340  288 245 204  172 153 Page141 
4 of 8 129 
2‐1/2  2‐1/2  611  611  611 611 611 611 610 570  510 460 430  404 380 356  329 

Modified Table A-2.6.3.1.(2)A, Pressure Range Over 413 kPa

Water  Maximum Allowable Length, meters 
Service  Water  12  18  24  30  46  61  76  91  122  152  183  213  244  274  305 
Pipe  Distribution 
Size  Pipe Size  Number of Fixture Units Served 
in.  in.  Flow Velocity, m/s:  3.65  3.0  2.4  1.5 
Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 49
Pressure Over  413  kPa 
3/4  1/2  11  11  7 6 5 4 3 3  2 1 1  1 1  1 0 
3/4  5/8  19  19  18 15 11 8 7 6  5 4 3  3 3  2 2 
3/4  3/4  30  30  26 22 17 13 11 10  8 7 6  6 5  4 4 
 Division B 2.6.3.2.

2) Potable water systems shall be designed, fabricated and installed in accordance

with good engineering practice, such as that described in the ASHRAE Handbooks
and ASPE Data Books. (See Appendix A.)

NPCC Table 2.6.3.2

3) In one- and two-family dwelling units and manufactured homes, multi-purpose
systems that combine potable water systems and residential fire sprinkler systems shall
Reproduced with thebepermission
designed, fabricated
of the and installed
National Research Councilin
of accordance withholder.
Canada, copyright NFPA 13D, “Installation of
Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.”

2.6.3.2. Hydraulic Load

1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), the hydraulic load of a fixture or device that
is listed in Table 2.6.3.2.A. shall be the number of fixture units given in the Table.
2) Except as provided in Sentences (1) and (3), the hydraulic load of a fixture that
is not listed in Table 2.6.3.2.A. is the number of fixture units listed in Table 2.6.3.2.D.
3) Where fixtures are supplied with both hot and cold water, the hydraulic loads for
maximum separate demands shall be 75% of the hydraulic load of the fixture units given
in Tables 2.6.3.2.A. and 2.6.3.2.D. when using a detailed engineering design method.
4) The hydraulic load of urinals and water closets with direct flush valves shall be
the number of fixture units listed in Tables 2.6.3.2.B. and 2.6.3.2.C. (See Appendix A.)

Table 2.6.3.2.A.
Sizing of Water Distribution Systems (1)(2)
Forming Part of Sentences 2.6.3.2.(1), (2) and (3), and 2.6.3.4.(2), (3) and (5)

Private Use Hydraulic Load,

Minimum Size of Public Use Hydraulic Load, fixture units
Fixture or Device fixture units
Supply Pipe, inches
Cold Hot Total Cold Hot Total
Bathroom group with 6 LPF flush tank (3) n/a 2.7 1.5 3.6 - - -
Bathroom group with greater than 6 LPF n/a 4 3 6 - - -
flush tank (3)
Bathroom group with more than 3 fixtures - - - (4) - - -
Bathtub with or without shower head ½ 1 1 1.4 3 3 4
Bathtub with ¾ inch spout ¾ 7.5 7.5 10 7.5 7.5 10
Bedpan washer 1 - - - 7.5 7.5 10
Bidet /8
3
1.5 1.5 2 - - -
Clothes washer 3.5 kg ½ 1 1 1.4 2.25 2.25 3
Clothes washer 6.8 kg ½ - - - 3 3 4
Clothes washer, commercial (5) - - - - - - -
Dental lavatory 3
/8 - - - 1.5 1.5 2
Dental unit, cuspidor 3
/8 - - - 1 - 1
Dishwasher, commercial (5) - - - - - - -
Dishwasher, domestic 3
/8 - 1.4 1.4 - - -
Drinking fountain or water cooler /8
3 - - - 0.25 - 0.25
Hose bibb ½ 2.5 - 2.5 2.5 - 2.5
Hose bibb ¾ 3 - 3 6 - 6
Hose bibb, combination hot and cold ½ 1.9 1.9 2.5 1.9 1.9 2.5
Lavatory, 8.3 LPM or less 3
/8 0.5 0.5 0.7 1.5 1.5 2
Lavatory, greater than 8.3 LPM 3
/8 0.75 0.75 1 1.5 1.5 2
Sink, bar /8
3
0.75 0.75 1 1.5 1.5 2
Sink, clinic service faucet ½ - - - 2.25 2.25 3
Sink, clinic service with direct flush valve 1 - - - 6 - 6
Sink, kitchen commercial, per faucet ½ - - - 3 3 4
Sink, kitchen domestic, 8.3 LPM 3
/8 1 1 1.4 1 1 1.4

National Plumbing Code of Canada 2010 Division B 2-49

50 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com

NPCC
2.6.3.2.Table 2.6.3.2 Division B
Reproduced with the permission of the National Research Council of Canada, copyright holder.

Table 2.6.3.2.A. (Continued)

Private Use Hydraulic Load,

Minimum Size of Public Use Hydraulic Load, fixture units
Fixture or Device fixture units
Supply Pipe, inches
Cold Hot Total Cold Hot Total
Sink, kitchen domestic, greater than 8.3 3
/8 1.5 1.5 2 1.5 1.5 2
LPM
Sink, laboratory 3
/8 - - - 1.5 1.5 2
Sink, laundry (1 or 2 compartments) /8
3
1 1 1.4 1 1 1.4
Sink, service or mop basin ½ - - - 2.25 2.25 3
Sink, washup, per faucet ½ - - - 1.5 1.5 2
Shower head, 9.5 LPM or less per head ½ 1 1 1.4 3 3 4
Shower head, greater than 9.5 LPM per ½ 1.5 1.5 2 3 3 4
head
(5)
Shower, spray, multi-head, fixture unit per 1 1 1.4 3 3 4
head
Urinal, with direct flush valve ¾ (6) - (6) (6) - (6)

Urinal, with flush tank /8

3
3 - 3 3 - 3
Urinal, with self-closing metering valve ½ 2 - 2 4 _ 4
Water closet, 6 LPF or less with flush tank 3
/8 2.2 - 2.2 2.2 - 2.2
Water closet, greater than 6 LPF with flush 3
/8 3 - 3 5 - 5
tank
Water closet, with direct flush valve 1 (6) - (6) (6) - (6)

Notes to Table 2.6.3.2.A.:

(1) The fixture unit values in this Table are not applicable in certain assembly occupancies because of surges in use by the occupants. For such
occupancies, refer to specific design information.
(2) For fixtures not indicated in this Table, refer to Table 2.6.3.2.D.
(3) Bathroom group is based on a ½-inch size bathtub supply pipe.
(4) Add additional fixture to the fixture load for bathroom group.
(5) Refer to manufacturer's recommendations.
(6) For fixture unit values for fixtures with direct flush valves, see Sentence 2.6.3.2.(4) and Tables 2.6.3.2.B. and 2.6.3.2.C.

Table 2.6.3.2.B.
Sizing of Water Distribution Systems for Urinals with Direct Flush Valves
Forming Part of Sentences 2.6.3.2.(4) and 2.6.3.4.(5)

Individual Fixture Unit Assigned in

Number of Valves Fixture Units in Accumulative Values (1)
Decreasing Values
1 20 20
2 15 35
3 10 45
4 8 53
5 or more 5 each 58, plus 5 for each additional fixture in excess of 5

Notes to Table 2.6.3.2.B.:

(1) The accumulative fixture unit values are the total values to be used in conjunction with Table 2.6.3.2.A.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing 51

2-50 Division B National Plumbing Code of Canada 2010

 Division B 2.6.3.4.

NPCC Table 2.6.3.2 Table 2.6.3.2.C.

Sizing of Water
Reproduced with the permission Distribution
the National Systems
Research Councilfor Water Closets
of Canada, withholder.
copyright Direct Flush Valves
Forming Part of Sentences 2.6.3.2.(4) and 2.6.3.4.(5)

Individual Fixture Unit Assigned in

Number of Valves Fixture Units in Accumulative Values (1)
Decreasing Values
1 40 40
2 30 70
3 20 90
4 15 105
115, plus 10 for each public use
10 for each public use additional fixture in excess of 5
5 or more and and
6 for each private use 111, plus 6 for each private use additional
fixture in excess of 5

Notes to Table 2.6.3.2.C.:

(1) The accumulative fixture unit values are the total values to be used in conjunction with Table 2.6.3.2.A.

Table 2.6.3.2.D.
Hydraulic Loads of Fixtures Not Listed in Table 2.6.3.2.A.
Forming Part of Sentences 2.6.3.2.(2) and (3) and 2.6.3.4.(5)

Hydraulic Load, fixture units

Size of Supply Pipe, inches
Private Use Public Use
/8
3
1 2
½ 2 4
¾ 3 6
1 6 10

2.6.3.3. Static Pressure

1) Where the static pressure at any fixture may exceed 550 kPa, a pressure-reducing
valve shall be installed to limit the maximum static pressure at the fixture to 550 kPa.

2.6.3.4. Size
1) Every water service pipe shall be sized according to the peak demand flow but
shall not be less than ¾ inch size.
2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), the size of a supply pipe that serves a fixture
shall conform to Table 2.6.3.2.A.
3) For fixtures listed in Table 2.6.3.2.A. that have a permitted supply pipe size of
3/8 inch, a connector not more than 750 mm long and not less than 6.3 mm inside
diameter may be used to supply water to the fixture.
4) No water system between the point of connection with the water service pipe or
the water meter and the first branch that supplies a water heater that serves more than
one fixture shall be sized less than ¾ inch.
5) Where both hot and cold water is supplied to fixtures in residential buildings
containing one or two dwelling units or row houses with separate water service pipes, the
water system may be sized in accordance with Table 2.6.3.4., where
a) the hydraulic loads for maximum separate demands on water distribution
system piping are not less than 100% of the total hydraulic load of the fixture
units given in Tables 2.6.3.2.A., 2.6.3.2.B., 2.6.3.2.C. or 2.6.3.2.D. for private
use,
b) the minimum water pressure at the entry to the building is 200 kPa, and
c) the total maximum length of water system is 90 m.
(See Appendix A.)

National Plumbing Code of Canada 2010 Division B 2-51

52 Chapter 4 – Pipe Sizing — uponorengineering.com
Chapter 5:
System Design and Layout
This section profiles potable-water while still meeting end-use fixture
design and layout techniques requirements. The superior qualities
that are primarily found in multi- of Uponor PEX deliver a lifetime of
family and commercial buildings, corrosion-free system performance.
generally referred to as fire-resistant
Designing with multiport tees and
construction buildings, where both
small-dimension (½" to 1") coiled
plumbing and building codes apply.
piping reduces the number of
The Uponor Advantage behind-the-wall connections in a
unit application by 70 percent. Fewer
Designing a building’s domestic-
connections mean faster installation
water system with Uponor AquaPEX
times and fewer potential leak points.
piping and ProPEX fittings delivers
a system with many advantages: Additional features such as a
reliability, cost-effectiveness and resistance to freeze damage,
code-compliance from a system that heat-kink repairability, stable
meets peak flow demands while material cost, superior thermal
conserving water and energy. and acoustical properties, and a
25-year limited warranty give the
Utilizing the smaller inside diameter
designer additional confidence Figure 5-2: In-wall Piping
of SDR9 Uponor PEX piping
in choosing an Uponor AquaPEX
allows decreased system volume, Unit/In-suite Piping
Plumbing System.
therefore providing hot water to Uponor AquaPEX pipe for
fixtures in a shorter amount of time distributing water to fixtures
may be installed overhead, through
framing, in slab or below grade.
Common design methods for unit
piping in multi-family commercial
buildings include:
•• Trunk and branch
•• Home run
•• Uponor Logic

Figure 5-1: Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 53

 Uponor Logic Plumbing
Uponor Logic is the smart way to plumb, using flexible Uponor PEX pipe and multiport tees to minimize connections and maximize system
performance. With an Uponor Logic layout, plumbing systems typically require fewer fittings than a trunk and branch design and less pipe
than a home run layout.

Uponor Logic Home Run

Number of Fittings 9 Number of Fittings 7
Number of Connections 33 Number of Connections 27
Nominal Pipe Size Length (ft) Nominal Pipe Size Length (ft)
½" 261 ½" 475
¾" 38 ¾" 30
1" 5 1" 5
Total 304 Total 510

Table 5-1: Uponor Logic Pipe and Fittings Usage Table 5-2: Home Run Pipe and Fittings Usage

Uponor Logic Home Run

Layout Layout

Figure 5-3: Uponor Logic Layout Figure 5-4: Home Run Layout

Critical Path = HWS - W.H. to Tub UPC Tub = 4 wsfu = 4 gpm

CWS = 60°F HWS = 120°F Mixed = 110°F Hot-water Multiplier = 0.83 = 3.32 gpm
Velocity First-use
System I.D. (in.) Distance (ft.) Volume (gal.) Pressure Loss (psi)
(ft./sec.) HW Time-to-fixture
Type
⁄2"
1 3
⁄4" 1
⁄2" 3
⁄4" 1
⁄2" 3
⁄4" Total ⁄2"
1 3
⁄4" ⁄2"
1 3
⁄4" Total Critical Path - Tub Only
Copper T & B 0.527 0.745 13 33 0.147 0.746 0.893 4.8 2.43 1.22 0.561 1.781 16.1 sec.
Home Run 0.475 0.671 32 9 0.294 0.165 0.459 5.8 3 4.16 0.252 4.412 8.3 sec.
Uponor Logic 0.475 0.671 19 17 0.174 0.312 0.486 5.8 3 2.47 0.476 2.946 8.7 sec.
Table 5-3: Performance Comparisons
54 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com
 Copper Trunk and Branch
Number of Fittings 39 40
Number of Connections 93
Nominal Pipe Size Length (ft) 30
1⁄2" 234
Copper T&B
3⁄4" 20
73
Home Run
1" 5
10
Total 312 Uponor Logic

Table 5-4: Copper Trunk and Branch Pipe and 0

Fittings Usage Fittings

Copper Trunk 100

90
and Branch 80
Layout 70
60 Copper T&B
50
40 Home Run
30
20 Uponor Logic
10
0
Connections

600

500

400

300 Copper T&B

200 Home Run

100 Uponor Logic

0
Feet of Pipe

Figure 5-5: Copper Trunk and Branch Layout

First Use HW Second Use HW
System Time to Fixture Time to Fixture
Efficiencies of Hot-water Performance
Type
Uponor Logic Uponor Logic delivers hot water Critical Path-Tub Only Critical Path-Lav Only
For unit and in-suite applications, nearly 46 percent faster than a
Copper T & B 16.1 sec. 4.2 sec.
Uponor Logic reduces the number copper trunk and branch system
for the first-use fixture and nearly Home Run 8.3 sec. 7.5 sec.
of fittings by up to 70 percent
when compared to copper trunk 43 percent faster than a home run Uponor Logic 8.7 sec. 4.3 sec.
and branch and requires 40 system for the second-use fixture. Table 5-5: Hot Water Time-to-fixture Comparisons
percent less tubing than a home
run system. Uponor offers a
full line of EP multiport tees for
ultimate design flexibility.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 55

 Reverse Osmosis and Surge Pressure For ½" nominal size piping, the
De-ionized Water Systems and Sound Intensity dimension ratio (D/t) of PEX piping
Reverse-osmosis systems and systems The main sources of sound in a water is approximately 7; it is approximately
using de-ionized water with a pH piping system are cavitation, surface 11 for copper (Type K).
between 5 and 8 and a maximum roughness and water hammer caused Assuming a PEX piping modulus of
temperature of 104°F (40°C) are by surge pressure. Typical polymers 250,000 psi and copper modulus of
approved for use with Uponor will absorb sound in the range of 10 16,000,000 psi, the wave velocity is:
AquaPEX piping. Uponor requires the dB/cm, whereas metals are on the
PEX piping – 1,520 ft./sec.
use of engineered polymer (EP) or order of 0.1 to 1.0 dB/cm. For a given
stainless-steel fittings with de-ionized change in velocity, the intensity of Copper piping – 4,240 ft./sec.
and reverse-osmosis water. sound from copper pipe will be higher
The surge pressure is calculated as
than that of PEX-a piping. Peak
Pipe Material Maximum Measured Pressure (psi) P = Av/(2.31 g), where v is the water
pressures caused by a quick-acting
velocity prior to the valve closing and
Flow Rate, gpm 2 2.5 3 4 6 valve could be reduced by 18 percent
g = 32.2. Assuming this is also the
to 40 percent by utilizing Uponor PEX
½" Uponor PEX 136 150 169 193 244 sound pressure (i.e., no losses), the
instead of copper pipe.
sound intensity can be calculated as:
½" PEX-b 143 168 177 212 274 When comparing the change in sound I = (A²)(v)/74.4
½" CPVC 155 173 201 222 296 intensity when switching from copper
For PEX piping, I = 31,000 (v)
to PEX piping, with all else remaining
½" Type L Copper 194 239 266 318 422 the same, the sound intensity in the For copper piping, I = 242,000 (v)
radial outward direction is the primary
1. Pressure response measurements include 60 psi static pressure. This demonstrates that for a given
area to evaluate.
2. Closing speed of quick-acting valve estimated at 25 milliseconds. change in water velocity, the intensity
3. Test performed at 54˚F/12.2°C (cold water temperature). Beginning with the general wave of the sound from copper piping
equation ² p = (1/c²)(M²p/M t²) will be approximately eight times
Table 5-6: First Peak Pressure for Each Piping Material
and Flow Rate (Cold Water) and some simplifying assumptions that of the PEX piping. While some
Surge Pressure in Plumbing Pipe Materials, PPI Report # 3285 (e.g., point source of sound), the assumptions are made in reaching
relationship for intensity can be this conclusion, even a conservative
Pipe Material Maximum Measured Pressure (psi) derived with the following formula: estimate would give copper piping a
Flow Rate, gpm 2 2.5 3 4 6 I = pv sound intensity two to four times that
of PEX piping.
½" Uponor PEX 113 122 123 141 174
Where:
I = sound intensity Water Hammer Arrestors
½" PEX-b 108 113 124 141 175 p = sound pressure
When considering the need to install
½" CPVC 142 157 174 203 252 v = particle velocity
water hammer arrestors, there are two
½" Type L Copper 149 181 204 250 306 Water Hammer components of water hammer that
are of significance: surge pressure
Water hammer is probably the most
1. Pressure response measurements include 60 psi static pressure. and noise transmission. The intent of
significant concern and can be
2. Closing speed of quick-acting valve estimated at 25 milliseconds. water hammer arrestors is to reduce
evaluated using the following:
3. Test performed at 130˚F/54.4°C (hot water temperature). the surge pressure to 150 psi and
A = 4660 / [1+ kD/(Et)]½
to minimize the amount of noise
Table 5-7: First Peak Pressure for Each Piping Material transmission.
and Flow Rate (Hot Water) Where:
Surge Pressure in Plumbing Pipe Materials, PPI Report # 3285 A = Wave velocity The International Plumbing Code
(IPC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code
These tables show the surge pressure in Uponor PEX is about k = Bulk modulus of water
(UPC) both require water hammer
65 percent less than the surge pressure in copper. The main (300,000 psi)
arrestors at quick-closing valve
reason for the dramatic difference in these results is the D = Inside diameter of pipe locations. Tables 5-6 and 5-7 show
flexibility of Uponor PEX piping. Because of its flexibility, surge pressure for copper, chlorinated
Uponor PEX piping significantly dampens surge pressure. E = Tensile modulus of pipe material
polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and PEX.
t = Wall thickness

56 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com

Commercial Flush Bank Detail
Water hammer arrestor where required by code Stud wall assembly
(exact locations vary by manufacturer)
Uponor AquaPEX pipe
Bend support supply (size varies) Uponor AquaPEX pipe Uponor ProPEX EP Tee
(½" to ¾" typical) header (size varies)
Isolation ball valve (typical) Support

Vent
pipe

Waste
pipe

Urinal carrier behind

Copper carrier bracket
Copper stub Water closet carrier

Figure 5-6: Commercial Flush Bank

Hot-water System Design following requirements stated in established in Step 4, and tabulate
Uponor AquaPEX piping is tested and the ASPE Plumbing Engineering the results.
listed to PEX 5106 NSF-pw (CL5). Design Handbook, Volume 2,
6. Size the system based upon the
Per ASTM F876, the CL5 chlorine Plumbing Systems:
tabulation set up in Step 5.
resistance rating is intended for an 1. Calculate the heat loss rates of
end-use condition of 100 percent at 7. With the sizes established
the hot-water supply piping.
140°F/60°C, which is the highest in Step 6, repeat Steps 2
chlorine-resistance rating available 2. Calculate the heat loss rates of through 6 as a check on the
through ASTM. Products marked the hot-water circulating piping. assumptions made.
with a '5' in the first digit of the 3. Calculate the circulation rates for all While Uponor recommends the more
four-digit code and also bearing the parts of the circulating piping and accurate process above, the following
CL5 designation [e.g., PEX 5106 the total circulation rate required. streamlined method is also available:
NSF-pw (CL5)] indicate the product
is approved for use in continuous, 4. Determine the allowable uniform 1. Allow ½ gpm for each small hot-
domestic, hot-water circulation friction head loss and the total water riser (¾" to 1"), 1 gpm
systems with up to 140°F/60°C head required to overcome friction for each medium-sized hot-water
water temperatures. losses in the piping when the riser (1¼" to 1½"), and 2 gpm for
water is flowing at the required each large-sized hot-water riser
Uponor requires that the velocity circulation rate. (2" and larger).
of the recirculation piping shall not
exceed 2 ft./sec. and that the hot- 5. Calculate the rates of flow for 2. Add 1 gpm for each group of
water piping system (which includes various piping sizes that will 20 hot-water-supplied fixtures.
the recirculation lines) meets the give the uniform pressure drop

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 57

 Recirculated in hot water delays to remote loops. in the same application. Even though
Hot-water Systems Hot water recirculated lines should be the difference in R-value is relatively
To maintain satisfactory temperatures, insulated, and they typically require small, the higher R-value of Uponor
hot-water systems are often little flow to maintain satisfactory PEX piping will always result in less
recirculated. Several recirculating system temperatures. Uponor limits heat loss than with the same nominal-
methods are available: maximum velocity of 2 ft./sec. in hot size copper pipe.
water return piping that uses Uponor
•• Manual control — Should be AquaPEX. (See Table 5-8.) Nominal Pipe Size R-value
used only when hot water is
needed 24 hours a day. If that Typical balancing solutions can 1
⁄2" 0.03
is not the case, manual control incorporate factory pre-set flow 3
⁄4" 0.04
is not cost-effective. control devices or flow regulating
valves, which can be adjusted 1" 0.052
•• Thermostatic aquastat — Used
to the proper setting with 1 ⁄4"
1
0.063
to shut off the pump during
measuring devices.
peak demands of hot water when 1 ⁄2"
1
0.075
circulation is not needed. Heat Trace 2" 0.098
•• Timed — Utilized during Uponor approves the use of heat- 2 ⁄2"
1
0.122
specific hours of operation trace cables with Uponor PEX
when people are most likely 3" 0.144
products, provided the product
to use hot-water fixtures. has automatic thermostatic control Table 5-9: SDR9 PEX R-value
•• Combination aquastat/timed capability and the temperature does
— Combines the capabilities not exceed the maximum rating listed
of the aquastat system with on the piping (200ºF/93.3ºC). Wrap When comparing samples of the same
timed control, reducing heat tape around the piping and thickness, CPVC has a lower thermal
energy consumption. secure with zip or cable ties, not tape; conductivity than Uponor PEX. To
then insulate with either closed-cell represent these values in the form
Uponor AquaPEX is rated for or fiberglass pipe insulation. of a pipe wall, we must compare the
use in continuous-circulation conductivity through a CTS SDR9
domestic water systems with Thermal Conductivity Uponor PEX pipe wall to that of a CTS
temperatures up to 140°F/60°C. Uponor PEX pipe has a very low SDR11 CPVC wall; SDR9 is 22 percent
coefficient of thermal conductivity: thicker than SDR11.
Balancing of Recirculated 0.219 Btu/(h•ft•ºF). In comparison,
Hot-water Systems copper has a coefficient of thermal Pipe Btu/(h•ft•ºF)
Circulated hot-water systems require conductivity between 173 and 231
Copper 173-231
balancing to maintain satisfactory Btu/(h•ft•ºF), depending on wall
system temperatures. If systems are thickness (Type K, L or M). Therefore, PEX-a 0.219
not properly balanced, circulated Uponor PEX piping does not sweat
water has the tendency to short CPVC 0.079
like copper.
circuit through the shortest loop Table 5-10: Thermal Conductivity
in the system, thus creating high Uponor PEX has superior insulating
of Piping Materials
velocities in that loop and resulting qualities when compared to copper
When conductivity is applied to the
Nominal Velocity Flow Rate Friction Loss per Foot pipe wall thickness, Uponor PEX is
Pipe Size (ft/sec) (gpm) at 120ºF/48.9ºC within two (2) percent of the thermal
1
⁄2" 2 1.1 0.0195 resistance of CPVC.
3
⁄4" 2 2.2 0.0126 Insulation
1" 2 3.6 0.0092 Best practice is to insulate all
domestic hot-water supply and
1 ⁄4"
1
2 5.4 0.0072
return piping as well as any hydronic
1 ⁄2"
1
2 7.5 0.0059 heating and cooling piping to
2" 2 12.9 0.0042 conserve energy and maintain desired
fluid temperature. Uponor also
2 ⁄2"
1
2 19.8 0.0033 recommends insulating any piping
3" 2 28.1 0.0026 installed in an unconditioned space or
poorly ventilated areas with excessive
Table 5-8: Uponor AquaPEX Flow Rates at 2 ft./sec. moisture content. Always comply with
local and energy codes.
58 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com
Pre-insulated Uponor code authorities regarding energy-code Note: When using Pre-insulated Uponor
AquaPEX Piping requirements for specific applications. AquaPEX in direct-burial applications,
Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX piping, Uponor recommends using a minimum
Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX is available
which is available in coils or straight 1"-thick insulation due to soil
in the following sizes:
lengths, features closed-cell polyethylene compression forces.
•• ½" to 2" with ½"-thick insulation
insulation to make hot and cold potable-
water distribution systems more efficient. •• ½" to 1¼" with 1"-thick insulation
The insulation can also help meet energy- •• 1½" to 2" with 1½"-thick insulation
code requirements; check with local

Pre-insulated PEX with ½" Insulation Pre-insulated PEX with 1" Insulation Pre-insulated PEX with 1½" Insulation
Tubing Insulation Heat Loss at Tubing Insulation Heat Loss at Tubing Insulation Heat Loss at
R-value R-value R-value
Size Thickness 70˚F Δ T Size Thickness 70˚F Δ T Size Thickness 70˚F Δ T
½" 0.6 (15mm) 3.9 7.4 Btu/(hr • ft) ½" 1.0 (25mm) 7.5 6.3 Btu/(hr • ft) 1½" 1.7 (42mm) 11.2 7.0 Btu/(hr • ft)
¾" 0.6 (15mm) 3.6 9.0 Btu/(hr • ft) ¾" 1.1 (28mm) 7.9 7.1 Btu/(hr • ft) 2" 1.6 (40m) 9.9 8.6 Btu/(hr • ft)
1" 0.6 (15mm) 3.4 10.6 Btu/(hr • ft) 1" 1.0 (25mm) 6.4 8.8 Btu/(hr • ft)
Table 5-13: Pre-insulated Uponor
1¼" 0.6 (15mm) 3.3 12.1 Btu/(hr • ft) 1¼" 1.0 (25mm) 6.1 10.0 Btu/(hr • ft) AquaPEX with 1½" Polyethylene
1½" 0.6 (15mm) 3.2 13.6 Btu/(hr • ft) Insulation R-value/Heat Loss
Table 5-12: Pre-insulated Uponor
2" 0.6 (15mm) 3.1 16.5 Btu/(hr • ft) AquaPEX with 1" Polyethylene
Insulation R-value/Heat Loss
Table 5-11: Pre-insulated Uponor
AquaPEX with ½" Polyethylene
Insulation R-value/Heat Loss
Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX consists of PEX-a pipe and closed cell, crosslinked polyethylene insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.25 Btu•in/(hr•ft 2•°F).
1

Uponor PEX vs. Copper Heat Loss Comparison — Btu/(hr•ft)

Delta T (°F) 20 40 60 80 100
Insulation Thickness
0" 1
⁄2" 1" 11⁄2" 0" 1
⁄2" 1" 11⁄2" 0" 1
⁄2" 1" 11⁄2" 0" ⁄2"
1
1" 11⁄2" 0" 1
⁄2" 1" 11⁄2"
(K=0.24)
Uponor PEX 5.44 2.22 1.63 1.37 10.89 4.44 3.25 2.74 16.33 6.65 4.88 4.10 21.78 8.87 6.51 5.47 27.22 11.09 8.13 6.84
½"
Type L Copper 5.76 2.24 1.63 1.37 11.52 4.47 3.27 2.74 17.27 6.71 4.90 4.11 23.03 8.95 6.53 5.48 28.79 11.18 8.16 6.85

Uponor PEX 7.48 2.73 1.95 1.61 14.96 5.47 3.89 3.21 22.44 8.20 5.84 4.82 29.92 10.94 7.78 6.43 37.40 13.67 9.73 8.03
¾"
Type L Copper 8.06 2.77 1.96 1.61 16.12 5.54 3.91 3.22 24.18 8.31 5.87 4.84 32.25 11.07 7.83 6.45 40.31 13.84 9.78 8.06

Uponor PEX 9.42 3.23 2.25 1.83 18.85 6.47 4.50 3.66 28.27 9.70 6.75 5.49 37.69 12.93 8.99 7.33 47.11 16.17 11.24 9.16
1"
Type L Copper 10.36 3.29 2.27 1.84 20.73 6.58 4.53 3.68 31.09 9.86 6.80 5.52 41.46 13.15 9.06 7.36 51.82 16.44 11.33 9.20
Nominal Pipe Sizes

Uponor PEX 11.29 3.72 2.54 2.05 22.58 7.44 5.08 4.09 33.87 11.16 7.63 6.14 45.16 14.88 10.17 8.19 56.45 18.60 12.71 10.24
1¼"
Type L Copper 12.67 3.80 2.57 2.06 25.34 7.60 5.14 4.12 38.00 11.40 7.70 6.18 50.67 15.20 10.27 8.24 63.34 19.00 12.84 10.30

Uponor PEX 13.08 4.20 2.83 2.26 26.15 8.40 5.66 4.51 39.23 12.60 8.49 6.77 52.30 16.79 11.31 9.03 65.38 20.99 14.14 11.28
1½"
Type L Copper 14.97 4.31 2.86 2.27 29.94 8.61 5.73 4.55 44.91 12.92 8.59 6.82 59.89 17.23 11.45 9.10 74.86 21.53 14.32 11.37

Uponor PEX 16.46 5.13 3.39 2.66 32.93 10.27 6.77 5.33 49.39 15.40 10.16 7.99 65.85 20.54 13.55 10.65 82.31 25.67 16.94 13.32
2"
Type L Copper 19.58 5.31 3.45 2.69 39.16 10.63 6.89 5.38 58.73 15.94 10.34 8.08 78.31 21.25 13.78 10.77 97.89 26.57 17.23 13.46

Uponor PEX 19.30 5.92 3.92 3.00 38.60 11.85 7.84 6.01 57.90 17.77 11.76 9.01 77.20 23.69 15.68 12.01 96.50 29.61 19.60 15.01
2½"
Type L Copper 24.20 6.32 4.09 3.10 48.41 12.63 8.18 6.20 72.61 18.95 12.26 9.30 96.82 25.26 16.35 12.40 121.02 31.58 20.44 15.50

Uponor PEX 22.54 6.94 4.47 3.44 45.07 13.88 8.93 6.89 67.61 20.82 13.40 10.33 90.14 27.76 17.86 13.77 112.68 34.70 22.33 17.22
3"
Type L Copper 28.79 7.31 4.59 3.50 57.58 14.62 9.17 7.01 86.37 21.93 13.76 10.51 115.16 29.24 18.35 14.01 143.95 36.55 22.93 17.51

Table 5-14: Uponor PEX vs. Copper Heat Loss Comparison — Btu/(hr•ft)
1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASPE/ASHRAE).
2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. T
 his heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity. This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a
100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 59

 Uponor Ecoflex® Products The piping is surrounded by multi-
layer, closed-cell, PEX-foam insulation
Ecoflex Potable PEX and water-resistant, corrugated
Ecoflex Potable PEX features a HDPE jacket, making it ideal for
single Uponor AquaPEX service pipe direct-burial applications.
and is designed for potable-water
Ecoflex Potable HDPE can use
distribution applications. The piping is
Uponor’s selection of HDPE fittings
surrounded by multi-layer, closed-cell,
as well as standard SDR11 fittings
PEX-foam insulation and a water-
from other manufacturers.
Uponor Ecoflex resistant, corrugated, HDPE jacket,
Potable PEX making it ideal for water service Ecoflex Potable HDPE is available in
and other direct-burial applications. 300-foot coils in the following sizes:
Ecoflex Potable PEX uses ProPEX •• 1¼"
fittings up to 3" or WIPEXTM fittings.
•• 1½"
For more information about Ecoflex,
please refer to the Ecoflex Design •• 2"
and Installation Manual. •• 3"
Ecoflex Potable PEX is available •• 4"
in the following sizes: •• Longer and custom lengths
•• 1" in coils up to 600 ft. are also available
•• 1¼" in coils up to 500 ft.
Ecoflex Potable Plus
•• 1½" to 3" in coils up to 300 ft. Ecoflex Potable Plus features
•• Longer and custom lengths are Uponor AquaPEX piping with a
also available self-regulating heating cable. The
pipe and cable are surrounded by
Uponor Ecoflex Ecoflex Potable HDPE multi-layer, closed-cell, PEX-foam
Potable HDPE Ecoflex Potable HDPE features a insulation and a water-resistant,
single high-density polyethylene corrugated, HDPE jacket, making it
(HDPE) service pipe in ASTM sizes. ideal for direct-burial applications.
This pipe is the economical solution
Ecoflex Potable Plus is available in
for pre-insulated distribution for
1¼" pipe sizes with a 5.5" jacket
chilled-water, cooling and low-
or on a made-to-order basis.
temperature heating applications.
Contact Uponor Customer Service at
The HDPE service pipe does not
800.321.4739 (U.S.) or
have an oxygen barrier, and it is
888.994.7726 (Canada) for details.
manufactured in accordance with
the following standards:
•• PE 3408 or PE 4710
•• ASTM D3035 or F714 C3
•• AWWA C901 or C906
Uponor Ecoflex •• NSF-61 and NSF-pw
Potable Plus

60 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com

Thermal Expansion and Contraction
All piping systems expand and Free-body Coefficient Support in conjunction with fixed
contract at different rates depending The free-body coefficient of anchor points positioned every 65'
on material characteristics. PEX expansion is a calculated, theoretical for hot-water and every 150' for cold-
piping systems exhibit a higher value in which all of the surfaces water plumbing systems. Pipe runs
expansion and contraction rate when would be free of friction and contain installed in this manner experience
subjected to changes in temperature no end or branch connections. The 89 percent to 93 percent reduction in
as compared to metallic piping free-body coefficient of expansion for thermal expansion. The two scenarios
systems. Because of its lower modulus PEX-a piping is 1.1"/10˚F ΔT/100 ft. outlined in Table 5-15 detail the
of elasticity, PEX is less rigid than (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m). For installation of these pipe runs. The
metallic piping and develops less a given change in temperature, the strut and strut clamps experienced
force than metallic pipe when theoretical expansion and contraction the most reduction in expansion (93
exposed to temperature changes. can be easily calculated for a given percent) because of the snug grip and
For this reason, Uponor PEX can length of piping. In practice, the increased friction from pipe clamps
be easily restrained by installing free-body condition for installed yielding an effective expansion rate of
PEX-a Pipe Support. With proper piping is unlikely as all surfaces 0.08"/10˚F ΔT/100 ft; clevis or loop
strapping, PEX-a Pipe Support would need to be free of friction. type hangers offered an 89 percent
can lessen the need for numerous Installation of piping in the field reduction yielding an effective
directional changes and expansion requires supports, strapping and expansion rate of 0.12"/10˚F ΔT/100
loops as the pipe will absorb much of bracing that inherently apply friction ft. The thermal expansion rate for
the expansion stresses. Allowing for to the pipe surfaces, therefore, copper is 0.11"/10˚F ΔT/100 ft
controlled expansion and contraction restraining pipe movement. In so using PEX-a Pipe Support with
in multiple parts of a piping system addition, it takes much more time for Uponor PEX makes the piping system
is an accepted means of preventing PEX-a piping to reach temperature perform very similarly to copper with
added stresses in other parts of the equilibrium due to its coefficient respect to thermal expansion.
system that could compromise system of thermal conductivity and wall
performance, damage the structural The highest force measured at fixed
thickness. Thermal expansion in
integrity of the piping components, anchor points during these tests was
PEX-a piping is more likely to occur
or damage the structure that support 173 lbs., which is much less than
in the middle temperature range
the piping. the guided force of metallic piping.
than at the extremes produced
Properly braced fixed anchor points
Including design elements to by operating water temperatures.
and commonly specified drop-in
address changes in pipe length will Therefore the free-body coefficient
anchors, beam clamps or similar
redistribute the stresses that would is a very conservative means of
fastening components for metallic
otherwise result in uncontrolled calculating pipe movements in
piping are of sufficient strength to
thermal movement. According to installed conditions.
support the PEX install.
Plastics Pipe Institute TR-21 Thermal
Expansion and Contraction in Plastics
Test Validation Given the flexible nature of PEX
Piping Systems, the design and Uponor has tested a variety of pipe, a slight snaking pattern may
installation of a plastic piping system suspended PEX piping assemblies to be experienced even when PEX-a
often requires special attention to determine which type of expansion Pipe Support is utilized to control
thermal expansion and contraction. solution works best for most expansion. This is considered normal
applications. The results strongly and does not affect the integrity of
support the use of PEX-a Pipe system. Pipe insulation can help to

Effects of Thermal Expansion with PEX-a Pipe Support

Expansion Rate
Water Reduction
Support Anchor Linear (inches
Scenario Temperature Delta T (°F) vs. Bare
Spacing Spacing Expansion per 100' per
(°F) PEX
10°F ΔT)
Strut and
180 105 96" 65' ½" 0.08 93%
Strut Clamps
Loops and Clevis 175 100 96" 65' ¾" 0.12 89%
Table 5-15: Uponor PEX Thermal Expansion Test Results

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 61

 minimize the aesthetics of a slight Above-ground and the installation guidelines on pages
snake in the pipe run. Suspended Applications 80-84 in Chapter 6. For best results,
In single-family and low-rise terminate PEX-a Pipe Support
Ensure the piping layout, including
anchors, adequately isolates joints, residential applications, thermal segments only at fitting locations.
fittings and connections from high expansion is generally not an issue Refer to Table 6-4 and Figure 6-9
thrust or bending forces. due to the use of smaller-diameter on page 71 for minimum distance
piping that absorbs expansion to fittings.
Uponor ProPEX connections have a
and contraction forces due to the Proper use of strapping is critical
very high resistance to pull-out forces
routing, supporting methods and when using this technique. Strapping
when compared to other various joint
flexible nature of Uponor PEX piping. shall be:
types. The best solution for absorbing
Smaller diameter (3⁄8" to 1") pipe
expansion and contraction in •• Nylon coated stainless-steel with a
runs require an extra 1⁄8" to 3⁄16" of
Uponor PEX piping systems is proper minimum tensile rating of 300-lbs.
longitudinal clearance per foot of run.
support and to build in flexibility. In
Do not allow piping to dip excessively •• Rated for operating temperature
applications where long piping runs
between supports and do not pull ranges, including high
may be exposed to large temperature
piping tight during installation. temperatures
changes, the resulting expansion and
contraction must be absorbed by Larger suspended commercial systems •• UV-resistant to withstand
additional means such as expansion are often designed to include a expected life of the piping system.
loops, arms and offsets or by number of changes in direction. To account for expansion, fixed
restraining the pipe in a continuous These directional changes can be a anchor points shall be used to restrict
run of PEX-a Pipe Support. Piping beneficial aspect in the piping system piping movement. Fixed anchor
runs between anchors and expansion by creating a spring-like effect, which points shall be:
compensating devices must be safely absorbs and controls thermal
periodically supported, at a spacing expansion and contraction. •• Installed every 65 ft. (19.8m)
defined by code, with hangers or •• Constructed with materials that
supports that allow for movement of Controlling Expansion provide rigidity (see Figure 5-7)
the piping. The compensating device in Hot-water Systems
•• Utilize a pipe clamp that will
relieves axial stress in a straight run Best practice for controlling restrain piping material
of piping by transferring it into a expansion forces is to continuously
restrain the pipe by installing Uponor •• Installed within 18" of a fire-rated
moderate bending stress, thereby
PEX-a Pipe Support. Install PEX-a wall penetration (see Figure 5-8)
absorbing the expansion stress.
Pipe Support in accordance with

Two hole open short angle

Steel strut
All-threaded rod
Two hole open short angle
Strut clamp

Uponor PEX-a pipe

Steel strut or other

approved device

Figure 5-7: Fixed Anchor Point

62 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com

Controlling Expansion Expansion and
in Cold-water Systems Contraction: Risers
Best practice for controlling expansion Vertical piping runs must comply with
forces is to continuously restrain support spacing as defined by code
the pipe by installing Uponor PEX-a (see Figure 6-39 on page 84). Best
Pipe Support. Domestic cold water practice is to utilize the floor assembly
systems do not typically experience as an anchor point for controlling
the temperature differentials seen in expansion and contraction by means
domestic hot water systems, therefore of riser clamps. Do this by utilizing an
requiring fewer fixed anchor points. additional riser clamp at the top of
PEX-a Pipe Support shall be installed the floor assembly as listed below:
in accordance with the installation
•• Domestic hot water:
guidelines in Chapter 6.
top of every-other floor
Strapping shall be: (see Figure 6-39 on page 84)
•• Nylon-coated stainless-steel with a •• Domestic cold water:
minimum tensile rating of 300-lbs. top of every fourth floor
•• Rated for operating
temperature ranges
•• UV-resistant to withstand
expected life of the piping system.
To account for expansion, fixed
anchor points shall be used to
restrict piping movement. Fixed Fixed anchor point
anchor points shall be:
•• Installed every 150 ft. (45.7m) Fire-rated
wall penetration
•• Constructed with materials that
provide rigidity (see Figure 5-7)
•• Utilize a pipe clamp that will
restrain piping material 18" max.
•• Installed within 18" of a fire-rated
wall penetration (see Figure 5-8)

Figure 5-8: Fixed Anchor Point — Fire-rated Wall Penetration

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 63

 L ∆L
L
∆L/2 ∆L/2

Fixed anchor point

LB
Fixed anchor point Fixed anchor point

L2

L2
Fixed anchor point
L1

Figure 5-9: Expansion Arm Figure 5-10: Expansion Loop

Expansion Arm Expansion Arm Example: Expansion Loop

The flexible arm should be long Uponor AquaPEX piping with an The same equation applies for an
enough to prevent damage, and outside diameter of 1.625" is installed expansion loop. However, the arm
support clamps should be placed running a length of 75 ft. The hot length (LB) must be divided into
far enough from the wall to allow water it carries is 120ºF/48.9ºC, three sections using the following
for longitudinal thermal expansion and the ambient temperature is formula: LB = 5L1
(see Figure 5-9). 60ºF/15.6ºC. Calculate the length of
Expansion Loop Example:
the flexible arm. PEX piping expands
Use the formula below to calculate
at a rate of 1.1" per 10°F temperature 5L1 = 34.08"
the minimum length of the expansion
change per 100 ft. of piping L1 = 34.08/5
arm: LB = C x SQRT(D x ΔL)
(27.94mm per 5.56°C temperature
Where: change per 30.48m of piping). L1 = 6.82"
•• L is total distance of piping LB = C x √(D x ΔL) L2 = 2 L1
run from a fixed anchor point
LB= 12 x √(1.625" x (1.1" x (60/10)/ L2 = 13.63"
to a corner, or in the case of
an expansion loop, from a (100 ft./ L)))) For a list of calculated expansion
fixed anchor point to a fixed LB = 12 x √(1.625" x 4.95") loop legs, refer to Appendix E.
anchor point.
LB = 12 x 2.84" Uponor offers a preformed 2"
•• LB is the flexible arm in inches. Uponor AquaPEX Expansion Joint
LB = 34.08" (F8152000) and 2" Wirsbo hePEX
•• C is the material constant
(12 for PEX). The required arm length (LB) is Expansion Joint (A1992000) to make
34.08" to prevent excessive stress expansion joint installations more
•• D is the outside diameter
on the fittings and support clamps. efficient. Both EP and brass elbows
of the piping.
may be used with the preformed
•• ΔL is the thermal-expansion For a list of calculated flexible arm
expansion loop.
length in inches. lengths, refer to Appendix E.

64 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com

Thermal Expansion in Because the friction between the N = Normal soil pressure acting on
Underground Applications pipe and surrounding material is 1" of width pipe (psi/inch)
For direct-burial applications, mitigate generally sufficient to arrest axial N = π • Do • Soil pressure, where Do is
the effects of thermal expansion pipe movement, a buried pipe that is the pipe outside diameter (inches)
by incorporating proper installation subject to typical fluctuations in the
An example of taking advantage of
techniques that provide adequate temperature of the fluid it conveys
soil restraint is installing the piping
resistance to axial stress. or of the soil that surrounds it is
in a snaking pattern and utilizing
only subject to modest axial thermal
Per PPI TR-21 Thermal Expansion and continuous runs to capitalize on the
stresses that are well within the
Contraction in Plastic Piping Systems, piping’s flexibility.
strength capabilities of the pipe.
a buried or concrete-encased pipe
is effectively restrained against The magnitude of the soil
both lateral and axial movement by restraint, which acts on plastic
surrounding embedment material. pipe with an externally smooth
The magnitude of the frictional wall, may be estimated from the
restraining force is dependent on the following equation:
nature of the soil and on installation f = μ•N
and operating conditions. For
example, the extent of compaction Where:
near the pipe can affect the quality f = Axial frictional resistance
of contact between the pipe and (lbs./inch of pipe length)
surrounding soil.
μ = Approximate coefficient of friction
The anchoring or restraining effect of between soil and pipe and between
surrounding soil on pipe movement concrete and pipe. A value of 0.1 is
can be significantly augmented by generally accepted as a conservative
external pipe geometry. Tees, lateral representation for the case where of
connections and changes in direction smooth surface plastic pipe makes full
all help to anchor a pipe in the contact with the embedment material
surrounding soil.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout 65

66 Chapter 5 – System Design and Layout — uponorengineering.com
Chapter 6:
Installation Methods
This section profiles potable-water •• Do not use or store Uponor •• Do not install Uponor AquaPEX
installation methods that are typical AquaPEX White piping where it piping between the tub/shower
for commercial buildings to which will be exposed to direct sunlight valve and tub spout.
both fire and building codes apply for more than 30 days. •• Do not use Uponor AquaPEX
(generally referred to as fire-resistant •• Do not use or store Uponor piping for an electrical ground.
construction buildings). Each AquaPEX Red and Blue piping •• Do not spray on or allow organic
method includes a detailed where it will be exposed to direct chemicals, strong acids or strong
illustration with notes for installing sunlight for more than 90 days. bases to come into contact with
potable-water piping in fire-resistant •• Do not weld, glue or use Uponor AquaPEX piping.
construction buildings. adhesives or adhesive tape with •• Do not use petroleum or solvent-
For specific fire-assembly details, Uponor AquaPEX piping. based paints, greases or sealants
refer to Chapter 3.  ote: You may temporarily
N on Uponor AquaPEX piping.
Local Code Approvals affix adhesive tape to Uponor •• Use only approved and
AquaPEX piping during appropriate firestop materials with
Before installing any piping,
installation. However, to protect Uponor AquaPEX piping.
discuss the installation with local
the integrity of the system, •• Do not allow rodents, insects or
building and plumbing officials.
the tape should not be other pests to come into contact
While the Uponor Plumbing Systems
permanent. Remove the tape with Uponor AquaPEX piping.
described in this section meet the
and residual adhesive after
requirements of most building and •• Do not subject Uponor AquaPEX
completing the installation.
plumbing codes found in the United piping to blunt impact.
States and Canada, some inspectors •• Do not apply open flame to
•• Do not install Uponor AquaPEX
are not aware of these types of Uponor AquaPEX piping.
piping in soil environments
installations. Chapters 1 and 3 •• Do not install Uponor AquaPEX contaminated with solvents, fuels,
in this design manual provide piping within 6" of any gas organic compounds, pesticides or
supporting information and listings appliance vents. One exception is other detrimental materials that
for United States and Canadian double-wall B-vents, which have a may cause permeation, corrosion,
code compliance. minimum clearance of 1". degradation or structural failure
•• Do not install Uponor AquaPEX of the piping. In areas where such
Storing and Handling PEX
piping within 12" of any recessed conditions are suspected, perform
Although not comprehensive,
light fixture unless the PEX a chemical analysis of the soil
the following highlights the most
piping line is protected with or groundwater to ascertain the
common guidelines when storing
suitable insulation or the fixture acceptability of Uponor AquaPEX
and handling Uponor AquaPEX.
is Insulation Contact (I.C.) rated. piping for the specific installation.
•• Do not store PEX piping outdoors. •• Do not install Uponor AquaPEX Check local codes for additional
•• Keep PEX piping in the within 5 ft. of direct view requirements.
original packaging until the from fluorescent lighting •• Do not press standard ProPEX
time of installation. without sleeving the pipe with brass fittings (i.e., copper press).
•• Install Uponor systems according a UV-blocking material. •• Do not install Uponor AquaPEX
to the installation instructions. •• Do not use Uponor AquaPEX pipe in steel-stud applications
Failure to follow the instructions piping to convey natural gas. without the use of grommets to
and installation guidelines in this •• Do not solder, braze, weld or protect the pipe from abrasion.
manual can result in the failure of fusion-weld within 18" of any Note: When transitioning from
Uponor systems. Uponor AquaPEX piping in PEX to other piping materials,
•• Do not use Uponor AquaPEX the same water line. Make any follow the appropriate installation
piping where temperatures heat-related connections prior to instructions for that product.
and pressures exceed ratings. making the ProPEX connection.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 67

 Uncoiling PEX
An Uponor uncoiler is recommended
for convenient uncoiling when
the piping is not in the
Punch&Pull™ packaging.

Bending PEX
The minimum bend radius of Uponor Figure 6-2: Reforming Kinked Piping
AquaPEX piping is six (6) times the
outside diameter. Bend supports
3. Heat the kinked area to Thawing Frozen Piping
approximately 265ºF/129.4ºC with Uponor AquaPEX can withstand
are available for 3⁄8", ½", ¾" and 1"
an electric heat gun (approximately extreme freeze-thaw cycles better
piping and may be used to facilitate
450 watts of power). Apply the than other piping materials. In 2015,
90-degree rigid bends. Large-
heat evenly until the piping returns Uponor worked in partnership with
diameter PVC conduit can be used to
to its original size and shape. standards developing organizations
facilitate 90-degree bends in larger-
Do not use an open flame. (SDOs) to establish a test method
diameter Uponor AquaPEX piping.
(See Table 6-1 and Figure 6-1.) 4. Let the repaired Uponor AquaPEX for performance under freeze/
piping cool undisturbed to room thaw conditions and subsequently
To alleviate stress on ProPEX
temperature. When the piping developed a new standard for
connections and fittings, follow
returns to its opaque appearance, PEX piping applications. The test
minimum distance requirements
the repair is complete. methodology included Uponor PEX
from penetrations and supports.
Caution: Temperature of the pipe, ProPEX Rings and ProPEX
Note: When minimum distance
piping surface must not exceed fitting assemblies and subjected
cannot be achieved with a bend
338ºF/170ºC. Do not apply direct them to repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
support, use a ProPEX Elbow.
flame to Uponor AquaPEX piping. The assemblies were then evaluated
Reforming Kinked Piping Uponor AquaPEX piping repaired for leaks under pressure after every
If the piping is kinked and hinders according to these recommendations cycle. Based on the samples provided
flow, easily make repairs following will return to its original shape and and the testing performed, Uponor’s
the steps below (see Figure 6-2). strength. If the piping is sliced, ½" PEX pipe, ProPEX Rings and
punctured or otherwise damaged ProPEX Engineered Polymer (EP)
1. Make sure the system is not
beyond the capacity of the Couplings passed the freeze/thaw
pressurized.
crosslinked memory, install a cycling and subsequent burst tests
2. Straighten the kinked portion without failure in accordance with the
ProPEX Coupling. Uponor AquaPEX
of the piping. test method.
piping cannot be welded or repaired
with adhesives. If freezing occurs, the installer
should advise the end user to
correct the lack of insulation or
heat to eliminate the problem from
reoccurring. Should Uponor AquaPEX
piping experience an ice blockage,
Minimum Distances Minimum Distances
thaw the piping using one or more
with Bend Support without Bend Support B
A of the following methods.
A B C D E
•• Pour hot water over the affected
1
⁄2" R 2.5 5" 5" 10" 6" portion of piping.
3
⁄4" R 3.8 8" 8" 16" 12"
D C •• Wrap hot towels around the
1" n/a n/a n/a 22" 18" affected portion of piping.
Table 6-1: Minimum Distances with and without •• Place a small portable heating
Bend Support unit in the area to heat the
space and thaw the ice blockage
from the piping.
•• Slowly heat the affected area with
E
a hair dryer. Rub a hand over the
area while heating to ensure the
Figure 6-1: Minimum Distances with and without Bend Support piping does not get too hot.

68 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Supporting Uponor PEX Pipe
Suspended runs of Uponor PEX pipe can be supported by the same conventional means as metallic pipe, using copper
tube size (CTS) hangers and supports. However, support spacing will vary depending on local code requirements.
Note: Uponor recommends using hangers and supports designed for use with plastic piping.

Spacing for Bare PEX (Dimension A) Spacing w/PEX-a Pipe Support (Dimension B)
Nominal
Pipe International Uniform National International Uniform National Plumbing
Size Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Code of Plumbing Plumbing Code of Canada
Code (IPC) Code (UPC) Canada (NPCC) Code (IPC) Code (UPC) (NPCC)
1
⁄2" 32" 32" 32" 6'-0" 6'-0" 6'-0"
3
⁄4" 32" 32" 32" 6'-0" 6'-0" 6'-0"
1" 32" 32" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
11⁄4" 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
1 ⁄2"
1 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
2" 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
2 ⁄2"
1 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
3" 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
Table 6-2: Horizontal Support Spacing Requirements for Uponor PEX Pipe

Uponor PEX pipe

Figure 6-3: Maximum Allowable Support Spacing for Bare-PEX Pipe

Uponor PEX pipe

PEX-a Pipe Support
Stainless-steel strapping

Figure 6-4: Maximum Allowable Support Spacing for PEX Pipe with PEX-a Pipe Support

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 69

 Supporting Fittings and Valves
Sections of pipe with in-line fittings, such as tees, couplings and valves, must be supported per local code
requirements. Note: PEX-a Pipe Support cannot be used to increase hanger spacing of these pipe sections.

Nominal Spacing for Bare PEX (Dimension A)

Pipe International Uniform Plumbing National Plumbing Code
Size
Plumbing Code (IPC) Code (UPC) of Canada (NPCC)
1
⁄2" 32" 32" 32"
3
⁄4" 32" 32" 32"
1" 32" 32" 32"
1 ⁄4"
1
32" 48" 32"
1 ⁄2"
1
32" 48" 32"
2" 32" 48" 32"
2 ⁄2"
1
32" 48" 32"
3" 32" 48" 32"
Table 6-3: Support Requirements for Fittings

Figure 6-5: Support Requirements for Fittings Figure 6-6: Support Requirements for Fittings at Corners

If distance "A/2" is not attainable in Figure 6-6, an

additional support is required as shown in Figure 6-7.

Figure 6-8: Corner Support Example

Distance G = 16"
Figure 6-7: Additional Support
Total distance for segment G = 32" (16 + 16)
Requirements for Fittings at Corners
Distance H = >16"
Total distance for segment H = >32"

70 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

 Nominal Spacing for Bare PEX (Dimension A) Dimension B
Pipe International Uniform Plumbing National Plumbing Code
Size All Codes
Plumbing Code (IPC) Code (UPC) of Canada (NPCC)
1
⁄2" 32" 32" 32" -
3
⁄4" 32" 32" 32" -
1" 32" 32" 32" -
1 ⁄4"
1
32" 48" 32" 18"1
11⁄2" 32" 48" 32" 18"1
2" 32" 48" 32" 18"1
21⁄2" 32" 48" 32" 7"2
3" 32" 48" 32" 7"2
Table 6-4: Support Requirements for Fittings
1. Based on a ProPEX Ball Valve or similar
2. Based on ductile-iron butterfly valves or similar
3. Place ½" to 1" ball valves anywhere within Dimension A.

ProPEX Ball Valve

Figure 6-9: Supporting 1¼" to 2" Ball Valves

Butterfly Valve
ProPEX Flange Adapter
ProPEX Ring

B
A

Figure 6-10: Supporting 2½" to 3" Butterfly Valves

When distance “B” in the above example is not attainable, additional
support of the valve is required as shown in Figure 6-11.

Butterfly valve
ProPEX Flange Adapter
ProPEX Ring

B
A

Figure 6-11: Additional Support for Butterfly Valves

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 71

 Uponor PEX-a Important Tips for Installing Hanger and Support Layouts
Pipe Support PEX-a Pipe Support with PEX-a Pipe Support
PEX-a Pipe Support is a 23-ga. •• Always follow local code for general In general, the use of Uponor PEX-a
galvanized-steel channel for PEX piping support requirements. Pipe Support will allow for increased
piping with a CTS (copper tube size) •• All pieces of PEX-a Pipe Support hanger and support spacing over
controlled outside diameter. It features must have a minimum of two bare PEX pipe. However, because
a profile that is over half-round, supports/hangers. PEX-a Pipe Support is a secondary-
making it self-gripping. It provides •• Use the included 300-lb., tensile- support material that is added to the
continuous, uninterrupted support of rated, stainless-steel straps to outside of the pipe, the introduction
PEX piping, allowing increased hanger secure the support channel to the of fittings or joints will interrupt the
spacing over bare PEX. pipe. If the included straps are use of the pipe support, resulting in
misplaced, use a stainless-steel staggered hanger spacing scenarios
Product Offering strap of equal or greater strength. (see page 77 for examples).
PEX-a Pipe Support is available
•• Due to expansion characteristics Designing Hanger and
in 9-foot (3m) lengths in the
of Uponor PEX piping, it is Support Layouts
following sizes: important to use a minimum
Uponor recommends detailed
•• ½" •• 1¼" •• 2½" 300-lb., stainless-steel cable tie or
hanger and support layouts
•• ¾" •• 1½" •• 3" equivalent for securing the PEX-a
utilizing the methods outlined
•• 1" •• 2" •• 3½" Pipe Support to the piping.
on pages 75 and 76.

Nylon-coated Tips for Cutting PEX-a

Stainless-steel Straps Pipe Support
Each bundle of PEX-a Pipe Support •• Always cut the PEX-a Pipe Support
includes a package of stainless-steel starting from the round side.
straps. The straps carry a 300-lb. •• When using a reciprocating or
tensile rating and are tested for the band saw to cut the PEX-a Pipe
appropriate applications. Support, either place the support
flat-side down to make a clean cut
Insulating PEX-a or place a scrap piece of pipe into
Pipe Support the support before cutting.
The low profile of PEX-a Pipe •• When using a hand tool, such as
Support allows insulation with typical a tin snips, to cut the PEX-a Pipe
CTS pipe insulation. Support, place the support flat-
side down and mark a line on the
support to follow.
•• When cutting a support, take care
not to bend it.
•• After cutting PEX-a Pipe
Support, taper and smooth
any sharp edges.

Figure 6-12: Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support with Nylon-coated, Stainless-steel Strapping

72 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

General Requirements for •• Segments of PEX-a Pipe Support
PEX-a Pipe Support that are greater than the distances
•• PEX-a Pipe Support can be used in Dimension A in the table
to achieve greater spans than below require a minimum of
those shown in Dimension A in the two supports.
table below.

Spacing for Bare PEX (Dimension A) Spacing w/PEX-a Pipe Support (Dimension B)
Nominal
Pipe International Uniform National International Uniform National
Size Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Code of Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Code of
Code (IPC) Code (UPC) Canada (NPCC) Code (IPC) Code (UPC) Canada (NPCC)
⁄2"
1
32" 32" 32" 6'-0" 6'-0" 6'-0"
3
⁄4" 32" 32" 32" 6'-0" 6'-0" 6'-0"
1" 32" 32" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
1 ⁄4"
1
32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
1 ⁄2"
1
32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
2" 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
2 ⁄2"
1
32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
3" 32" 48" 32" 8'-0" 8'-0" 8'-0"
Table 6-5: Maximum Allowable Support Spacing for PEX Pipe

Scenario 1: No Fittings •• Maximum hanger spacing is 6'

The following scenario involves to 8' for all pipe segments (per
Uponor PEX pipe from a coil with Dimension B in above table).
PEX-a Pipe Support and no fittings.

Figure 6-13: PEX-a Pipe Support without Fittings

Scenario 2: Segments with •• Hanger spacing changes to 6'-0", 6'-0"…) will not provide the
Fittings Dimension A for fitting segment full-benefits of PEX-a Pipe Support
The following scenario features (spacing for area with no PEX-a when using fittings.
Uponor PEX pipe with PEX-a Pipe Pipe Support). •• Using the recommended
Support and fittings. Note: Uponor recommends detailed installation methods will allow for
•• Maximum hanger spacing is 6' to hanger and support layouts using the the maximum benefit of PEX-a
8' for full-length pipe segments above methods for PEX pipe. Pipe Support because the
with PEX-a Pipe Support (per Note: Simply placing hangers at a designer is able to stagger hanger
Dimension B in above table). consistent on-center distance (e.g., locations based on the PEX-a Pipe
Support lengths.

Figure 6-14: PEX-a Pipe Support with Fittings

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 73

 Nominal Max. Support Max .Cantilever Min. Overlap Min. Distance Min. Overhang
Pipe Size Spacing (A) (B) (C) to Fitting (D) (E)
1
⁄2" 1¼"
6'-0"
3
⁄4" 1¾"
1" 2¼"
1 ⁄4"
1
2¾"
18" 6" 1"
11⁄2" 3"
8'-0"
2" 4"
2 ⁄2"
1
5"
3" 6"
Table 6-6: Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support Minimum and Maximum Spacing Requirements

Figure 6-15: Maximum Support Spacing Figure 6-16: Maximum Cantilever Figure 6-17: Minimum Overlap

Figure 6-18: Minimum Distance to Figure 6-19: Minimum Overhang

Fitting

74 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Strapping Requirements Note: Uponor includes required
Application Maximum Distance
for PEX-a Pipe Support stainless-steel straps with the
PEX-a Pipe Support. If the Greater than 48" = 1 strap
Uponor requires PEX-a Pipe Clamps
included straps are misplaced, mid-span
Support be strapped with a
use a stainless-steel strap of • Less than 48" = 2 straps
minimum 300-lb., tensile-rated,
equal or greater strength. equally spaced
stainless-steel strap that is
Hangers • Greater than 48" = 3 straps
suitable for the application (i.e. (1 mid-span and 1 on each
UV, high temperature). end placed 2" from end of
support)
Table 6-7: Strapping Requirements for
Clamps and Hangers

Strap at mid-span
Strut clamp
PEX-a Pipe Support

Figure 6-20: Strapping for Systems using Strut-type Clamps or Equivalent

Strap within 1" of hanger

Strap at mid-span
Clevis or loop hanger
PEX-a Pipe Support

Figure 6-21: Strapping for Systems using Clevis or Loop-type Hangers or Equivalent

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 75

 Expansion and Contraction Control with
Exposed section must be insulated PEX-a Pipe Support
When properly installed, Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support
can reduce linear expansion and contraction by up to
93 percent when compared to bare-PEX pipe. For more
information, refer to Table 5-15 on Page 61.
Refer to the following requirements.
•• 300-lb., tensile-rated, stainless-steel straps (included)
Rated insulation •• Fixed anchor points installed every 65 ft. for domestic
ProPEX fitting hot-water applications (ΔT>40˚F)
Uponor PEX pipe •• Fixed anchor points installed every 150 ft. for domestic
Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support cold-water applications (ΔT>40˚F)

Figure 6-22: PEX-a Pipe Support Installations

in ASTM E84 Applications

ASTM E84 Requirements for PEX-a

Pipe Support
Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support has been tested and
approved for use in ASTM E84 applications. To meet the
requirements, PEX-a Pipe Support must be installed per
the following requirements:
•• Pipe or fittings without PEX-a Pipe Support shall
be covered with a minimum ½" thick insulation.
•• There is no minimum segment length of PEX-a
Pipe Support.
When installed per the above requirements, there are no
spacing limitations between parallel piping runs.
Note: The above requirements also apply to PEX-a
Pipe Support installed in a vertical position for
ASTM E84 applications.
Note: Exposed sections of ½" and ¾ Uponor PEX
pipe can be installed un-insulated if the pipe runs are
separated by a minimum of 18".

Figure 6-23: PEX-a Pipe Support with Stainless-steel Strapping

76 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Supporting Uponor Multiport Tees

CTS support
Commercial multiport tee with

Max.
mounting clips (included)

6"
Blocking (typical)

6"
Max.

Figure 6-24: In-wall Supports for Multiport Tees

Wood I-joist

Commercial multiport tee

with mounting clips (included)

Multiport tee

6"
Max.

Figure 6-25: Supporting Multiport Tees on Wood I-joists

Commerical mulitiport tee

with mounting clips (included)

Open-web truss

Multiport tee

6"
Max.

Figure 6-26: Supporting Multiport Tees on Open-web Wood Trusses

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 77

 6"
Max.

Multiport tee

CTS hanger

Figure 6-27: Supporting Multiport Tees in Suspended Applications

Grid hanger wire

6"
Max.
CTS clamp

Drywall grid

Drywall cross tee

Figure 6-28: Supporting Multiport Tees on Drywall Grid

78 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Vertical Support Nominal International Uniform National
Requirements Pipe Plumbing Code Plumbing Code Plumbing Code
Vertical runs of pipe can be divided Size (IPC) (UPC) of Canada
into two categories: in wall and risers.

In wall
In-wall piping is typically smaller in All Pipe
5'-0" (1.5m) 5'-0" (1.5m) 5'-0" (1.5m)
Sizes
diameter (<1"), and does not pass

Vertical
through multiple stories like a riser.
It is most often the dedicated supply
piping to the fixture. Base of each floor; Base of each floor; Supported at the base

Risers
All Pipe
provide mid-story provide mid-story and floor levels of
Sizes
Riser piping is typically larger in guide guide alternate stories
diameter (>1") and passes through
multiple stories, often requiring Table 6-8: Vertical Support Requirements for PEX Pipe
fire-penetration sealants.
Note: The two categories above
are not mutually exclusive. Use best
judgement when determining which
supports are necessary.

Floor penetration
5'-0" max.

Stud
Uponor PEX
in-wall piping

Support bracket Mid-story guide

5'-0" max.

Uponor PEX riser

Riser clamp

Floor penetration

Figure 6-29: In-wall versus Riser Piping

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 79

 Support Methods
The following pages provide examples of PEX installations in various commercial building applications. While not
every method is included, the following examples address the majority of installations in North America. Other
installation methods are available; contact Uponor for further guidance in these situations.

Wood-frame Construction

Floor truss
Wood framing
member

Uponor PEX All-threaded rod

piping with Strut or other
approved insulation approved
where required hanging device
Wood stud wall
Gypsum
wallboard

Figure 6-30: Hallway/Corridor Detail

Floor truss

Wood framing member

All-threaded rod typical

Strut or other approved

hanging device
Uponor PEX piping
with approved insulation
where required

Figure 6-31: Hanger Detail

80 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Steel-frame Construction

Steel I-beam

Approved beam clamp

Threaded rod
(sized per load requirements)

Standard CTS clevis

or loop hanger

Uponor AquaPEX piping

Figure 6-32: Steel Beam with Standard CTS Clevis Hangers

Steel I-beam

Approved beam clamp

Threaded rod
(size per load requirements)

Standard CTS clevis or loop

hanger combined with
Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support
Minimum 300-lb.,
tensile-rated,
stainless-steel strapping Uponor AquaPEX piping
Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support

Figure 6-33: Steel Beam with Standard CTS Clevis Hangers and Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 81

 Steel joist

Beam clamp

All-threaded rod

Strut clamp

Uponor AquaPEX piping

Minimum 300-lb., tensile-rated,
stainless-steel strapping Uponor PEX-a
Pipe Support
Steel strut or other
approved hanging device

Figure 6-34: Uponor PEX Suspended from Steel Joists with Strut and Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support

Steel joist

Uponor AquaPEX
piping

Uponor PEX-a
Pipe Support
Minimum 300-lb.,
tensile-rated,
stainless-steel strapping

Figure 6-35: Uponor PEX Supported by Steel Joists and PEX-a Pipe Support

82 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Expansion-compensating Devices
As a generally accepted practice, an expansion-controlling device with fixed anchor points or a continuous run of PEX-a
Pipe Support with fixed anchor points is installed every 65 ft. of straight-length piping in a domestic hot-water system.
Always install the device at the mid-point of two fixed points (see Figure 6-36).

Fixed Anchor Points

To account for expansion, use fixed
anchor points to restrict piping
movement. Ensure fixed anchor
points are constructed with
materials that will provide rigidity
to the support system and use a
pipe clamp that will restrain the Two hole open short angle
specific piping material.
Steel strut
When installing strut-type All-threaded rod
applications, Uponor recommends
Two hole open short angle
using rubber-lined strut clamps to aid
in the restriction of movement. Strut clamp

Expansion Arm
The flexible arm should be long
enough to prevent damage; place
support clamps far enough from
Uponor PEX-a pipe
the wall to allow for longitudinal
thermal expansion. Figure 6-36: Fixed Anchor Point
Steel strut or other
For a list of calculated flexible approved device
arm lengths, refer to Appendix E.
L ∆L
Expansion Loop
The same applies for an expansion
loop. However, the arm length (LB)
must be divided into three sections.
For a list of calculated expansion Fixed anchor point
LB

loop legs, refer to Appendix E.

Fixed anchor point

Figure 6-37: Expansion Arm

L
∆L/2 ∆L/2

Fixed anchor point Fixed anchor point

L2

L2

L1

Figure 6-38: Expansion Loop

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 83

 Expansion and Contraction:
Cold-water Risers
Uponor AquaPEX In cold-water applications, copper
pipe risers 1/2" through 3"
tube size (CTS) riser clamps are used
to support the piping at the base
of each floor. In conjunction with
the riser clamps at the base of each
Appropriate firestop
story, a riser clamp shall be used at
material (must be
Uponor AquaPEX the top of every fourth story, limiting
compatible) expansion and contraction to 40 feet.
A mid-story guide is also required
on every story to guide the piping.
Use appropriate floor Uponor recommends the use of iron
assembly per code
pipe size (IPS) clamps for mid-story
guides as to not restrain the piping.
Use appropriate wall
assembly per code Expansion and Contraction:
Hot-water Risers
Mid-story guide For hot-water applications, copper
required between tube size (CTS) riser clamps are
each floor used at the base of each story. In
conjunction with the riser clamps at
the base of each story, a riser clamp
Riser clamp required shall be used at the top of every-
at the base of other story, limiting the expansion
each floor and contraction of the piping to 20
ft. This translates to a theoretical
expansion of about 11⁄2" in 20 ft. of
piping at a 70°F/38.9°C temperature
Wall-framing member rise (installed at 70ºF/21.1ºC and a
service temperature of 140ºF/60ºC).
In this application, the piping will
snake slightly in areas where it is
not constrained. A mid-story guide
is also required on every story to
Refer to appropriate guide the piping.
fire assembly listing
for penetration
requirements

Riser clamp required at the

top of every-other floor to
limit expansion and contraction
to 20 ft. for domestic
hot-water applications

Figure 6-39: Hot-water Risers

84 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

 Wall Assembly
Public-use Fixtures to Chapter 5 for more information
Water hammer is probably the most about expansion and contraction.
Uponor AquaPEX pipe
significant concern when piping Because Uponor requires a header (size varies)
for public-use fixtures. minimum distance between
In typical installations with ProPEX fittings (see Table 2-2),
metallic piping where back-to- take care when creating a fixture
back restrooms are separated by header. In typical installations using
Support
a mechanical chase, the supply Uponor AquaPEX, the PEX header
header is usually kept at roughly is elevated to allow for adequate Uponor AquaPEX pipe
the same height as the fixture spacing between ProPEX tees supply (size varies)
supply. This creates sharp, abrupt and to also offer ample room for
paths for the water, resulting in AquaPEX pipe drops to the fixture
pressure surges (water hammer) (see Figure 6-41). Vent pipe
when a fast-actuating valve closes. Pipe Labels Uponor ProPEX
To compensate, most local codes Lead-free (LF)
If pipe labels are required to be
require water hammer arrestors. Brass Sweat Adapter
affixed to Uponor AquaPEX pipe,
The flexibility of Uponor AquaPEX Uponor approves the use of
piping combined with its ability permanent, flexible, vinyl stickers Copper stub
to withstand high surge pressures with pressure-sensitive acrylic.
makes it the perfect product for Consult local code for proper
supplying public-use fixtures. PEX placement and requirements Copper carrier bracket
has an approximate modulus of regarding pipe labelling.
elasticity of 91,350 psi, compared to Water closet carrier
copper’s 16,000,000 psi. Refer

Figure 6-40: Fixture Bank Section View

Commercial Flush Bank Detail

Water hammer arrestor where required by code Stud wall assembly
(exact locations vary by manufacturer)
Uponor AquaPEX pipe
Bend support supply (size varies) Uponor AquaPEX pipe Uponor ProPEX EP Tee
(½" to ¾" typical) header (size varies)
Isolation ball valve (typical) Support

Vent
pipe

Waste
pipe

Urinal carrier behind

Copper carrier bracket
Copper stub Water closet carrier

Figure 6-41: Fixture Bank Elevation View

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 85

 Under-slab/Below- pipe insulation, PVC elbows and •• Fill the annular gap between
grade Installation sleeves or equivalent that allow PEX piping and slab-penetration
expansion and contraction of the protection devices (sleeving or
An alternative method to overhead
piping. Ensure proper placement PVC bend guides) at the ends
piping is under-slab or below-grade
where piping exits the slab. These of the piping to help prevent
piping. In this installation, the pipe
products are described as slab- pathways for pests and the
is laid in a trench and routed to
penetration protection devices. mistaken application of harmful
the desired locations. The piping
chemicals into the space between
system is pressurized (usually 20 psi Pre-sleeved Uponor the PEX piping and the protection
above working pressure) and buried. AquaPEX Piping device. Use only sealants that are
Because PEX piping is available in When using pre-sleeved Uponor compatible with PEX piping.
long, continuous lengths, it is an AquaPEX piping or a protection
ideal material for running below •• When PEX piping is continuously
sleeve, an annular gap between sleeved below or above a slab
grade without fittings. (See the these protection devices and the PEX
Water Service section for proper (such as when using Pre-sleeved
piping will exist. In such installations, Uponor AquaPEX piping), never
trench preparation.) fill the annular gap between the fill the space between the PEX
Under-slab/ protection device and the PEX piping piping and the sleeving with
Below-grade Fittings at the exposed ends to help prevent any liquid chemical, including
Uponor EP and LF brass fittings pathways for pests and the mistaken pesticides or termiticides. Prevent
are all approved for use in application of harmful chemicals into pooling or puddling of these
direct-burial applications. the space between the PEX piping liquids around PEX piping.
and the protection device. Use only
Uponor's LF brass is approved for •• When it is necessary to re-treat
sealants that are compatible with
direct burial in soil per NSF/ANSI soil near PEX piping, prevent
PEX piping.
Standard 14 testing which established the puddling or pooling of the
minimum performance criteria for Note: The following products are termiticide/pesticide.
dezincification resistance (DZR) appropriate for use when sealing
Water Service
and stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) PEX piping and slab-penetration
protection devices:
Requirements
resistance for PEX fittings intended
for potable water. •• Latex caulk Uponor AquaPEX piping and
•• Latex foam associated fittings meet the
Installation Recommendations
requirements of American Water
Uponor AquaPEX piping for hot- •• Silicone sealant
Works Association (AWWA) C904,
and cold-water distribution is •• Polyurethane expanding foam
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)
approved for installation directly Pressure Pipe, ½" (12mm) through
Note: Misapplication of these
within or below concrete slabs 3" (76mm) for Water Service.
products could result in pooling or
where soil termiticide/pesticide
puddling of the products around the Only use SDR9 compression fittings
treatment is required. This is
PEX piping, which is prohibited. listed in compliance with AWWA C800
especially useful in slab-on-grade
construction. See page 92 for Caution: as referenced in AWWA C904 in water
information about termiticides. service applications when transferring
•• If applying termiticides/pesticides from PEX to a corporation or curb
Pre-insulated Uponor while the installed PEX piping still stop. Be sure to use insert stiffeners
AquaPEX Piping has exposed open ends that are when assembling a compression
not yet connected to plumbing fitting with PEX. Commonly
Pre-insulated Uponor AquaPEX
fixtures, cap, plug or close the available SDR9 compression fitting
piping is approved for use in direct-
ends of the piping to prevent manufacturers include:
burial applications. However, due to
these chemicals from entering
the static load exerted by the soil, •• Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.®
the piping.
Uponor recommends the use of •• Mueller Company®
Pre-insulated AquaPEX with a •• Do not allow organic (petroleum-
•• A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.®
minimum 1"-thick insulation. based) chemicals, petroleum
distillates, termiticides or •• Philmac®
Piping passing through a concrete pesticides to come into direct
slab must be protected with 0.025" contact with PEX piping.
(0.064mm) thick protective material
such as HDPE wrapping, closed-cell

86 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Trace Wire Masonry wall
Uponor recommends the use of trace
wire to facilitate the detection of
Header
underground pipe systems. Trace wire
should be 14-gauge minimum solid
copper with thermoplastic insulation Steel strut with strut clamps
suitable for direct burial. Refer to
local code for further requirements.
Ball valve

Uponor AquaPEX
piping from below
Closed-cell pipe
insulation where required

PVC Sleeve
Finished concrete floor

Figure 6-42: Mechanical Room Transition (Below-grade Piping)

Wall assembly
Mechanical chase

Concrete slab
Strut clamps

PVC sleeve at
concrete penetration

Steel strut

PVC bend support

Uponor AquaPEX below grade

Figure 6-43: Uponor AquaPEX Below Grade Figure 6-44: Wet-wall Chase Transition (Below-grade Piping) 

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 87

 Trench Bottom Preparation
To achieve a satisfactory installation, it is essential that the soil provides stable and continuous support for the piping.

Uponor AquaPEX piping Uponor PEX piping

Undisturbed soil Undisturbed soil

Fill level
Excavation level
Excavation level

Figure 6-45: Good Soil Conditions — If the trench is Figure 6-46: Poor Soil Conditions — With rocky, clay,
dug smoothly, install the piping directly on the prepared muddy or other poor soil conditions, it may be necessary
bottom. The bottom must be flat with no hollows, lumps to prepare the trench bottom using granular material of
or rocks. such size and grading to provide a stable base. See local
code for additional requirements.

Piping Embedment Installation corrosion, degradation or structural

Proper soil selection, placement and Install Uponor AquaPEX piping failure of the piping. In areas where
compaction are essential in the area underground in a manner that such conditions are suspected,
around the piping. Backfill around ensures external loads will not perform a chemical analysis of the
the piping with sand or gravel that subsequently cause a decrease in soil or groundwater to ascertain the
has a maximum particle size of ¾". the vertical dimension of the cross acceptability of Uponor AquaPEX
section of the piping that exceeds piping for the specific installation.
Compact the initial backfill around
5 percent of the outside diameter. Check local codes for additional
the piping to provide adequate piping
Install Uponor AquaPEX piping in a requirements.
support and prevent settling. It is
particularly important to adequately snaking pattern with sufficient slack Handling and Repairs
compact the soil around the tap in the line to allow for contraction of
Although Uponor AquaPEX piping
connection. Uponor recommends the line due to temperature change
is highly resistant to kinking and
pressurizing the piping prior to prior to backfilling. The linear
abrasion, take care while handling
backfilling to reveal any damage. In expansion rate for Uponor
and installing the piping to prevent
heavy vehicular traffic areas, compact AquaPEX piping is approximately
damage and possible failure of the
backfill to 90 percent of maximum 1.1" per 10ºF temperature change
piping. If damage occurs during
soil density. per 100 ft. of piping (27.94mm per
installation, cut out the damaged
5.56ºC temperature change per
Do not use highly plastic clays, silts, area and repair before backfilling.
30.48m of piping).
organic materials, or sharp or large To reform kinked piping, see
rocks as backfill in the immediate Note: Do not use blocking to support
Reforming Kinked Piping on
vicinity of the piping. Compact the the piping or change the piping
page 68. If the piping is damaged
backfill from the subgrade to a level grade. Do not install potable-water
beyond its thermal-memory capacity,
per local code that will cover the service piping in, under or above
use a ProPEX Coupling. Do not reuse
piping 4" to 6" to provide protection cesspools, septic tanks, septic-tank
or reclaim EP fittings.
around the piping and to prevent drainage fields or pits.
settling that puts stress on the Caution: Do not install
fittings and the piping. Uponor AquaPEX piping in
For additional information about the soil environments contaminated with
proper installation practices of PEX solvents, fuels, organic compounds,
piping in water-service applications, pesticides or other detrimental
refer to AWWA C904. materials that may cause permeation,

88 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

H-20 Loads
When installing Uponor AquaPEX under a roadway, follow the same procedures as previously indicated with the
following exception: Ensure the top of the piping is 16" below the bottom of the roadbed material as specified.
You can also use a suitable steel or structural conduit to sleeve the Uponor AquaPEX pipe.
Pedestrians H-20 load
Bicycles

Deepest point of road bed 0 2083 pounds p.s.f.

10" native soil

6" sand (min.)

Service pipe

4" sandbed

Figure 6-47: Traffic Loads

Horizontal Directional Criteria for Uponor PEX When using compression fittings with
Drilling (HDD) Piping in HDD Applications Uponor AquaPEX piping, a plastic
Horizontal directional drilling is used •• Use Uponor PEX only as the or stainless-steel insert stiffener is
when trenching or excavation is not follow pipe. required on the inside of the piping
practical. A surface-launched drilling at the connection.
•• Take precautionary steps to ensure
rig provides a steerable, trenchless piping does not come in contact For applications requiring direct
method of installing underground with sharp objects. burial, use Uponor ProPEX EP or LF
pipes along a shallow arc bore brass fittings for large-dimension
•• Do not exceed minimum bend
path, resulting in minimal impact Uponor AquaPEX piping up to 3".
radius of 6 times the O.D. of
to surrounding areas. It is suitable the piping
for a variety of soil conditions.
•• Pressure test installed piping
HDD is further categorized into after installation to ensure the SDR9 Uponor PEX 12-hour Pull
the following types: integrity of the piping has not
Tensile Allowable Tensile
•• Mini-HDD been compromised. Nominal
Yield Design Load
Pipe
•• Distances less than 600 ft. Reference Plastics Pipe Institute’s (safety) at 73°F/22.8°C -
Size
Technical Report (TR) 46 Guidelines Factor lbs (N)
•• Depths up to 15 ft.
for Use of Mini-Horizontal Directional 1
⁄2" 0.4 128 (569)
•• Pipe diameters up to 12" Drilling for Placement of High
••Equipment pullback capability
3
⁄4" 0.4 248 (1,103)
Density Polyethylene Pipe for HDD
of up to 20,000 lbs. and torque applications using Uponor PEX piping. 1" 0.4 411 (1,828)
less than 950 ft-lbs.
Joining Methods 11⁄4" 0.4 615 (2,735)
•• Maxi-HDD and Fittings
11⁄2" 0.4 859 (3,821)
•• Distances greater than 600 ft. Use ProPEX or approved compression
fittings to connect piping to itself 2" 0.4 1,465 (6,516)
•• Depths up to 200 ft.
or to the corporation and curb 21⁄2" 0.4 2,239 (9,960)
•• Pipe diameters up to 48"
stops. Approved manufactures are
•• Equipment pullback capability Ford Meter Box Company, Mueller 3" 0.4 3,169 (14,096)
of up to 100,000 lbs. and Company, A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. Table 6-9: Safe Pull Force
torque up to 80,000 ft-lbs. and Philmac. Note: The method set forth in ASTM F1804
determines the allowable tensile load.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 89

 Water System Disinfection system before following the Conditioning and Sustained
Uponor recommends flushing an recommended procedure. Pressure Testing Procedure
AquaPEX plumbing system with Also, consult the appropriate 1. Visually confirm all connections
clean, potable water. When system pipe manufacturer’s installation are properly made per Uponor
disinfection is required, disinfect the recommendations when testing installation guidelines.
piping in accordance with AWWA systems comprised of other 2. Ensure all components, fixtures
C651-86, Standard for Disinfecting thermoplastic materials. and equipment not rated for the
Water Mains, or local codes. The intent of pressure testing a test pressure are isolated from the
Important: To prevent reduced domestic-water system is to meet test system.
service life of system components, local code requirements while 3. Ensure all other thermoplastic
do not allow disinfection solutions to ensuring the system is free from piping materials are isolated
remain in the system longer than leaks. Pressure testing is not a from the test system.
24 hours. Flush the system with substitute for the correct installation
potable water after disinfection. of an Uponor AquaPEX and ProPEX 4. Fill the system with potable water,
Use a chlorine solution of Plumbing System. It is essential the air or a mixture of both.
50 parts per million (ppm) for Uponor system is accurately sized, 5. Condition the system to 1.5 times
24 hours or 200 ppm for three supported and protected while also the required test pressure for 30
hours for disinfection. accounting for thermal movement minutes. This will require constant
during installation. pumping or cycling the valve and
Pressure-testing compressor to maintain a pressure
Procedures Importance of Conditioning of 1.5 times the test pressure. If
It is important to properly pressure PEX-a Pipe cycling the valve and compressor,
test an Uponor Plumbing System Uponor recommends conditioning the apply additional pressure once
in accordance with local code. If system at 1.5 times the test pressure, the psi has dropped 10 lbs.
testing with air, it is important the or 120 psi. The following conditioning
6. After conditioning the system
system pressure not exceed 120 psi. procedure is unique to PEX-a pipe
for 30 minutes, quickly relieve
The following procedure is acceptable due to the high degree of crosslinking
excess pressure by opening the
for testing with air, water or a mixture and associated thermal and elastic
valve. Close the valve when the
of both for Uponor AquaPEX piping properties of the pipe.
system has reached the desired
and ProPEX fittings or hybrid systems When pressure is applied against the test pressure.
combined with metallic piping. inner wall of PEX-a pipe, the internal
Note: Uponor recommends a test
Important: When pressure diameter (ID) of the pipe will slightly
pressure of 80 psi (unless local
testing hybrid systems increase, causing the pressure to drop
code dictates higher pressures).
(i.e., those that include both while the system equalizes. After a
period of 30 minutes, the PEX piping 7. Once the valve is closed,
thermoplastic piping materials, such
will be sufficiently conditioned to confirm a slight rise in pressure
as CPVC or PP-R, and Uponor
start the pressure test. (3 to 6 psi). This increase will
AquaPEX and ProPEX fittings),
occur as the pipe’s internal
isolate the Uponor system from the
diameter (ID) is shrinking from
other thermoplastic materials in the
its conditioned state to equalize
at the lower pressure.
8. Visually check for leakage and
Pressure Testing Graph System Pressure monitor the pressure for the
140 duration specified by local code.
130 (A typical pressure test can range
120 from 2 to 24 hours.)
Pressure (psi)

110 9. If there is no reduction in pressure,

100 the system is presumed to be free
90 from leaks.
80
70
60
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Time (min.)

Figure 6-48: Pressure Testing Graph

90 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

 Note: Slight fluctuations of Icynene® Spray outputs of the chemical reaction
pressure are normal due to Foam Insulation during application of the spray foam.
ambient temperature changes, Direct contact with Icynene® Table 6-10 shows temperatures with
especially during long durations LD-C-50™ and MD-C-200™ spray relation to the lift or depth of foam.
(e.g., 24 hours). foam insulation will not compromise As shown in Table 6-10, an
10. Flush the system as required the performance of Uponor PEX application of 1" of foam creates a
by code. piping or EP fittings. maximum of 130ºF/54.4ºC. As the
Important: If using water Icynene LD-C-50 is a light-density, material is applied more generously,
to pressure test the system, open-celled, flexible and 100% the reaction temperature increases.
purge all water from the system prior water-blown polyurethane foam If more than 2" of lift is required,
to the ambient air temperatures insulation. The spray formula has a Uponor recommends using a two-lift
falling to 32ºF (0ºC). Failing to nominal 0.5 lbs/ft³ density and is a application. Apply the first layer, 2"
remove the water from the system free-rise material. Icynene MD-C-200 or less. Wait 15 minutes (the time
during freezing temperatures can is a medium-density, open-celled, required for the heat from a 2" lift
result in damage to the piping and flexible and 100% water-blown to dissipate). Then, apply the second
associated equipment. polyurethane foam insulation. The layer.
spray formula has a nominal 2 lbs/ft³ Note: Place an initial layer of spray
Insulation foam over the PEX piping prior to the
density and is a free-rise material.
Some local codes require insulation entirety of the foaming to insulate
Successful chemical compatibility
on cold-water lines to mitigate the lines from the heat generated by
testing has been performed on all
condensation that can occur on the chemicals.
Uponor PEX piping as well as all
the outside of the piping. This is
Uponor EP fitting materials, including
more specific to metallic piping. The
Udel® GF-120, Udel® P-1700, Depth of Lift Temperature
thicker, more insulating walls of PEX
Acudel® 22000 and Radel R® 5100. 1" 130ºF/54.4ºC
piping give it a very low coefficient of
The compatibility evaluation showed
thermal conductivity (0.219), whereas 2" 200ºF/93.3ºC
no signs of cracking, crazing or
copper has a coefficient of thermal
reduction in ductility. 3" 320ºF/160ºC
conductivity around 173-231. In
short, PEX piping does not sweat like Icynene LD-C-50 and MD-C-200 Table 6-10: Closed-cell Spray Foam
copper piping. must be installed by an Icynene- Temperatures in Relation to Depth of Lift
licensed dealer and factory-trained
Best practice is to insulate all Uponor recommends closed-cell
installer. For further information, refer
domestic hot-water supply and insulation for use with Uponor PEX
to the Icynene installer’s manual or
return piping as well as any hydronic piping and brass fittings. EP fittings
contact Uponor Technical Services.
distribution piping to conserve require an overwrap of 4 to 6 mil
energy and maintain desired Closed-cell Spray Foams poly or other suitable waterproof
fluid temperature. Uponor also Closed-cell spray foam insulation will protection where contact is possible.
recommends insulating any piping not compromise the performance of
installed in an unconditioned space Recessed Light Fixtures
the Uponor AquaPEX piping or brass
or poorly ventilated areas with fittings, nor will it void the warranty Do not install Uponor AquaPEX
excessive moisture content. Always as long as a maximum temperature within 12" of any recessed lighting
comply with local and energy codes. of 250ºF/121.1ºC is not exceeded fixtures unless the piping is protected
during the chemical reaction process with a suitable insulation* or the
of installation. light fixture is Insulation Contact
(I.C.) rated. In an application using
The majority of closed-cell
I.C.-rated light fixtures, there is
spray foams on the market are
no minimum clearance to the PEX
polyurethane-based. Polyurethane,
piping, regardless of pipe insulation.
the harshest of all bases, is chemically *Suitable insulations include closed-cell
compatible with both Uponor PEX polyurethane, polyethylene and polyolefin-
based products.
piping and brass fittings.
The primary concern in using spray
foams with Uponor PEX piping is
the temperature limitations of the
piping relative to the temperature

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Chapter 6 – Installation Methods 91

 Painting Uponor AquaPEX evaporated, the solids that remain solvent-based pesticides and
It is acceptable to use latex and behind cannot permeate through the water-based pesticides.
acrylic-based paint, such as 100 walls of polyethylene or PEX piping Research conducted by Dr. Michael
percent acrylic exterior latex house because of the molecular size. R. Hoffman of the California Institute
paint, with Uponor AquaPEX. Additional research shows that of Technology (2005) indicates that
These products will not harm the water-based termiticides/pesticides the ability of a chemical compound
molecular structure or integrity of are of sufficiently large molecular size to permeate a material is correlated
the PEX piping. to completely prevent permeation directly with the octanol-water
through polyethylene and PEX partition coefficients of the individual
Termiticides/Pesticides
piping. Instances of water-based organic chemicals. The octanol-water
Liquid termiticides/pesticides are termiticides/pesticides permeating partition coefficient is a relative
often applied to treat the soil below through polyethylene or PEX piping measure of the hydrophobic nature
the concrete slabs of slab-on-grade are not known. Pesticides have not of the organic compounds. In spite
structures. The treatment creates a been found to be corrosive or have of a measurable tendency to partition
barrier to prevent termites and pests polymer degradation. into plastic material, the ability
from infiltrating the floor of the of these compounds is retarded
Although all research data and
structure. PEX piping for plumbing substantially given the low measured
anecdotal evidence strongly suggest
applications is often installed within diffusion coefficients for selected
there are no permeation issues with
slabs or below slabs (in trenches in chemicals. For example, a PEX
water-based termiticides/pesticides
the soil) below the soil that is treated. piping wall thickness of 5mm and
and PEX, take extra caution to ensure
Liquid termiticides/pesticides use a typical diffusion coefficient
safe installation of PEX piping and to
a liquid solvent to carry the active for organic compound migration
prevent misapplication or pooling/
ingredients. These solvents can be of 1.0 x 10-12 cm2/s, the time to
puddling of the liquid termiticides/
categorized as one of two types: permeate through the walls, would be
pesticides around PEX piping.
organic solvent-based (also known 2.5 x 1,011 seconds or approximately
as petroleum solvent-based) and Supporting Research 8,000 years. If the wall thickness
water-based (water solvent-based). A study done in 2001 in Australia, was reduced to 2mm, then the
The type of solvent used in a titled “Investigating the Possible time to permeate completely through
termiticide/pesticide will affect Permeation of Organic Chemicals the pipe wall would be reduced to
its ability to permeate through Commonly Used in Termiticide Barrier 1,300 years.
various materials. Organic-based Treatments through Polyethylene
Note: Crosslinked polyethylene
termiticides/pesticides have largely Water Pipes,” indicated that
(PEX) piping is assumed to behave
disappeared from the North American “migration of pesticide constituents
similarly to polyethylene water piping.
marketplace for this application, and and their associated solvents, through
the majority of products available the polyethylene pipe, did not occur,
today are water-based. Water-based indicating that the concentration
products are generally safer for the of solvents (even in the saturated
environment and pose less risk of soil) was not high enough to cause
infiltration into PEX piping. permeation of the solvents through
the polyethylene pipe wall (within the
Available data indicates the solvents
16-week period of study).” The study
used in liquid termiticides/pesticides
also stated “this indicates that the
will soak into the ground and/or
concentration of these constituents
evaporate before they can pass
in the soil in contact with the pipes
through the wall of polyethylene
was not high enough to develop a
piping. The data also indicates these
positive diffusion pressure and cause
solvents are prevented from passing
the constituents to be detected in
through the wall of polyethylene
the water.” The study was conducted
piping because of the large size
using organic solvent-based
of the water- or organic-solvent
pesticides, which are known to be
molecules, relative to the size of the
more aggressive than water-based
molecules in the piping itself. Once
pesticides. Therefore,
liquid solvents have dissipated or
the results are valid for organic

92 Chapter 6 – Installation Methods — uponorengineering.com

Appendix A
Fluid Properties
100% Water
Density Dynamic Viscosity
Temperature (lbm/ft^3) [lbm/(ft*sec)]
ºF (ºC)
µ
40 (4.44) 62.42 1.31E-03
45 (7.22) 62.42 1.09E-03
50 (10) 62.41 8.78E-04
55 (12.78) 62.39 8.16E-04
60 (15.56) 62.36 7.54E-04
65 (18.33) 62.33 7.05E-04
70 (21.11) 62.30 6.56E-04
80 (26.67) 62.22 5.76E-04
90 (32.22) 62.12 5.12E-04
100 (37.77) 62.00 4.58E-04
110 (43.33) 61.86 4.13E-04
120 (48.89) 61.71 3.74E-04
130 (54.44) 61.55 3.42E-04
140 (60) 61.38 3.14E-04
150 (65.56) 61.19 2.89E-04
160 (71.11) 60.99 2.68E-04
170 (76.67) 60.79 2.48E-04
180 (82.22) 60.57 2.32E-04
190 (87.78) 60.35 2.17E-04
200 (93.33) 60.12 2.04E-04

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix A – Fluid Properties 93

94 Appendix A – Fluid Properties — uponorengineering.com
Appendix B
Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
⁄4" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
1 1
⁄4" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 0.21 4.18 3.50 3.22 3.00 2.82 2.68 2.55 2.45 6.8 0.97 54.50 47.24 44.20 41.79 39.82 38.17 36.74 35.49
1.6 0.23 4.65 3.90 3.59 3.35 3.16 3.00 2.86 2.74 6.9 0.98 55.89 48.47 45.36 42.89 40.87 39.18 37.72 36.44
1.7 0.24 5.15 4.32 3.98 3.72 3.50 3.33 3.17 3.04 7.0 1.00 57.30 49.70 46.52 44.00 41.93 40.20 38.70 37.40
1.8 0.26 5.67 4.76 4.39 4.10 3.87 3.67 3.51 3.36 7.1 1.01 58.73 50.96 47.70 45.12 43.00 41.23 39.70 38.37
1.9 0.27 6.20 5.22 4.82 4.50 4.25 4.03 3.85 3.70 7.2 1.02 60.17 52.22 48.90 46.25 44.09 42.28 40.71 39.35
2.0 0.28 6.76 5.70 5.26 4.92 4.64 4.41 4.21 4.04 7.3 1.04 61.63 53.50 50.10 47.40 45.19 43.34 41.74 40.34
2.1 0.30 7.34 6.19 5.72 5.35 5.05 4.80 4.59 4.40 7.4 1.05 63.10 54.80 51.32 48.56 46.30 44.41 42.77 41.34
2.2 0.31 7.93 6.70 6.20 5.80 5.47 5.21 4.98 4.78 7.5 1.07 64.58 56.10 52.55 49.73 47.42 45.49 43.82 42.36
2.3 0.33 8.55 7.23 6.69 6.26 5.91 5.63 5.38 5.16 7.6 1.08 66.09 57.43 53.80 50.92 48.55 46.58 44.87 43.38
2.4 0.34 9.19 7.78 7.20 6.74 6.37 6.06 5.80 5.57 7.7 1.09 67.60 58.76 55.06 52.12 49.70 47.69 45.94 44.42
2.5 0.36 9.84 8.34 7.72 7.23 6.84 6.51 6.23 5.98 7.8 1.11 69.13 60.11 56.33 53.33 50.86 48.80 47.02 45.47
2.6 0.37 10.52 8.92 8.26 7.74 7.32 6.97 6.67 6.41 7.9 1.12 70.68 61.47 57.61 54.55 52.03 49.93 48.11 46.53
2.7 0.38 11.21 9.52 8.82 8.27 7.82 7.45 7.13 6.85 8.0 1.14 72.24 62.85 58.91 55.78 53.22 51.07 49.22 47.60
2.8 0.40 11.92 10.13 9.39 8.81 8.33 7.94 7.60 7.30 8.1 1.15 73.82 64.24 60.22 57.03 54.41 52.23 50.33 48.68
2.9 0.41 12.65 10.76 9.98 9.36 8.86 8.44 8.08 7.77 8.2 1.17 75.41 65.64 61.54 58.29 55.62 53.39 51.46 49.77
3.0 0.43 13.40 11.41 10.58 9.93 9.40 8.96 8.58 8.25 8.3 1.18 77.02 67.05 62.88 59.56 56.84 54.56 52.59 50.87
3.1 0.44 14.17 12.07 11.20 10.51 9.95 9.49 9.09 8.74 8.4 1.19 78.64 68.48 64.23 60.85 58.07 55.75 53.74 51.99
3.2 0.46 14.95 12.75 11.83 11.11 10.52 10.03 9.61 9.24 8.5 1.21 80.27 69.93 65.59 62.14 59.31 56.95 54.90 53.12
3.3 0.47 15.76 13.44 12.48 11.72 11.10 10.59 10.15 9.76 8.6 1.22 81.92 71.38 66.96 63.45 60.57 58.16 56.08 54.25
3.4 0.48 16.58 14.15 13.14 12.35 11.70 11.16 10.69 10.29 8.7 1.24 83.59 72.85 68.35 64.77 61.84 59.38 57.26 55.40
3.5 0.50 17.42 14.88 13.82 12.99 12.31 11.74 11.26 10.83 8.8 1.25 85.27 74.34 69.75 66.11 63.12 60.62 58.45 56.56
3.6 0.51 18.27 15.62 14.51 13.64 12.93 12.34 11.83 11.39 8.9 1.27 86.96 75.83 71.16 67.45 64.41 61.86 59.66 57.73
3.7 0.53 19.15 16.37 15.22 14.31 13.57 12.95 12.42 11.95 9.0 1.28 88.67 77.34 72.59 68.81 65.71 63.12 60.88 58.92
3.8 0.54 20.04 17.15 15.95 15.00 14.22 13.58 13.02 12.53 9.1 1.29 90.40 78.86 74.03 70.18 67.03 64.39 62.11 60.11
3.9 0.55 20.95 17.94 16.68 15.69 14.89 14.21 13.63 13.13 9.2 1.31 92.14 80.40 75.48 71.57 68.35 65.67 63.35 61.31
4.0 0.57 21.88 18.74 17.44 16.41 15.56 14.86 14.26 13.73 9.3 1.32 93.89 81.95 76.94 72.96 69.69 66.96 64.60 62.53
4.1 0.58 22.82 19.56 18.20 17.13 16.25 15.52 14.90 14.35 9.4 1.34 95.66 83.51 78.42 74.37 71.04 68.27 65.86 63.76
4.2 0.60 23.78 20.39 18.98 17.87 16.96 16.20 15.55 14.98 9.5 1.35 97.44 85.09 79.91 75.79 72.41 69.58 67.13 64.99
4.3 0.61 24.76 21.24 19.78 18.62 17.68 16.89 16.21 15.62 9.6 1.37 99.24 86.68 81.41 77.22 73.78 70.91 68.42 66.24
4.4 0.63 25.75 22.11 20.59 19.39 18.41 17.59 16.88 16.27 9.7 1.38 101.05 88.28 82.92 78.67 75.17 72.25 69.71 67.50
4.5 0.64 26.76 22.99 21.41 20.17 19.15 18.30 17.57 16.94 9.8 1.39 102.87 89.89 84.45 80.12 76.57 73.60 71.02 68.77
4.6 0.65 27.79 23.88 22.25 20.96 19.91 19.03 18.27 17.61 9.9 1.41 104.71 91.52 85.99 81.59 77.98 74.96 72.34 70.05
4.7 0.67 28.83 24.79 23.11 21.77 20.68 19.77 18.99 18.30 10.0 1.42 106.57 93.16 87.54 83.07 79.40 76.33 73.67 71.35
4.8 0.68 29.90 25.71 23.97 22.59 21.46 20.52 19.71 19.00 10.1 1.44 108.43 94.82 89.10 84.56 80.83 77.72 75.01 72.65
4.9 0.70 30.97 26.65 24.85 23.43 22.26 21.29 20.45 19.72 10.2 1.45 110.32 96.49 90.68 86.07 82.28 79.11 76.36 73.96
5.0 0.71 32.07 27.61 25.75 24.28 23.07 22.07 21.20 20.44 10.3 1.46 112.21 98.17 92.27 87.58 83.73 80.52 77.73 75.29
5.1 0.73 33.18 28.58 26.66 25.14 23.89 22.86 21.96 21.18 10.4 1.48 114.12 99.86 93.87 89.11 85.20 81.94 79.10 76.63
5.2 0.74 34.30 29.56 27.58 26.01 24.73 23.66 22.73 21.93 10.5 1.49 116.05 101.57 95.49 90.65 86.68 83.37 80.49 77.97
5.3 0.75 35.45 30.56 28.52 26.90 25.58 24.47 23.52 22.69 10.6 1.51 117.99 103.28 97.11 92.21 88.18 84.81 81.89 79.33
5.4 0.77 36.61 31.57 29.47 27.80 26.44 25.30 24.32 23.46 10.7 1.52 119.94 105.02 98.75 93.77 89.68 86.26 83.29 80.70
5.5 0.78 37.78 32.60 30.43 28.72 27.31 26.14 25.13 24.24 10.8 1.54 121.91 106.76 100.40 95.35 91.19 87.72 84.71 82.08
5.6 0.80 38.97 33.64 31.41 29.64 28.20 26.99 25.95 25.04 10.9 1.55 123.89 108.52 102.07 96.94 92.72 89.20 86.14 83.47
5.7 0.81 40.18 34.69 32.40 30.58 29.10 27.86 26.78 25.85 11.0 1.56 125.89 110.29 103.74 98.54 94.26 90.69 87.58 84.87
5.8 0.82 41.40 35.76 33.41 31.54 30.01 28.73 27.63 26.67 11.1 1.58 127.90 112.07 105.43 100.15 95.81 92.18 89.04 86.29
5.9 0.84 42.64 36.85 34.43 32.51 30.93 29.62 28.49 27.50 11.2 1.59 129.92 113.87 107.13 101.77 97.37 93.69 90.50 87.71
6.0 0.85 43.90 37.94 35.46 33.49 31.87 30.52 29.36 28.34 11.3 1.61 131.96 115.68 108.85 103.41 98.95 95.21 91.98 89.14
6.1 0.87 45.17 39.06 36.50 34.48 32.82 31.44 30.24 29.19 11.4 1.62 134.01 117.50 110.57 105.06 100.53 96.75 93.46 90.59
6.2 0.88 46.45 40.18 37.56 35.49 33.78 32.36 31.13 30.06 11.5 1.64 136.08 119.34 112.31 106.72 102.13 98.29 94.96 92.05
6.3 0.90 47.75 41.33 38.64 36.50 34.76 33.30 32.04 30.94 11.6 1.65 138.16 121.19 114.06 108.39 103.74 99.84 96.47 93.51
6.4 0.91 49.07 42.48 39.72 37.54 35.74 34.25 32.95 31.82 11.7 1.66 140.25 123.05 115.82 110.08 105.36 101.41 97.99 94.99
6.5 0.92 50.41 43.65 40.82 38.58 36.74 35.21 33.88 32.73 11.8 1.68 142.36 124.92 117.60 111.77 106.99 102.99 99.52 96.48
6.6 0.94 51.75 44.83 41.94 39.64 37.76 36.18 34.82 33.64 11.9 1.69 144.49 126.81 119.38 113.48 108.63 104.57 101.06 97.98
6.7 0.95 53.12 46.03 43.06 40.71 38.78 37.17 35.78 34.56 12.0 1.71 146.62 128.70 121.18 115.20 110.28 106.17 102.61 99.49

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables 95
Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
3
⁄8" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) ⁄8" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
3

PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 0.45 2.54 2.14 1.98 1.85 1.74 1.66 1.58 1.52 6.8 2.04 33.73 29.35 27.50 26.02 24.80 23.77 22.88 22.10
1.6 0.48 2.83 2.39 2.21 2.07 1.95 1.85 1.77 1.70 6.9 2.07 34.59 30.11 28.22 26.70 25.45 24.40 23.49 22.69
1.7 0.51 3.14 2.65 2.45 2.29 2.17 2.06 1.97 1.89 7.0 2.10 35.47 30.88 28.94 27.39 26.11 25.04 24.10 23.29
1.8 0.54 3.45 2.92 2.70 2.53 2.39 2.27 2.17 2.09 7.1 2.13 36.36 31.66 29.68 28.09 26.78 25.68 24.73 23.89
1.9 0.57 3.78 3.21 2.97 2.78 2.63 2.50 2.39 2.29 7.2 2.16 37.25 32.45 30.42 28.80 27.46 26.33 25.36 24.50
2.0 0.60 4.13 3.50 3.24 3.04 2.87 2.73 2.61 2.51 7.3 2.19 38.16 33.25 31.17 29.51 28.14 26.99 25.99 25.12
2.1 0.63 4.48 3.81 3.53 3.31 3.13 2.98 2.85 2.73 7.4 2.22 39.08 34.06 31.94 30.24 28.84 27.66 26.64 25.74
2.2 0.66 4.85 4.12 3.82 3.59 3.39 3.23 3.09 2.97 7.5 2.25 40.00 34.87 32.70 30.97 29.54 28.33 27.29 26.37
2.3 0.69 5.23 4.45 4.13 3.87 3.66 3.49 3.34 3.21 7.6 2.28 40.93 35.70 33.48 31.71 30.24 29.01 27.94 27.01
2.4 0.72 5.62 4.79 4.44 4.17 3.95 3.76 3.60 3.46 7.7 2.31 41.88 36.53 34.26 32.45 30.96 29.70 28.61 27.65
2.5 0.75 6.03 5.14 4.77 4.48 4.24 4.04 3.87 3.72 7.8 2.34 42.83 37.37 35.06 33.21 31.68 30.40 29.28 28.30
2.6 0.78 6.44 5.50 5.11 4.79 4.54 4.33 4.14 3.98 7.9 2.37 43.79 38.22 35.86 33.97 32.41 31.10 29.96 28.96
2.7 0.81 6.87 5.87 5.45 5.12 4.85 4.62 4.43 4.26 8.0 2.40 44.77 39.08 36.67 34.74 33.15 31.81 30.65 29.63
2.8 0.84 7.31 6.25 5.81 5.46 5.17 4.93 4.72 4.54 8.1 2.43 45.75 39.94 37.48 35.52 33.89 32.53 31.34 30.30
2.9 0.87 7.76 6.64 6.17 5.80 5.50 5.24 5.02 4.83 8.2 2.46 46.74 40.82 38.31 36.30 34.64 33.25 32.04 30.98
3.0 0.90 8.22 7.04 6.55 6.15 5.83 5.57 5.33 5.13 8.3 2.49 47.74 41.70 39.14 37.09 35.40 33.98 32.75 31.66
3.1 0.93 8.70 7.45 6.93 6.52 6.18 5.90 5.65 5.44 8.4 2.52 48.75 42.59 39.98 37.90 36.17 34.72 33.46 32.36
3.2 0.96 9.18 7.87 7.33 6.89 6.53 6.24 5.98 5.75 8.5 2.55 49.77 43.49 40.83 38.70 36.94 35.47 34.18 33.06
3.3 0.99 9.68 8.30 7.73 7.27 6.90 6.58 6.31 6.08 8.6 2.58 50.79 44.40 41.69 39.52 37.73 36.22 34.91 33.76
3.4 1.02 10.19 8.75 8.14 7.66 7.27 6.94 6.65 6.41 8.7 2.61 51.83 45.32 42.55 40.34 38.52 36.98 35.65 34.48
3.5 1.05 10.71 9.20 8.56 8.06 7.65 7.30 7.00 6.74 8.8 2.64 52.88 46.24 43.43 41.17 39.31 37.75 36.39 35.20
3.6 1.08 11.24 9.66 9.00 8.47 8.04 7.68 7.36 7.09 8.9 2.67 53.93 47.17 44.31 42.01 40.12 38.53 37.14 35.92
3.7 1.11 11.78 10.13 9.44 8.89 8.43 8.06 7.73 7.44 9.0 2.70 55.00 48.11 45.20 42.86 40.93 39.31 37.90 36.66
3.8 1.14 12.33 10.61 9.89 9.31 8.84 8.45 8.10 7.80 9.1 2.73 56.07 49.06 46.09 43.71 41.75 40.10 38.66 37.40
3.9 1.17 12.89 11.10 10.35 9.75 9.25 8.84 8.49 8.17 9.2 2.76 57.15 50.02 47.00 44.58 42.57 40.89 39.43 38.14
4.0 1.20 13.47 11.60 10.81 10.19 9.68 9.25 8.88 8.55 9.3 2.79 58.24 50.99 47.91 45.45 43.41 41.70 40.21 38.90
4.1 1.23 14.05 12.11 11.29 10.64 10.11 9.66 9.27 8.93 9.4 2.82 59.34 51.96 48.83 46.32 44.25 42.51 40.99 39.66
4.2 1.26 14.65 12.63 11.78 11.10 10.55 10.08 9.68 9.33 9.5 2.85 60.45 52.94 49.76 47.21 45.10 43.33 41.78 40.43
4.3 1.29 15.25 13.16 12.27 11.57 10.99 10.51 10.09 9.73 9.6 2.88 61.57 53.94 50.69 48.10 45.95 44.15 42.58 41.20
4.4 1.32 15.87 13.69 12.78 12.05 11.45 10.95 10.51 10.13 9.7 2.91 62.70 54.93 51.64 49.00 46.82 44.98 43.39 41.98
4.5 1.35 16.50 14.24 13.29 12.54 11.91 11.39 10.94 10.55 9.8 2.94 63.84 55.94 52.59 49.91 47.69 45.82 44.20 42.77
4.6 1.38 17.13 14.80 13.81 13.03 12.39 11.85 11.38 10.97 9.9 2.97 64.98 56.96 53.55 50.82 48.56 46.67 45.02 43.57
4.7 1.41 17.78 15.36 14.35 13.53 12.87 12.31 11.82 11.40 10.0 3.00 66.14 57.98 54.52 51.74 49.45 47.52 45.84 44.37
4.8 1.44 18.44 15.94 14.89 14.05 13.36 12.78 12.28 11.84 10.1 3.03 67.30 59.01 55.49 52.67 50.34 48.38 46.67 45.18
4.9 1.47 19.11 16.52 15.43 14.57 13.85 13.25 12.73 12.28 10.2 3.06 68.48 60.05 56.47 53.61 51.24 49.25 47.51 45.99
5.0 1.50 19.79 17.12 15.99 15.10 14.36 13.74 13.20 12.73 10.3 3.09 69.66 61.10 57.46 54.55 52.15 50.12 48.36 46.81
5.1 1.53 20.48 17.72 16.56 15.63 14.87 14.23 13.68 13.19 10.4 3.12 70.85 62.15 58.46 55.51 53.06 51.01 49.21 47.64
5.2 1.56 21.18 18.33 17.13 16.18 15.39 14.73 14.16 13.66 10.5 3.15 72.05 63.22 59.47 56.47 53.98 51.89 50.07 48.48
5.3 1.59 21.89 18.95 17.72 16.73 15.92 15.24 14.65 14.13 10.6 3.18 73.26 64.29 60.48 57.43 54.91 52.79 50.94 49.32
5.4 1.62 22.61 19.58 18.31 17.29 16.46 15.75 15.15 14.61 10.7 3.21 74.47 65.37 61.50 58.41 55.84 53.69 51.82 50.17
5.5 1.65 23.34 20.22 18.91 17.86 17.00 16.28 15.65 15.10 10.8 3.24 75.70 66.46 62.53 59.39 56.79 54.60 52.70 51.02
5.6 1.68 24.08 20.87 19.52 18.44 17.55 16.81 16.16 15.60 10.9 3.27 76.93 67.55 63.57 60.38 57.74 55.52 53.58 51.89
5.7 1.71 24.83 21.53 20.14 19.03 18.11 17.35 16.68 16.10 11.0 3.30 78.18 68.66 64.61 61.37 58.69 56.44 54.48 52.75
5.8 1.74 25.59 22.20 20.77 19.62 18.68 17.89 17.21 16.61 11.1 3.33 79.43 69.77 65.67 62.38 59.66 57.37 55.38 53.63
5.9 1.77 26.36 22.87 21.40 20.23 19.26 18.45 17.74 17.13 11.2 3.36 80.69 70.89 66.73 63.39 60.63 58.31 56.29 54.51
6.0 1.80 27.13 23.56 22.04 20.84 19.84 19.01 18.28 17.65 11.3 3.39 81.96 72.02 67.79 64.41 61.61 59.25 57.20 55.40
6.1 1.83 27.92 24.25 22.70 21.46 20.44 19.58 18.83 18.18 11.4 3.42 83.24 73.16 68.87 65.43 62.59 60.21 58.12 56.30
6.2 1.86 28.72 24.95 23.36 22.09 21.04 20.16 19.39 18.72 11.5 3.45 84.53 74.30 69.95 66.47 63.59 61.16 59.05 57.20
6.3 1.89 29.53 25.66 24.03 22.72 21.64 20.74 19.95 19.27 11.6 3.48 85.83 75.45 71.04 67.51 64.59 62.13 59.99 58.11
6.4 1.92 30.35 26.38 24.70 23.36 22.26 21.33 20.53 19.82 11.7 3.51 87.13 76.61 72.14 68.56 65.59 63.10 60.93 59.02
6.5 1.95 31.18 27.11 25.39 24.02 22.88 21.93 21.10 20.38 11.8 3.54 88.45 77.78 73.25 69.61 66.61 64.08 61.88 59.94
6.6 1.98 32.02 27.85 26.08 24.68 23.51 22.54 21.69 20.95 11.9 3.57 89.77 78.96 74.36 70.68 67.63 65.07 62.83 60.87
6.7 2.01 32.87 28.59 26.79 25.34 24.15 23.15 22.28 21.52 12.0 3.60 91.10 80.14 75.48 71.75 68.66 66.06 63.79 61.81

96 Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables — uponorengineering.com

Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
1 1
⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 0.83 1.70 1.44 1.33 1.25 1.18 1.12 1.07 1.03 6.8 3.76 22.88 19.98 18.74 17.75 16.93 16.23 15.63 15.10
1.6 0.88 1.89 1.61 1.49 1.40 1.32 1.26 1.20 1.15 6.9 3.81 23.47 20.50 19.23 18.22 17.37 16.66 16.04 15.50
1.7 0.94 2.10 1.79 1.66 1.55 1.47 1.40 1.34 1.28 7.0 3.87 24.07 21.03 19.73 18.69 17.83 17.10 16.46 15.91
1.8 0.99 2.31 1.97 1.83 1.71 1.62 1.54 1.48 1.42 7.1 3.92 24.67 21.56 20.23 19.17 18.28 17.54 16.89 16.32
1.9 1.05 2.54 2.16 2.01 1.88 1.78 1.70 1.62 1.56 7.2 3.98 25.28 22.10 20.74 19.65 18.75 17.98 17.32 16.73
2.0 1.10 2.77 2.36 2.19 2.06 1.95 1.86 1.78 1.71 7.3 4.03 25.90 22.64 21.25 20.14 19.21 18.43 17.75 17.16
2.1 1.16 3.01 2.57 2.39 2.24 2.12 2.02 1.94 1.86 7.4 4.09 26.52 23.19 21.77 20.63 19.69 18.89 18.19 17.58
2.2 1.22 3.26 2.78 2.59 2.43 2.30 2.19 2.10 2.02 7.5 4.14 27.15 23.75 22.30 21.13 20.17 19.35 18.64 18.01
2.3 1.27 3.51 3.01 2.80 2.63 2.49 2.37 2.27 2.19 7.6 4.20 27.79 24.31 22.83 21.64 20.65 19.82 19.09 18.45
2.4 1.33 3.78 3.24 3.01 2.83 2.68 2.56 2.45 2.36 7.7 4.25 28.43 24.88 23.37 22.15 21.14 20.29 19.54 18.89
2.5 1.38 4.05 3.47 3.23 3.04 2.88 2.75 2.63 2.53 7.8 4.31 29.08 25.46 23.91 22.66 21.63 20.76 20.00 19.33
2.6 1.44 4.33 3.72 3.46 3.25 3.09 2.94 2.82 2.71 7.9 4.36 29.74 26.04 24.46 23.18 22.13 21.24 20.47 19.78
2.7 1.49 4.62 3.97 3.70 3.48 3.30 3.15 3.02 2.90 8.0 4.42 30.40 26.62 25.01 23.71 22.63 21.73 20.93 20.24
2.8 1.55 4.92 4.23 3.94 3.71 3.51 3.35 3.22 3.10 8.1 4.47 31.07 27.21 25.57 24.24 23.14 22.22 21.41 20.70
2.9 1.60 5.23 4.49 4.19 3.94 3.74 3.57 3.42 3.29 8.2 4.53 31.75 27.81 26.13 24.78 23.66 22.71 21.89 21.16
3.0 1.66 5.54 4.77 4.44 4.18 3.97 3.79 3.63 3.50 8.3 4.58 32.43 28.41 26.70 25.32 24.18 23.21 22.37 21.63
3.1 1.71 5.86 5.05 4.70 4.43 4.20 4.02 3.85 3.71 8.4 4.64 33.12 29.02 27.27 25.87 24.70 23.72 22.86 22.10
3.2 1.77 6.19 5.33 4.97 4.68 4.45 4.25 4.07 3.92 8.5 4.70 33.81 29.64 27.85 26.42 25.23 24.23 23.35 22.58
3.3 1.82 6.53 5.63 5.25 4.94 4.69 4.48 4.30 4.14 8.6 4.75 34.51 30.26 28.44 26.98 25.76 24.74 23.85 23.06
3.4 1.88 6.87 5.93 5.53 5.21 4.95 4.73 4.54 4.37 8.7 4.81 35.22 30.88 29.03 27.54 26.30 25.26 24.35 23.55
3.5 1.93 7.22 6.23 5.82 5.48 5.21 4.98 4.78 4.60 8.8 4.86 35.93 31.52 29.63 28.11 26.85 25.79 24.86 24.04
3.6 1.99 7.58 6.55 6.11 5.76 5.47 5.23 5.02 4.84 8.9 4.92 36.65 32.15 30.23 28.68 27.40 26.32 25.37 24.54
3.7 2.04 7.95 6.87 6.41 6.04 5.74 5.49 5.27 5.08 9.0 4.97 37.38 32.80 30.84 29.26 27.95 26.85 25.89 25.04
3.8 2.10 8.32 7.19 6.72 6.34 6.02 5.76 5.53 5.33 9.1 5.03 38.11 33.45 31.45 29.85 28.51 27.39 26.41 25.54
3.9 2.15 8.71 7.53 7.03 6.63 6.30 6.03 5.79 5.58 9.2 5.08 38.85 34.10 32.07 30.44 29.08 27.93 26.93 26.05
4.0 2.21 9.10 7.87 7.35 6.93 6.59 6.30 6.05 5.84 9.3 5.14 39.59 34.76 32.69 31.03 29.65 28.48 27.46 26.57
4.1 2.26 9.49 8.22 7.68 7.24 6.89 6.59 6.33 6.10 9.4 5.19 40.34 35.43 33.32 31.63 30.22 29.04 28.00 27.09
4.2 2.32 9.90 8.57 8.01 7.56 7.19 6.88 6.60 6.37 9.5 5.25 41.10 36.10 33.96 32.23 30.80 29.60 28.54 27.61
4.3 2.38 10.31 8.93 8.35 7.88 7.49 7.17 6.89 6.64 9.6 5.30 41.86 36.77 34.60 32.84 31.39 30.16 29.08 28.14
4.4 2.43 10.73 9.30 8.69 8.20 7.80 7.47 7.17 6.92 9.7 5.36 42.63 37.46 35.24 33.46 31.98 30.73 29.63 28.67
4.5 2.49 11.15 9.67 9.04 8.54 8.12 7.77 7.47 7.20 9.8 5.41 43.41 38.14 35.89 34.08 32.57 31.30 30.19 29.21
4.6 2.54 11.59 10.05 9.40 8.88 8.44 8.08 7.77 7.49 9.9 5.47 44.19 38.84 36.55 34.70 33.17 31.88 30.75 29.75
4.7 2.60 12.03 10.44 9.76 9.22 8.77 8.40 8.07 7.78 10.0 5.52 44.98 39.54 37.21 35.33 33.78 32.46 31.31 30.30
4.8 2.65 12.48 10.83 10.13 9.57 9.11 8.72 8.38 8.08 10.1 5.58 45.77 40.24 37.88 35.97 34.39 33.05 31.88 30.85
4.9 2.71 12.93 11.23 10.50 9.92 9.45 9.04 8.69 8.39 10.2 5.63 46.57 40.95 38.55 36.61 35.00 33.64 32.45 31.41
5.0 2.76 13.39 11.63 10.88 10.29 9.79 9.37 9.01 8.69 10.3 5.69 47.38 41.67 39.22 37.26 35.62 34.24 33.03 31.97
5.1 2.82 13.86 12.04 11.27 10.65 10.14 9.71 9.34 9.01 10.4 5.74 48.19 42.39 39.91 37.91 36.24 34.84 33.61 32.53
5.2 2.87 14.34 12.46 11.66 11.02 10.50 10.05 9.67 9.33 10.5 5.80 49.01 43.12 40.59 38.56 36.87 35.45 34.20 33.10
5.3 2.93 14.82 12.88 12.06 11.40 10.86 10.40 10.00 9.65 10.6 5.86 49.84 43.85 41.29 39.22 37.51 36.06 34.79 33.68
5.4 2.98 15.31 13.31 12.47 11.79 11.23 10.75 10.34 9.98 10.7 5.91 50.67 44.59 41.99 39.89 38.15 36.68 35.39 34.26
5.5 3.04 15.80 13.75 12.88 12.18 11.60 11.11 10.69 10.31 10.8 5.97 51.50 45.33 42.69 40.56 38.79 37.30 35.99 34.84
5.6 3.09 16.31 14.19 13.29 12.57 11.98 11.47 11.04 10.65 10.9 6.02 52.35 46.08 43.40 41.24 39.44 37.92 36.60 35.43
5.7 3.15 16.82 14.64 13.72 12.97 12.36 11.84 11.39 11.00 11.0 6.08 53.20 46.84 44.11 41.92 40.09 38.55 37.21 36.02
5.8 3.20 17.34 15.10 14.14 13.38 12.75 12.22 11.75 11.34 11.1 6.13 54.05 47.60 44.83 42.60 40.75 39.19 37.82 36.62
5.9 3.26 17.86 15.56 14.58 13.79 13.14 12.59 12.12 11.70 11.2 6.19 54.91 48.36 45.56 43.29 41.42 39.83 38.44 37.22
6.0 3.31 18.39 16.02 15.02 14.21 13.54 12.98 12.49 12.06 11.3 6.24 55.78 49.13 46.29 43.99 42.08 40.47 39.07 37.82
6.1 3.37 18.93 16.50 15.46 14.63 13.95 13.37 12.86 12.42 11.4 6.30 56.65 49.91 47.02 44.69 42.76 41.12 39.69 38.43
6.2 3.42 19.47 16.98 15.91 15.06 14.36 13.76 13.24 12.79 11.5 6.35 57.53 50.69 47.76 45.40 43.44 41.78 40.33 39.05
6.3 3.48 20.02 17.46 16.37 15.50 14.77 14.16 13.63 13.16 11.6 6.41 58.42 51.48 48.51 46.11 44.12 42.44 40.97 39.67
6.4 3.54 20.58 17.95 16.83 15.94 15.19 14.56 14.02 13.54 11.7 6.46 59.31 52.27 49.26 46.83 44.81 43.10 41.61 40.29
6.5 3.59 21.14 18.45 17.30 16.38 15.62 14.97 14.41 13.92 11.8 6.52 60.21 53.07 50.01 47.55 45.50 43.77 42.25 40.92
6.6 3.65 21.72 18.95 17.78 16.83 16.05 15.39 14.81 14.31 11.9 6.57 61.11 53.87 50.77 48.27 46.20 44.44 42.91 41.55
6.7 3.70 22.29 19.46 18.26 17.29 16.49 15.81 15.22 14.70 12.0 6.63 62.02 54.68 51.54 49.01 46.90 45.12 43.56 42.19

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables 97
Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
3
⁄4" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 3
⁄4" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 1.65 1.08 0.92 0.86 0.81 0.76 0.73 0.70 0.67 6.8 7.50 14.81 12.99 12.20 11.57 11.04 10.60 10.21 9.86
1.6 1.76 1.21 1.03 0.96 0.90 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.75 6.9 7.61 15.20 13.33 12.52 11.88 11.34 10.88 10.48 10.13
1.7 1.87 1.34 1.15 1.07 1.00 0.95 0.90 0.87 0.83 7.0 7.72 15.59 13.67 12.85 12.18 11.63 11.16 10.75 10.39
1.8 1.98 1.48 1.27 1.18 1.11 1.05 1.00 0.96 0.92 7.1 7.83 15.98 14.02 13.18 12.50 11.93 11.45 11.03 10.66
1.9 2.09 1.62 1.39 1.29 1.22 1.15 1.10 1.05 1.01 7.2 7.94 16.38 14.37 13.51 12.81 12.23 11.74 11.31 10.93
2.0 2.20 1.77 1.52 1.41 1.33 1.26 1.20 1.15 1.11 7.3 8.05 16.78 14.73 13.84 13.13 12.54 12.04 11.60 11.21
2.1 2.31 1.92 1.65 1.54 1.45 1.37 1.31 1.26 1.21 7.4 8.16 17.18 15.09 14.18 13.46 12.85 12.34 11.89 11.49
2.2 2.43 2.08 1.79 1.67 1.57 1.49 1.42 1.37 1.31 7.5 8.27 17.59 15.45 14.53 13.78 13.16 12.64 12.18 11.77
2.3 2.54 2.25 1.94 1.81 1.70 1.61 1.54 1.48 1.42 7.6 8.38 18.01 15.82 14.87 14.11 13.48 12.94 12.47 12.06
2.4 2.65 2.42 2.09 1.94 1.83 1.74 1.66 1.59 1.53 7.7 8.49 18.43 16.19 15.22 14.45 13.80 13.25 12.77 12.34
2.5 2.76 2.60 2.24 2.09 1.97 1.87 1.78 1.71 1.65 7.8 8.60 18.85 16.56 15.58 14.78 14.12 13.56 13.07 12.63
2.6 2.87 2.78 2.40 2.24 2.11 2.00 1.91 1.83 1.77 7.9 8.71 19.28 16.94 15.94 15.12 14.45 13.87 13.37 12.93
2.7 2.98 2.97 2.56 2.39 2.25 2.14 2.04 1.96 1.89 8.0 8.82 19.71 17.32 16.30 15.47 14.78 14.19 13.68 13.23
2.8 3.09 3.16 2.73 2.55 2.40 2.28 2.18 2.09 2.02 8.1 8.93 20.14 17.71 16.66 15.81 15.11 14.51 13.99 13.53
2.9 3.20 3.36 2.90 2.71 2.55 2.43 2.32 2.23 2.15 8.2 9.04 20.58 18.10 17.03 16.17 15.45 14.84 14.30 13.83
3.0 3.31 3.56 3.08 2.88 2.71 2.58 2.46 2.37 2.28 8.3 9.15 21.03 18.49 17.40 16.52 15.78 15.16 14.62 14.13
3.1 3.42 3.77 3.26 3.05 2.87 2.73 2.61 2.51 2.42 8.4 9.26 21.48 18.89 17.78 16.88 16.13 15.49 14.94 14.44
3.2 3.53 3.98 3.45 3.22 3.04 2.89 2.76 2.65 2.56 8.5 9.37 21.93 19.29 18.16 17.24 16.47 15.83 15.26 14.76
3.3 3.64 4.20 3.64 3.40 3.21 3.05 2.92 2.80 2.70 8.6 9.48 22.38 19.70 18.54 17.60 16.82 16.16 15.58 15.07
3.4 3.75 4.42 3.83 3.58 3.38 3.22 3.08 2.95 2.85 8.7 9.59 22.85 20.11 18.93 17.97 17.18 16.50 15.91 15.39
3.5 3.86 4.65 4.03 3.77 3.56 3.39 3.24 3.11 3.00 8.8 9.70 23.31 20.52 19.32 18.34 17.53 16.85 16.24 15.71
3.6 3.97 4.88 4.24 3.96 3.74 3.56 3.40 3.27 3.15 8.9 9.81 23.78 20.94 19.71 18.72 17.89 17.19 16.58 16.04
3.7 4.08 5.12 4.44 4.16 3.93 3.74 3.57 3.43 3.31 9.0 9.92 24.25 21.36 20.11 19.10 18.26 17.54 16.92 16.36
3.8 4.19 5.36 4.66 4.36 4.12 3.92 3.75 3.60 3.47 9.1 10.03 24.73 21.78 20.51 19.48 18.62 17.89 17.26 16.69
3.9 4.30 5.61 4.87 4.56 4.31 4.10 3.93 3.77 3.64 9.2 10.14 25.21 22.21 20.91 19.86 18.99 18.25 17.60 17.03
4.0 4.41 5.86 5.10 4.77 4.51 4.29 4.11 3.95 3.81 9.3 10.25 25.70 22.64 21.32 20.25 19.36 18.61 17.95 17.36
4.1 4.52 6.12 5.32 4.98 4.71 4.48 4.29 4.12 3.98 9.4 10.36 26.18 23.07 21.73 20.65 19.74 18.97 18.30 17.70
4.2 4.63 6.38 5.55 5.20 4.91 4.68 4.48 4.31 4.15 9.5 10.47 26.68 23.51 22.15 21.04 20.12 19.34 18.65 18.05
4.3 4.74 6.65 5.79 5.42 5.12 4.88 4.67 4.49 4.33 9.6 10.58 27.18 23.95 22.56 21.44 20.50 19.71 19.01 18.39
4.4 4.85 6.92 6.02 5.64 5.34 5.08 4.87 4.68 4.51 9.7 10.69 27.68 24.40 22.99 21.84 20.89 20.08 19.37 18.74
4.5 4.96 7.20 6.27 5.87 5.55 5.29 5.06 4.87 4.70 9.8 10.80 28.18 24.85 23.41 22.25 21.28 20.45 19.73 19.09
4.6 5.07 7.48 6.51 6.10 5.77 5.50 5.27 5.07 4.89 9.9 10.91 28.69 25.30 23.84 22.66 21.67 20.83 20.10 19.45
4.7 5.18 7.76 6.77 6.34 6.00 5.71 5.47 5.26 5.08 10.0 11.02 29.21 25.76 24.27 23.07 22.06 21.21 20.46 19.80
4.8 5.29 8.05 7.02 6.58 6.23 5.93 5.68 5.47 5.27 10.1 11.13 29.72 26.22 24.71 23.48 22.46 21.60 20.84 20.17
4.9 5.40 8.35 7.28 6.82 6.46 6.15 5.90 5.67 5.47 10.2 11.24 30.25 26.68 25.15 23.90 22.86 21.98 21.21 20.53
5.0 5.51 8.65 7.54 7.07 6.69 6.38 6.11 5.88 5.68 10.3 11.35 30.77 27.15 25.59 24.33 23.27 22.37 21.59 20.89
5.1 5.62 8.95 7.81 7.33 6.93 6.61 6.33 6.09 5.88 10.4 11.46 31.30 27.62 26.04 24.75 23.68 22.77 21.97 21.26
5.2 5.73 9.26 8.08 7.58 7.18 6.84 6.56 6.31 6.09 10.5 11.57 31.84 28.10 26.49 25.18 24.09 23.17 22.35 21.64
5.3 5.84 9.57 8.36 7.84 7.42 7.08 6.78 6.53 6.30 10.6 11.68 32.37 28.58 26.94 25.61 24.50 23.57 22.74 22.01
5.4 5.95 9.89 8.64 8.11 7.67 7.32 7.01 6.75 6.52 10.7 11.79 32.92 29.06 27.40 26.05 24.92 23.97 23.13 22.39
5.5 6.06 10.21 8.93 8.37 7.93 7.56 7.25 6.97 6.73 10.8 11.91 33.46 29.55 27.86 26.49 25.34 24.37 23.52 22.77
5.6 6.17 10.54 9.21 8.65 8.19 7.81 7.48 7.20 6.96 10.9 12.02 34.01 30.04 28.32 26.93 25.77 24.78 23.92 23.16
5.7 6.28 10.87 9.51 8.92 8.45 8.06 7.73 7.44 7.18 11.0 12.13 34.57 30.53 28.79 27.37 26.20 25.20 24.32 23.54
5.8 6.39 11.21 9.80 9.20 8.71 8.31 7.97 7.67 7.41 11.1 12.24 35.12 31.03 29.26 27.82 26.63 25.61 24.72 23.93
5.9 6.50 11.55 10.10 9.48 8.98 8.57 8.22 7.91 7.64 11.2 12.35 35.68 31.53 29.73 28.28 27.06 26.03 25.13 24.33
6.0 6.61 11.89 10.41 9.77 9.26 8.83 8.47 8.15 7.87 11.3 12.46 36.25 32.03 30.21 28.73 27.50 26.45 25.53 24.72
6.1 6.72 12.24 10.72 10.06 9.53 9.09 8.72 8.40 8.11 11.4 12.57 36.82 32.54 30.69 29.19 27.94 26.88 25.94 25.12
6.2 6.83 12.60 11.03 10.36 9.81 9.36 8.98 8.65 8.35 11.5 12.68 37.39 33.05 31.17 29.65 28.38 27.30 26.36 25.52
6.3 6.94 12.96 11.35 10.65 10.10 9.63 9.24 8.90 8.60 11.6 12.79 37.97 33.56 31.66 30.12 28.83 27.74 26.78 25.93
6.4 7.05 13.32 11.67 10.96 10.38 9.91 9.51 9.15 8.84 11.7 12.90 38.55 34.08 32.15 30.59 29.28 28.17 27.20 26.33
6.5 7.17 13.68 11.99 11.26 10.68 10.19 9.77 9.41 9.09 11.8 13.01 39.14 34.60 32.64 31.06 29.73 28.61 27.62 26.75
6.6 7.28 14.06 12.32 11.57 10.97 10.47 10.05 9.67 9.35 11.9 13.12 39.73 35.13 33.14 31.53 30.19 29.05 28.04 27.16
6.7 7.39 14.43 12.65 11.89 11.27 10.75 10.32 9.94 9.60 12.0 13.23 40.32 35.66 33.64 32.01 30.65 29.49 28.47 27.58

98 Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables — uponorengineering.com

Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
1" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 1" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 2.73 0.78 0.67 0.62 0.59 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.49 6.8 12.37 10.83 9.53 8.96 8.51 8.12 7.80 7.52 7.27
1.6 2.91 0.87 0.75 0.70 0.66 0.62 0.59 0.57 0.55 6.9 12.55 11.12 9.78 9.20 8.73 8.34 8.01 7.72 7.46
1.7 3.09 0.97 0.83 0.78 0.73 0.69 0.66 0.63 0.61 7.0 12.73 11.40 10.03 9.44 8.96 8.56 8.22 7.92 7.66
1.8 3.27 1.07 0.92 0.86 0.81 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.68 7.1 12.92 11.69 10.29 9.68 9.19 8.78 8.43 8.12 7.85
1.9 3.46 1.17 1.01 0.94 0.89 0.84 0.81 0.77 0.74 7.2 13.10 11.98 10.55 9.92 9.42 9.00 8.65 8.33 8.06
2.0 3.64 1.28 1.11 1.03 0.97 0.92 0.88 0.85 0.81 7.3 13.28 12.28 10.81 10.17 9.66 9.23 8.86 8.54 8.26
2.1 3.82 1.40 1.21 1.12 1.06 1.01 0.96 0.92 0.89 7.4 13.46 12.57 11.07 10.42 9.89 9.45 9.08 8.75 8.46
2.2 4.00 1.51 1.31 1.22 1.15 1.09 1.04 1.00 0.96 7.5 13.64 12.88 11.34 10.67 10.14 9.69 9.30 8.97 8.67
2.3 4.18 1.63 1.41 1.32 1.24 1.18 1.13 1.08 1.04 7.6 13.83 13.18 11.61 10.93 10.38 9.92 9.53 9.19 8.88
2.4 4.37 1.76 1.52 1.42 1.34 1.27 1.22 1.17 1.13 7.7 14.01 13.49 11.88 11.19 10.62 10.15 9.76 9.40 9.09
2.5 4.55 1.89 1.63 1.53 1.44 1.37 1.31 1.26 1.21 7.8 14.19 13.80 12.16 11.45 10.87 10.39 9.98 9.63 9.31
2.6 4.73 2.02 1.75 1.64 1.54 1.47 1.40 1.35 1.30 7.9 14.37 14.11 12.44 11.71 11.12 10.63 10.22 9.85 9.53
2.7 4.91 2.16 1.87 1.75 1.65 1.57 1.50 1.44 1.39 8.0 14.55 14.43 12.72 11.98 11.38 10.88 10.45 10.08 9.74
2.8 5.09 2.30 1.99 1.86 1.76 1.67 1.60 1.54 1.48 8.1 14.74 14.75 13.00 12.25 11.63 11.12 10.69 10.30 9.97
2.9 5.28 2.44 2.12 1.98 1.87 1.78 1.70 1.63 1.58 8.2 14.92 15.07 13.29 12.52 11.89 11.37 10.93 10.54 10.19
3.0 5.46 2.59 2.25 2.10 1.99 1.89 1.81 1.74 1.67 8.3 15.10 15.40 13.58 12.79 12.15 11.62 11.17 10.77 10.42
3.1 5.64 2.74 2.38 2.23 2.10 2.00 1.92 1.84 1.77 8.4 15.28 15.73 13.87 13.07 12.42 11.87 11.41 11.00 10.64
3.2 5.82 2.90 2.52 2.36 2.23 2.12 2.03 1.95 1.88 8.5 15.46 16.06 14.17 13.35 12.68 12.13 11.66 11.24 10.87
3.3 6.00 3.06 2.66 2.49 2.35 2.24 2.14 2.06 1.98 8.6 15.64 16.39 14.47 13.63 12.95 12.39 11.90 11.48 11.11
3.4 6.19 3.22 2.80 2.62 2.48 2.36 2.26 2.17 2.09 8.7 15.83 16.73 14.77 13.91 13.22 12.65 12.16 11.72 11.34
3.5 6.37 3.39 2.95 2.76 2.61 2.48 2.38 2.29 2.20 8.8 16.01 17.07 15.07 14.20 13.50 12.91 12.41 11.97 11.58
3.6 6.55 3.56 3.10 2.90 2.74 2.61 2.50 2.40 2.32 8.9 16.19 17.42 15.38 14.49 13.77 13.17 12.66 12.22 11.82
3.7 6.73 3.73 3.25 3.04 2.88 2.74 2.63 2.52 2.43 9.0 16.37 17.77 15.69 14.78 14.05 13.44 12.92 12.46 12.06
3.8 6.91 3.91 3.41 3.19 3.02 2.87 2.75 2.65 2.55 9.1 16.55 18.12 16.00 15.08 14.33 13.71 13.18 12.72 12.30
3.9 7.09 4.09 3.56 3.34 3.16 3.01 2.88 2.77 2.68 9.2 16.74 18.47 16.31 15.38 14.62 13.98 13.44 12.97 12.55
4.0 7.28 4.27 3.73 3.49 3.31 3.15 3.02 2.90 2.80 9.3 16.92 18.83 16.63 15.68 14.91 14.26 13.71 13.23 12.80
4.1 7.46 4.46 3.89 3.65 3.45 3.29 3.15 3.03 2.93 9.4 17.10 19.19 16.95 15.98 15.19 14.54 13.98 13.48 13.05
4.2 7.64 4.65 4.06 3.81 3.60 3.43 3.29 3.17 3.06 9.5 17.28 19.55 17.27 16.29 15.49 14.82 14.25 13.74 13.30
4.3 7.82 4.85 4.23 3.97 3.76 3.58 3.43 3.30 3.19 9.6 17.46 19.92 17.60 16.60 15.78 15.10 14.52 14.01 13.56
4.4 8.00 5.05 4.41 4.14 3.92 3.73 3.58 3.44 3.32 9.7 17.65 20.28 17.93 16.91 16.08 15.38 14.79 14.27 13.81
4.5 8.19 5.25 4.59 4.30 4.07 3.88 3.72 3.58 3.46 9.8 17.83 20.66 18.26 17.22 16.38 15.67 15.07 14.54 14.07
4.6 8.37 5.46 4.77 4.47 4.24 4.04 3.87 3.73 3.60 9.9 18.01 21.03 18.59 17.54 16.68 15.96 15.35 14.81 14.33
4.7 8.55 5.66 4.95 4.65 4.40 4.20 4.02 3.87 3.74 10.0 18.19 21.41 18.93 17.85 16.98 16.25 15.63 15.08 14.60
4.8 8.73 5.88 5.14 4.83 4.57 4.36 4.18 4.02 3.88 10.1 18.37 21.79 19.27 18.18 17.29 16.54 15.91 15.36 14.86
4.9 8.91 6.09 5.33 5.01 4.74 4.52 4.34 4.17 4.03 10.2 18.56 22.17 19.61 18.50 17.60 16.84 16.20 15.63 15.13
5.0 9.10 6.31 5.53 5.19 4.91 4.69 4.49 4.33 4.18 10.3 18.74 22.56 19.96 18.83 17.91 17.14 16.49 15.91 15.40
5.1 9.28 6.54 5.72 5.37 5.09 4.86 4.66 4.48 4.33 10.4 18.92 22.95 20.30 19.15 18.22 17.44 16.78 16.19 15.67
5.2 9.46 6.76 5.92 5.56 5.27 5.03 4.82 4.64 4.48 10.5 19.10 23.34 20.65 19.49 18.54 17.74 17.07 16.47 15.95
5.3 9.64 6.99 6.13 5.75 5.45 5.20 4.99 4.80 4.64 10.6 19.28 23.74 21.01 19.82 18.86 18.05 17.36 16.76 16.23
5.4 9.82 7.22 6.33 5.95 5.64 5.38 5.16 4.97 4.80 10.7 19.47 24.14 21.36 20.16 19.18 18.36 17.66 17.05 16.50
5.5 10.01 7.46 6.54 6.14 5.82 5.56 5.33 5.13 4.96 10.8 19.65 24.54 21.72 20.50 19.50 18.67 17.96 17.34 16.79
5.6 10.19 7.70 6.75 6.34 6.01 5.74 5.51 5.30 5.12 10.9 19.83 24.94 22.08 20.84 19.83 18.98 18.26 17.63 17.07
5.7 10.37 7.94 6.97 6.55 6.21 5.92 5.68 5.47 5.29 11.0 20.01 25.35 22.44 21.18 20.16 19.30 18.57 17.92 17.35
5.8 10.55 8.19 7.19 6.75 6.40 6.11 5.86 5.65 5.46 11.1 20.19 25.76 22.81 21.53 20.49 19.61 18.87 18.22 17.64
5.9 10.73 8.44 7.41 6.96 6.60 6.30 6.05 5.82 5.63 11.2 20.37 26.17 23.18 21.88 20.82 19.93 19.18 18.52 17.93
6.0 10.92 8.69 7.63 7.17 6.80 6.49 6.23 6.00 5.80 11.3 20.56 26.59 23.55 22.23 21.16 20.26 19.49 18.82 18.22
6.1 11.10 8.95 7.86 7.39 7.01 6.69 6.42 6.18 5.97 11.4 20.74 27.01 23.92 22.58 21.49 20.58 19.81 19.12 18.52
6.2 11.28 9.21 8.09 7.60 7.21 6.89 6.61 6.37 6.15 11.5 20.92 27.43 24.30 22.94 21.84 20.91 20.12 19.43 18.81
6.3 11.46 9.47 8.32 7.82 7.42 7.09 6.80 6.55 6.33 11.6 21.10 27.85 24.68 23.30 22.18 21.24 20.44 19.74 19.11
6.4 11.64 9.74 8.56 8.05 7.63 7.29 7.00 6.74 6.51 11.7 21.28 28.28 25.06 23.66 22.52 21.57 20.76 20.05 19.41
6.5 11.82 10.01 8.79 8.27 7.85 7.49 7.19 6.93 6.70 11.8 21.47 28.71 25.45 24.03 22.87 21.90 21.08 20.36 19.72
6.6 12.01 10.28 9.04 8.50 8.06 7.70 7.39 7.12 6.89 11.9 21.65 29.14 25.83 24.39 23.22 22.24 21.41 20.67 20.02
6.7 12.19 10.56 9.28 8.73 8.28 7.91 7.60 7.32 7.07 12.0 21.83 29.58 26.22 24.76 23.58 22.58 21.73 20.99 20.33

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables 99
Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
11⁄4" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 11⁄4" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 4.08 0.60 0.52 0.49 0.46 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.38 6.8 18.49 8.44 7.44 7.01 6.65 6.36 6.11 5.89 5.69
1.6 4.35 0.68 0.58 0.54 0.51 0.49 0.46 0.44 0.43 6.9 18.77 8.66 7.64 7.19 6.83 6.53 6.27 6.05 5.85
1.7 4.62 0.75 0.65 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.49 0.48 7.0 19.04 8.88 7.83 7.38 7.01 6.70 6.44 6.20 6.00
1.8 4.90 0.83 0.72 0.67 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.53 7.1 19.31 9.11 8.03 7.57 7.19 6.87 6.60 6.37 6.16
1.9 5.17 0.91 0.79 0.73 0.69 0.66 0.63 0.60 0.58 7.2 19.58 9.34 8.24 7.76 7.37 7.05 6.77 6.53 6.31
2.0 5.44 0.99 0.86 0.80 0.76 0.72 0.69 0.66 0.64 7.3 19.85 9.57 8.44 7.95 7.56 7.22 6.94 6.69 6.47
2.1 5.71 1.08 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.78 0.75 0.72 0.69 7.4 20.13 9.80 8.65 8.15 7.74 7.40 7.11 6.86 6.63
2.2 5.98 1.17 1.02 0.95 0.90 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.75 7.5 20.40 10.04 8.86 8.35 7.93 7.58 7.29 7.03 6.80
2.3 6.26 1.27 1.10 1.03 0.97 0.92 0.88 0.85 0.81 7.6 20.67 10.27 9.07 8.55 8.12 7.77 7.46 7.20 6.96
2.4 6.53 1.36 1.18 1.11 1.04 0.99 0.95 0.91 0.88 7.7 20.94 10.51 9.28 8.75 8.31 7.95 7.64 7.37 7.13
2.5 6.80 1.46 1.27 1.19 1.12 1.07 1.02 0.98 0.95 7.8 21.21 10.76 9.50 8.95 8.51 8.14 7.82 7.54 7.30
2.6 7.07 1.57 1.36 1.27 1.20 1.14 1.09 1.05 1.01 7.9 21.49 11.00 9.72 9.16 8.71 8.33 8.00 7.72 7.47
2.7 7.34 1.67 1.45 1.36 1.29 1.22 1.17 1.12 1.08 8.0 21.76 11.25 9.94 9.37 8.90 8.52 8.19 7.90 7.64
2.8 7.62 1.78 1.55 1.45 1.37 1.30 1.25 1.20 1.16 8.1 22.03 11.50 10.16 9.58 9.10 8.71 8.37 8.07 7.81
2.9 7.89 1.89 1.65 1.54 1.46 1.39 1.33 1.28 1.23 8.2 22.30 11.75 10.38 9.79 9.31 8.90 8.56 8.26 7.99
3.0 8.16 2.01 1.75 1.64 1.55 1.47 1.41 1.36 1.31 8.3 22.57 12.01 10.61 10.01 9.51 9.10 8.75 8.44 8.16
3.1 8.43 2.13 1.85 1.74 1.64 1.56 1.50 1.44 1.39 8.4 22.85 12.26 10.84 10.22 9.72 9.30 8.94 8.62 8.34
3.2 8.70 2.25 1.96 1.84 1.74 1.65 1.58 1.52 1.47 8.5 23.12 12.52 11.07 10.44 9.93 9.50 9.13 8.81 8.52
3.3 8.98 2.37 2.07 1.94 1.83 1.75 1.67 1.61 1.55 8.6 23.39 12.79 11.31 10.66 10.14 9.70 9.33 9.00 8.71
3.4 9.25 2.50 2.18 2.04 1.93 1.84 1.76 1.70 1.64 8.7 23.66 13.05 11.54 10.89 10.35 9.90 9.52 9.19 8.89
3.5 9.52 2.63 2.29 2.15 2.04 1.94 1.86 1.79 1.72 8.8 23.93 13.32 11.78 11.11 10.57 10.11 9.72 9.38 9.08
3.6 9.79 2.76 2.41 2.26 2.14 2.04 1.95 1.88 1.81 8.9 24.21 13.59 12.02 11.34 10.78 10.32 9.92 9.57 9.27
3.7 10.06 2.90 2.53 2.37 2.25 2.14 2.05 1.97 1.90 9.0 24.48 13.86 12.26 11.57 11.00 10.53 10.12 9.77 9.45
3.8 10.34 3.03 2.65 2.49 2.36 2.25 2.15 2.07 2.00 9.1 24.75 14.13 12.51 11.80 11.22 10.74 10.33 9.97 9.65
3.9 10.61 3.18 2.78 2.61 2.47 2.35 2.25 2.17 2.09 9.2 25.02 14.41 12.75 12.03 11.45 10.95 10.53 10.17 9.84
4.0 10.88 3.32 2.90 2.73 2.58 2.46 2.36 2.27 2.19 9.3 25.29 14.69 13.00 12.27 11.67 11.17 10.74 10.37 10.03
4.1 11.15 3.47 3.03 2.85 2.70 2.57 2.47 2.37 2.29 9.4 25.57 14.97 13.25 12.50 11.90 11.39 10.95 10.57 10.23
4.2 11.42 3.62 3.17 2.97 2.81 2.68 2.57 2.48 2.39 9.5 25.84 15.25 13.50 12.74 12.13 11.61 11.16 10.77 10.43
4.3 11.70 3.77 3.30 3.10 2.94 2.80 2.68 2.58 2.49 9.6 26.11 15.54 13.76 12.99 12.36 11.83 11.38 10.98 10.63
4.4 11.97 3.92 3.44 3.23 3.06 2.92 2.80 2.69 2.60 9.7 26.38 15.83 14.02 13.23 12.59 12.05 11.59 11.19 10.83
4.5 12.24 4.08 3.58 3.36 3.18 3.04 2.91 2.80 2.71 9.8 26.65 16.12 14.28 13.48 12.82 12.28 11.81 11.40 11.03
4.6 12.51 4.24 3.72 3.49 3.31 3.16 3.03 2.92 2.82 9.9 26.93 16.41 14.54 13.72 13.06 12.50 12.03 11.61 11.24
4.7 12.78 4.40 3.86 3.63 3.44 3.28 3.15 3.03 2.93 10.0 27.20 16.71 14.80 13.97 13.30 12.73 12.25 11.82 11.45
4.8 13.06 4.57 4.01 3.77 3.57 3.41 3.27 3.15 3.04 10.1 27.47 17.00 15.07 14.22 13.54 12.96 12.47 12.04 11.65
4.9 13.33 4.74 4.16 3.91 3.70 3.54 3.39 3.27 3.15 10.2 27.74 17.30 15.34 14.48 13.78 13.19 12.70 12.26 11.87
5.0 13.60 4.91 4.31 4.05 3.84 3.67 3.52 3.39 3.27 10.3 28.01 17.61 15.61 14.73 14.02 13.43 12.92 12.47 12.08
5.1 13.87 5.08 4.46 4.20 3.98 3.80 3.64 3.51 3.39 10.4 28.29 17.91 15.88 14.99 14.27 13.66 13.15 12.69 12.29
5.2 14.14 5.26 4.62 4.34 4.12 3.93 3.77 3.63 3.51 10.5 28.56 18.22 16.15 15.25 14.52 13.90 13.38 12.92 12.51
5.3 14.42 5.44 4.78 4.49 4.26 4.07 3.90 3.76 3.63 10.6 28.83 18.53 16.43 15.51 14.77 14.14 13.61 13.14 12.72
5.4 14.69 5.62 4.94 4.64 4.41 4.21 4.04 3.89 3.76 10.7 29.10 18.84 16.71 15.78 15.02 14.38 13.84 13.37 12.94
5.5 14.96 5.81 5.10 4.80 4.55 4.35 4.17 4.02 3.88 10.8 29.37 19.15 16.99 16.04 15.27 14.63 14.08 13.59 13.16
5.6 15.23 5.99 5.27 4.96 4.70 4.49 4.31 4.15 4.01 10.9 29.65 19.47 17.27 16.31 15.53 14.87 14.32 13.82 13.39
5.7 15.50 6.18 5.44 5.11 4.85 4.63 4.45 4.29 4.14 11.0 29.92 19.79 17.55 16.58 15.79 15.12 14.55 14.05 13.61
5.8 15.78 6.38 5.61 5.27 5.01 4.78 4.59 4.42 4.27 11.1 30.19 20.11 17.84 16.85 16.05 15.37 14.79 14.29 13.84
5.9 16.05 6.57 5.78 5.44 5.16 4.93 4.73 4.56 4.41 11.2 30.46 20.43 18.13 17.13 16.31 15.62 15.04 14.52 14.06
6.0 16.32 6.77 5.96 5.60 5.32 5.08 4.88 4.70 4.54 11.3 30.73 20.76 18.42 17.40 16.57 15.87 15.28 14.76 14.29
6.1 16.59 6.97 6.13 5.77 5.48 5.23 5.02 4.84 4.68 11.4 31.01 21.09 18.71 17.68 16.84 16.13 15.53 14.99 14.52
6.2 16.86 7.17 6.31 5.94 5.64 5.39 5.17 4.99 4.82 11.5 31.28 21.42 19.01 17.96 17.10 16.39 15.77 15.23 14.75
6.3 17.13 7.38 6.49 6.11 5.80 5.54 5.32 5.13 4.96 11.6 31.55 21.75 19.31 18.24 17.37 16.64 16.02 15.48 14.99
6.4 17.41 7.58 6.68 6.29 5.97 5.70 5.48 5.28 5.10 11.7 31.82 22.08 19.61 18.53 17.64 16.91 16.27 15.72 15.22
6.5 17.68 7.79 6.87 6.46 6.14 5.86 5.63 5.43 5.25 11.8 32.09 22.42 19.91 18.81 17.92 17.17 16.53 15.96 15.46
6.6 17.95 8.01 7.05 6.64 6.31 6.03 5.79 5.58 5.39 11.9 32.37 22.76 20.21 19.10 18.19 17.43 16.78 16.21 15.70
6.7 18.22 8.22 7.25 6.82 6.48 6.19 5.95 5.73 5.54 12.0 32.64 23.10 20.52 19.39 18.47 17.70 17.04 16.46 15.94

100 Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables — uponorengineering.com

Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
11⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 11⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 5.68 0.49 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.35 0.34 0.32 0.31 6.8 25.76 6.88 6.07 5.72 5.44 5.20 5.00 4.82 4.66
1.6 6.06 0.55 0.47 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.36 0.35 6.9 26.14 7.06 6.23 5.87 5.58 5.34 5.13 4.95 4.79
1.7 6.44 0.61 0.53 0.49 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.39 7.0 26.52 7.24 6.39 6.03 5.73 5.48 5.27 5.08 4.91
1.8 6.82 0.67 0.58 0.54 0.51 0.49 0.46 0.45 0.43 7.1 26.90 7.42 6.56 6.18 5.88 5.62 5.40 5.21 5.04
1.9 7.20 0.74 0.64 0.60 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.49 0.47 7.2 27.28 7.61 6.72 6.34 6.03 5.76 5.54 5.34 5.17
2.0 7.58 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.56 0.54 0.52 7.3 27.66 7.80 6.89 6.50 6.18 5.91 5.68 5.48 5.30
2.1 7.96 0.88 0.76 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.61 0.59 0.57 7.4 28.04 7.99 7.06 6.66 6.33 6.05 5.82 5.61 5.43
2.2 8.34 0.95 0.83 0.77 0.73 0.69 0.66 0.64 0.61 7.5 28.42 8.18 7.23 6.82 6.48 6.20 5.96 5.75 5.56
2.3 8.71 1.03 0.89 0.83 0.79 0.75 0.72 0.69 0.67 7.6 28.79 8.37 7.40 6.98 6.64 6.35 6.11 5.89 5.70
2.4 9.09 1.10 0.96 0.90 0.85 0.81 0.77 0.74 0.72 7.7 29.17 8.57 7.58 7.15 6.80 6.50 6.25 6.03 5.84
2.5 9.47 1.19 1.03 0.97 0.91 0.87 0.83 0.80 0.77 7.8 29.55 8.77 7.76 7.32 6.96 6.66 6.40 6.17 5.97
2.6 9.85 1.27 1.11 1.04 0.98 0.93 0.89 0.86 0.83 7.9 29.93 8.97 7.93 7.48 7.12 6.81 6.55 6.32 6.11
2.7 10.23 1.36 1.18 1.11 1.05 1.00 0.96 0.92 0.89 8.0 30.31 9.17 8.12 7.66 7.28 6.97 6.70 6.46 6.25
2.8 10.61 1.45 1.26 1.18 1.12 1.06 1.02 0.98 0.95 8.1 30.69 9.37 8.30 7.83 7.45 7.13 6.85 6.61 6.40
2.9 10.99 1.54 1.34 1.26 1.19 1.13 1.08 1.04 1.01 8.2 31.07 9.58 8.48 8.00 7.61 7.28 7.01 6.76 6.54
3.0 11.37 1.63 1.42 1.33 1.26 1.20 1.15 1.11 1.07 8.3 31.45 9.79 8.67 8.18 7.78 7.45 7.16 6.91 6.69
3.1 11.75 1.73 1.51 1.41 1.34 1.28 1.22 1.18 1.13 8.4 31.83 10.00 8.85 8.36 7.95 7.61 7.32 7.06 6.83
3.2 12.12 1.83 1.60 1.50 1.42 1.35 1.29 1.24 1.20 8.5 32.20 10.21 9.04 8.53 8.12 7.77 7.48 7.21 6.98
3.3 12.50 1.93 1.68 1.58 1.50 1.43 1.37 1.31 1.27 8.6 32.58 10.42 9.23 8.72 8.29 7.94 7.63 7.37 7.13
3.4 12.88 2.03 1.78 1.67 1.58 1.50 1.44 1.39 1.34 8.7 32.96 10.64 9.43 8.90 8.47 8.10 7.80 7.52 7.28
3.5 13.26 2.14 1.87 1.75 1.66 1.58 1.52 1.46 1.41 8.8 33.34 10.86 9.62 9.08 8.64 8.27 7.96 7.68 7.43
3.6 13.64 2.24 1.96 1.84 1.75 1.66 1.60 1.54 1.48 8.9 33.72 11.08 9.82 9.27 8.82 8.44 8.12 7.84 7.59
3.7 14.02 2.35 2.06 1.94 1.83 1.75 1.68 1.61 1.56 9.0 34.10 11.30 10.02 9.46 9.00 8.62 8.29 8.00 7.74
3.8 14.40 2.47 2.16 2.03 1.92 1.83 1.76 1.69 1.63 9.1 34.48 11.53 10.22 9.65 9.18 8.79 8.46 8.16 7.90
3.9 14.78 2.58 2.26 2.12 2.01 1.92 1.84 1.77 1.71 9.2 34.86 11.75 10.42 9.84 9.36 8.96 8.62 8.32 8.06
4.0 15.16 2.70 2.37 2.22 2.11 2.01 1.93 1.85 1.79 9.3 35.24 11.98 10.62 10.03 9.55 9.14 8.79 8.49 8.22
4.1 15.53 2.82 2.47 2.32 2.20 2.10 2.01 1.94 1.87 9.4 35.61 12.21 10.83 10.22 9.73 9.32 8.97 8.66 8.38
4.2 15.91 2.94 2.58 2.42 2.30 2.19 2.10 2.02 1.96 9.5 35.99 12.44 11.03 10.42 9.92 9.50 9.14 8.82 8.54
4.3 16.29 3.06 2.69 2.53 2.40 2.29 2.19 2.11 2.04 9.6 36.37 12.67 11.24 10.62 10.11 9.68 9.31 8.99 8.71
4.4 16.67 3.19 2.80 2.63 2.50 2.38 2.29 2.20 2.13 9.7 36.75 12.91 11.45 10.82 10.30 9.86 9.49 9.16 8.87
4.5 17.05 3.32 2.91 2.74 2.60 2.48 2.38 2.29 2.21 9.8 37.13 13.15 11.67 11.02 10.49 10.05 9.67 9.33 9.04
4.6 17.43 3.45 3.03 2.85 2.70 2.58 2.48 2.38 2.30 9.9 37.51 13.39 11.88 11.22 10.68 10.23 9.85 9.51 9.21
4.7 17.81 3.58 3.15 2.96 2.81 2.68 2.57 2.48 2.39 10.0 37.89 13.63 12.10 11.43 10.88 10.42 10.03 9.68 9.38
4.8 18.19 3.72 3.27 3.07 2.92 2.78 2.67 2.57 2.49 10.1 38.27 13.87 12.31 11.63 11.08 10.61 10.21 9.86 9.55
4.9 18.57 3.86 3.39 3.19 3.03 2.89 2.77 2.67 2.58 10.2 38.65 14.12 12.53 11.84 11.28 10.80 10.39 10.04 9.72
5.0 18.94 4.00 3.51 3.31 3.14 2.99 2.87 2.77 2.68 10.3 39.02 14.36 12.75 12.05 11.48 10.99 10.58 10.22 9.89
5.1 19.32 4.14 3.64 3.42 3.25 3.10 2.98 2.87 2.77 10.4 39.40 14.61 12.98 12.26 11.68 11.19 10.77 10.40 10.07
5.2 19.70 4.28 3.77 3.54 3.36 3.21 3.08 2.97 2.87 10.5 39.78 14.86 13.20 12.47 11.88 11.38 10.96 10.58 10.25
5.3 20.08 4.43 3.90 3.67 3.48 3.32 3.19 3.08 2.97 10.6 40.16 15.12 13.43 12.69 12.08 11.58 11.14 10.76 10.42
5.4 20.46 4.58 4.03 3.79 3.60 3.44 3.30 3.18 3.07 10.7 40.54 15.37 13.65 12.90 12.29 11.78 11.34 10.95 10.60
5.5 20.84 4.73 4.16 3.92 3.72 3.55 3.41 3.29 3.18 10.8 40.92 15.63 13.88 13.12 12.50 11.98 11.53 11.13 10.78
5.6 21.22 4.88 4.30 4.05 3.84 3.67 3.52 3.40 3.28 10.9 41.30 15.89 14.12 13.34 12.71 12.18 11.72 11.32 10.97
5.7 21.60 5.03 4.44 4.18 3.96 3.79 3.64 3.51 3.39 11.0 41.68 16.15 14.35 13.56 12.92 12.38 11.92 11.51 11.15
5.8 21.98 5.19 4.57 4.31 4.09 3.91 3.75 3.62 3.50 11.1 42.06 16.41 14.58 13.78 13.13 12.58 12.12 11.70 11.33
5.9 22.35 5.35 4.72 4.44 4.22 4.03 3.87 3.73 3.61 11.2 42.43 16.67 14.82 14.01 13.35 12.79 12.31 11.89 11.52
6.0 22.73 5.51 4.86 4.58 4.35 4.15 3.99 3.85 3.72 11.3 42.81 16.94 15.06 14.24 13.56 13.00 12.51 12.09 11.71
6.1 23.11 5.67 5.00 4.71 4.48 4.28 4.11 3.96 3.83 11.4 43.19 17.21 15.30 14.46 13.78 13.21 12.72 12.28 11.90
6.2 23.49 5.84 5.15 4.85 4.61 4.41 4.23 4.08 3.94 11.5 43.57 17.48 15.54 14.69 14.00 13.42 12.92 12.48 12.09
6.3 23.87 6.01 5.30 4.99 4.74 4.53 4.36 4.20 4.06 11.6 43.95 17.75 15.78 14.92 14.22 13.63 13.12 12.68 12.28
6.4 24.25 6.18 5.45 5.13 4.88 4.66 4.48 4.32 4.18 11.7 44.33 18.02 16.03 15.16 14.44 13.84 13.33 12.88 12.47
6.5 24.63 6.35 5.60 5.28 5.02 4.80 4.61 4.44 4.30 11.8 44.71 18.30 16.28 15.39 14.67 14.06 13.54 13.08 12.67
6.6 25.01 6.52 5.76 5.43 5.16 4.93 4.74 4.57 4.42 11.9 45.09 18.58 16.52 15.62 14.89 14.27 13.75 13.28 12.86
6.7 25.38 6.70 5.91 5.57 5.30 5.06 4.87 4.69 4.54 12.0 45.47 18.86 16.77 15.86 15.12 14.49 13.96 13.48 13.06

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables 101
Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 9.75 0.35 0.30 0.28 0.27 0.25 0.24 0.23 0.22 6.8 44.18 4.93 4.37 4.12 3.92 3.75 3.61 3.48 3.37
1.6 10.39 0.39 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.27 0.26 0.25 6.9 44.83 5.06 4.49 4.23 4.03 3.86 3.71 3.58 3.46
1.7 11.04 0.43 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.30 0.29 0.28 7.0 45.48 5.19 4.60 4.34 4.13 3.96 3.81 3.67 3.55
1.8 11.69 0.48 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.31 7.1 46.13 5.33 4.72 4.46 4.24 4.06 3.90 3.77 3.65
1.9 12.34 0.52 0.46 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.34 7.2 46.78 5.46 4.84 4.57 4.35 4.16 4.00 3.86 3.74
2.0 12.99 0.57 0.50 0.47 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.39 0.37 7.3 47.43 5.60 4.96 4.68 4.46 4.27 4.10 3.96 3.83
2.1 13.64 0.62 0.54 0.51 0.48 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.41 7.4 48.08 5.73 5.08 4.80 4.57 4.37 4.21 4.06 3.93
2.2 14.29 0.68 0.59 0.55 0.52 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44 7.5 48.73 5.87 5.21 4.92 4.68 4.48 4.31 4.16 4.03
2.3 14.94 0.73 0.64 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.48 7.6 49.38 6.01 5.33 5.04 4.79 4.59 4.41 4.26 4.12
2.4 15.59 0.79 0.69 0.64 0.61 0.58 0.56 0.54 0.52 7.7 50.03 6.15 5.46 5.16 4.91 4.70 4.52 4.36 4.22
2.5 16.24 0.85 0.74 0.69 0.66 0.63 0.60 0.58 0.56 7.8 50.68 6.30 5.59 5.28 5.02 4.81 4.63 4.47 4.32
2.6 16.89 0.91 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.67 0.64 0.62 0.60 7.9 51.33 6.44 5.72 5.40 5.14 4.92 4.73 4.57 4.42
2.7 17.54 0.97 0.85 0.79 0.75 0.72 0.69 0.66 0.64 8.0 51.97 6.59 5.85 5.52 5.26 5.03 4.84 4.68 4.53
2.8 18.19 1.03 0.90 0.85 0.80 0.77 0.73 0.71 0.68 8.1 52.62 6.73 5.98 5.65 5.38 5.15 4.95 4.78 4.63
2.9 18.84 1.10 0.96 0.90 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.75 0.73 8.2 53.27 6.88 6.11 5.77 5.50 5.26 5.06 4.89 4.73
3.0 19.49 1.16 1.02 0.96 0.91 0.87 0.83 0.80 0.77 8.3 53.92 7.03 6.24 5.90 5.62 5.38 5.18 5.00 4.84
3.1 20.14 1.23 1.08 1.02 0.96 0.92 0.88 0.85 0.82 8.4 54.57 7.18 6.38 6.03 5.74 5.50 5.29 5.11 4.95
3.2 20.79 1.30 1.14 1.07 1.02 0.97 0.93 0.90 0.87 8.5 55.22 7.34 6.52 6.16 5.86 5.62 5.41 5.22 5.05
3.3 21.44 1.38 1.21 1.13 1.08 1.03 0.98 0.95 0.91 8.6 55.87 7.49 6.65 6.29 5.99 5.74 5.52 5.33 5.16
3.4 22.09 1.45 1.27 1.20 1.13 1.08 1.04 1.00 0.97 8.7 56.52 7.65 6.79 6.42 6.11 5.86 5.64 5.44 5.27
3.5 22.74 1.53 1.34 1.26 1.19 1.14 1.09 1.05 1.02 8.8 57.17 7.80 6.93 6.55 6.24 5.98 5.76 5.56 5.38
3.6 23.39 1.60 1.41 1.32 1.26 1.20 1.15 1.11 1.07 8.9 57.82 7.96 7.08 6.69 6.37 6.10 5.87 5.67 5.49
3.7 24.04 1.68 1.48 1.39 1.32 1.26 1.21 1.16 1.12 9.0 58.47 8.12 7.22 6.82 6.50 6.23 5.99 5.79 5.61
3.8 24.69 1.76 1.55 1.46 1.38 1.32 1.27 1.22 1.18 9.1 59.12 8.28 7.36 6.96 6.63 6.35 6.12 5.91 5.72
3.9 25.34 1.85 1.62 1.53 1.45 1.38 1.33 1.28 1.24 9.2 59.77 8.45 7.51 7.10 6.76 6.48 6.24 6.02 5.83
4.0 25.99 1.93 1.70 1.60 1.52 1.45 1.39 1.34 1.29 9.3 60.42 8.61 7.66 7.24 6.90 6.61 6.36 6.14 5.95
4.1 26.64 2.02 1.77 1.67 1.58 1.51 1.45 1.40 1.35 9.4 61.07 8.78 7.81 7.38 7.03 6.74 6.49 6.26 6.07
4.2 27.29 2.10 1.85 1.74 1.65 1.58 1.52 1.46 1.41 9.5 61.72 8.94 7.95 7.52 7.17 6.87 6.61 6.39 6.18
4.3 27.94 2.19 1.93 1.82 1.72 1.65 1.58 1.52 1.47 9.6 62.37 9.11 8.11 7.66 7.30 7.00 6.74 6.51 6.30
4.4 28.59 2.28 2.01 1.89 1.80 1.72 1.65 1.59 1.54 9.7 63.02 9.28 8.26 7.81 7.44 7.13 6.87 6.63 6.42
4.5 29.24 2.38 2.09 1.97 1.87 1.79 1.72 1.65 1.60 9.8 63.67 9.45 8.41 7.95 7.58 7.26 6.99 6.76 6.54
4.6 29.89 2.47 2.18 2.05 1.95 1.86 1.79 1.72 1.66 9.9 64.32 9.63 8.57 8.10 7.72 7.40 7.12 6.88 6.67
4.7 30.54 2.57 2.26 2.13 2.02 1.93 1.86 1.79 1.73 10.0 64.97 9.80 8.72 8.25 7.86 7.53 7.26 7.01 6.79
4.8 31.18 2.66 2.35 2.21 2.10 2.01 1.93 1.86 1.80 10.1 65.62 9.98 8.88 8.40 8.00 7.67 7.39 7.14 6.91
4.9 31.83 2.76 2.44 2.29 2.18 2.08 2.00 1.93 1.86 10.2 66.27 10.15 9.04 8.55 8.15 7.81 7.52 7.27 7.04
5.0 32.48 2.86 2.53 2.38 2.26 2.16 2.07 2.00 1.93 10.3 66.92 10.33 9.20 8.70 8.29 7.95 7.66 7.40 7.16
5.1 33.13 2.96 2.62 2.46 2.34 2.24 2.15 2.07 2.00 10.4 67.57 10.51 9.36 8.85 8.44 8.09 7.79 7.53 7.29
5.2 33.78 3.07 2.71 2.55 2.42 2.32 2.23 2.15 2.08 10.5 68.22 10.69 9.52 9.01 8.59 8.23 7.93 7.66 7.42
5.3 34.43 3.17 2.80 2.64 2.51 2.40 2.30 2.22 2.15 10.6 68.87 10.87 9.68 9.16 8.73 8.37 8.06 7.79 7.55
5.4 35.08 3.28 2.90 2.73 2.59 2.48 2.38 2.30 2.22 10.7 69.52 11.06 9.85 9.32 8.88 8.52 8.20 7.93 7.68
5.5 35.73 3.39 2.99 2.82 2.68 2.56 2.46 2.37 2.30 10.8 70.17 11.24 10.02 9.48 9.03 8.66 8.34 8.06 7.81
5.6 36.38 3.50 3.09 2.91 2.77 2.65 2.54 2.45 2.37 10.9 70.82 11.43 10.18 9.63 9.19 8.81 8.48 8.20 7.94
5.7 37.03 3.61 3.19 3.01 2.86 2.73 2.63 2.53 2.45 11.0 71.47 11.62 10.35 9.79 9.34 8.95 8.63 8.33 8.07
5.8 37.68 3.72 3.29 3.10 2.95 2.82 2.71 2.61 2.53 11.1 72.12 11.81 10.52 9.96 9.49 9.10 8.77 8.47 8.21
5.9 38.33 3.84 3.39 3.20 3.04 2.91 2.80 2.70 2.61 11.2 72.76 12.00 10.69 10.12 9.65 9.25 8.91 8.61 8.34
6.0 38.98 3.95 3.49 3.30 3.13 3.00 2.88 2.78 2.69 11.3 73.41 12.19 10.86 10.28 9.80 9.40 9.06 8.75 8.48
6.1 39.63 4.07 3.60 3.39 3.23 3.09 2.97 2.86 2.77 11.4 74.06 12.38 11.04 10.45 9.96 9.55 9.20 8.89 8.62
6.2 40.28 4.19 3.71 3.50 3.32 3.18 3.06 2.95 2.85 11.5 74.71 12.58 11.21 10.61 10.12 9.71 9.35 9.04 8.76
6.3 40.93 4.31 3.81 3.60 3.42 3.27 3.15 3.03 2.94 11.6 75.36 12.78 11.39 10.78 10.28 9.86 9.50 9.18 8.89
6.4 41.58 4.43 3.92 3.70 3.52 3.37 3.24 3.12 3.02 11.7 76.01 12.97 11.57 10.95 10.44 10.01 9.65 9.32 9.04
6.5 42.23 4.55 4.03 3.80 3.62 3.46 3.33 3.21 3.11 11.8 76.66 13.17 11.74 11.12 10.60 10.17 9.80 9.47 9.18
6.6 42.88 4.68 4.14 3.91 3.72 3.56 3.42 3.30 3.19 11.9 77.31 13.37 11.92 11.29 10.77 10.33 9.95 9.62 9.32
6.7 43.53 4.81 4.26 4.02 3.82 3.66 3.52 3.39 3.28 12.0 77.96 13.57 12.11 11.46 10.93 10.48 10.10 9.76 9.46

102 Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables — uponorengineering.com

Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
21⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 21⁄2" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 14.85 0.27 0.23 0.22 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.18 0.17 6.8 67.33 3.81 3.38 3.20 3.04 2.91 2.80 2.71 2.62
1.6 15.84 0.30 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19 6.9 68.32 3.91 3.47 3.28 3.12 2.99 2.88 2.78 2.69
1.7 16.83 0.33 0.29 0.27 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.22 7.0 69.31 4.01 3.56 3.37 3.21 3.07 2.96 2.85 2.76
1.8 17.82 0.37 0.32 0.30 0.28 0.27 0.26 0.25 0.24 7.1 70.30 4.12 3.66 3.45 3.29 3.15 3.03 2.93 2.83
1.9 18.81 0.40 0.35 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.28 0.27 0.26 7.2 71.29 4.22 3.75 3.54 3.37 3.23 3.11 3.00 2.91
2.0 19.80 0.44 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.31 0.30 0.29 7.3 72.28 4.33 3.84 3.63 3.46 3.31 3.19 3.08 2.98
2.1 20.79 0.48 0.42 0.39 0.37 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.32 7.4 73.27 4.43 3.94 3.72 3.54 3.40 3.27 3.16 3.06
2.2 21.78 0.52 0.45 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.34 7.5 74.26 4.54 4.03 3.81 3.63 3.48 3.35 3.23 3.13
2.3 22.77 0.56 0.49 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.37 7.6 75.25 4.65 4.13 3.90 3.72 3.56 3.43 3.31 3.21
2.4 23.76 0.61 0.53 0.50 0.47 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.40 7.7 76.24 4.76 4.23 4.00 3.81 3.65 3.51 3.39 3.28
2.5 24.75 0.65 0.57 0.54 0.51 0.48 0.46 0.45 0.43 7.8 77.23 4.87 4.33 4.09 3.90 3.73 3.60 3.47 3.36
2.6 25.74 0.70 0.61 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.48 0.46 7.9 78.22 4.98 4.43 4.19 3.99 3.82 3.68 3.55 3.44
2.7 26.73 0.74 0.65 0.61 0.58 0.55 0.53 0.51 0.49 8.0 79.21 5.09 4.53 4.28 4.08 3.91 3.76 3.63 3.52
2.8 27.72 0.79 0.70 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53 8.1 80.20 5.21 4.63 4.38 4.17 4.00 3.85 3.72 3.60
2.9 28.71 0.84 0.74 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.60 0.58 0.56 8.2 81.19 5.32 4.73 4.48 4.27 4.09 3.94 3.80 3.68
3.0 29.70 0.90 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.67 0.64 0.62 0.60 8.3 82.18 5.44 4.84 4.58 4.36 4.18 4.02 3.89 3.76
3.1 30.69 0.95 0.83 0.78 0.74 0.71 0.68 0.66 0.63 8.4 83.17 5.55 4.94 4.68 4.46 4.27 4.11 3.97 3.85
3.2 31.68 1.00 0.88 0.83 0.79 0.75 0.72 0.69 0.67 8.5 84.16 5.67 5.05 4.78 4.55 4.36 4.20 4.06 3.93
3.3 32.67 1.06 0.93 0.88 0.83 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.71 8.6 85.15 5.79 5.16 4.88 4.65 4.46 4.29 4.14 4.01
3.4 33.66 1.12 0.98 0.92 0.88 0.84 0.80 0.77 0.75 8.7 86.14 5.91 5.27 4.98 4.75 4.55 4.38 4.23 4.10
3.5 34.65 1.18 1.03 0.97 0.92 0.88 0.85 0.82 0.79 8.8 87.13 6.04 5.37 5.08 4.85 4.65 4.47 4.32 4.19
3.6 35.64 1.23 1.09 1.02 0.97 0.93 0.89 0.86 0.83 8.9 88.12 6.16 5.49 5.19 4.95 4.74 4.57 4.41 4.27
3.7 36.63 1.30 1.14 1.08 1.02 0.98 0.94 0.90 0.87 9.0 89.11 6.28 5.60 5.29 5.05 4.84 4.66 4.50 4.36
3.8 37.62 1.36 1.20 1.13 1.07 1.02 0.98 0.95 0.91 9.1 90.10 6.41 5.71 5.40 5.15 4.94 4.75 4.59 4.45
3.9 38.61 1.42 1.25 1.18 1.12 1.07 1.03 0.99 0.96 9.2 91.09 6.53 5.82 5.51 5.25 5.03 4.85 4.68 4.54
4.0 39.60 1.49 1.31 1.24 1.17 1.12 1.08 1.04 1.00 9.3 92.08 6.66 5.94 5.62 5.36 5.13 4.95 4.78 4.63
4.1 40.59 1.55 1.37 1.29 1.23 1.17 1.13 1.09 1.05 9.4 93.07 6.79 6.05 5.73 5.46 5.23 5.04 4.87 4.72
4.2 41.58 1.62 1.43 1.35 1.28 1.22 1.18 1.13 1.10 9.5 94.06 6.92 6.17 5.84 5.57 5.34 5.14 4.97 4.81
4.3 42.57 1.69 1.49 1.41 1.34 1.28 1.23 1.18 1.14 9.6 95.05 7.05 6.28 5.95 5.67 5.44 5.24 5.06 4.90
4.4 43.57 1.76 1.55 1.47 1.39 1.33 1.28 1.23 1.19 9.7 96.04 7.18 6.40 6.06 5.78 5.54 5.34 5.16 5.00
4.5 44.56 1.83 1.62 1.53 1.45 1.39 1.33 1.28 1.24 9.8 97.03 7.32 6.52 6.17 5.89 5.65 5.44 5.25 5.09
4.6 45.55 1.90 1.68 1.59 1.51 1.44 1.39 1.34 1.29 9.9 98.02 7.45 6.64 6.29 6.00 5.75 5.54 5.35 5.19
4.7 46.54 1.98 1.75 1.65 1.57 1.50 1.44 1.39 1.34 10.0 99.01 7.58 6.76 6.40 6.11 5.86 5.64 5.45 5.28
4.8 47.53 2.05 1.82 1.71 1.63 1.56 1.50 1.44 1.39 10.1 100.00 7.72 6.89 6.52 6.22 5.96 5.74 5.55 5.38
4.9 48.52 2.13 1.88 1.78 1.69 1.61 1.55 1.50 1.45 10.2 100.99 7.86 7.01 6.64 6.33 6.07 5.85 5.65 5.48
5.0 49.51 2.21 1.95 1.84 1.75 1.67 1.61 1.55 1.50 10.3 101.98 8.00 7.13 6.75 6.44 6.18 5.95 5.75 5.57
5.1 50.50 2.29 2.02 1.91 1.81 1.74 1.67 1.61 1.56 10.4 102.97 8.14 7.26 6.87 6.56 6.29 6.06 5.85 5.67
5.2 51.49 2.37 2.09 1.98 1.88 1.80 1.73 1.67 1.61 10.5 103.96 8.28 7.38 6.99 6.67 6.40 6.16 5.96 5.77
5.3 52.48 2.45 2.17 2.04 1.94 1.86 1.79 1.72 1.67 10.6 104.95 8.42 7.51 7.11 6.79 6.51 6.27 6.06 5.87
5.4 53.47 2.53 2.24 2.11 2.01 1.92 1.85 1.78 1.73 10.7 105.94 8.56 7.64 7.23 6.90 6.62 6.38 6.17 5.97
5.5 54.46 2.61 2.32 2.18 2.08 1.99 1.91 1.84 1.78 10.8 106.93 8.70 7.77 7.36 7.02 6.73 6.49 6.27 6.08
5.6 55.45 2.70 2.39 2.26 2.15 2.05 1.97 1.91 1.84 10.9 107.92 8.85 7.90 7.48 7.14 6.85 6.60 6.38 6.18
5.7 56.44 2.79 2.47 2.33 2.22 2.12 2.04 1.97 1.90 11.0 108.91 8.99 8.03 7.60 7.26 6.96 6.71 6.48 6.28
5.8 57.43 2.87 2.55 2.40 2.29 2.19 2.10 2.03 1.96 11.1 109.90 9.14 8.16 7.73 7.38 7.08 6.82 6.59 6.39
5.9 58.42 2.96 2.62 2.48 2.36 2.26 2.17 2.09 2.03 11.2 110.89 9.29 8.29 7.86 7.50 7.19 6.93 6.70 6.49
6.0 59.41 3.05 2.71 2.55 2.43 2.33 2.24 2.16 2.09 11.3 111.88 9.44 8.43 7.98 7.62 7.31 7.04 6.81 6.60
6.1 60.40 3.14 2.79 2.63 2.50 2.40 2.30 2.22 2.15 11.4 112.87 9.59 8.56 8.11 7.74 7.43 7.16 6.92 6.71
6.2 61.39 3.23 2.87 2.71 2.58 2.47 2.37 2.29 2.22 11.5 113.86 9.74 8.70 8.24 7.86 7.55 7.27 7.03 6.81
6.3 62.38 3.33 2.95 2.79 2.65 2.54 2.44 2.36 2.28 11.6 114.85 9.89 8.84 8.37 7.99 7.66 7.39 7.14 6.92
6.4 63.37 3.42 3.04 2.87 2.73 2.61 2.51 2.43 2.35 11.7 115.84 10.05 8.97 8.50 8.11 7.79 7.50 7.25 7.03
6.5 64.36 3.52 3.12 2.95 2.81 2.69 2.58 2.49 2.41 11.8 116.83 10.20 9.11 8.63 8.24 7.91 7.62 7.37 7.14
6.6 65.35 3.61 3.21 3.03 2.88 2.76 2.66 2.56 2.48 11.9 117.82 10.35 9.25 8.77 8.37 8.03 7.74 7.48 7.25
6.7 66.34 3.71 3.30 3.11 2.96 2.84 2.73 2.64 2.55 12.0 118.81 10.51 9.39 8.90 8.49 8.15 7.86 7.60 7.36

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables 103
Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables
3" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water) 3" Uponor AquaPEX (100% Water)
PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing PSI Loss Per 100 Feet of Tubing
Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F Velocity 40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F 140°F 160°F 180°F
GPM GPM
(ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C (ft/s) 4°C 16°C 27°C 38°C 49°C 60°C 71°C 82°C
1.5 21.12 0.21 0.19 0.17 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.14 0.14 6.8 95.73 3.08 2.74 2.59 2.46 2.36 2.27 2.19 2.12
1.6 22.53 0.24 0.21 0.20 0.18 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.16 6.9 97.14 3.16 2.81 2.65 2.53 2.42 2.33 2.25 2.18
1.7 23.93 0.27 0.23 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18 0.17 7.0 98.55 3.24 2.88 2.72 2.60 2.49 2.39 2.31 2.24
1.8 25.34 0.29 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19 7.1 99.96 3.32 2.96 2.80 2.66 2.55 2.46 2.37 2.30
1.9 26.75 0.32 0.28 0.26 0.25 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.21 7.2 101.37 3.41 3.03 2.87 2.73 2.62 2.52 2.43 2.36
2.0 28.16 0.35 0.31 0.29 0.27 0.26 0.25 0.24 0.23 7.3 102.77 3.49 3.11 2.94 2.80 2.68 2.58 2.50 2.42
2.1 29.57 0.38 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.29 0.27 0.26 0.25 7.4 104.18 3.58 3.18 3.01 2.87 2.75 2.65 2.56 2.48
2.2 30.97 0.42 0.37 0.34 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.29 0.28 7.5 105.59 3.66 3.26 3.09 2.94 2.82 2.71 2.62 2.54
2.3 32.38 0.45 0.40 0.37 0.35 0.34 0.32 0.31 0.30 7.6 107.00 3.75 3.34 3.16 3.01 2.89 2.78 2.68 2.60
2.4 33.79 0.49 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.32 7.7 108.41 3.84 3.42 3.23 3.08 2.96 2.85 2.75 2.66
2.5 35.20 0.52 0.46 0.43 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.36 0.35 7.8 109.81 3.93 3.50 3.31 3.16 3.03 2.91 2.81 2.73
2.6 36.60 0.56 0.49 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.39 0.37 7.9 111.22 4.02 3.58 3.39 3.23 3.10 2.98 2.88 2.79
2.7 38.01 0.60 0.53 0.49 0.47 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.40 8.0 112.63 4.11 3.66 3.47 3.30 3.17 3.05 2.95 2.85
2.8 39.42 0.64 0.56 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44 0.43 8.1 114.04 4.20 3.75 3.54 3.38 3.24 3.12 3.01 2.92
2.9 40.83 0.68 0.60 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.49 0.47 0.45 8.2 115.44 4.30 3.83 3.62 3.45 3.31 3.19 3.08 2.99
3.0 42.24 0.72 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.48 8.3 116.85 4.39 3.91 3.70 3.53 3.39 3.26 3.15 3.05
3.1 43.64 0.76 0.67 0.63 0.60 0.57 0.55 0.53 0.51 8.4 118.26 4.48 4.00 3.78 3.61 3.46 3.33 3.22 3.12
3.2 45.05 0.81 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.61 0.58 0.56 0.54 8.5 119.67 4.58 4.08 3.87 3.69 3.54 3.41 3.29 3.19
3.3 46.46 0.85 0.75 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.62 0.59 0.57 8.6 121.08 4.68 4.17 3.95 3.77 3.61 3.48 3.36 3.26
3.4 47.87 0.90 0.79 0.75 0.71 0.68 0.65 0.63 0.61 8.7 122.48 4.77 4.26 4.03 3.85 3.69 3.55 3.43 3.33
3.5 49.28 0.95 0.83 0.79 0.75 0.71 0.69 0.66 0.64 8.8 123.89 4.87 4.35 4.12 3.93 3.76 3.63 3.50 3.40
3.6 50.68 0.99 0.88 0.83 0.79 0.75 0.72 0.69 0.67 8.9 125.30 4.97 4.44 4.20 4.01 3.84 3.70 3.58 3.47
3.7 52.09 1.04 0.92 0.87 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.71 9.0 126.71 5.07 4.53 4.29 4.09 3.92 3.78 3.65 3.54
3.8 53.50 1.09 0.97 0.91 0.87 0.83 0.79 0.77 0.74 9.1 128.12 5.17 4.62 4.37 4.17 4.00 3.85 3.72 3.61
3.9 54.91 1.15 1.01 0.95 0.91 0.87 0.83 0.80 0.78 9.2 129.52 5.28 4.71 4.46 4.25 4.08 3.93 3.80 3.68
4.0 56.31 1.20 1.06 1.00 0.95 0.91 0.87 0.84 0.81 9.3 130.93 5.38 4.80 4.55 4.34 4.16 4.01 3.88 3.76
4.1 57.72 1.25 1.11 1.04 0.99 0.95 0.91 0.88 0.85 9.4 132.34 5.48 4.90 4.64 4.42 4.24 4.09 3.95 3.83
4.2 59.13 1.31 1.15 1.09 1.04 0.99 0.95 0.92 0.89 9.5 133.75 5.59 4.99 4.73 4.51 4.33 4.17 4.03 3.90
4.3 60.54 1.36 1.20 1.14 1.08 1.03 0.99 0.96 0.93 9.6 135.15 5.69 5.09 4.82 4.60 4.41 4.25 4.11 3.98
4.4 61.95 1.42 1.25 1.18 1.13 1.08 1.03 1.00 0.97 9.7 136.56 5.80 5.18 4.91 4.68 4.49 4.33 4.18 4.05
4.5 63.35 1.48 1.31 1.23 1.17 1.12 1.08 1.04 1.01 9.8 137.97 5.91 5.28 5.00 4.77 4.58 4.41 4.26 4.13
4.6 64.76 1.53 1.36 1.28 1.22 1.17 1.12 1.08 1.05 9.9 139.38 6.02 5.38 5.09 4.86 4.66 4.49 4.34 4.21
4.7 66.17 1.59 1.41 1.33 1.27 1.21 1.17 1.12 1.09 10.0 140.79 6.13 5.47 5.18 4.95 4.75 4.57 4.42 4.29
4.8 67.58 1.65 1.47 1.38 1.32 1.26 1.21 1.17 1.13 10.1 142.19 6.24 5.57 5.28 5.04 4.83 4.66 4.50 4.36
4.9 68.99 1.72 1.52 1.44 1.37 1.31 1.26 1.21 1.17 10.2 143.60 6.35 5.67 5.37 5.13 4.92 4.74 4.58 4.44
5.0 70.39 1.78 1.58 1.49 1.42 1.36 1.30 1.26 1.22 10.3 145.01 6.46 5.77 5.47 5.22 5.01 4.83 4.67 4.52
5.1 71.80 1.84 1.63 1.54 1.47 1.40 1.35 1.30 1.26 10.4 146.42 6.57 5.87 5.57 5.31 5.10 4.91 4.75 4.60
5.2 73.21 1.91 1.69 1.60 1.52 1.45 1.40 1.35 1.31 10.5 147.83 6.69 5.98 5.66 5.40 5.19 5.00 4.83 4.68
5.3 74.62 1.97 1.75 1.65 1.57 1.51 1.45 1.40 1.35 10.6 149.23 6.80 6.08 5.76 5.50 5.28 5.09 4.92 4.77
5.4 76.02 2.04 1.81 1.71 1.63 1.56 1.50 1.45 1.40 10.7 150.64 6.92 6.18 5.86 5.59 5.37 5.17 5.00 4.85
5.5 77.43 2.11 1.87 1.77 1.68 1.61 1.55 1.49 1.45 10.8 152.05 7.03 6.29 5.96 5.69 5.46 5.26 5.09 4.93
5.6 78.84 2.18 1.93 1.82 1.74 1.66 1.60 1.54 1.49 10.9 153.46 7.15 6.39 6.06 5.78 5.55 5.35 5.17 5.02
5.7 80.25 2.25 1.99 1.88 1.79 1.72 1.65 1.59 1.54 11.0 154.86 7.27 6.50 6.16 5.88 5.64 5.44 5.26 5.10
5.8 81.66 2.32 2.06 1.94 1.85 1.77 1.70 1.64 1.59 11.1 156.27 7.39 6.61 6.26 5.98 5.74 5.53 5.35 5.18
5.9 83.06 2.39 2.12 2.00 1.91 1.83 1.76 1.70 1.64 11.2 157.68 7.51 6.71 6.36 6.08 5.83 5.62 5.44 5.27
6.0 84.47 2.46 2.19 2.06 1.97 1.88 1.81 1.75 1.69 11.3 159.09 7.63 6.82 6.47 6.17 5.93 5.71 5.53 5.36
6.1 85.88 2.53 2.25 2.13 2.03 1.94 1.87 1.80 1.74 11.4 160.50 7.75 6.93 6.57 6.27 6.02 5.81 5.61 5.44
6.2 87.29 2.61 2.32 2.19 2.09 2.00 1.92 1.86 1.80 11.5 161.90 7.87 7.04 6.68 6.37 6.12 5.90 5.70 5.53
6.3 88.70 2.68 2.39 2.25 2.15 2.06 1.98 1.91 1.85 11.6 163.31 7.99 7.15 6.78 6.47 6.22 5.99 5.80 5.62
6.4 90.10 2.76 2.45 2.32 2.21 2.12 2.04 1.97 1.90 11.7 164.72 8.12 7.26 6.89 6.58 6.31 6.09 5.89 5.71
6.5 91.51 2.84 2.52 2.38 2.27 2.18 2.09 2.02 1.96 11.8 166.13 8.24 7.38 6.99 6.68 6.41 6.18 5.98 5.80
6.6 92.92 2.92 2.59 2.45 2.33 2.24 2.15 2.08 2.01 11.9 167.54 8.37 7.49 7.10 6.78 6.51 6.28 6.07 5.89
6.7 94.33 2.99 2.66 2.52 2.40 2.30 2.21 2.14 2.07 12.0 168.94 8.50 7.60 7.21 6.89 6.61 6.37 6.17 5.98

104 Appendix B – Uponor PEX Friction Loss Tables — uponorengineering.com

Appendix C
Fitting Equivalent Length
Equivalent Many methods exist for calculating When comparing equivalent length
Length of Fittings the coefficient of velocity (Cv) data across PEX fitting manufacturers,
This section provides the equivalent across valves and fittings. The values may differ due to different
length of piping pressure loss proceeding set of Uponor data testing methods and reported values
for several ProPEX fittings. The was derived from empirical testing at specific flow velocities other
equivalent length is used to performed by NSF International and than 8 ft./sec.
approximate the impact the fittings tested to ISA-S75.02 Pressure Drop
For comparison purposes, NSF
have on pressure loss across the Measurement and Cv Calculations at
International tested commonly
piping length. The equivalent length a measured and verified flow rate.
available ASTM F1807 Brass Insert
for each fitting is shown in the tables In order to calculate equivalent
Fittings Utilizing Copper Crimp Ring
below. Add the equivalent length to length in feet, a quadratic equation
for PEX Tubing Fittings and ASTM
the total piping length for each fitting is utilized to determine pressure drop
F2159 Plastic Insert Fittings Utilizing
installed along the piping run. The versus flow data at precisely 8 ft./sec.
Copper Crimp Rings for PEX Tubing
total pressure loss is then computed Other common methods for Fittings to the ISA-S75.02 test
from the adjusted total piping length. calculating Cv include UL 1821 method using the same quadratic
Equivalent lengths are commonly Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and equation as the Uponor ProPEX
utilized to calculate the Total Fittings for Fire Protection and the use Fittings to determine pressure drop
Developed Length (TDL) along a of flow modeling software. Through versus flow data at precisely 8 ft./sec.
critical piping path. All Uponor values extensive testing and validation by Reference Table C-1 for equivalent
represent pressure loss at 8 ft./sec. NSF International, Uponor has built length comparisons.
a complete and accurate data set
for AquaPEX Plumbing Systems.

ASTM F1960 ASTM F 1807 ASTM F 2159

F1960 F1960
Nominal Uponor Brass Plastic
Fittings vs vs
Size (in) ProPEX Crimp Ring Crimp Ring F1807 F2159
Eq. Length Eq. Length Eq. Length
⁄2
1
1 3.19 6.03 219.00% 503.00%
Tee-Run 3
⁄4 1.5 2.57 6.12 71.33% 308.00%
1 1.3 2.49 6.26 91.54% 381.54%
⁄2
1
6.3 9.05 15.34 43.65% 143.49%
Tee-Branch 3
⁄4 15.6 10.16 17.04 -34.87% 9.23%
1 12.7 11.87 20.17 -6.54% 58.82%
⁄2
1
10.4 9.11 13.53 -12.40% 30.10%
Elbow 3
⁄4 10.8 10.47 16.21 -3.06% 50.09%
1 11.5 10.14 17.05 -11.83% 48.26%
⁄2
1
0.8 2.03 6.55 153.75% 718.75%
Coupling 3
⁄4 0.9 2.18 5.64 142.22% 526.67%
1 0.9 1.49 4.97 65.56% 452.22%

Table C-1: Equivalent Length Comparison of Various PEX Fitting Types

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length 105

 Fitting Equivalent Length and Cv Data

EP Tees Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft) EP Reducing Tees Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
Through 7.7 1.0 Through 45.2 1.9
⁄2 x 1⁄2 x 1⁄2
1
11⁄4 x 11⁄4 x 1⁄2
Branch 3.4 6.3 Branch 4.1 3.9
Through 15.7 1.5 Through 43.4 2.3
⁄4 x 3⁄4 x 3⁄4
3
11⁄4 x 11⁄4 x 3⁄4
Branch 5.4 15.6 Branch 8.9 5.7
Through 30.5 1.3 Through 33.0 4.2
1x1x1 11⁄4 x 11⁄4 x 1
Branch 11.3 12.7 Branch 15.8 6.3
Through 34.0 3.8 Through 19.5 4.0
11⁄4 x 11⁄4 x 11⁄4 11⁄2 x 1 x 3⁄4
Branch 23.9 8.6 Branch 9.3 5.1
Through 63.7 1.8 Through 18.9 4.3
11⁄2 x 11⁄2 x 11⁄2 11⁄2 x 1 x 1
Branch 31.0 10.6 Branch 15.6 6.5
Through 150.7 0.8 Through 19.1 4.2
2x2x2 11⁄2 x 1 x 11⁄2
Branch 52.5 15.5 Branch 26.5 14.9
Through 197.2 2.7 Through 33.1 4.2
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 x 21⁄2 11⁄2 x 11⁄4 x 3⁄4
Branch 81.5 22.3 Branch 6.3 11.3
Through 286.6 2.8 Through 36.4 3.1
3x3x3 11⁄2 x 11⁄4 x 1
Branch 122.8 23.9 Branch 11.2 13.1
Through 45.4 2.0
EP Reducing Tees Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft) 11⁄2 x 11⁄4 x 11⁄4
Branch 17.0 17.7
⁄2 x 1⁄2 x 3⁄4
1
Branch 3.8 4.1 Through 60.5 2.4
Through 4.6 3.5 11⁄2 x 11⁄2 x 1⁄2
Branch 3.4 6.3
⁄4 x 1⁄2 x 1⁄2
3
Branch 3.4 6.4 Through 56.0 2.9
Through 5.4 2.3 11⁄2 x 11⁄2 x 3⁄4
Branch 9.0 5.4
⁄4 x 1⁄2 x 3⁄4
3
Branch 5.4 16.1 Through 53.8 3.1
Through 14.2 2.0 11⁄2 x 11⁄2 x 1
Branch 15.3 6.9
⁄4 x 3⁄4 x 1⁄2
3
Branch 3.1 7.6 Through 54.3 3.2
⁄4 x 3⁄4 x 1
3
Branch 8.7 5.7 11⁄2 x 11⁄2 x 11⁄4
Branch 33.7 4.1
Through 12.8 2.4 Through 43.5 4.9
1 x 3⁄4 x 3⁄4 2 x 11⁄2 x 3⁄4
Branch 5.3 16.7 Branch 8.4 6.2
Through 12.9 2.4 Through 42.4 5.5
1 x 3⁄4 x 1 2 x 11⁄2 x 1
Branch 10.5 15.1 Branch 13.9 8.4
Through 32.2 1.2 Through 41.8 5.6
1 x 1 x 1⁄2 2 x 11⁄2 x 11⁄4
Branch 3.4 6.5 Branch 22.0 10.3
Through 27.8 1.7 Through 42.1 5.4
1 x 1 x 3⁄4 2 x 11⁄2 x 11⁄2
Branch 8.2 6.4 Branch 28.5 13.0
Through 21.0 3.4 Through 38.6 6.6
11⁄4 x 1 x 3⁄4 2 x 11⁄2 x 2
Branch 9.3 5.2 Branch 51.8 16.1
Through 11.7 11.0 Through 111.1 2.7
11⁄4 x 1 x 1 2 x 2 x 1⁄2
Branch 8.4 23.0 Branch 4.3 4.0
Through 115.0 2.7
2 x 2 x 3⁄4
Branch 8.2 6.8

106 Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length — uponorengineering.com

 EP Reducing Tee EP Reducing Tees Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
Through 119.7 2.4
2x2x1
Branch 13.8 8.5
Through 107.0 3.1
2 x 2 x 11⁄4
Branch 23.6 8.8
Through 115.8 2.5
2 x 2 x 11⁄2
Branch 29.9 11.7
Through 80.4 5.9
21⁄2 x 2 x 11⁄2
Branch 30.2 11.2
Through 79.5 5.7
21⁄2 x 2 x 2
Branch 51.8 16.0
Through 209.6 2.0
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 x 3⁄4
Branch 8.5 6.0
Through 202.0 2.4
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 x 1
Branch 17.5 5.0
Through 198.8 2.5
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 x 11⁄4
Branch 22.4 9.7
Through 200.0 2.5
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 x 11⁄2
Branch 29.8 11.5
Through 193.2 2.7
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 x 2
Branch 53.6 14.7
Through 69.9 8.1
3x2x2
Branch 52.8 15.3
Through 132.5 7.5
3 x 21⁄2 x 11⁄2
Branch 29.2 12.0
Through 133.2 7.4
3 x 21⁄2 x 2
Branch 51.7 16.4
Through 294.9 2.7
3 x 3 x 3⁄4
Branch 8.5 6.0
Through 291.4 2.8
3x3x1
Branch 14.8 7.3
Through 290.4 3.0
3 x 3 x 11⁄4
Branch 22.8 9.3
Through 290.5 2.9
3 x 3 x 11⁄2
Branch 29.9 11.3
Through 287.6 3.0
3x3x2
Branch 53.8 14.6
Through 288.3 3.0
3 x 3 x 21⁄2
Branch 82.2 22.2

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length 107

 EP Coupling Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
1
⁄2 x ⁄2
1
Through 8.3 0.8
3
⁄4 x ⁄2
1
Through 5.2 2.6
3
⁄4 x 3⁄4 Through 19.0 0.9
1 x 3⁄4 Through 12.5 2.7
1x1 Through 33.8 0.9
1 ⁄4 x ⁄4
1 3
Through 10.9 3.6
1 ⁄4 x 1
1
Through 22.3 2.6
11⁄4 x 11⁄4 Through 53.3 1.1
1 ⁄2 x ⁄4
1 3
Through 10.8 3.5
11⁄2 x 1 Through 19.0 4.3
1 ⁄2 x 1 ⁄4
1 1
Through 33.9 3.7
1 ⁄2 x 1 ⁄2
1 1
Through 69.5 1.4
2 x 11⁄2 Through 45.2 4.6
2x2 Through 107.8 2.7
2 ⁄2 x 1 ⁄4
1 1
Through 29.3 5.4
21⁄2 x 11⁄2 Through 35.9 7.5
2 ⁄2 x 2
1
Through 82.6 5.4
21⁄2 x 21⁄2 Through 219.1 1.7
3x2 Through 73.4 7.2
3 x 2 ⁄2 1
Through 136.2 7.1
3x3 Through 320.6 1.9

45º Elbow Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
11⁄2 x 11⁄2 Through 33.1 9.3
2x2 Through 68.9 8.8
2 ⁄2 x 2 ⁄2
1 1
Through 136.8 6.9
3x3 Through 195.5 8.3

90º Elbow Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
1
⁄2 x 1⁄2 Through 2.6 10.4
3
⁄4 x ⁄4
3
Through 6.7 10.8
1x1 Through 11.9 11.5
11⁄4 x 11⁄4 Through 22.2 10.0
11⁄2 x 11⁄2 Through 29.7 11.5
2x2 Through 50.2 17.1
2 ⁄2 x 2 ⁄2
1 1
Through 86.0 20.0
3x3 Through 125.0 23.2

108 Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length — uponorengineering.com

 Elbows EP Multiport Elbows Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)

EP Flow-through Multiport Elbow, Through 7.1 8.8

3 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #2 3.4 6.3
EP Flow-through Multiport Elbow, Through 7.1 8.9
4 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.4 6.4
1" EP Branch Multiport Elbow,
#5 3.0 7.9
10 outlets with mounting clips

Flow-through EP Flow-through Multiport Tees Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)

EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 15.3 1.6

2 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #2 3.4 6.4
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 99.0 3.9
3 (1") outlets, 2" x 2" ProPEX #2 13.4 9.0
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 11.6 3.2
3 outlets, 1" x 3⁄4" PEX #2 3.7 5.4
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 7.1 8.8
3 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #2 3.4 6.3
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 45.9 7.9
3 (3⁄4") outlets, 11⁄4" x 11⁄4" PEX #2 1.8 7.1
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 7.1 8.9
4 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.4 6.4
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 29.3 1.5
4 outlets, 1" x 1" PEX #3 3.2 7.5
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 11.7 3.0
4 outlets, 1" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 4.0 4.5
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 11.8 3.1
6 outlets, 1" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.5 5.8
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 13.2 3.8
6 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.7 5.3
EP Flow-through Multiport Tee, Through 25.1 2.5
6 outlets, 1" x 1" ProPEX #3 3.1 7.6

Vertical EP Flow-through
Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
Multiport Vertical Tee
Tee to Tee 13.6 2.3
Tee to Side 7.4 8.2
EP Flow-through Multiport Vertical Tee,
Tee to #2 3.1 7.8
3 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX
Side to Tee 6.9 9.5
Side to #2 3.6 4.9

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length 109

 Branch EP Branch Multiport Tees Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)

⁄4" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 3 outlets

3
#2 3.4 6.0

11⁄4" EP Branch Multiport Tee,

#2 7.9 7.1
3 (3⁄4") outlets

1" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 4 outlets #3 4.2 3.9

⁄4" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 4 outlets

3
#3 3.3 6.7

1" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 6 outlets #3 3.6 5.4

⁄4" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 6 outlets

3
#3 4.1 3.8
3
⁄4" EP Branch Multiport Tee,
#4 2.6 10.6
7 outlets with mounting clips
1" EP Branch Multiport Tee,
#4 2.6 10.7
7 outlets with mounting clips
⁄4" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 8 outlets
3
#4 2.6 10.9
with mounting clips
1" EP Branch Multiport Tee, 8 outlets
#4 3.2 6.1
with mounting clips

Opposing EP Opposing-port
Flow/Port Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
Multiport Tees
3
⁄4" EP Branch Opposing-port
#2 3.3 6.5
Multiport Tee, 3 outlets
EP Flow-through Opposing-port Through 15.9 1.6
Multiport Tee, 3 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.4 6.4
⁄4" EP Branch Opposing-port
3
#3 3.5 6.0
Multiport Tee, 4 outlets
EP Flow-through Opposing-port Through 16.9 1.3
Multiport Tee, 4 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.4 6.3
EP Flow-through Opposing-port Through 16.4 1.3
Multiport Tee, 6 outlets, 3⁄4" x 3⁄4" ProPEX #3 3.4 6.2
⁄4" EP Branch Opposing-port
3
#4 3.4 6.0
Multiport Tee, 8 outlets

110 Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length — uponorengineering.com

 Sweat Adapters Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
1
⁄2 PEX x ⁄2 Copper
1
Through 5.7 2.0
1
⁄2 PEX x ⁄4 Copper
3
Through 5.1 2.7
3
⁄4 PEX x 1⁄2 Copper Through 8.8 1.4
3
⁄4 PEX x ⁄4 Copper
3
Through 13.4 2.1
3
⁄4 PEX x 1 Copper Through 10.9 3.7
1 PEX x 1 Copper Through 22.1 2.4
1 ⁄4 PEX x 1 ⁄4 Copper
1 1
Through 34.0 3.9
11⁄2 PEX x 11⁄2 Copper Through 45.5 4.3
2 PEX x 2 Copper Through 83.6 5.3
2 ⁄2 PEX x 2 ⁄2 Copper
1 1
Through 136.2 6.9
3 PEX x 3 Copper Through 189.1 8.8

Fitting Adapters Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
1
⁄2 PEX x 1⁄2 Copper Through 7.7 1.0
1
⁄2 PEX x ⁄4 Copper
3
Cu to PEX 5.6 2.2
3
⁄4 PEX x ⁄2 Copper
1
PEX to Cu 8.8 1.5
3
⁄4 PEX x 3⁄4 Copper Through 15.7 1.5
3
⁄4 PEX x 1 Copper Cu to PEX 11.4 3.1
1 PEX x 1 Copper Through 30.5 1.3
11⁄4 PEX x 11⁄4 Copper Through 34.0 3.8
1 ⁄2 PEX x 1 ⁄2 Copper
1 1
Through 63.7 1.8
2 PEX x 2 Copper Through 150.7 0.8

Male Adapters Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
1
⁄2 PEX x 1⁄2 MNPT Through 5.0 2.3
1
⁄2 PEX x ⁄4 MNPT
3
NPT to PEX 6.2 1.8
3
⁄4 PEX x ⁄4 MNPT
3
Through 11.3 2.7
⁄4 PEX x 1 MNPT
3
NPT to PEX 10.9 3.4
1 PEX x ⁄4 MNPT
3
PEX to NPT 17.8 1.2
1 PEX x 1 MNPT Through 19.9 3.2
1 ⁄4 PEX x 1 ⁄4 MNPT
1 1
Through 32.4 4.2
1 ⁄2 PEX x 1 ⁄2 MNPT
1 1
Through 39.3 5.5
2 PEX x 2 MNPT Through 78.6 5.6
2 ⁄2 PEX x 2 ⁄2 MNPT
1 1
Through 227.3 1.5
3 PEX x 3 MNPT Through 187.5 9.1

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length 111

 Female Adapters Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
1
⁄2 PEX x ⁄2 FNPT
1
Through 4.8 2.5
1
⁄2 PEX x ⁄4 FNPT
3
NPT to PEX 5.1 2.7
3
⁄4 PEX x 3⁄4 FNPT Through 12.0 2.3
3
⁄4 PEX x 1 FNPT NPT to PEX 10.8 3.6
1 PEX x 1 FNPT Through 19.7 3.8
11⁄4 PEX x 11⁄4 FNPT Through 30.8 4.8
1 ⁄2 PEX x 1 ⁄2 FNPT
1 1
Through 40.9 5.1
2 PEX x 2 FNPT Through 77.7 5.7

CPVC Adapters Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
11⁄4 PEX x 11⁄4 CPVC Spigot CVPC to PEX 42.6 2.1
11⁄4 PEX x 11⁄4 CPVC Socket CVPC to PEX 43.3 2.0
1 ⁄2 PEX x 1 ⁄2 CPVC Spigot
1 1
CVPC to PEX 55.7 2.6
1 ⁄2 PEX x 1 ⁄2 CPVC Socket
1 1
CVPC to PEX 54.1 2.8
2 PEX x 2 CPVC Spigot CVPC to PEX 110.2 2.5
2 PEX x 2 CPVC Socket CVPC to PEX 112.6 2.4

Flange Adapters Nominal Size (in) Flow Path Avg. Cv Eq. Length (ft)
21⁄2 PEX x Flange Through 131.5 7.6
3 PEX x Flange Through 310.7 2.2

ProPEX LF Brass Commercial Equivalent

Ball Valve (full port) Nominal Size (in) Avg. Cv
Length (ft)
1
⁄2 PEX x 1⁄2 PEX 7.0 2.8
3
⁄4 PEX x ⁄4 PEX
3
18.7 3.3
1 PEX x 1 PEX 29.0 4.3
1 1⁄4 PEX x 1 1⁄4 PEX 54.7 4.8
1 1⁄2 PEX x 1 1⁄2 PEX 68.2 5.7
2 PEX x 2 PEX 132.2 7.1

112 Appendix C – Fitting Equivalent Length — uponorengineering.com

 B C
Appendix D A
D
ProPEX Fitting Dimensions

Edge O.C. to O.C. to Edge O.C. to

ProPEX Reducing Tees to Stop Stop + Ring Stop + Ring to Stop Stop + Ring
A B C D E
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm
0.719 0.790 0.790 0.719 0.600
½" PEX x ½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4755575
18 20 20 18 15
0.955 0.640 0.770 0.719 0.620
¾" PEX x ½" PEX x ½" PEX Q4757555
24 16 20 18 16
0.955 0.620 0.780 0.719 0.620
¾" PEX x ½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4757557
24 16 20 18 16
0.955 0.640 0.790 0.955 0.620
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX x 5⁄8" PEX Q4757563
24 16 20 24 16
0.955 0.640 0.790 0.955 0.620
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX x ½" PEX Q4757550
24 16 20 24 16
0.955 0.790 0.965 0.955 0.830
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX x 1" PEX Q4757710
24 20 25 24 21
1.191 0.830 0.965 0.955 0.790
1" PEX x ¾" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751775
31 21 25 24 20
1.191 0.830 0.965 0.955 0.830
1" PEX x ¾" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751751
31 21 25 24 21
1.191 0.830 1.005 1.191 0.770
1" PEX x 1" PEX x ½" PEX Q4751150
31 21 26 31 20
1.191 0.830 1.005 1.191 0.790
1" PEX x 1" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751175
31 21 26 31 20
1.445 1.070 1.105 1.191 1.030
1¼" PEX x 1" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751317
37 27 28 31 26
1.445 1.070 1.105 1.191 1.070
1¼" PEX x 1" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751311
37 27 28 31 27
1.445 0.870 0.890 1.445 0.810
1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX x ½" PEX Q4751350
37 22 23 37 21
1.445 0.890 1.040 1.445 0.850
1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751337
37 23 27 37 22
1.445 1.070 1.105 1.445 1.070
1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751331
37 27 28 37 27
1.714 1.250 1.310 1.191 1.210
1½" PEX x 1" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751517
44 32 34 31 31
1.714 1.250 1.310 1.191 1.250
1½" PEX x 1" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751511
44 32 34 31 32

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions 113

 B C
A
D

Edge O.C. to O.C. to Edge O.C. to

ProPEX Reducing Tees to Stop Stop + Ring Stop + Ring to Stop Stop + Ring
A B C D E
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm
1.714 1.250 1.390 1.191 1.080
1½" PEX x 1" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4751505
44 32 36 31 28
1.714 1.150 1.290 1.445 1.000
1½" PEX x 1¼" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751537
44 29 33 37 26
1.714 1.150 1.290 1.445 1.040
1½" PEX x 1¼" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751531
44 29 33 37 27
1.714 1.150 1.290 1.445 1.040
1½" PEX x 1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4751533
44 29 33 37 27
1.714 0.750 0.890 1.714 0.910
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX x ½" PEX Q4751550
44 19 23 44 23
1.714 1.170 1.310 1.714 1.210
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4751557
44 30 34 44 31
1.714 1.170 1.310 1.714 1.250
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751551
44 30 34 44 32
1.714 1.170 1.310 1.714 1.250
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4751553
44 30 34 44 32
2.157 1.320 1.460 1.714 1.405
2" PEX x 1½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4752575
55 34 37 44 36
2.157 1.320 1.460 1.714 1.445
2" PEX x 1½" PEX x 1" PEX Q4752051
55 34 37 44 37
2.157 1.375 1.515 1.714 1.445
2" PEX x 1½" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4752053
55 35 39 44 37
2.157 1.375 1.515 1.714 1.445
2" PEX x 1½" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4752055
55 35 39 44 37
2.157 1.750 1.890 1.714 1.210
2" PEX x 1½" PEX x 2" PEX Q4752152
55 45 48 44 31
2.157 0.750 0.950 2.157 1.120
2" PEX x 2" PEX x ½" PEX Q4752250
55 19 24 55 29
2.157 1.320 1.520 2.157 1.405
2" PEX x 2" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4752275
55 34 39 55 36
2.157 1.320 1.520 2.157 1.445
2" PEX x 2" PEX x 1" PEX Q4752210
55 34 39 55 37
2.157 1.320 1.520 2.157 1.445
2" PEX x 2" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4752213
55 34 39 55 37
2.157 1.320 1.520 2.157 1.445
2" PEX x 2" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4752215
55 34 39 55 37

114 Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions — uponorengineering.com

 B C
A
D

Edge O.C. to O.C. to Edge O.C. to

ProPEX Reducing Tees to Stop Stop + Ring Stop + Ring to Stop Stop + Ring
A B C D E
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm
2.83 1.85 1.85 2.157 1.46
2½" PEX x 2" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4752525
73 47 47 55 37
2.83 2.25 2.25 2.157 1.46
2½" PEX x 2" PEX x 2" PEX Q4752522
73 58 58 55 37
2.83 1.4 1.4 2.83 1.46
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4752557
73 36 36 73 37
2.83 1.5 1.5 2.83 1.46
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX x 1" PEX Q4752510
73 38 38 73 37
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX x 1¼" 2.83 1.75 1.75 2.83 1.46
Q4752513
PEX 73 45 45 73 37
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX x 1½" 2.83 1.85 1.85 2.83 1.46
Q4752515
PEX 73 47 47 73 37
2.83 2.25 2.25 2.83 1.46
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX x 2" PEX Q4752520
73 58 58 73 37
3.38 2.25 2.25 2.157 1.7
3" PEX x 2" PEX x 2" PEX Q4753220
87 58 58 55 44
3.38 1.85 1.85 2.83 1.7
3" PEX x 2½" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4753215
87 47 47 73 44
3.38 2.25 2.25 2.83 1.7
3" PEX x 2½" PEX x 2" PEX Q4753252
87 58 58 73 44
3.38 1.4 1.4 3.38 1.7
3" PEX x 3" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4753375
87 36 36 87 44
3.38 1.5 1.5 3.38 1.7
3" PEX x 3" PEX x 1" PEX Q4753310
87 38 38 87 44
3.38 1.75 1.75 3.38 1.7
3" PEX x 3" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4753313
87 45 45 87 44
3.38 1.85 1.85 3.38 1.7
3" PEX x 3" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4753315
87 47 47 87 44
3.38 2.25 2.25 3.38 1.7
3" PEX x 3" PEX x 2" PEX Q4753320
87 58 58 87 44
3.38 2.75 2.75 3.38 1.7
3" PEX x 3" PEX x 2½" PEX Q4753325
87 71 71 87 44

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions 115

 B

Edge to O.C. to Pipe O.C. to Pipe

ProPEX Tees Pipe Stop Stop + Ring Stop + Ring
A B C
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm in/mm
0.72 0.660 0.48
½" PEX x ½" PEX x ½" PEX Q4755050
18 17 12
0.96 0.790 0.65
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4757575
24 20
1.19 1.005 0.83
1" PEX x 1" PEX x 1" PEX Q4751010
31 26 21
1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX x 1¼" 1.45 1.105 1.07
Q4751313
PEX 37 28 27
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX x 1½" 1.71 1.310 1.25
Q4751515
PEX 44 34 32
2.16 1.770 1.80
2" PEX x 2" PEX x 2" PEX Q4752000
55 45 46
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX x 2½" 2.83 2.700 1.46
Q4752500
PEX 73 69 37
3.38 2.750 1.70
3" PEX x 3" PEX x 3" PEX Q4753000
87 71 44
0.71 0.630 0.380
½" PEX x ½" PEX x ½" PEX LF4705050
18 1 1
0.95 0.789 0.460
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX x ¾" PEX LF4707575
24 20 12
1.18 1.005 0.699
1" PEX x 1" PEX x 1" PEX LF4701010
30 26 18

116 Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions — uponorengineering.com

 C

C
C

C B

B
B

A
A
A
A

Edge to O.C. to Pipe O.C. to Pipe

ProPEX Elbows Pipe Stop Stop + Ring Stop + Ring
A B C
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm in/mm
1.269 0.63 0.719
½" PEX x ½" PEX EP Elbow Q4760500
33 16 18
1.63 0.775 0.955
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX EP Elbow Q4760750
42 20 24
2.051 1 1.191
1" PEX x 1" PEX EP Elbow Q4761000
53 26 31
2.445 1.14 1.445
1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX EP Elbow Q4761250
63 29 37
2.77 1.34 1.714
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX EP Elbow Q4761500
71 34 44
3.757 1.8 2.157
2" PEX x 2" PEX EP Elbow Q4762000
96 46 55
2.83 2.35 2.83
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX EP Elbow Q4762500
73 60 73
3.38 2.75 3.38
3" PEX x 3" PEX EP Elbow Q4763000
87 71 87
2.314 0.74 1.714
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX 45 Elbow Q4761515
59 19 44
2.907 0.95 2.157
2" PEX x 2" PEX 45 Elbow Q4762020
75 24 55
2.83 1.25 2.83
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX 45 Elbow Q4762525
73 32 73
3.38 1.35 3.38
3" PEX x 3" PEX 45 Elbow Q4763030
87 35 87
1.64 0.795 0.955
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX Brass Elbow LF4710750
42 20 24
2.06 1.02 1.191
1" PEX x 1" PEX Brass Elbow LF4711000
53 26 31

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions 117

 B

Edge to O.C. to Pipe Stop

ProPEX Couplings Pipe Stop + Ring Chamfer
A B
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm
0.72 0.14
½" PEX x ½" PEX Q4775050
18 4
0.96 0.16
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4777575
25 4
1.19 0.20
1" PEX x 1" PEX Q4771010
31 5
1.45 0.22
1¼" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4771313
37 6
1.72 0.22
1½" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4771515
44 6
2.16 0.33
2" PEX x 2" PEX Q4772020
55 8
2.83 0.375
2½" PEX x 2½" PEX Q4772525
73 10
3.38 0.375
3" PEX x 3" PEX Q4773030
87 10
0.65 0.21
½" PEX x ½" PEX LF4545050
17
0.95 0.16
¾" PEX x ¾" PEX LF4547575
24 4
1.18 0.20
1" PEX x 1" PEX LF4541010
30 5

118 Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions — uponorengineering.com

 B
A

Edge to O.C. to Pipe Stop Edge to Pipe O.C. to Pipe Stop

ProPEX Reducing Coupling Pipe Stop + Ring Chamfer Stop + Ring Chamfer
A B C D
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm in/mm in/mm
0.96 0.1425 0.72 0.1625
½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4775075
25 2 18 4
0.96 0.1625 1.19 0.2025
¾" PEX x 1" PEX Q4777510
25 2 31 5
0.96 0.215 1.45 0.175
1¼" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4771307
25 2 37 4
1.20 0.215 1.45 0.215
1¼" PEX x 1" PEX Q4771310
31 2 37 6
0.75 0.215 1.72 0.175
1½" PEX x ¾" PEX Q4771507
19 2 44 4
1.20 0.215 1.72 0.215
1½" PEX x 1" PEX Q4771510
31 2 44 6
1.45 0.215 1.72 0.215
1½" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4771513
37 2 44 6
1.77 0.325 2.16 0.265
2" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4772015
3 3 55 7
2.83 0.375 1.46 0.125
2½" PEX x 1¼" PEX Q4772513
37 3
2.83 0.375 1.72 0.125
2½" PEX x 1½" PEX Q4772515
44 3
2.83 0.375 2.16 0.125
2½" PEX x 2" PEX Q4772520
55 3
3.38 0.375 2.16 0.125
3" PEX x 2" PEX Q4773020
55 3
3.38 0.375 2.83 0.125
3" PEX x 2½" PEX Q4773025
73 3
0.95 0.1625 1.16 0.2025
¾" PEX x 1" PEX LF4547510
24 2 30 5

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions 119

 B
A

ProPEX LF Brass Male Edge to O.C. to Pipe

Pipe Stop Stop + Ring
Threaded Adapter A B
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm
0.591 0.205
⁄8" PEX x ½" NPT
3
LF4523850
15 5
0.748 0.195
½" PEX x ½" NPT LF4525050
19 5
0.709 0.205
½" PEX x ¾" NPT LF4525075
18 5
0.93 0.215
¾" PEX x ¾" NPT LF4527575
24 6
0.945 0.225
¾" PEX x 1" NPT LF4527510
24 6
1.181 0.265
1" PEX x ¾" NPT LF4521075
30
1.214 0.255
1" PEX x 1" NPT LF4521010
31 7
1.478 0.255
1¼" PEX x 1¼" NPT LF4521313
38 7
1.704 0.265
1½" PEX x 1½" NPT LF4521515
44 7
2.172 0.4
2" PEX x 2" NPT LF4522020
56 10
2.83 0.475
2½" PEX x 2½" NPT LF4522525
73 12
3.38 0.5
3" PEX x 3" NPT LF4523030
87 13

120 Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions — uponorengineering.com

 A
B

ProPEX LF Brass Female Edge to O.C. to Pipe

Pipe Stop Stop + Ring
Threaded Adapter A B
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm
0.709 0.155
½" PEX x ½" NPT LF4575050
18 4
0.709 0.155
½" PEX x ¾" NPT LF4575075
18 4
0.945 0.175
¾" PEX x ¾" NPT LF4577575
24 4
0.945 0.205
¾" PEX x 1" NPT LF4577510
24 5
1.181 0.245
1" PEX x 1" NPT LF4571010
30 6
1.445 0.24
1¼" PEX x 1¼" NPT LF4571313
37 6
1.704 0.24
1½" PEX x 1½" NPT LF4571515
44 6
2.146 0.3
2" PEX x 2" NPT LF4572020
55 8

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions 121

 B
A

Edge to O.C. to Pipe

ProPEX Brass Sweat Adapter Pipe Stop Stop + Ring
A B
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm
0.591 0.1425
3
⁄8" PEX x ½" Copper LF4513850
15 4
0.709 0.1425
½" PEX x ½" Copper LF4515050
18 4
0.709 0.1425
½" PEX x ¾" Copper LF4515075
18 4
0.945 0.1625
¾" PEX x ½" Copper LF4517550
24 4
0.945 0.1625
¾" PEX x ¾" Copper LF4517575
24 4
0.945 0.1625
¾" PEX x 1" Copper LF4517510
24 4
1.181 0.2025
1" PEX x 1" Copper LF4511010
30 5
1.4455 0.2025
1¼" PEX x 1¼" Copper LF4511313
37 5
1.704 0.2025
1½" PEX x 1½" Copper LF4511515
44 5
2.147 0.3
2" PEX x 2" Copper LF4512020
55 8
2.830 0.125
2½" PEX x 2½" Copper LF4512525
73 3
3.380 0.125
3" PEX x 3" Copper LF4513030
87 3

122 Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions — uponorengineering.com

 B
A

Edge to O.C. to Pipe

ProPEX Brass Fitting Adapter Pipe Stop Stop + Ring
A B
Description Part No. in/mm in/mm
0.709 0.1425
½" PEX x ½" Copper LF4505050
18 4
0.709 0.1425
½" PEX x ¾" Copper LF4505075
18 4
0.945 0.1625
¾" PEX x ½" Copper LF4507550
24 4
0.9455 0.1625
¾" PEX x ¾" Copper* LF4507575
24 4
0.9455 0.1625
¾" PEX x 1" Copper LF4507510
24 4
1.181 0.2025
1" PEX x 1" Copper* LF4501010
30 5
1.4455 0.2025
1¼" PEX x 1¼" Copper* LF4501313
37 5
1.704 0.2025
1½" PEX x 1½" Copper LF4501515
44 5
2.147 0.325
2" PEX x 2" Copper* LF4502020
55 8

Delta
ProPEX Ring A&B A

A
Description Part No. in/mm
½" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4690512 0.08
B
¾" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4690756 0.1

1" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4691000 0.14

1¼" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4691250 0.14

1½" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4691500 0.14

2" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4692000 0.2

2½" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4692500 0.2

3" ProPEX Ring with Stop Q4693000 0.2

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions 123

124 Appendix D – ProPEX Fitting Dimensions — uponorengineering.com
Appendix E
Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations
Thermal Expansion in surrounding embedment material. The can be significantly augmented by
Underground Applications magnitude of the frictional restraining external pipe geometry. Tees, lateral
For direct-burial applications, mitigate force is dependent on the nature connections and changes in direction
the effects of thermal expansion with of the soil and on installation and all help to anchor a pipe in the
a proper installation that provides operating conditions. surrounding soil.
adequate resistance to axial stress. For example, the extent of
Per PPI TR-21 Thermal Expansion compaction near the pipe can affect
and Contraction in Plastics Piping the quality of contact between
Systems, restrain a buried or the pipe and surrounding soil. The
concrete-encased pipe from both anchoring or restraining effect of
lateral and axial movement with surrounding soil on pipe movement

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m)

½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.04 1.90 0.38 0.76 50 0.2 4.24 0.85 1.70
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

60 0.048 2.08 0.42 0.83 60 0.24 4.65 0.93 1.86

70 0.056 2.24 0.45 0.90 70 0.28 5.02 1.00 2.01
10 50
80 0.064 2.40 0.48 0.96 80 0.32 5.37 1.07 2.15
90 0.072 2.55 0.51 1.02 90 0.36 5.69 1.14 2.28
100 0.08 2.68 0.54 1.07 100 0.4 6.00 1.20 2.40
50 0.08 2.68 0.54 1.07 50 0.24 4.65 0.93 1.86
60 0.096 2.94 0.59 1.18 60 0.288 5.09 1.02 2.04
70 0.112 3.17 0.63 1.27 70 0.336 5.50 1.10 2.20
20 60
80 0.128 3.39 0.68 1.36 80 0.384 5.88 1.18 2.35
90 0.144 3.60 0.72 1.44 90 0.432 6.24 1.25 2.49
100 0.16 3.79 0.76 1.52 100 0.48 6.57 1.31 2.63
50 0.12 3.29 0.66 1.31 50 0.28 5.02 1.00 2.01
60 0.144 3.60 0.72 1.44 60 0.336 5.50 1.10 2.20
70 0.168 3.89 0.78 1.56 70 0.392 5.94 1.19 2.38
30 70
80 0.192 4.16 0.83 1.66 80 0.448 6.35 1.27 2.54
90 0.216 4.41 0.88 1.76 90 0.504 6.73 1.35 2.69
100 0.24 4.65 0.93 1.86 100 0.56 7.10 1.42 2.84
50 0.16 3.79 0.76 1.52 50 0.32 5.37 1.07 2.15
60 0.192 4.16 0.83 1.66 60 0.384 5.88 1.18 2.35
70 0.224 4.49 0.90 1.80 70 0.448 6.35 1.27 2.54
40 80
80 0.256 4.80 0.96 1.92 80 0.512 6.79 1.36 2.72
90 0.288 5.09 1.02 2.04 90 0.576 7.20 1.44 2.88
100 0.32 5.37 1.07 2.15 100 0.64 7.59 1.52 3.04
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 125
 ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.36 5.69 1.14 2.28 50 0.64 7.59 1.52 3.04

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

60 0.432 6.24 1.25 2.49 60 0.768 8.31 1.66 3.33

70 0.504 6.73 1.35 2.69 70 0.896 8.98 1.80 3.59
90 160
80 0.576 7.20 1.44 2.88 80 1.024 9.60 1.92 3.84
90 0.648 7.64 1.53 3.05 90 1.152 10.18 2.04 4.07
100 0.72 8.05 1.61 3.22 100 1.28 10.73 2.15 4.29
50 0.4 6.00 1.20 2.40
60 0.48 6.57 1.31 2.63
¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
70 0.56 7.10 1.42 2.84
100 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
80 0.64 7.59 1.52 3.04 (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
90 0.72 8.05 1.61 3.22 50 0.04 2.24 0.45 0.90

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
100 0.8 8.49 1.70 3.39 60 0.048 2.46 0.49 0.98
50 0.44 6.29 1.26 2.52 70 0.056 2.66 0.53 1.06
60 0.528 6.89 1.38 2.76 10
80 0.064 2.84 0.57 1.14
70 0.616 7.45 1.49 2.98 90 0.072 3.01 0.60 1.20
110
80 0.704 7.96 1.59 3.18 100 0.08 3.17 0.63 1.27
90 0.792 8.44 1.69 3.38 50 0.08 3.17 0.63 1.27
100 0.88 8.90 1.78 3.56 60 0.096 3.48 0.70 1.39
50 0.48 6.57 1.31 2.63
70 0.112 3.76 0.75 1.50
60 0.576 7.20 1.44 2.88 20
80 0.128 4.02 0.80 1.61
70 0.672 7.78 1.56 3.11
120 90 0.144 4.26 0.85 1.70
80 0.768 8.31 1.66 3.33
100 0.16 4.49 0.90 1.80
90 0.864 8.82 1.76 3.53 50 0.12 3.89 0.78 1.56
100 0.96 9.30 1.86 3.72 60 0.144 4.26 0.85 1.70
50 0.52 6.84 1.37 2.74 70 0.168 4.60 0.92 1.84
60 0.624 7.49 1.50 3.00 30
80 0.192 4.92 0.98 1.97
70 0.728 8.09 1.62 3.24 90 0.216 5.22 1.04 2.09
130
80 0.832 8.65 1.73 3.46 100 0.24 5.50 1.10 2.20
90 0.936 9.18 1.84 3.67 50 0.16 4.49 0.90 1.80
100 1.04 9.67 1.93 3.87 60 0.192 4.92 0.98 1.97
50 0.56 7.10 1.42 2.84 70 0.224 5.31 1.06 2.13
60 0.672 7.78 1.56 3.11 40
80 0.256 5.68 1.14 2.27
70 0.784 8.40 1.68 3.36 90 0.288 6.02 1.20 2.41
140
80 0.896 8.98 1.80 3.59 100 0.32 6.35 1.27 2.54
90 1.008 9.52 1.90 3.81
50 0.2 5.02 1.00 2.01
100 1.12 10.04 2.01 4.02 60 0.24 5.50 1.10 2.20
50 0.6 7.35 1.47 2.94 70 0.28 5.94 1.19 2.38
60 0.72 8.05 1.61 3.22 50
80 0.32 6.35 1.27 2.54
70 0.84 8.69 1.74 3.48 90 0.36 6.73 1.35 2.69
150
80 0.96 9.30 1.86 3.72 100 0.4 7.10 1.42 2.84
90 1.08 9.86 1.97 3.94
100 1.2 10.39 2.08 4.16
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

126 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 ¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.24 5.50 1.10 2.20 50 0.52 8.09 1.62 3.24
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
60 0.288 6.02 1.20 2.41 60 0.624 8.87 1.77 3.55
70 0.336 6.51 1.30 2.60 70 0.728 9.58 1.92 3.83
60 130
80 0.384 6.96 1.39 2.78 80 0.832 10.24 2.05 4.10
90 0.432 7.38 1.48 2.95 90 0.936 10.86 2.17 4.34
100 0.48 7.78 1.56 3.11 100 1.04 11.45 2.29 4.58
50 0.28 5.94 1.19 2.38 50 0.56 8.40 1.68 3.36
60 0.336 6.51 1.30 2.60 60 0.672 9.20 1.84 3.68
70 0.392 7.03 1.41 2.81 70 0.784 9.94 1.99 3.98
70 140
80 0.448 7.51 1.50 3.01 80 0.896 10.63 2.13 4.25
90 0.504 7.97 1.59 3.19 90 1.008 11.27 2.25 4.51
100 0.56 8.40 1.68 3.36 100 1.12 11.88 2.38 4.75
50 0.32 6.35 1.27 2.54 50 0.6 8.69 1.74 3.48
60 0.384 6.96 1.39 2.78 60 0.72 9.52 1.90 3.81
70 0.448 7.51 1.50 3.01 70 0.84 10.29 2.06 4.12
80 150
80 0.512 8.03 1.61 3.21 80 0.96 11.00 2.20 4.40
90 0.576 8.52 1.70 3.41 90 1.08 11.67 2.33 4.67
100 0.64 8.98 1.80 3.59 100 1.2 12.30 2.46 4.92
50 0.36 6.73 1.35 2.69 50 0.64 8.98 1.80 3.59
60 0.432 7.38 1.48 2.95 60 0.768 9.84 1.97 3.93
70 0.504 7.97 1.59 3.19 70 0.896 10.63 2.13 4.25
90 160
80 0.576 8.52 1.70 3.41 80 1.024 11.36 2.27 4.54
90 0.648 9.04 1.81 3.61 90 1.152 12.05 2.41 4.82
100 0.72 9.52 1.90 3.81 100 1.28 12.70 2.54 5.08
50 0.4 7.10 1.42 2.84
60 0.48 7.78 1.56 3.11
70 0.56 8.40 1.68 3.36
100 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
80 0.64 8.98 1.80 3.59
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
90 0.72 9.52 1.90 3.81 (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
100 0.8 10.04 2.01 4.02 50 0.04 2.55 0.51 1.02
and Strut Clamps
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut

50 0.44 7.45 1.49 2.98 60 0.048 2.79 0.56 1.12

60 0.528 8.16 1.63 3.26 70 0.056 3.01 0.60 1.20
70 0.616 8.81 1.76 3.52 10
110 80 0.064 3.22 0.64 1.29
80 0.704 9.42 1.88 3.77 90 0.072 3.42 0.68 1.37
90 0.792 9.99 2.00 4.00 100 0.08 3.60 0.72 1.44
100 0.88 10.53 2.11 4.21 50 0.08 3.60 0.72 1.44
50 0.48 7.78 1.56 3.11 60 0.096 3.94 0.79 1.58
60 0.576 8.52 1.70 3.41 70 0.112 4.26 0.85 1.70
70 0.672 9.20 1.84 3.68 20
120 80 0.128 4.55 0.91 1.82
80 0.768 9.84 1.97 3.93 90 0.144 4.83 0.97 1.93
90 0.864 10.43 2.09 4.17 100 0.16 5.09 1.02 2.04
100 0.96 11.00 2.20 4.40
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 127
 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.12 4.41 0.88 1.76 50 0.08 3.60 0.72 1.44
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
60 0.144 4.83 0.97 1.93 60 0.096 3.94 0.79 1.58
70 0.168 5.22 1.04 2.09 70 0.112 4.26 0.85 1.70
30 100
80 0.192 5.58 1.12 2.23 80 0.128 4.55 0.91 1.82
90 0.216 5.92 1.18 2.37 90 0.144 4.83 0.97 1.93
100 0.24 6.24 1.25 2.49 100 0.16 5.09 1.02 2.04
50 0.16 5.09 1.02 2.04 50 0.44 8.44 1.69 3.38
60 0.048 2.79 0.56 1.12 60 0.528 9.25 1.85 3.70
70 0.056 3.01 0.60 1.20 70 0.616 9.99 2.00 4.00
40 110
80 0.064 3.22 0.64 1.29 80 0.704 10.68 2.14 4.27
90 0.072 3.42 0.68 1.37 90 0.792 11.33 2.27 4.53
100 0.08 3.60 0.72 1.44 100 0.88 11.94 2.39 4.78
50 0.2 5.69 1.14 2.28 50 0.48 8.82 1.76 3.53
60 0.24 6.24 1.25 2.49 60 0.576 9.66 1.93 3.86
70 0.28 6.73 1.35 2.69 70 0.672 10.43 2.09 4.17
50 120
80 0.32 7.20 1.44 2.88 80 0.768 11.15 2.23 4.46
90 0.36 7.64 1.53 3.05 90 0.864 11.83 2.37 4.73
100 0.4 8.05 1.61 3.22 100 0.96 12.47 2.49 4.99
50 0.24 6.24 1.25 2.49 50 0.52 9.18 1.84 3.67
60 0.288 6.83 1.37 2.73 60 0.624 10.05 2.01 4.02
70 0.336 7.38 1.48 2.95 70 0.728 10.86 2.17 4.34
60 130
80 0.384 7.89 1.58 3.15 80 0.832 11.61 2.32 4.64
90 0.432 8.37 1.67 3.35 90 0.936 12.31 2.46 4.93
100 0.48 8.82 1.76 3.53 100 1.04 12.98 2.60 5.19
50 0.28 6.73 1.35 2.69 50 0.56 9.52 1.90 3.81
60 0.336 7.38 1.48 2.95 60 0.672 10.43 2.09 4.17
70 0.392 7.97 1.59 3.19 70 0.784 11.27 2.25 4.51
70 140
80 0.448 8.52 1.70 3.41 80 0.896 12.05 2.41 4.82
90 0.504 9.04 1.81 3.61 90 1.008 12.78 2.56 5.11
100 0.56 9.52 1.90 3.81 100 1.12 13.47 2.69 5.39
50 0.32 7.20 1.44 2.88 50 0.6 9.86 1.97 3.94
60 0.384 7.89 1.58 3.15 60 0.72 10.80 2.16 4.32
70 0.448 8.52 1.70 3.41 70 0.84 11.67 2.33 4.67
80 150
80 0.512 9.11 1.82 3.64 80 0.96 12.47 2.49 4.99
90 0.576 9.66 1.93 3.86 90 1.08 13.23 2.65 5.29
100 0.64 10.18 2.04 4.07 100 1.2 13.94 2.79 5.58
50 0.04 2.55 0.51 1.02 50 0.64 10.18 2.04 4.07
60 0.048 2.79 0.56 1.12 60 0.768 11.15 2.23 4.46
70 0.056 3.01 0.60 1.20 70 0.896 12.05 2.41 4.82
90 160
80 0.064 3.22 0.64 1.29 80 1.024 12.88 2.58 5.15
90 0.072 3.42 0.68 1.37 90 1.152 13.66 2.73 5.46
100 0.08 3.60 0.72 1.44 100 1.28 14.40 2.88 5.76
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

128 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.04 2.81 0.56 1.13 50 0.32 7.96 1.59 3.18
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
60 0.048 3.08 0.62 1.23 60 0.384 8.72 1.74 3.49
70 0.056 3.33 0.67 1.33 70 0.448 9.42 1.88 3.77
10 80
80 0.064 3.56 0.71 1.42 80 0.512 10.07 2.01 4.03
90 0.072 3.78 0.76 1.51 90 0.576 10.68 2.14 4.27
100 0.08 3.98 0.80 1.59 100 0.64 11.26 2.25 4.50
50 0.08 3.98 0.80 1.59 50 0.36 8.44 1.69 3.38
60 0.096 4.36 0.87 1.74 60 0.432 9.25 1.85 3.70
70 0.112 4.71 0.94 1.88 70 0.504 9.99 2.00 4.00
20 90
80 0.128 5.03 1.01 2.01 80 0.576 10.68 2.14 4.27
90 0.144 5.34 1.07 2.14 90 0.648 11.33 2.27 4.53
100 0.16 5.63 1.13 2.25 100 0.72 11.94 2.39 4.78
50 0.12 4.87 0.97 1.95 50 0.4 8.90 1.78 3.56
60 0.144 5.34 1.07 2.14 60 0.48 9.75 1.95 3.90
70 0.168 5.77 1.15 2.31 70 0.56 10.53 2.11 4.21
30 100
80 0.192 6.17 1.23 2.47 80 0.64 11.26 2.25 4.50
90 0.216 6.54 1.31 2.62 90 0.72 11.94 2.39 4.78
100 0.24 6.89 1.38 2.76 100 0.8 12.59 2.52 5.03
50 0.16 5.63 1.13 2.25 50 0.44 9.33 1.87 3.73
60 0.192 6.17 1.23 2.47 60 0.528 10.22 2.04 4.09
70 0.224 6.66 1.33 2.66 70 0.616 11.04 2.21 4.42
40 110
80 0.256 7.12 1.42 2.85 80 0.704 11.81 2.36 4.72
90 0.288 7.55 1.51 3.02 90 0.792 12.52 2.50 5.01
100 0.32 7.96 1.59 3.18 100 0.88 13.20 2.64 5.28
50 0.2 6.29 1.26 2.52 50 0.48 9.75 1.95 3.90
60 0.24 6.89 1.38 2.76 60 0.576 10.68 2.14 4.27
70 0.28 7.45 1.49 2.98 70 0.672 11.53 2.31 4.61
50 120
80 0.32 7.96 1.59 3.18 80 0.768 12.33 2.47 4.93
90 0.36 8.44 1.69 3.38 90 0.864 13.08 2.62 5.23
100 0.4 8.90 1.78 3.56 100 0.96 13.79 2.76 5.51
50 0.24 6.89 1.38 2.76 50 0.52 10.15 2.03 4.06
60 0.288 7.55 1.51 3.02 60 0.624 11.12 2.22 4.45
70 0.336 8.16 1.63 3.26 70 0.728 12.01 2.40 4.80
60 130
80 0.384 8.72 1.74 3.49 80 0.832 12.83 2.57 5.13
90 0.432 9.25 1.85 3.70 90 0.936 13.61 2.72 5.45
100 0.48 9.75 1.95 3.90 100 1.04 14.35 2.87 5.74
50 0.28 7.45 1.49 2.98 50 0.56 10.53 2.11 4.21
60 0.336 8.16 1.63 3.26 60 0.672 11.53 2.31 4.61
70 0.392 8.81 1.76 3.52 70 0.784 12.46 2.49 4.98
70 140
80 0.448 9.42 1.88 3.77 80 0.896 13.32 2.66 5.33
90 0.504 9.99 2.00 4.00 90 1.008 14.13 2.83 5.65
100 0.56 10.53 2.11 4.21 100 1.12 14.89 2.98 5.96
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 129
 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.6 10.90 2.18 4.36 50 0.2 6.84 1.37 2.74
Strut Clamps
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
60 0.72 11.94 2.39 4.78 60 0.24 7.49 1.50 3.00
70 0.84 12.90 2.58 5.16 70 0.28 8.09 1.62 3.24
150 50
80 0.96 13.79 2.76 5.51 80 0.32 8.65 1.73 3.46
90 1.08 14.62 2.92 5.85 90 0.36 9.18 1.84 3.67
100 1.2 15.41 3.08 6.17 100 0.4 9.67 1.93 3.87
50 0.64 11.26 2.25 4.50 50 0.24 7.49 1.50 3.00
60 0.768 12.33 2.47 4.93 60 0.288 8.21 1.64 3.28
70 0.896 13.32 2.66 5.33 70 0.336 8.87 1.77 3.55
160 60
80 1.024 14.24 2.85 5.70 80 0.384 9.48 1.90 3.79
90 1.152 15.10 3.02 6.04 90 0.432 10.05 2.01 4.02
100 1.28 15.92 3.18 6.37 100 0.48 10.60 2.12 4.24
50 0.28 8.09 1.62 3.24
60 0.336 8.87 1.77 3.55
70 0.392 9.58 1.92 3.83
70
1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 0.448 10.24 2.05 4.10

Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 90 0.504 10.86 2.17 4.34

(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 0.56 11.45 2.29 4.58
50 0.04 3.06 0.61 1.22 50 0.32 8.65 1.73 3.46
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

60 0.048 3.35 0.67 1.34 60 0.384 9.48 1.90 3.79

70 0.056 3.62 0.72 1.45 70 0.448 10.24 2.05 4.10
10 80
80 0.064 3.87 0.77 1.55 80 0.512 10.95 2.19 4.38
90 0.072 4.10 0.82 1.64 90 0.576 11.61 2.32 4.64
100 0.08 4.33 0.87 1.73 100 0.64 12.24 2.45 4.90
50 0.08 4.33 0.87 1.73 50 0.36 9.18 1.84 3.67
60 0.096 4.74 0.95 1.90 60 0.432 10.05 2.01 4.02
70 0.112 5.12 1.02 2.05 70 0.504 10.86 2.17 4.34
20 90
80 0.128 5.47 1.09 2.19 80 0.576 11.61 2.32 4.64
90 0.144 5.80 1.16 2.32 90 0.648 12.31 2.46 4.93
100 0.16 6.12 1.22 2.45 100 0.72 12.98 2.60 5.19
50 0.12 5.30 1.06 2.12 50 0.4 9.67 1.93 3.87
60 0.144 5.80 1.16 2.32 60 0.48 10.60 2.12 4.24
70 0.168 6.27 1.25 2.51 70 0.56 11.45 2.29 4.58
30 100
80 0.192 6.70 1.34 2.68 80 0.64 12.24 2.45 4.90
90 0.216 7.11 1.42 2.84 90 0.72 12.98 2.60 5.19
100 0.24 7.49 1.50 3.00 100 0.8 13.68 2.74 5.47
50 0.16 6.12 1.22 2.45 50 0.44 10.15 2.03 4.06
60 0.192 6.70 1.34 2.68 60 0.528 11.12 2.22 4.45
70 0.224 7.24 1.45 2.90 70 0.616 12.01 2.40 4.80
40 110
80 0.256 7.74 1.55 3.10 80 0.704 12.83 2.57 5.13
90 0.288 8.21 1.64 3.28 90 0.792 13.61 2.72 5.45
100 0.32 8.65 1.73 3.46 100 0.88 14.35 2.87 5.74
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

130 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.48 10.60 2.12 4.24 50 0.08 4.95 0.99 1.98

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
60 0.576 11.61 2.32 4.64 60 0.096 5.42 1.08 2.17
70 0.672 12.54 2.51 5.02 70 0.112 5.85 1.17 2.34
120 20
80 0.768 13.41 2.68 5.36 80 0.128 6.26 1.25 2.50
90 0.864 14.22 2.84 5.69 90 0.144 6.64 1.33 2.66
100 0.96 14.99 3.00 6.00 100 0.16 7.00 1.40 2.80
50 0.52 11.03 2.21 4.41 50 0.12 6.06 1.21 2.42
60 0.624 12.08 2.42 4.83 60 0.144 6.64 1.33 2.66
70 0.728 13.05 2.61 5.22 70 0.168 7.17 1.43 2.87
130 30
80 0.832 13.95 2.79 5.58 80 0.192 7.66 1.53 3.07
90 0.936 14.80 2.96 5.92 90 0.216 8.13 1.63 3.25
100 1.04 15.60 3.12 6.24 100 0.24 8.57 1.71 3.43
50 0.56 11.45 2.29 4.58 50 0.16 7.00 1.40 2.80
60 0.672 12.54 2.51 5.02 60 0.192 7.66 1.53 3.07
70 0.784 13.54 2.71 5.42 70 0.224 8.28 1.66 3.31
140 40
80 0.896 14.48 2.90 5.79 80 0.256 8.85 1.77 3.54
90 1.008 15.36 3.07 6.14 90 0.288 9.39 1.88 3.76
100 1.12 16.19 3.24 6.48 100 0.32 9.90 1.98 3.96
50 0.6 11.85 2.37 4.74 50 0.2 7.82 1.56 3.13
60 0.72 12.98 2.60 5.19 60 0.24 8.57 1.71 3.43
70 0.84 14.02 2.80 5.61 70 0.28 9.26 1.85 3.70
150 50
80 0.96 14.99 3.00 6.00 80 0.32 9.90 1.98 3.96
90 1.08 15.90 3.18 6.36 90 0.36 10.50 2.10 4.20
100 1.2 16.76 3.35 6.70 100 0.4 11.06 2.21 4.43
50 0.64 12.24 2.45 4.90 50 0.24 8.57 1.71 3.43
60 0.768 13.41 2.68 5.36 60 0.288 9.39 1.88 3.76
70 0.896 14.48 2.90 5.79 70 0.336 10.14 2.03 4.06
160 60
80 1.024 15.48 3.10 6.19 80 0.384 10.84 2.17 4.34
90 1.152 16.42 3.28 6.57 90 0.432 11.50 2.30 4.60
100 1.28 17.31 3.46 6.92 100 0.48 12.12 2.42 4.85
50 0.28 9.26 1.85 3.70
60 0.336 10.14 2.03 4.06
70 0.392 10.95 2.19 4.38
70
2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 0.448 11.71 2.34 4.68
90 0.504 12.42 2.48 4.97
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 0.56 13.09 2.62 5.24
50 0.04 3.50 0.70 1.40 50 0.32 9.90 1.98 3.96
60 0.048 3.83 0.77 1.53 60 0.384 10.84 2.17 4.34
70 0.056 4.14 0.83 1.66 70 0.448 11.71 2.34 4.68
10 80
80 0.064 4.43 0.89 1.77 80 0.512 12.52 2.50 5.01
90 0.072 4.69 0.94 1.88 90 0.576 13.28 2.66 5.31
100 0.08 4.95 0.99 1.98 100 0.64 13.99 2.80 5.60

Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 131
 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.36 10.50 2.10 4.20 50 0.64 13.99 2.80 5.60

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

60 0.432 11.50 2.30 4.60 60 0.768 15.33 3.07 6.13

70 0.504 12.42 2.48 4.97 70 0.896 16.56 3.31 6.62
90 160
80 0.576 13.28 2.66 5.31 80 1.024 17.70 3.54 7.08
90 0.648 14.08 2.82 5.63 90 1.152 18.78 3.76 7.51
100 0.72 14.84 2.97 5.94 100 1.28 19.79 3.96 7.92
50 0.4 11.06 2.21 4.43
60 0.48 12.12 2.42 4.85
70 0.56 13.09 2.62 5.24
2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
100 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
80 0.64 13.99 2.80 5.60
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
90 0.72 14.84 2.97 5.94
50 0.04 3.89 0.78 1.56

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
100 0.8 15.65 3.13 6.26
60 0.048 4.26 0.85 1.70
50 0.44 11.60 2.32 4.64
70 0.056 4.60 0.92 1.84
60 0.528 12.71 2.54 5.08 10
80 0.064 4.92 0.98 1.97
70 0.616 13.73 2.75 5.49
110 90 0.072 5.22 1.04 2.09
80 0.704 14.68 2.94 5.87
100 0.08 5.50 1.10 2.20
90 0.792 15.57 3.11 6.23
50 0.08 5.50 1.10 2.20
100 0.88 16.41 3.28 6.56
60 0.096 6.02 1.20 2.41
50 0.48 12.12 2.42 4.85
70 0.112 6.51 1.30 2.60
60 0.576 13.28 2.66 5.31 20
80 0.128 6.96 1.39 2.78
70 0.672 14.34 2.87 5.74
120 90 0.144 7.38 1.48 2.95
80 0.768 15.33 3.07 6.13
100 0.16 7.78 1.56 3.11
90 0.864 16.26 3.25 6.50
50 0.12 6.73 1.35 2.69
100 0.96 17.14 3.43 6.86
60 0.144 7.38 1.48 2.95
50 0.52 12.61 2.52 5.05
70 0.168 7.97 1.59 3.19
60 0.624 13.82 2.76 5.53 30
80 0.192 8.52 1.70 3.41
70 0.728 14.93 2.99 5.97
130 90 0.216 9.04 1.81 3.61
80 0.832 15.96 3.19 6.38
100 0.24 9.52 1.90 3.81
90 0.936 16.92 3.38 6.77
50 0.16 7.78 1.56 3.11
100 1.04 17.84 3.57 7.14
60 0.192 8.52 1.70 3.41
50 0.56 13.09 2.62 5.24
70 0.224 9.20 1.84 3.68
60 0.672 14.34 2.87 5.74 40
80 0.256 9.84 1.97 3.93
70 0.784 15.49 3.10 6.20
140 90 0.288 10.43 2.09 4.17
80 0.896 16.56 3.31 6.62
100 0.32 11.00 2.20 4.40
90 1.008 17.56 3.51 7.03
50 0.2 8.69 1.74 3.48
100 1.12 18.51 3.70 7.41
60 0.24 9.52 1.90 3.81
50 0.6 13.55 2.71 5.42
70 0.28 10.29 2.06 4.12
60 0.72 14.84 2.97 5.94 50
80 0.32 11.00 2.20 4.40
70 0.84 16.03 3.21 6.41
150 90 0.36 11.67 2.33 4.67
80 0.96 17.14 3.43 6.86
100 0.4 12.30 2.46 4.92
90 1.08 18.18 3.64 7.27
100 1.2 19.16 3.83 7.66
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

132 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.24 9.52 1.90 3.81 50 0.52 14.02 2.80 5.61

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

60 0.288 10.43 2.09 4.17 60 0.624 15.36 3.07 6.14

70 0.336 11.27 2.25 4.51 70 0.728 16.59 3.32 6.64

60 130
80 0.384 12.05 2.41 4.82 80 0.832 17.73 3.55 7.09

90 0.432 12.78 2.56 5.11 90 0.936 18.81 3.76 7.52

100 0.48 13.47 2.69 5.39 100 1.04 19.83 3.97 7.93

50 0.28 10.29 2.06 4.12 50 0.56 14.55 2.91 5.82

60 0.336 11.27 2.25 4.51 60 0.672 15.94 3.19 6.38

70 0.392 12.17 2.43 4.87 70 0.784 17.21 3.44 6.89

70 140
80 0.448 13.01 2.60 5.21 80 0.896 18.40 3.68 7.36

90 0.504 13.80 2.76 5.52 90 1.008 19.52 3.90 7.81

100 0.56 14.55 2.91 5.82 100 1.12 20.58 4.12 8.23

50 0.32 11.00 2.20 4.40 50 0.6 15.06 3.01 6.02

60 0.384 12.05 2.41 4.82 60 0.72 16.50 3.30 6.60

70 0.448 13.01 2.60 5.21 70 0.84 17.82 3.56 7.13

80 150
80 0.512 13.91 2.78 5.56 80 0.96 19.05 3.81 7.62

90 0.576 14.76 2.95 5.90 90 1.08 20.20 4.04 8.08

100 0.64 15.55 3.11 6.22 100 1.2 21.30 4.26 8.52

50 0.36 11.67 2.33 4.67 50 0.64 15.55 3.11 6.22

60 0.432 12.78 2.56 5.11 60 0.768 17.04 3.41 6.82

70 0.504 13.80 2.76 5.52 70 0.896 18.40 3.68 7.36

90 160
80 0.576 14.76 2.95 5.90 80 1.024 19.67 3.93 7.87

90 0.648 15.65 3.13 6.26 90 1.152 20.87 4.17 8.35

100 0.72 16.50 3.30 6.60 100 1.28 22.00 4.40 8.80

50 0.4 12.30 2.46 4.92

60 0.48 13.47 2.69 5.39
70 0.56 14.55 2.91 5.82 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
100
80 0.64 15.55 3.11 6.22 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
90 0.72 16.50 3.30 6.60
50 0.04 4.24 0.85 1.70
Strut and Strut Clamps
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support,

100 0.8 17.39 3.48 6.96

60 0.048 4.65 0.93 1.86
50 0.44 12.90 2.58 5.16
70 0.056 5.02 1.00 2.01
60 0.528 14.13 2.83 5.65 10
80 0.064 5.37 1.07 2.15
70 0.616 15.26 3.05 6.10
110 90 0.072 5.69 1.14 2.28
80 0.704 16.31 3.26 6.53
100 0.08 6.00 1.20 2.40
90 0.792 17.30 3.46 6.92
50 0.08 6.00 1.20 2.40
100 0.88 18.24 3.65 7.30
60 0.096 6.57 1.31 2.63
50 0.48 13.47 2.69 5.39
70 0.112 7.10 1.42 2.84
60 0.576 14.76 2.95 5.90 20
80 0.128 7.59 1.52 3.04
70 0.672 15.94 3.19 6.38
120 90 0.144 8.05 1.61 3.22
80 0.768 17.04 3.41 6.82
100 0.16 8.49 1.70 3.39
90 0.864 18.07 3.61 7.23
100 0.96 19.05 3.81 7.62
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 133
 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.12 7.35 1.47 2.94 50 0.4 13.42 2.68 5.37
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.08"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (2.03mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support, Strut and Strut Clamps
60 0.144 8.05 1.61 3.22 60 0.48 14.70 2.94 5.88
70 0.168 8.69 1.74 3.48 70 0.56 15.87 3.17 6.35
30 100
80 0.192 9.30 1.86 3.72 80 0.64 16.97 3.39 6.79
90 0.216 9.86 1.97 3.94 90 0.72 18.00 3.60 7.20
100 0.24 10.39 2.08 4.16 100 0.8 18.97 3.79 7.59
50 0.16 8.49 1.70 3.39 50 0.44 14.07 2.81 5.63
60 0.192 9.30 1.86 3.72 60 0.528 15.41 3.08 6.17
70 0.224 10.04 2.01 4.02 70 0.616 16.65 3.33 6.66
40 110
80 0.256 10.73 2.15 4.29 80 0.704 17.80 3.56 7.12
90 0.288 11.38 2.28 4.55 90 0.792 18.88 3.78 7.55
100 0.32 12.00 2.40 4.80 100 0.88 19.90 3.98 7.96
50 0.2 9.49 1.90 3.79 50 0.48 14.70 2.94 5.88
60 0.24 10.39 2.08 4.16 60 0.576 16.10 3.22 6.44
70 0.28 11.22 2.24 4.49 70 0.672 17.39 3.48 6.96
50 120
80 0.32 12.00 2.40 4.80 80 0.768 18.59 3.72 7.44
90 0.36 12.73 2.55 5.09 90 0.864 19.72 3.94 7.89
100 0.4 13.42 2.68 5.37 100 0.96 20.78 4.16 8.31
50 0.24 10.39 2.08 4.16 50 0.52 15.30 3.06 6.12
60 0.288 11.38 2.28 4.55 60 0.624 16.76 3.35 6.70
70 0.336 12.30 2.46 4.92 70 0.728 18.10 3.62 7.24
60 130
80 0.384 13.15 2.63 5.26 80 0.832 19.35 3.87 7.74
90 0.432 13.94 2.79 5.58 90 0.936 20.52 4.10 8.21
100 0.48 14.70 2.94 5.88 100 1.04 21.63 4.33 8.65
50 0.28 11.22 2.24 4.49 50 0.56 15.87 3.17 6.35
60 0.336 12.30 2.46 4.92 60 0.672 17.39 3.48 6.96
70 0.392 13.28 2.66 5.31 70 0.784 18.78 3.76 7.51
70 140
80 0.448 14.20 2.84 5.68 80 0.896 20.08 4.02 8.03
90 0.504 15.06 3.01 6.02 90 1.008 21.30 4.26 8.52
100 0.56 15.87 3.17 6.35 100 1.12 22.45 4.49 8.98
50 0.32 12.00 2.40 4.80 50 0.6 16.43 3.29 6.57
60 0.384 13.15 2.63 5.26 60 0.72 18.00 3.60 7.20
70 0.448 14.20 2.84 5.68 70 0.84 19.44 3.89 7.78
80 150
80 0.512 15.18 3.04 6.07 80 0.96 20.78 4.16 8.31
90 0.576 16.10 3.22 6.44 90 1.08 22.05 4.41 8.82
100 0.64 16.97 3.39 6.79 100 1.2 23.24 4.65 9.30
50 0.36 12.73 2.55 5.09 50 0.64 16.97 3.39 6.79
60 0.432 13.94 2.79 5.58 60 0.768 18.59 3.72 7.44
70 0.504 15.06 3.01 6.02 70 0.896 20.08 4.02 8.03
90 160
80 0.576 16.10 3.22 6.44 80 1.024 21.47 4.29 8.59
90 0.648 17.08 3.42 6.83 90 1.152 22.77 4.55 9.11
100 0.72 18.00 3.60 7.20 100 1.28 24.00 4.80 9.60
Table E-1: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

134 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m)

½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.06 2.32 0.46 0.93 50 0.42 6.15 1.23 2.46
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
60 0.072 2.55 0.51 1.02 60 0.504 6.73 1.35 2.69
70 0.084 2.75 0.55 1.10 70 0.588 7.27 1.45 2.91
10 70
80 0.096 2.94 0.59 1.18 80 0.672 7.78 1.56 3.11
90 0.108 3.12 0.62 1.25 90 0.756 8.25 1.65 3.30
100 0.12 3.29 0.66 1.31 100 0.84 8.69 1.74 3.48
50 0.12 3.29 0.66 1.31 50 0.48 6.57 1.31 2.63
60 0.144 3.60 0.72 1.44 60 0.576 7.20 1.44 2.88
70 0.168 3.89 0.78 1.56 70 0.672 7.78 1.56 3.11
20 80
80 0.192 4.16 0.83 1.66 80 0.768 8.31 1.66 3.33
90 0.216 4.41 0.88 1.76 90 0.864 8.82 1.76 3.53
100 0.24 4.65 0.93 1.86 100 0.96 9.30 1.86 3.72
50 0.18 4.02 0.80 1.61 50 0.54 6.97 1.39 2.79
60 0.216 4.41 0.88 1.76 60 0.648 7.64 1.53 3.05
70 0.252 4.76 0.95 1.90 70 0.756 8.25 1.65 3.30
30 90
80 0.288 5.09 1.02 2.04 80 0.864 8.82 1.76 3.53
90 0.324 5.40 1.08 2.16 90 0.972 9.35 1.87 3.74
100 0.36 5.69 1.14 2.28 100 1.08 9.86 1.97 3.94
50 0.24 4.65 0.93 1.86 50 0.6 7.35 1.47 2.94
60 0.288 5.09 1.02 2.04 60 0.72 8.05 1.61 3.22
70 0.336 5.50 1.10 2.20 70 0.84 8.69 1.74 3.48
40 100
80 0.384 5.88 1.18 2.35 80 0.96 9.30 1.86 3.72
90 0.432 6.24 1.25 2.49 90 1.08 9.86 1.97 3.94
100 0.48 6.57 1.31 2.63 100 1.2 10.39 2.08 4.16
50 0.3 5.20 1.04 2.08 50 0.66 7.71 1.54 3.08
60 0.36 5.69 1.14 2.28 60 0.792 8.44 1.69 3.38
70 0.42 6.15 1.23 2.46 70 0.924 9.12 1.82 3.65
50 110
80 0.48 6.57 1.31 2.63 80 1.056 9.75 1.95 3.90
90 0.54 6.97 1.39 2.79 90 1.188 10.34 2.07 4.14
100 0.6 7.35 1.47 2.94 100 1.32 10.90 2.18 4.36
50 0.36 5.69 1.14 2.28 50 0.72 8.05 1.61 3.22
60 0.432 6.24 1.25 2.49 60 0.864 8.82 1.76 3.53
70 0.504 6.73 1.35 2.69 70 1.008 9.52 1.90 3.81
60 120
80 0.576 7.20 1.44 2.88 80 1.152 10.18 2.04 4.07
90 0.648 7.64 1.53 3.05 90 1.296 10.80 2.16 4.32
100 0.72 8.05 1.61 3.22 100 1.44 11.38 2.28 4.55
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 135
 ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.78 8.38 1.68 3.35 50 0.18 4.76 0.95 1.90
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
60 0.936 9.18 1.84 3.67 60 0.216 5.22 1.04 2.09
70 1.092 9.91 1.98 3.97 70 0.252 5.63 1.13 2.25
130 30
80 1.248 10.60 2.12 4.24 80 0.288 6.02 1.20 2.41
90 1.404 11.24 2.25 4.50 90 0.324 6.39 1.28 2.56
100 1.56 11.85 2.37 4.74 100 0.36 6.73 1.35 2.69
50 0.84 8.69 1.74 3.48 50 0.24 5.50 1.10 2.20
60 1.008 9.52 1.90 3.81 60 0.288 6.02 1.20 2.41
70 1.176 10.29 2.06 4.12 70 0.336 6.51 1.30 2.60
140 40
80 1.344 11.00 2.20 4.40 80 0.384 6.96 1.39 2.78
90 1.512 11.67 2.33 4.67 90 0.432 7.38 1.48 2.95
100 1.68 12.30 2.46 4.92 100 0.48 7.78 1.56 3.11
50 0.9 9.00 1.80 3.60 50 0.3 6.15 1.23 2.46
60 1.08 9.86 1.97 3.94 60 0.36 6.73 1.35 2.69
70 1.26 10.65 2.13 4.26 70 0.42 7.27 1.45 2.91
150 50
80 1.44 11.38 2.28 4.55 80 0.48 7.78 1.56 3.11
90 1.62 12.07 2.41 4.83 90 0.54 8.25 1.65 3.30
100 1.8 12.73 2.55 5.09 100 0.6 8.69 1.74 3.48
50 0.96 9.30 1.86 3.72 50 0.36 6.73 1.35 2.69
60 1.152 10.18 2.04 4.07 60 0.432 7.38 1.48 2.95
70 1.344 11.00 2.20 4.40 70 0.504 7.97 1.59 3.19
160 60
80 1.536 11.76 2.35 4.70 80 0.576 8.52 1.70 3.41
90 1.728 12.47 2.49 4.99 90 0.648 9.04 1.81 3.61
100 1.92 13.15 2.63 5.26 100 0.72 9.52 1.90 3.81
50 0.42 7.27 1.45 2.91
60 0.504 7.97 1.59 3.19
70 0.588 8.61 1.72 3.44
70
¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 0.672 9.20 1.84 3.68
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 90 0.756 9.76 1.95 3.90
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 0.84 10.29 2.06 4.12
50 0.06 2.75 0.55 1.10 50 0.48 7.78 1.56 3.11
Clevis Hangers or Loops
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and

60 0.072 3.01 0.60 1.20 60 0.576 8.52 1.70 3.41

70 0.084 3.25 0.65 1.30 70 0.672 9.20 1.84 3.68
10 80
80 0.096 3.48 0.70 1.39 80 0.768 9.84 1.97 3.93
90 0.108 3.69 0.74 1.48 90 0.864 10.43 2.09 4.17
100 0.12 3.89 0.78 1.56 100 0.96 11.00 2.20 4.40
50 0.12 3.89 0.78 1.56 50 0.54 8.25 1.65 3.30
60 0.144 4.26 0.85 1.70 60 0.648 9.04 1.81 3.61
70 0.168 4.60 0.92 1.84 70 0.756 9.76 1.95 3.90
20 90
80 0.192 4.92 0.98 1.97 80 0.864 10.43 2.09 4.17
90 0.216 5.22 1.04 2.09 90 0.972 11.07 2.21 4.43
100 0.24 5.50 1.10 2.20 100 1.08 11.67 2.33 4.67
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

136 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 ¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.6 8.69 1.74 3.48 50 0.06 3.12 0.62 1.25

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

60 0.72 9.52 1.90 3.81 60 0.072 3.42 0.68 1.37

70 0.84 10.29 2.06 4.12 70 0.084 3.69 0.74 1.48
100 10
80 0.96 11.00 2.20 4.40 80 0.096 3.94 0.79 1.58
90 1.08 11.67 2.33 4.67 90 0.108 4.18 0.84 1.67
100 1.2 12.30 2.46 4.92 100 0.12 4.41 0.88 1.76
50 0.66 9.12 1.82 3.65 50 0.12 4.41 0.88 1.76
60 0.792 9.99 2.00 4.00 60 0.144 4.83 0.97 1.93
70 0.924 10.79 2.16 4.32 70 0.168 5.22 1.04 2.09
110 20
80 1.056 11.53 2.31 4.61 80 0.192 5.58 1.12 2.23
90 1.188 12.23 2.45 4.89 90 0.216 5.92 1.18 2.37
100 1.32 12.90 2.58 5.16 100 0.24 6.24 1.25 2.49
50 0.72 9.52 1.90 3.81 50 0.18 5.40 1.08 2.16
60 0.864 10.43 2.09 4.17 60 0.216 5.92 1.18 2.37
70 1.008 11.27 2.25 4.51 70 0.252 6.39 1.28 2.56
120 30
80 1.152 12.05 2.41 4.82 80 0.288 6.83 1.37 2.73
90 1.296 12.78 2.56 5.11 90 0.324 7.24 1.45 2.90
100 1.44 13.47 2.69 5.39 100 0.36 7.64 1.53 3.05
50 0.78 9.91 1.98 3.97 50 0.24 6.24 1.25 2.49
60 0.936 10.86 2.17 4.34 60 0.072 3.42 0.68 1.37
70 1.092 11.73 2.35 4.69 70 0.084 3.69 0.74 1.48
130 40
80 1.248 12.54 2.51 5.02 80 0.096 3.94 0.79 1.58
90 1.404 13.30 2.66 5.32 90 0.108 4.18 0.84 1.67
100 1.56 14.02 2.80 5.61 100 0.12 4.41 0.88 1.76
50 0.84 10.29 2.06 4.12 50 0.3 6.97 1.39 2.79
60 1.008 11.27 2.25 4.51 60 0.36 7.64 1.53 3.05
70 1.176 12.17 2.43 4.87 70 0.42 8.25 1.65 3.30
140 50
80 1.344 13.01 2.60 5.21 80 0.48 8.82 1.76 3.53
90 1.512 13.80 2.76 5.52 90 0.54 9.35 1.87 3.74
100 1.68 14.55 2.91 5.82 100 0.6 9.86 1.97 3.94
50 0.9 10.65 2.13 4.26 50 0.36 7.64 1.53 3.05
60 1.08 11.67 2.33 4.67 60 0.432 8.37 1.67 3.35
70 1.26 12.60 2.52 5.04 70 0.504 9.04 1.81 3.61
150 60
80 1.44 13.47 2.69 5.39 80 0.576 9.66 1.93 3.86
90 1.62 14.29 2.86 5.71 90 0.648 10.25 2.05 4.10
100 1.8 15.06 3.01 6.02 100 0.72 10.80 2.16 4.32
50 0.96 11.00 2.20 4.40 50 0.42 8.25 1.65 3.30
60 1.152 12.05 2.41 4.82 60 0.504 9.04 1.81 3.61
70 1.344 13.01 2.60 5.21 70 0.588 9.76 1.95 3.90
160 70
80 1.536 13.91 2.78 5.56 80 0.672 10.43 2.09 4.17
90 1.728 14.76 2.95 5.90 90 0.756 11.07 2.21 4.43
100 1.92 15.55 3.11 6.22 100 0.84 11.67 2.33 4.67
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 137
 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.48 8.82 1.76 3.53 50 0.9 12.07 2.41 4.83
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

Clevis Hangers or Loops

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and
60 0.576 9.66 1.93 3.86 60 1.08 13.23 2.65 5.29
70 0.672 10.43 2.09 4.17 70 1.26 14.29 2.86 5.71
80 150
80 0.768 11.15 2.23 4.46 80 1.44 15.27 3.05 6.11
90 0.864 11.83 2.37 4.73 90 1.62 16.20 3.24 6.48
100 0.96 12.47 2.49 4.99 100 1.8 17.08 3.42 6.83
50 0.06 3.12 0.62 1.25 50 0.96 12.47 2.49 4.99
60 0.072 3.42 0.68 1.37 60 1.152 13.66 2.73 5.46
70 0.084 3.69 0.74 1.48 70 1.344 14.76 2.95 5.90
90 160
80 0.096 3.94 0.79 1.58 80 1.536 15.77 3.15 6.31
90 0.108 4.18 0.84 1.67 90 1.728 16.73 3.35 6.69
100 0.12 4.41 0.88 1.76 100 1.92 17.64 3.53 7.05
50 0.12 4.41 0.88 1.76
60 0.144 4.83 0.97 1.93
70 0.168 5.22 1.04 2.09 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
100
80 0.192 5.58 1.12 2.23 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
90 0.216 5.92 1.18 2.37
100 0.24 6.24 1.25 2.49 50 0.06 3.45 0.69 1.38
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

50 0.66 10.34 2.07 4.14 60 0.072 3.78 0.76 1.51

60 0.792 11.33 2.27 4.53 70 0.084 4.08 0.82 1.63
10
70 0.924 12.23 2.45 4.89 80 0.096 4.36 0.87 1.74
110 90 0.108 4.62 0.92 1.85
80 1.056 13.08 2.62 5.23
90 1.188 13.87 2.77 5.55 100 0.12 4.87 0.97 1.95
100 1.32 14.62 2.92 5.85 50 0.12 4.87 0.97 1.95
50 0.72 10.80 2.16 4.32 60 0.144 5.34 1.07 2.14
60 0.864 11.83 2.37 4.73 70 0.168 5.77 1.15 2.31
20
70 1.008 12.78 2.56 5.11 80 0.192 6.17 1.23 2.47
120 90 0.216 6.54 1.31 2.62
80 1.152 13.66 2.73 5.46
90 1.296 14.49 2.90 5.80 100 0.24 6.89 1.38 2.76
100 1.44 15.27 3.05 6.11 50 0.18 5.97 1.19 2.39
50 0.78 11.24 2.25 4.50 60 0.216 6.54 1.31 2.62
60 0.936 12.31 2.46 4.93 70 0.252 7.06 1.41 2.83
30
70 1.092 13.30 2.66 5.32 80 0.288 7.55 1.51 3.02
130 90 0.324 8.01 1.60 3.20
80 1.248 14.22 2.84 5.69
90 1.404 15.08 3.02 6.03 100 0.36 8.44 1.69 3.38
100 1.56 15.90 3.18 6.36 50 0.24 6.89 1.38 2.76
50 0.84 11.67 2.33 4.67 60 0.288 7.55 1.51 3.02
60 1.008 12.78 2.56 5.11 70 0.336 8.16 1.63 3.26
40
70 1.176 13.80 2.76 5.52 80 0.384 8.72 1.74 3.49
140 90 0.432 9.25 1.85 3.70
80 1.344 14.76 2.95 5.90
90 1.512 15.65 3.13 6.26 100 0.48 9.75 1.95 3.90
100 1.68 16.50 3.30 6.60
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

138 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.3 7.71 1.54 3.08 50 0.72 11.94 2.39 4.78
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
60 0.36 8.44 1.69 3.38 60 0.864 13.08 2.62 5.23
70 0.42 9.12 1.82 3.65 70 1.008 14.13 2.83 5.65
50 120
80 0.48 9.75 1.95 3.90 80 1.152 15.10 3.02 6.04
90 0.54 10.34 2.07 4.14 90 1.296 16.02 3.20 6.41
100 0.6 10.90 2.18 4.36 100 1.44 16.89 3.38 6.75
50 0.36 8.44 1.69 3.38 50 0.78 12.43 2.49 4.97
60 0.432 9.25 1.85 3.70 60 0.936 13.61 2.72 5.45
70 0.504 9.99 2.00 4.00 70 1.092 14.70 2.94 5.88
60 130
80 0.576 10.68 2.14 4.27 80 1.248 15.72 3.14 6.29
90 0.648 11.33 2.27 4.53 90 1.404 16.67 3.33 6.67
100 0.72 11.94 2.39 4.78 100 1.56 17.57 3.51 7.03
50 0.42 9.12 1.82 3.65 50 0.84 12.90 2.58 5.16
60 0.504 9.99 2.00 4.00 60 1.008 14.13 2.83 5.65
70 0.588 10.79 2.16 4.32 70 1.176 15.26 3.05 6.10
70 140
80 0.672 11.53 2.31 4.61 80 1.344 16.31 3.26 6.53
90 0.756 12.23 2.45 4.89 90 1.512 17.30 3.46 6.92
100 0.84 12.90 2.58 5.16 100 1.68 18.24 3.65 7.30
50 0.48 9.75 1.95 3.90 50 0.9 13.35 2.67 5.34
60 0.576 10.68 2.14 4.27 60 1.08 14.62 2.92 5.85
70 0.672 11.53 2.31 4.61 70 1.26 15.79 3.16 6.32
80 150
80 0.768 12.33 2.47 4.93 80 1.44 16.89 3.38 6.75
90 0.864 13.08 2.62 5.23 90 1.62 17.91 3.58 7.16
100 0.96 13.79 2.76 5.51 100 1.8 18.88 3.78 7.55
50 0.54 10.34 2.07 4.14 50 0.96 13.79 2.76 5.51
60 0.648 11.33 2.27 4.53 60 1.152 15.10 3.02 6.04
70 0.756 12.23 2.45 4.89 70 1.344 16.31 3.26 6.53
90 160
80 0.864 13.08 2.62 5.23 80 1.536 17.44 3.49 6.98
90 0.972 13.87 2.77 5.55 90 1.728 18.50 3.70 7.40
100 1.08 14.62 2.92 5.85 100 1.92 19.50 3.90 7.80
50 0.6 10.90 2.18 4.36
60 0.72 11.94 2.39 4.78
70 0.84 12.90 2.58 5.16
100
80 0.96 13.79 2.76 5.51 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
90 1.08 14.62 2.92 5.85 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
100 1.2 15.41 3.08 6.17 (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.66 11.43 2.29 4.57 50 0.06 3.75 0.75 1.50

60 0.792 12.52 2.50 5.01 60 0.072 4.10 0.82 1.64
70 0.924 13.53 2.71 5.41 70 0.084 4.43 0.89 1.77
110 10
80 1.056 14.46 2.89 5.78 80 0.096 4.74 0.95 1.90
90 1.188 15.34 3.07 6.13 90 0.108 5.03 1.01 2.01
100 1.32 16.17 3.23 6.47 100 0.12 5.30 1.06 2.12

Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 139
 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.12 5.30 1.06 2.12 50 0.54 11.24 2.25 4.50

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

60 0.144 5.80 1.16 2.32 60 0.648 12.31 2.46 4.93

70 0.168 6.27 1.25 2.51 70 0.756 13.30 2.66 5.32
20 90
80 0.192 6.70 1.34 2.68 80 0.864 14.22 2.84 5.69
90 0.216 7.11 1.42 2.84 90 0.972 15.08 3.02 6.03
100 0.24 7.49 1.50 3.00 100 1.08 15.90 3.18 6.36
50 0.18 6.49 1.30 2.60 50 0.6 11.85 2.37 4.74
60 0.216 7.11 1.42 2.84 60 0.72 12.98 2.60 5.19
70 0.252 7.68 1.54 3.07 70 0.84 14.02 2.80 5.61
30 100
80 0.288 8.21 1.64 3.28 80 0.96 14.99 3.00 6.00
90 0.324 8.71 1.74 3.48 90 1.08 15.90 3.18 6.36
100 0.36 9.18 1.84 3.67 100 1.2 16.76 3.35 6.70
50 0.24 7.49 1.50 3.00 50 0.66 12.43 2.49 4.97
60 0.288 8.21 1.64 3.28 60 0.792 13.61 2.72 5.45
70 0.336 8.87 1.77 3.55 70 0.924 14.70 2.94 5.88
40 110
80 0.384 9.48 1.90 3.79 80 1.056 15.72 3.14 6.29
90 0.432 10.05 2.01 4.02 90 1.188 16.67 3.33 6.67
100 0.48 10.60 2.12 4.24 100 1.32 17.57 3.51 7.03
50 0.3 8.38 1.68 3.35 50 0.72 12.98 2.60 5.19
60 0.36 9.18 1.84 3.67 60 0.864 14.22 2.84 5.69
70 0.42 9.91 1.98 3.97 70 1.008 15.36 3.07 6.14
50 120
80 0.48 10.60 2.12 4.24 80 1.152 16.42 3.28 6.57
90 0.54 11.24 2.25 4.50 90 1.296 17.41 3.48 6.97
100 0.6 11.85 2.37 4.74 100 1.44 18.36 3.67 7.34
50 0.36 9.18 1.84 3.67 50 0.78 13.51 2.70 5.40
60 0.432 10.05 2.01 4.02 60 0.936 14.80 2.96 5.92
70 0.504 10.86 2.17 4.34 70 1.092 15.99 3.20 6.39
60 130
80 0.576 11.61 2.32 4.64 80 1.248 17.09 3.42 6.84
90 0.648 12.31 2.46 4.93 90 1.404 18.13 3.63 7.25
100 0.72 12.98 2.60 5.19 100 1.56 19.11 3.82 7.64
50 0.42 9.91 1.98 3.97 50 0.84 14.02 2.80 5.61
60 0.504 10.86 2.17 4.34 60 1.008 15.36 3.07 6.14
70 0.588 11.73 2.35 4.69 70 1.176 16.59 3.32 6.64
70 140
80 0.672 12.54 2.51 5.02 80 1.344 17.73 3.55 7.09
90 0.756 13.30 2.66 5.32 90 1.512 18.81 3.76 7.52
100 0.84 14.02 2.80 5.61 100 1.68 19.83 3.97 7.93
50 0.48 10.60 2.12 4.24 50 0.9 14.51 2.90 5.80
60 0.576 11.61 2.32 4.64 60 1.08 15.90 3.18 6.36
70 0.672 12.54 2.51 5.02 70 1.26 17.17 3.43 6.87
80 150
80 0.768 13.41 2.68 5.36 80 1.44 18.36 3.67 7.34
90 0.864 14.22 2.84 5.69 90 1.62 19.47 3.89 7.79
100 0.96 14.99 3.00 6.00 100 1.8 20.52 4.10 8.21
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

140 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.96 14.99 3.00 6.00 50 0.36 10.50 2.10 4.20

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
60 1.152 16.42 3.28 6.57 60 0.432 11.50 2.30 4.60
70 1.344 17.73 3.55 7.09 70 0.504 12.42 2.48 4.97
160 60
80 1.536 18.96 3.79 7.58 80 0.576 13.28 2.66 5.31
90 1.728 20.11 4.02 8.04 90 0.648 14.08 2.82 5.63
100 1.92 21.20 4.24 8.48 100 0.72 14.84 2.97 5.94
50 0.42 11.34 2.27 4.53
60 0.504 12.42 2.48 4.97
70 0.588 13.41 2.68 5.37
70
2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 0.672 14.34 2.87 5.74
90 0.756 15.21 3.04 6.08
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 0.84 16.03 3.21 6.41
50 0.06 4.28 0.86 1.71 50 0.48 12.12 2.42 4.85
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

60 0.072 4.69 0.94 1.88 60 0.576 13.28 2.66 5.31

70 0.084 5.07 1.01 2.03 70 0.672 14.34 2.87 5.74
10 80
80 0.096 5.42 1.08 2.17 80 0.768 15.33 3.07 6.13
90 0.108 5.75 1.15 2.30 90 0.864 16.26 3.25 6.50
100 0.12 6.06 1.21 2.42 100 0.96 17.14 3.43 6.86
50 0.12 6.06 1.21 2.42 50 0.54 12.85 2.57 5.14
60 0.144 6.64 1.33 2.66 60 0.648 14.08 2.82 5.63
70 0.168 7.17 1.43 2.87 70 0.756 15.21 3.04 6.08
20 90
80 0.192 7.66 1.53 3.07 80 0.864 16.26 3.25 6.50
90 0.216 8.13 1.63 3.25 90 0.972 17.25 3.45 6.90
100 0.24 8.57 1.71 3.43 100 1.08 18.18 3.64 7.27
50 0.18 7.42 1.48 2.97 50 0.6 13.55 2.71 5.42
60 0.216 8.13 1.63 3.25 60 0.72 14.84 2.97 5.94
70 0.252 8.78 1.76 3.51 70 0.84 16.03 3.21 6.41
30 100
80 0.288 9.39 1.88 3.76 80 0.96 17.14 3.43 6.86
90 0.324 9.96 1.99 3.98 90 1.08 18.18 3.64 7.27
100 0.36 10.50 2.10 4.20 100 1.2 19.16 3.83 7.66
50 0.24 8.57 1.71 3.43 50 0.66 14.21 2.84 5.68
60 0.288 9.39 1.88 3.76 60 0.792 15.57 3.11 6.23
70 0.336 10.14 2.03 4.06 70 0.924 16.81 3.36 6.73
40 110
80 0.384 10.84 2.17 4.34 80 1.056 17.98 3.60 7.19
90 0.432 11.50 2.30 4.60 90 1.188 19.07 3.81 7.63
100 0.48 12.12 2.42 4.85 100 1.32 20.10 4.02 8.04
50 0.3 9.58 1.92 3.83 50 0.72 14.84 2.97 5.94
60 0.36 10.50 2.10 4.20 60 0.864 16.26 3.25 6.50
70 0.42 11.34 2.27 4.53 70 1.008 17.56 3.51 7.03
50 120
80 0.48 12.12 2.42 4.85 80 1.152 18.78 3.76 7.51
90 0.54 12.85 2.57 5.14 90 1.296 19.91 3.98 7.97
100 0.6 13.55 2.71 5.42 100 1.44 20.99 4.20 8.40
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 141
 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.78 15.45 3.09 6.18 50 0.18 8.25 1.65 3.30
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
60 0.936 16.92 3.38 6.77 60 0.216 9.04 1.81 3.61
70 1.092 18.28 3.66 7.31 70 0.252 9.76 1.95 3.90
130 30
80 1.248 19.54 3.91 7.82 80 0.288 10.43 2.09 4.17
90 1.404 20.73 4.15 8.29 90 0.324 11.07 2.21 4.43
100 1.56 21.85 4.37 8.74 100 0.36 11.67 2.33 4.67
50 0.84 16.03 3.21 6.41 50 0.24 9.52 1.90 3.81
60 1.008 17.56 3.51 7.03 60 0.288 10.43 2.09 4.17
70 1.176 18.97 3.79 7.59 70 0.336 11.27 2.25 4.51
140 40
80 1.344 20.28 4.06 8.11 80 0.384 12.05 2.41 4.82
90 1.512 21.51 4.30 8.60 90 0.432 12.78 2.56 5.11
100 1.68 22.67 4.53 9.07 100 0.48 13.47 2.69 5.39
50 0.9 16.60 3.32 6.64 50 0.3 10.65 2.13 4.26
60 1.08 18.18 3.64 7.27 60 0.36 11.67 2.33 4.67
70 1.26 19.64 3.93 7.85 70 0.42 12.60 2.52 5.04
150 50
80 1.44 20.99 4.20 8.40 80 0.48 13.47 2.69 5.39
90 1.62 22.26 4.45 8.91 90 0.54 14.29 2.86 5.71
100 1.8 23.47 4.69 9.39 100 0.6 15.06 3.01 6.02
50 0.96 17.14 3.43 6.86 50 0.36 11.67 2.33 4.67
60 1.152 18.78 3.76 7.51 60 0.432 12.78 2.56 5.11
70 1.344 20.28 4.06 8.11 70 0.504 13.80 2.76 5.52
160 60
80 1.536 21.68 4.34 8.67 80 0.576 14.76 2.95 5.90
90 1.728 22.99 4.60 9.20 90 0.648 15.65 3.13 6.26
100 1.92 24.24 4.85 9.70 100 0.72 16.50 3.30 6.60
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3" 50 0.42 12.60 2.52 5.04
60 0.504 13.80 2.76 5.52
70 0.588 14.91 2.98 5.96
70
2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 0.672 15.94 3.19 6.38

Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 90 0.756 16.90 3.38 6.76

(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 0.84 17.82 3.56 7.13
50 0.06 4.76 0.95 1.90 50 0.48 13.47 2.69 5.39
Hangers or Loops
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis

60 0.072 5.22 1.04 2.09 60 0.576 14.76 2.95 5.90

70 0.084 5.63 1.13 2.25 70 0.672 15.94 3.19 6.38
10 80
80 0.096 6.02 1.20 2.41 80 0.768 17.04 3.41 6.82
90 0.108 6.39 1.28 2.56 90 0.864 18.07 3.61 7.23
100 0.12 6.73 1.35 2.69 100 0.96 19.05 3.81 7.62
50 0.12 6.73 1.35 2.69 50 0.54 14.29 2.86 5.71
60 0.144 7.38 1.48 2.95 60 0.648 15.65 3.13 6.26
70 0.168 7.97 1.59 3.19 70 0.756 16.90 3.38 6.76
20 90
80 0.192 8.52 1.70 3.41 80 0.864 18.07 3.61 7.23
90 0.216 9.04 1.81 3.61 90 0.972 19.17 3.83 7.67
100 0.24 9.52 1.90 3.81 100 1.08 20.20 4.04 8.08
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

142 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 0.6 15.06 3.01 6.02 50 0.06 5.20 1.04 2.08
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops
60 0.72 16.50 3.30 6.60 60 0.072 5.69 1.14 2.28
70 0.84 17.82 3.56 7.13 70 0.084 6.15 1.23 2.46
100 10
80 0.96 19.05 3.81 7.62 80 0.096 6.57 1.31 2.63
90 1.08 20.20 4.04 8.08 90 0.108 6.97 1.39 2.79
100 1.2 21.30 4.26 8.52 100 0.12 7.35 1.47 2.94
50 0.66 15.79 3.16 6.32 50 0.12 7.35 1.47 2.94
60 0.792 17.30 3.46 6.92 60 0.144 8.05 1.61 3.22
70 0.924 18.69 3.74 7.48 70 0.168 8.69 1.74 3.48
110 20
80 1.056 19.98 4.00 7.99 80 0.192 9.30 1.86 3.72
90 1.188 21.19 4.24 8.48 90 0.216 9.86 1.97 3.94
100 1.32 22.34 4.47 8.93 100 0.24 10.39 2.08 4.16
50 0.72 16.50 3.30 6.60 50 0.18 9.00 1.80 3.60
60 0.864 18.07 3.61 7.23 60 0.216 9.86 1.97 3.94
70 1.008 19.52 3.90 7.81 70 0.252 10.65 2.13 4.26
120 30
80 1.152 20.87 4.17 8.35 80 0.288 11.38 2.28 4.55
90 1.296 22.13 4.43 8.85 90 0.324 12.07 2.41 4.83
100 1.44 23.33 4.67 9.33 100 0.36 12.73 2.55 5.09
50 0.78 17.17 3.43 6.87 50 0.24 10.39 2.08 4.16
60 0.936 18.81 3.76 7.52 60 0.288 11.38 2.28 4.55
70 1.092 20.32 4.06 8.13 70 0.336 12.30 2.46 4.92
130 40
80 1.248 21.72 4.34 8.69 80 0.384 13.15 2.63 5.26
90 1.404 23.04 4.61 9.21 90 0.432 13.94 2.79 5.58
100 1.56 24.28 4.86 9.71 100 0.48 14.70 2.94 5.88
50 0.84 17.82 3.56 7.13 50 0.3 11.62 2.32 4.65
60 1.008 19.52 3.90 7.81 60 0.36 12.73 2.55 5.09
70 1.176 21.08 4.22 8.43 70 0.42 13.75 2.75 5.50
140 50
80 1.344 22.54 4.51 9.02 80 0.48 14.70 2.94 5.88
90 1.512 23.91 4.78 9.56 90 0.54 15.59 3.12 6.24
100 1.68 25.20 5.04 10.08 100 0.6 16.43 3.29 6.57
50 0.9 18.44 3.69 7.38 50 0.36 12.73 2.55 5.09
60 1.08 20.20 4.04 8.08 60 0.432 13.94 2.79 5.58
70 1.26 21.82 4.36 8.73 70 0.504 15.06 3.01 6.02
150 60
80 1.44 23.33 4.67 9.33 80 0.576 16.10 3.22 6.44
90 1.62 24.75 4.95 9.90 90 0.648 17.08 3.42 6.83
100 1.8 26.08 5.22 10.43 100 0.72 18.00 3.60 7.20
50 0.96 19.05 3.81 7.62 50 0.42 13.75 2.75 5.50
60 1.152 20.87 4.17 8.35 60 0.504 15.06 3.01 6.02
70 1.344 22.54 4.51 9.02 70 0.588 16.27 3.25 6.51
160 70
80 1.536 24.10 4.82 9.64 80 0.672 17.39 3.48 6.96
90 1.728 25.56 5.11 10.22 90 0.756 18.44 3.69 7.38
100 1.92 26.94 5.39 10.78 100 0.84 19.44 3.89 7.78
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 143
 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.48 14.70 2.94 5.88 50 0.9 20.12 4.02 8.05

Hangers or Loops
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis
has a thermal expansion rate of 0.12/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (3.05mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX with PEX-a Pipe Support and Clevis Hangers or Loops

60 0.576 16.10 3.22 6.44 60 1.08 22.05 4.41 8.82

70 0.672 17.39 3.48 6.96 70 1.26 23.81 4.76 9.52
80 150
80 0.768 18.59 3.72 7.44 80 1.44 25.46 5.09 10.18
90 0.864 19.72 3.94 7.89 90 1.62 27.00 5.40 10.80
100 0.96 20.78 4.16 8.31 100 1.8 28.46 5.69 11.38
50 0.54 15.59 3.12 6.24 50 0.96 20.78 4.16 8.31
60 0.648 17.08 3.42 6.83 60 1.152 22.77 4.55 9.11
70 0.756 18.44 3.69 7.38 70 1.344 24.59 4.92 9.84
90 160
80 0.864 19.72 3.94 7.89 80 1.536 26.29 5.26 10.52
90 0.972 20.91 4.18 8.37 90 1.728 27.89 5.58 11.15
100 1.08 22.05 4.41 8.82 100 1.92 29.39 5.88 11.76
50 0.6 16.43 3.29 6.57
60 0.72 18.00 3.60 7.20
70 0.84 19.44 3.89 7.78
100
80 0.96 20.78 4.16 8.31
90 1.08 22.05 4.41 8.82
100 1.2 23.24 4.65 9.30
50 0.66 17.23 3.45 6.89
60 0.792 18.88 3.78 7.55
70 0.924 20.39 4.08 8.16
110
80 1.056 21.80 4.36 8.72
90 1.188 23.12 4.62 9.25
100 1.32 24.37 4.87 9.75
50 0.72 18.00 3.60 7.20
60 0.864 19.72 3.94 7.89
70 1.008 21.30 4.26 8.52
120
80 1.152 22.77 4.55 9.11
90 1.296 24.15 4.83 9.66
100 1.44 25.46 5.09 10.18
50 0.78 18.73 3.75 7.49
60 0.936 20.52 4.10 8.21
70 1.092 22.17 4.43 8.87
130
80 1.248 23.70 4.74 9.48
90 1.404 25.14 5.03 10.05
100 1.56 26.50 5.30 10.60
50 0.84 19.44 3.89 7.78
60 1.008 21.30 4.26 8.52
70 1.176 23.00 4.60 9.20
140
80 1.344 24.59 4.92 9.84
90 1.512 26.08 5.22 10.43
100 1.68 27.50 5.50 11.00
Table E-2: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

144 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 PEX has a Free-body
thermal expansion rate of 1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m)

½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 0.55 7.04 1.41 2.81 50 3.85 18.61 3.72 7.45

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 0.66 7.71 1.54 3.08 60 4.62 20.39 4.08 8.16

70 0.77 8.32 1.66 3.33 70 5.39 22.02 4.40 8.81
10 70
80 0.88 8.90 1.78 3.56 80 6.16 23.55 4.71 9.42
90 0.99 9.44 1.89 3.78 90 6.93 24.97 4.99 9.99
100 1.1 9.95 1.99 3.98 100 7.7 26.32 5.26 10.53
50 1.1 9.95 1.99 3.98 50 4.4 19.90 3.98 7.96
60 1.32 10.90 2.18 4.36 60 5.28 21.80 4.36 8.72
70 1.54 11.77 2.35 4.71 70 6.16 23.55 4.71 9.42
20 80
80 1.76 12.59 2.52 5.03 80 7.04 25.17 5.03 10.07
90 1.98 13.35 2.67 5.34 90 7.92 26.70 5.34 10.68
100 2.2 14.07 2.81 5.63 100 8.8 28.14 5.63 11.26
50 1.65 12.19 2.44 4.87 50 4.95 21.11 4.22 8.44
60 1.98 13.35 2.67 5.34 60 5.94 23.12 4.62 9.25
70 2.31 14.42 2.88 5.77 70 6.93 24.97 4.99 9.99
30 90
80 2.64 15.41 3.08 6.17 80 7.92 26.70 5.34 10.68
90 2.97 16.35 3.27 6.54 90 8.91 28.32 5.66 11.33
100 3.3 17.23 3.45 6.89 100 9.9 29.85 5.97 11.94
50 2.2 14.07 2.81 5.63 50 5.5 22.25 4.45 8.90
60 2.64 15.41 3.08 6.17 60 6.6 24.37 4.87 9.75
70 3.08 16.65 3.33 6.66 70 7.7 26.32 5.26 10.53
40 100
80 3.52 17.80 3.56 7.12 80 8.8 28.14 5.63 11.26
90 3.96 18.88 3.78 7.55 90 9.9 29.85 5.97 11.94
100 4.4 19.90 3.98 7.96 100 11 31.46 6.29 12.59
50 2.75 15.73 3.15 6.29 50 6.05 23.33 4.67 9.33
60 3.3 17.23 3.45 6.89 60 7.26 25.56 5.11 10.22
70 3.85 18.61 3.72 7.45 70 8.47 27.61 5.52 11.04
50 110
80 4.4 19.90 3.98 7.96 80 9.68 29.52 5.90 11.81
90 4.95 21.11 4.22 8.44 90 10.89 31.31 6.26 12.52
100 5.5 22.25 4.45 8.90 100 12.1 33.00 6.60 13.20
50 3.3 17.23 3.45 6.89 50 6.6 24.37 4.87 9.75
60 3.96 18.88 3.78 7.55 60 7.92 26.70 5.34 10.68
70 4.62 20.39 4.08 8.16 70 9.24 28.84 5.77 11.53
60 120
80 5.28 21.80 4.36 8.72 80 10.56 30.83 6.17 12.33
90 5.94 23.12 4.62 9.25 90 11.88 32.70 6.54 13.08
100 6.6 24.37 4.87 9.75 100 13.2 34.47 6.89 13.79
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 145
 ½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm ¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 7.15 25.37 5.07 10.15 50 1.65 14.42 2.88 5.77
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
60 8.58 27.79 5.56 11.12 60 1.98 15.79 3.16 6.32
70 10.01 30.01 6.00 12.01 70 2.31 17.06 3.41 6.82
130 30
80 11.44 32.09 6.42 12.83 80 2.64 18.24 3.65 7.30
90 12.87 34.03 6.81 13.61 90 2.97 19.34 3.87 7.74
100 14.3 35.87 7.17 14.35 100 3.3 20.39 4.08 8.16
50 7.7 26.32 5.26 10.53 50 2.2 16.65 3.33 6.66
60 9.24 28.84 5.77 11.53 60 2.64 18.24 3.65 7.30
70 10.78 31.15 6.23 12.46 70 3.08 19.70 3.94 7.88
140 40
80 12.32 33.30 6.66 13.32 80 3.52 21.06 4.21 8.42
90 13.86 35.32 7.06 14.13 90 3.96 22.34 4.47 8.93
100 15.4 37.23 7.45 14.89 100 4.4 23.55 4.71 9.42
50 8.25 27.25 5.45 10.90 50 2.75 18.61 3.72 7.45
60 9.9 29.85 5.97 11.94 60 3.3 20.39 4.08 8.16
70 11.55 32.24 6.45 12.90 70 3.85 22.02 4.40 8.81
150 50
80 13.2 34.47 6.89 13.79 80 4.4 23.55 4.71 9.42
90 14.85 36.56 7.31 14.62 90 4.95 24.97 4.99 9.99
100 16.5 38.54 7.71 15.41 100 5.5 26.32 5.26 10.53
50 8.8 28.14 5.63 11.26 50 3.3 20.39 4.08 8.16
60 10.56 30.83 6.17 12.33 60 3.96 22.34 4.47 8.93
70 12.32 33.30 6.66 13.32 70 4.62 24.13 4.83 9.65
160 60
80 14.08 35.60 7.12 14.24 80 5.28 25.79 5.16 10.32
90 15.84 37.76 7.55 15.10 90 5.94 27.36 5.47 10.94
100 17.6 39.80 7.96 15.92 100 6.6 28.84 5.77 11.53
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3" 50 3.85 22.02 4.40 8.81
60 4.62 24.13 4.83 9.65
70 5.39 26.06 5.21 10.42
70
¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 6.16 27.86 5.57 11.14
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 90 6.93 29.55 5.91 11.82
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 7.7 31.15 6.23 12.46
50 0.55 8.32 1.66 3.33 50 4.4 23.55 4.71 9.42
60 0.66 9.12 1.82 3.65 60 5.28 25.79 5.16 10.32
70 0.77 9.85 1.97 3.94 70 6.16 27.86 5.57 11.14
10 80
80 0.88 10.53 2.11 4.21 80 7.04 29.78 5.96 11.91
90 0.99 11.17 2.23 4.47 90 7.92 31.59 6.32 12.64
100 1.1 11.77 2.35 4.71 100 8.8 33.30 6.66 13.32
50 1.1 11.77 2.35 4.71 50 4.95 24.97 4.99 9.99
60 1.32 12.90 2.58 5.16 60 5.94 27.36 5.47 10.94
70 1.54 13.93 2.79 5.57 70 6.93 29.55 5.91 11.82
20 90
80 1.76 14.89 2.98 5.96 80 7.92 31.59 6.32 12.64
90 1.98 15.79 3.16 6.32 90 8.91 33.51 6.70 13.40
100 2.2 16.65 3.33 6.66 100 9.9 35.32 7.06 14.13
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

146 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 ¾" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 5.5 26.32 5.26 10.53 50 0.55 9.44 1.89 3.78

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 6.6 28.84 5.77 11.53 60 0.66 10.34 2.07 4.14

70 7.7 31.15 6.23 12.46 70 0.77 11.17 2.23 4.47
100 10
80 8.8 33.30 6.66 13.32 80 0.88 11.94 2.39 4.78
90 9.9 35.32 7.06 14.13 90 0.99 12.66 2.53 5.07
100 11 37.23 7.45 14.89 100 1.1 13.35 2.67 5.34
50 6.05 27.61 5.52 11.04 50 1.1 13.35 2.67 5.34
60 7.26 30.24 6.05 12.10 60 1.32 14.62 2.92 5.85
70 8.47 32.67 6.53 13.07 70 1.54 15.79 3.16 6.32
110 20
80 9.68 34.92 6.98 13.97 80 1.76 16.89 3.38 6.75
90 10.89 37.04 7.41 14.82 90 1.98 17.91 3.58 7.16
100 12.1 39.05 7.81 15.62 100 2.2 18.88 3.78 7.55
50 6.6 28.84 5.77 11.53 50 1.65 16.35 3.27 6.54
60 7.92 31.59 6.32 12.64 60 1.98 17.91 3.58 7.16
70 9.24 34.12 6.82 13.65 70 2.31 19.34 3.87 7.74
120 30
80 10.56 36.48 7.30 14.59 80 2.64 20.68 4.14 8.27
90 11.88 38.69 7.74 15.48 90 2.97 21.93 4.39 8.77
100 13.2 40.78 8.16 16.31 100 3.3 23.12 4.62 9.25
50 7.15 30.01 6.00 12.01 50 2.2 18.88 3.78 7.55
60 8.58 32.88 6.58 13.15 60 0.66 10.34 2.07 4.14
70 10.01 35.51 7.10 14.21 70 0.77 11.17 2.23 4.47
130 40
80 11.44 37.97 7.59 15.19 80 0.88 11.94 2.39 4.78
90 12.87 40.27 8.05 16.11 90 0.99 12.66 2.53 5.07
100 14.3 42.45 8.49 16.98 100 1.1 13.35 2.67 5.34
50 7.7 31.15 6.23 12.46 50 2.75 21.11 4.22 8.44
60 9.24 34.12 6.82 13.65 60 3.3 23.12 4.62 9.25
70 10.78 36.85 7.37 14.74 70 3.85 24.97 4.99 9.99
140 50
80 12.32 39.40 7.88 15.76 80 4.4 26.70 5.34 10.68
90 13.86 41.79 8.36 16.72 90 4.95 28.32 5.66 11.33
100 15.4 44.05 8.81 17.62 100 5.5 29.85 5.97 11.94
50 8.25 32.24 6.45 12.90 50 3.3 23.12 4.62 9.25
60 9.9 35.32 7.06 14.13 60 3.96 25.33 5.07 10.13
70 11.55 38.15 7.63 15.26 70 4.62 27.36 5.47 10.94
150 60
80 13.2 40.78 8.16 16.31 80 5.28 29.25 5.85 11.70
90 14.85 43.26 8.65 17.30 90 5.94 31.02 6.20 12.41
100 16.5 45.60 9.12 18.24 100 6.6 32.70 6.54 13.08
50 8.8 33.30 6.66 13.32 50 3.85 24.97 4.99 9.99
60 10.56 36.48 7.30 14.59 60 4.62 27.36 5.47 10.94
70 12.32 39.40 7.88 15.76 70 5.39 29.55 5.91 11.82
160 70
80 14.08 42.12 8.42 16.85 80 6.16 31.59 6.32 12.64
90 15.84 44.67 8.93 17.87 90 6.93 33.51 6.70 13.40
100 17.6 47.09 9.42 18.84 100 7.7 35.32 7.06 14.13
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 147
 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 4.4 26.70 5.34 10.68 50 8.25 36.56 7.31 14.62
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 5.28 29.25 5.85 11.70 60 9.9 40.05 8.01 16.02

70 6.16 31.59 6.32 12.64 70 11.55 43.26 8.65 17.30
80 150
80 7.04 33.77 6.75 13.51 80 13.2 46.24 9.25 18.50
90 7.92 35.82 7.16 14.33 90 14.85 49.05 9.81 19.62
100 8.8 37.76 7.55 15.10 100 16.5 51.70 10.34 20.68
50 0.55 9.44 1.89 3.78 50 8.8 37.76 7.55 15.10
60 0.66 10.34 2.07 4.14 60 10.56 41.36 8.27 16.54
70 0.77 11.17 2.23 4.47 70 12.32 44.67 8.93 17.87
90 160
80 0.88 11.94 2.39 4.78 80 14.08 47.76 9.55 19.10
90 0.99 12.66 2.53 5.07 90 15.84 50.66 10.13 20.26
100 1.1 13.35 2.67 5.34 100 17.6 53.40 10.68 21.36
50 1.1 13.35 2.67 5.34
60 1.32 14.62 2.92 5.85
70 1.54 15.79 3.16 6.32
100
80 1.76 16.89 3.38 6.75 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
90 1.98 17.91 3.58 7.16 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
100 2.2 18.88 3.78 7.55 (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 6.05 31.31 6.26 12.52 50 0.55 10.44 2.09 4.17

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 7.26 34.29 6.86 13.72 60 0.66 11.43 2.29 4.57

70 8.47 37.04 7.41 14.82 70 0.77 12.35 2.47 4.94
110 10
80 9.68 39.60 7.92 15.84 80 0.88 13.20 2.64 5.28
90 10.89 42.00 8.40 16.80 90 0.99 14.00 2.80 5.60
100 12.1 44.27 8.85 17.71 100 1.1 14.76 2.95 5.90
50 6.6 32.70 6.54 13.08 50 0.55 10.44 2.09 4.17
60 7.92 35.82 7.16 14.33 60 0.66 11.43 2.29 4.57
70 9.24 38.69 7.74 15.48 70 0.77 12.35 2.47 4.94
120 20
80 10.56 41.36 8.27 16.54 80 0.88 13.20 2.64 5.28
90 11.88 43.87 8.77 17.55 90 0.99 14.00 2.80 5.60
100 13.2 46.24 9.25 18.50 100 1.1 14.76 2.95 5.90
50 7.15 34.03 6.81 13.61 50 1.1 14.76 2.95 5.90
60 8.58 37.28 7.46 14.91 60 1.32 16.17 3.23 6.47
70 10.01 40.27 8.05 16.11 70 1.54 17.46 3.49 6.98
130 30
80 11.44 43.05 8.61 17.22 80 1.76 18.67 3.73 7.47
90 12.87 45.66 9.13 18.26 90 1.98 19.80 3.96 7.92
100 14.3 48.13 9.63 19.25 100 2.2 20.87 4.17 8.35
50 7.7 35.32 7.06 14.13 50 1.65 18.07 3.61 7.23
60 9.24 38.69 7.74 15.48 60 1.98 19.80 3.96 7.92
70 10.78 41.79 8.36 16.72 70 2.31 21.39 4.28 8.55
140 40
80 12.32 44.67 8.93 17.87 80 2.64 22.86 4.57 9.15
90 13.86 47.38 9.48 18.95 90 2.97 24.25 4.85 9.70
100 15.4 49.95 9.99 19.98 100 3.3 25.56 5.11 10.22

Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

148 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1¼" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 2.2 20.87 4.17 8.35 50 6.6 36.15 7.23 14.46

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 2.64 22.86 4.57 9.15 60 7.92 39.60 7.92 15.84

70 3.08 24.69 4.94 9.88 70 9.24 42.77 8.55 17.11
50 120
80 3.52 26.40 5.28 10.56 80 10.56 45.73 9.15 18.29
90 3.96 28.00 5.60 11.20 90 11.88 48.50 9.70 19.40
100 4.4 29.52 5.90 11.81 100 13.2 51.12 10.22 20.45
50 2.75 23.33 4.67 9.33 50 7.15 37.63 7.53 15.05
60 3.3 25.56 5.11 10.22 60 8.58 41.22 8.24 16.49
70 3.85 27.61 5.52 11.04 70 10.01 44.52 8.90 17.81
60 130
80 4.4 29.52 5.90 11.81 80 11.44 47.59 9.52 19.04
90 4.95 31.31 6.26 12.52 90 12.87 50.48 10.10 20.19
100 5.5 33.00 6.60 13.20 100 14.3 53.21 10.64 21.28
50 3.85 27.61 5.52 11.04 50 7.7 39.05 7.81 15.62
60 4.62 30.24 6.05 12.10 60 9.24 42.77 8.55 17.11
70 5.39 32.67 6.53 13.07 70 10.78 46.20 9.24 18.48
70 140
80 6.16 34.92 6.98 13.97 80 12.32 49.39 9.88 19.76
90 6.93 37.04 7.41 14.82 90 13.86 52.39 10.48 20.95
100 7.7 39.05 7.81 15.62 100 15.4 55.22 11.04 22.09
50 4.4 29.52 5.90 11.81 50 8.25 40.42 8.08 16.17
60 5.28 32.33 6.47 12.93 60 9.9 44.27 8.85 17.71
70 6.16 34.92 6.98 13.97 70 11.55 47.82 9.56 19.13
80 150
80 7.04 37.34 7.47 14.93 80 13.2 51.12 10.22 20.45
90 7.92 39.60 7.92 15.84 90 14.85 54.22 10.84 21.69
100 8.8 41.74 8.35 16.70 100 16.5 57.16 11.43 22.86
50 4.95 31.31 6.26 12.52 50 8.8 41.74 8.35 16.70
60 5.94 34.29 6.86 13.72 60 10.56 45.73 9.15 18.29
70 6.93 37.04 7.41 14.82 70 12.32 49.39 9.88 19.76
90 160
80 7.92 39.60 7.92 15.84 80 14.08 52.80 10.56 21.12
90 8.91 42.00 8.40 16.80 90 15.84 56.00 11.20 22.40
100 9.9 44.27 8.85 17.71 100 17.6 59.03 11.81 23.61
50 5.5 33.00 6.60 13.20
60 6.6 36.15 7.23 14.46
70 7.7 39.05 7.81 15.62
100
80 8.8 41.74 8.35 16.70 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
90 9.9 44.27 8.85 17.71 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
100 11 46.67 9.33 18.67 (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 6.05 34.61 6.92 13.84 50 0.55 11.34 2.27 4.54

60 7.26 37.91 7.58 15.17 60 0.66 12.43 2.49 4.97
70 8.47 40.95 8.19 16.38 70 0.77 13.42 2.68 5.37
110 10
80 9.68 43.78 8.76 17.51 80 0.88 14.35 2.87 5.74
90 10.89 46.44 9.29 18.57 90 0.99 15.22 3.04 6.09
100 12.1 48.95 9.79 19.58 100 1.1 16.04 3.21 6.42

Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 149
 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 1.1 16.04 3.21 6.42 50 4.95 34.03 6.81 13.61

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 1.32 17.57 3.51 7.03 60 5.94 37.28 7.46 14.91

70 1.54 18.98 3.80 7.59 70 6.93 40.27 8.05 16.11
20 90
80 1.76 20.29 4.06 8.12 80 7.92 43.05 8.61 17.22
90 1.98 21.52 4.30 8.61 90 8.91 45.66 9.13 18.26
100 2.2 22.69 4.54 9.08 100 9.9 48.13 9.63 19.25
50 1.65 19.65 3.93 7.86 50 5.5 35.87 7.17 14.35
60 1.98 21.52 4.30 8.61 60 6.6 39.30 7.86 15.72
70 2.31 23.25 4.65 9.30 70 7.7 42.45 8.49 16.98
30 100
80 2.64 24.85 4.97 9.94 80 8.8 45.38 9.08 18.15
90 2.97 26.36 5.27 10.54 90 9.9 48.13 9.63 19.25
100 3.3 27.79 5.56 11.12 100 11 50.73 10.15 20.29
50 2.2 22.69 4.54 9.08 50 6.05 37.63 7.53 15.05
60 2.64 24.85 4.97 9.94 60 7.26 41.22 8.24 16.49
70 3.08 26.85 5.37 10.74 70 8.47 44.52 8.90 17.81
40 110
80 3.52 28.70 5.74 11.48 80 9.68 47.59 9.52 19.04
90 3.96 30.44 6.09 12.18 90 10.89 50.48 10.10 20.19
100 4.4 32.09 6.42 12.83 100 12.1 53.21 10.64 21.28
50 2.75 25.37 5.07 10.15 50 6.6 39.30 7.86 15.72
60 3.3 27.79 5.56 11.12 60 7.92 43.05 8.61 17.22
70 3.85 30.01 6.00 12.01 70 9.24 46.50 9.30 18.60
50 120
80 4.4 32.09 6.42 12.83 80 10.56 49.71 9.94 19.88
90 4.95 34.03 6.81 13.61 90 11.88 52.72 10.54 21.09
100 5.5 35.87 7.17 14.35 100 13.2 55.58 11.12 22.23
50 3.3 27.79 5.56 11.12 50 7.15 40.90 8.18 16.36
60 3.96 30.44 6.09 12.18 60 8.58 44.81 8.96 17.92
70 4.62 32.88 6.58 13.15 70 10.01 48.40 9.68 19.36
60 130
80 5.28 35.15 7.03 14.06 80 11.44 51.74 10.35 20.70
90 5.94 37.28 7.46 14.91 90 12.87 54.88 10.98 21.95
100 6.6 39.30 7.86 15.72 100 14.3 57.85 11.57 23.14
50 3.85 30.01 6.00 12.01 50 7.7 42.45 8.49 16.98
60 4.62 32.88 6.58 13.15 60 9.24 46.50 9.30 18.60
70 5.39 35.51 7.10 14.21 70 10.78 50.22 10.04 20.09
70 140
80 6.16 37.97 7.59 15.19 80 12.32 53.69 10.74 21.48
90 6.93 40.27 8.05 16.11 90 13.86 56.95 11.39 22.78
100 7.7 42.45 8.49 16.98 100 15.4 60.03 12.01 24.01
50 4.4 32.09 6.42 12.83 50 8.25 43.94 8.79 17.57
60 5.28 35.15 7.03 14.06 60 9.9 48.13 9.63 19.25
70 6.16 37.97 7.59 15.19 70 11.55 51.99 10.40 20.79
80 150
80 7.04 40.59 8.12 16.24 80 13.2 55.58 11.12 22.23
90 7.92 43.05 8.61 17.22 90 14.85 58.95 11.79 23.58
100 8.8 45.38 9.08 18.15 100 16.5 62.14 12.43 24.85
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

150 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 1½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 8.8 45.38 9.08 18.15 50 3.3 31.78 6.36 12.71

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
60 10.56 49.71 9.94 19.88 60 3.96 34.81 6.96 13.92
70 12.32 53.69 10.74 21.48 70 4.62 37.60 7.52 15.04
160 60
80 14.08 57.40 11.48 22.96 80 5.28 40.20 8.04 16.08
90 15.84 60.88 12.18 24.35 90 5.94 42.63 8.53 17.05
100 17.6 64.17 12.83 25.67 100 6.6 44.94 8.99 17.98
50 3.85 34.32 6.86 13.73
60 4.62 37.60 7.52 15.04
70 5.39 40.61 8.12 16.24
70
2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 80 6.16 43.42 8.68 17.37

Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2

90 6.93 46.05 9.21 18.42
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 7.7 48.54 9.71 19.42
50 0.55 12.97 2.59 5.19 50 4.4 36.69 7.34 14.68
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 0.66 14.21 2.84 5.68 60 5.28 40.20 8.04 16.08

70 0.77 15.35 3.07 6.14 70 6.16 43.42 8.68 17.37
10 80
80 0.88 16.41 3.28 6.56 80 7.04 46.41 9.28 18.57
90 0.99 17.41 3.48 6.96 90 7.92 49.23 9.85 19.69
100 1.1 18.35 3.67 7.34 100 8.8 51.89 10.38 20.76
50 1.1 18.35 3.67 7.34 50 4.95 38.92 7.78 15.57
60 1.32 20.10 4.02 8.04 60 5.94 42.63 8.53 17.05
70 1.54 21.71 4.34 8.68 70 6.93 46.05 9.21 18.42
20 90
80 1.76 23.21 4.64 9.28 80 7.92 49.23 9.85 19.69
90 1.98 24.61 4.92 9.85 90 8.91 52.22 10.44 20.89
100 2.2 25.95 5.19 10.38 100 9.9 55.04 11.01 22.02
50 1.65 22.47 4.49 8.99 50 5.5 41.02 8.20 16.41
60 1.98 24.61 4.92 9.85 60 6.6 44.94 8.99 17.98
70 2.31 26.59 5.32 10.63 70 7.7 48.54 9.71 19.42
30 100
80 2.64 28.42 5.68 11.37 80 8.8 51.89 10.38 20.76
90 2.97 30.15 6.03 12.06 90 9.9 55.04 11.01 22.02
100 3.3 31.78 6.36 12.71 100 11 58.02 11.60 23.21
50 2.2 25.95 5.19 10.38 50 6.05 43.03 8.61 17.21
60 2.64 28.42 5.68 11.37 60 7.26 47.13 9.43 18.85
70 3.08 30.70 6.14 12.28 70 8.47 50.91 10.18 20.36
40 110
80 3.52 32.82 6.56 13.13 80 9.68 54.42 10.88 21.77
90 3.96 34.81 6.96 13.92 90 10.89 57.73 11.55 23.09
100 4.4 36.69 7.34 14.68 100 12.1 60.85 12.17 24.34
50 2.75 29.01 5.80 11.60 50 6.6 44.94 8.99 17.98
60 3.3 31.78 6.36 12.71 60 7.92 49.23 9.85 19.69
70 3.85 34.32 6.86 13.73 70 9.24 53.17 10.63 21.27
50 120
80 4.4 36.69 7.34 14.68 80 10.56 56.85 11.37 22.74
90 4.95 38.92 7.78 15.57 90 11.88 60.29 12.06 24.12
100 5.5 41.02 8.20 16.41 100 13.2 63.55 12.71 25.42
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 151
 2" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 1.65 24.97 4.99 9.99
50 7.15 46.77 9.35 18.71

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 1.98 27.36 5.47 10.94

60 8.58 51.24 10.25 20.50
70 2.31 29.55 5.91 11.82
70 10.01 55.34 11.07 22.14 30
130 80 2.64 31.59 6.32 12.64
80 11.44 59.17 11.83 23.67
90 2.97 33.51 6.70 13.40
90 12.87 62.76 12.55 25.10
100 3.3 35.32 7.06 14.13
100 14.3 66.15 13.23 26.46
50 2.2 28.84 5.77 11.53
50 7.7 48.54 9.71 19.42
60 2.64 31.59 6.32 12.64
60 9.24 53.17 10.63 21.27
70 3.08 34.12 6.82 13.65
70 10.78 57.43 11.49 22.97 40
140 80 3.52 36.48 7.30 14.59
80 12.32 61.40 12.28 24.56
90 3.96 38.69 7.74 15.48
90 13.86 65.12 13.02 26.05
100 4.4 40.78 8.16 16.31
100 15.4 68.65 13.73 27.46
50 2.75 32.24 6.45 12.90
50 8.25 50.24 10.05 20.10
60 3.3 35.32 7.06 14.13
60 9.9 55.04 11.01 22.02
70 3.85 38.15 7.63 15.26
70 11.55 59.45 11.89 23.78 50
150 80 4.4 40.78 8.16 16.31
80 13.2 63.55 12.71 25.42
90 4.95 43.26 8.65 17.30
90 14.85 67.41 13.48 26.96
100 5.5 45.60 9.12 18.24
100 16.5 71.06 14.21 28.42
50 3.3 35.32 7.06 14.13
50 8.8 51.89 10.38 20.76
60 3.96 38.69 7.74 15.48
60 10.56 56.85 11.37 22.74
70 4.62 41.79 8.36 16.72
70 12.32 61.40 12.28 24.56 60
160 80 5.28 44.67 8.93 17.87
80 14.08 65.64 13.13 26.26
90 5.94 47.38 9.48 18.95
90 15.84 69.62 13.92 27.85
100 6.6 49.95 9.99 19.98
100 17.6 73.39 14.68 29.35
50 3.85 38.15 7.63 15.26
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"
60 4.62 41.79 8.36 16.72
70 5.39 45.14 9.03 18.06
70
80 6.16 48.25 9.65 19.30
2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
90 6.93 51.18 10.24 20.47
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) 100 7.7 53.95 10.79 21.58
50 0.55 14.42 2.88 5.77 50 4.4 40.78 8.16 16.31
60 0.66 15.79 3.16 6.32 60 5.28 44.67 8.93 17.87
70 0.77 17.06 3.41 6.82 70 6.16 48.25 9.65 19.30
10 80
80 0.88 18.24 3.65 7.30 80 7.04 51.59 10.32 20.63
90 0.99 19.34 3.87 7.74 90 7.92 54.72 10.94 21.89
100 1.1 20.39 4.08 8.16 100 8.8 57.67 11.53 23.07
50 1.1 20.39 4.08 8.16 50 4.95 43.26 8.65 17.30
60 1.32 22.34 4.47 8.93 60 5.94 47.38 9.48 18.95
70 1.54 24.13 4.83 9.65 70 6.93 51.18 10.24 20.47
20 90
80 1.76 25.79 5.16 10.32 80 7.92 54.72 10.94 21.89
90 1.98 27.36 5.47 10.94 90 8.91 58.03 11.61 23.21
100 2.2 28.84 5.77 11.53 100 9.9 61.17 12.23 24.47
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

152 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

 2½" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)
50 5.5 45.60 9.12 18.24 50 0.55 15.73 3.15 6.29
1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).

PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of
60 6.6 49.95 9.99 19.98 60 0.66 17.23 3.45 6.89
70 7.7 53.95 10.79 21.58 70 0.77 18.61 3.72 7.45
100
80 8.8 57.67 11.53 23.07 10
80 0.88 19.90 3.98 7.96
90 9.9 61.17 12.23 24.47 90 0.99 21.11 4.22 8.44
100 11 64.48 12.90 25.79 100 1.1 22.25 4.45 8.90
50 6.05 47.82 9.56 19.13 50 1.1 22.25 4.45 8.90
60 7.26 52.39 10.48 20.95 60 1.32 24.37 4.87 9.75
70 8.47 56.58 11.32 22.63 70 1.54 26.32 5.26 10.53
110
80 9.68 60.49 12.10 24.20 20
80 1.76 28.14 5.63 11.26
90 10.89 64.16 12.83 25.66 90 1.98 29.85 5.97 11.94
100 12.1 67.63 13.53 27.05 100 2.2 31.46 6.29 12.59
50 6.6 49.95 9.99 19.98 50 1.65 27.25 5.45 10.90
60 7.92 54.72 10.94 21.89 60 1.98 29.85 5.97 11.94
70 9.24 59.10 11.82 23.64 70 2.31 32.24 6.45 12.90
120
80 10.56 63.18 12.64 25.27 30
80 2.64 34.47 6.89 13.79
90 11.88 67.01 13.40 26.80 90 2.97 36.56 7.31 14.62
100 13.2 70.64 14.13 28.25 100 3.3 38.54 7.71 15.41
50 7.15 51.99 10.40 20.79 50 2.2 31.46 6.29 12.59
60 8.58 56.95 11.39 22.78 60 2.64 34.47 6.89 13.79
70 10.01 61.51 12.30 24.60 70 3.08 37.23 7.45 14.89
130
80 11.44 65.76 13.15 26.30 40
80 3.52 39.80 7.96 15.92
90 12.87 69.75 13.95 27.90 90 3.96 42.21 8.44 16.89
100 14.3 73.52 14.70 29.41 100 4.4 44.50 8.90 17.80
50 7.7 53.95 10.79 21.58 50 2.75 35.18 7.04 14.07
60 9.24 59.10 11.82 23.64 60 3.3 38.54 7.71 15.41
70 10.78 63.83 12.77 25.53 70 3.85 41.62 8.32 16.65
140
80 12.32 68.24 13.65 27.30 50
80 4.4 44.50 8.90 17.80
90 13.86 72.38 14.48 28.95 90 4.95 47.20 9.44 18.88
100 15.4 76.30 15.26 30.52 100 5.5 49.75 9.95 19.90
50 8.25 55.84 11.17 22.34 50 3.3 38.54 7.71 15.41
60 9.9 61.17 12.23 24.47 60 3.96 42.21 8.44 16.89
70 11.55 66.07 13.21 26.43 70 4.62 45.60 9.12 18.24
150
80 13.2 70.64 14.13 28.25 60
80 5.28 48.74 9.75 19.50
90 14.85 74.92 14.98 29.97 90 5.94 51.70 10.34 20.68
100 16.5 78.97 15.79 31.59 100 6.6 54.50 10.90 21.80
50 8.8 57.67 11.53 23.07 50 3.85 41.62 8.32 16.65
60 10.56 63.18 12.64 25.27 60 4.62 45.60 9.12 18.24
70 12.32 68.24 13.65 27.30 70 5.39 49.25 9.85 19.70
160
80 14.08 72.95 14.59 29.18 70
80 6.16 52.65 10.53 21.06
90 15.84 77.38 15.48 30.95 90 6.93 55.84 11.17 22.34
100 17.6 81.56 16.31 32.63 100 7.7 58.86 11.77 23.55
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations 153
 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm 3" PEX Pipe Expansion Arm
Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2 Delta T Run Delta L Flexible Arm L1 L2
(ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in) (ΔT) (ft) (in) Length (in) (in) (in)

50 4.4 44.50 8.90 17.80 50 8.25 60.93 12.19 24.37

1.1"/10°F ΔT/100 ft. (27.94mm/5.56°C ΔT/30.48m).
PEX has a Free-body thermal expansion rate of

60 9.9 66.75 13.35 26.70

60 5.28 48.74 9.75 19.50
70 11.55 72.09 14.42 28.84
70 6.16 52.65 10.53 21.06 150
80 80 13.2 77.07 15.41 30.83
80 7.04 56.28 11.26 22.51
90 14.85 81.75 16.35 32.70
90 7.92 59.70 11.94 23.88
100 16.5 86.17 17.23 34.47
100 8.8 62.93 12.59 25.17
50 8.8 62.93 12.59 25.17
50 4.95 47.20 9.44 18.88
60 10.56 68.93 13.79 27.57
60 5.94 51.70 10.34 20.68
70 12.32 74.46 14.89 29.78
70 6.93 55.84 11.17 22.34 160
90 80 14.08 79.60 15.92 31.84
80 7.92 59.70 11.94 23.88
90 15.84 84.43 16.89 33.77
90 8.91 63.32 12.66 25.33
100 17.6 88.99 17.80 35.60
100 9.9 66.75 13.35 26.70
50 5.5 49.75 9.95 19.90
60 6.6 54.50 10.90 21.80
70 7.7 58.86 11.77 23.55
100
80 8.8 62.93 12.59 25.17
90 9.9 66.75 13.35 26.70
100 11 70.36 14.07 28.14
50 6.05 52.18 10.44 20.87
60 7.26 57.16 11.43 22.86
70 8.47 61.74 12.35 24.69
110
80 9.68 66.00 13.20 26.40
90 10.89 70.00 14.00 28.00
100 12.1 73.79 14.76 29.52
50 6.6 54.50 10.90 21.80
60 7.92 59.70 11.94 23.88
70 9.24 64.48 12.90 25.79
120
80 10.56 68.93 13.79 27.57
90 11.88 73.12 14.62 29.25
100 13.2 77.07 15.41 30.83
50 7.15 56.72 11.34 22.69
60 8.58 62.14 12.43 24.85
70 10.01 67.12 13.42 26.85
130
80 11.44 71.75 14.35 28.70
90 12.87 76.10 15.22 30.44
100 14.3 80.22 16.04 32.09
50 7.7 58.86 11.77 23.55
60 9.24 64.48 12.90 25.79
70 10.78 69.65 13.93 27.86
140
80 12.32 74.46 14.89 29.78
90 13.86 78.97 15.79 31.59
100 15.4 83.25 16.65 33.30
Table E-3: PEX Pipe Expansion Arm Calculations ½" to 3"

154 Appendix E – Expansion Arm and Loop Calculations — uponorengineering.com

Appendix F
Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1
⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1
⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -3.2 -2.0 -1.6 -1.4 -1.2 30 30.7 45.2 47.7 48.6 49.0

40 -1.6 -1.0 -0.8 -0.7 -0.6 40 40.4 47.6 48.8 49.3 49.5

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 1.6 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.6 60 59.6 52.4 51.2 50.7 50.5

70 3.2 2.0 1.6 1.4 1.2 70 69.3 54.8 52.3 51.4 51.0

80 4.7 3.0 2.4 2.0 1.8 80 78.9 57.1 53.5 52.1 51.5

90 6.3 4.1 3.2 2.7 2.4 90 88.6 59.5 54.6 52.9 52.0

100 7.9 5.1 4.0 3.4 3.1 100 98.2 61.9 55.8 53.6 52.5

110 9.5 6.1 4.7 4.1 3.7 110 107.9 64.3 56.9 54.3 53.0

120 11.1 7.1 5.5 4.8 4.3 120 117.5 66.7 58.1 55.0 53.5

130 12.6 8.1 6.3 5.4 4.9 130 127.2 69.0 59.2 55.7 54.0

140 14.2 9.1 7.1 6.1 5.5 140 136.8 71.4 60.4 56.4 54.5

150 15.8 10.1 7.9 6.8 6.1 150 146.5 73.8 61.5 57.2 55.1

160 17.4 11.1 8.7 7.5 6.7 160 156.1 76.2 62.7 57.9 55.6

170 18.9 12.2 9.5 8.2 7.3 170 165.8 78.6 63.8 58.6 56.1

180 20.5 13.2 10.3 8.8 8.0 180 175.4 81.0 65.0 59.3 56.6

190 22.1 14.2 11.1 9.5 8.6 190 185.1 83.3 66.1 60.0 57.1

200 23.7 15.2 11.9 10.2 9.2 200 194.7 85.7 67.3 60.7 57.6

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 155
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
3
⁄4" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 3
⁄4" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -4.4 -2.5 -1.9 -1.6 -1.4 30 30.9 45.0 47.5 48.4 48.9

40 -2.2 -1.2 -0.9 -0.8 -0.7 40 40.5 47.5 48.7 49.2 49.4

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 2.2 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.7 60 59.5 52.5 51.3 50.8 50.6

70 4.4 2.5 1.9 1.6 1.4 70 69.1 55.0 52.5 51.6 51.1

80 6.6 3.7 2.8 2.4 2.1 80 78.6 57.6 53.8 52.4 51.7

90 8.7 5.0 3.8 3.2 2.8 90 88.2 60.1 55.0 53.1 52.2

100 10.9 6.2 4.7 4.0 3.5 100 97.7 62.6 56.3 53.9 52.8

110 13.1 7.4 5.6 4.8 4.3 110 107.3 65.1 57.5 54.7 53.3

120 15.3 8.7 6.6 5.6 5.0 120 116.8 67.7 58.8 55.5 53.9

130 17.5 9.9 7.5 6.4 5.7 130 126.3 70.2 60.0 56.3 54.4

140 19.7 11.2 8.5 7.2 6.4 140 135.9 72.7 61.3 57.1 55.0

150 21.9 12.4 9.4 8.0 7.1 150 145.4 75.2 62.5 57.8 55.6

160 24.0 13.6 10.4 8.8 7.8 160 155.0 77.8 63.8 58.6 56.1

170 26.2 14.9 11.3 9.6 8.5 170 164.5 80.3 65.0 59.4 56.7

180 28.4 16.1 12.2 10.3 9.2 180 174.1 82.8 66.3 60.2 57.2

190 30.6 17.4 13.2 11.1 9.9 190 183.6 85.3 67.5 61.0 57.8

200 32.8 18.6 14.1 11.9 10.6 200 193.1 87.9 68.8 61.8 58.3

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

156 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -5.5 -2.9 -2.2 -1.8 -1.6 30 31.2 44.8 47.4 48.3 48.8

40 -2.8 -1.5 -1.1 -0.9 -0.8 40 40.6 47.4 48.7 49.2 49.4

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 2.8 1.5 1.1 0.9 0.8 60 59.4 52.6 51.3 50.8 50.6

70 5.5 2.9 2.2 1.8 1.6 70 68.8 55.2 52.6 51.7 51.2

80 8.3 4.4 3.2 2.7 2.4 80 78.3 57.9 54.0 52.5 51.8

90 11.1 5.8 4.3 3.6 3.2 90 87.7 60.5 55.3 53.3 52.4

100 13.9 7.3 5.4 4.5 4.0 100 97.1 63.1 56.6 54.2 53.0

110 16.6 8.7 6.5 5.4 4.8 110 106.5 65.7 57.9 55.0 53.6

120 19.4 10.2 7.6 6.3 5.6 120 115.9 68.3 59.3 55.9 54.2

130 22.2 11.7 8.7 7.2 6.4 130 125.3 70.9 60.6 56.7 54.8

140 25.0 13.1 9.7 8.1 7.2 140 134.8 73.6 61.9 57.5 55.3

150 27.7 14.6 10.8 9.0 8.0 150 144.2 76.2 63.2 58.4 55.9

160 30.5 16.0 11.9 9.9 8.8 160 153.6 78.8 64.6 59.2 56.5

170 33.3 17.5 13.0 10.8 9.6 170 163.0 81.4 65.9 60.0 57.1

180 36.1 18.9 14.1 11.8 10.4 180 172.4 84.0 67.2 60.9 57.7

190 38.8 20.4 15.2 12.7 11.2 190 181.9 86.7 68.5 61.7 58.3

200 41.6 21.8 16.2 13.6 12.0 200 191.3 89.3 69.8 62.6 58.9

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 157
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1 1⁄4" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1 1⁄4" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -6.7 -3.3 -2.4 -2.0 -1.8 30 31.4 44.6 47.2 48.2 48.7

40 -3.3 -1.7 -1.2 -1.0 -0.9 40 40.7 47.3 48.6 49.1 49.4

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 3.3 1.7 1.2 1.0 0.9 60 59.3 52.7 51.4 50.9 50.6

70 6.7 3.3 2.4 2.0 1.8 70 68.6 55.4 52.8 51.8 51.3

80 10.0 5.0 3.7 3.0 2.6 80 77.9 58.1 54.1 52.6 51.9

90 13.4 6.7 4.9 4.0 3.5 90 87.2 60.7 55.5 53.5 52.5

100 16.7 8.3 6.1 5.0 4.4 100 96.5 63.4 56.9 54.4 53.1

110 20.1 10.0 7.3 6.0 5.3 110 105.8 66.1 58.3 55.3 53.8

120 23.4 11.7 8.5 7.1 6.2 120 115.1 68.8 59.7 56.2 54.4

130 26.8 13.3 9.8 8.1 7.1 130 124.4 71.5 61.0 57.0 55.0

140 30.1 15.0 11.0 9.1 7.9 140 133.7 74.2 62.4 57.9 55.6

150 33.5 16.7 12.2 10.1 8.8 150 143.0 76.8 63.8 58.8 56.3

160 36.8 18.4 13.4 11.1 9.7 160 152.3 79.5 65.2 59.7 56.9

170 40.2 20.0 14.6 12.1 10.6 170 161.6 82.2 66.6 60.6 57.5

180 43.5 21.7 15.9 13.1 11.5 180 170.9 84.9 67.9 61.4 58.2

190 46.9 23.4 17.1 14.1 12.4 190 180.2 87.6 69.3 62.3 58.8

200 50.2 25.0 18.3 15.1 13.2 200 189.5 90.3 70.7 63.2 59.4

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

158 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -7.8 -3.8 -2.7 -2.2 -1.9 30 31.6 44.5 47.1 48.2 48.7

40 -3.9 -1.9 -1.4 -1.1 -1.0 40 40.8 47.3 48.6 49.1 49.3

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 3.9 1.9 1.4 1.1 1.0 60 59.2 52.7 51.4 50.9 50.7

70 7.8 3.8 2.7 2.2 1.9 70 68.4 55.5 52.9 51.8 51.3

80 11.7 5.6 4.1 3.3 2.9 80 77.5 58.2 54.3 52.7 52.0

90 15.6 7.5 5.4 4.4 3.9 90 86.7 60.9 55.7 53.7 52.6

100 19.5 9.4 6.8 5.5 4.8 100 95.9 63.7 57.1 54.6 53.3

110 23.4 11.3 8.1 6.6 5.8 110 105.1 66.4 58.6 55.5 53.9

120 27.3 13.1 9.5 7.8 6.7 120 114.2 69.1 60.0 56.4 54.6

130 31.2 15.0 10.8 8.9 7.7 130 123.4 71.8 61.4 57.3 55.2

140 35.1 16.9 12.2 10.0 8.7 140 132.6 74.6 62.8 58.2 55.9

150 39.0 18.8 13.5 11.1 9.6 150 141.8 77.3 64.3 59.1 56.5

160 43.0 20.6 14.9 12.2 10.6 160 151.0 80.0 65.7 60.1 57.2

170 46.9 22.5 16.2 13.3 11.6 170 160.1 82.8 67.1 61.0 57.9

180 50.8 24.4 17.6 14.4 12.5 180 169.3 85.5 68.5 61.9 58.5

190 54.7 26.3 18.9 15.5 13.5 190 178.5 88.2 70.0 62.8 59.2

200 58.6 28.1 20.3 16.6 14.5 200 187.7 91.0 71.4 63.7 59.8

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 159
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -10.0 -4.6 -3.2 -2.6 -2.2 30 32.1 44.4 47.0 48.1 48.6

40 -5.0 -2.3 -1.6 -1.3 -1.1 40 41.0 47.2 48.5 49.0 49.3

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 5.0 2.3 1.6 1.3 1.1 60 59.0 52.8 51.5 51.0 50.7

70 10.0 4.6 3.2 2.6 2.2 70 67.9 55.6 53.0 51.9 51.4

80 14.9 6.9 4.8 3.9 3.4 80 76.9 58.4 54.5 52.9 52.1

90 19.9 9.1 6.4 5.2 4.5 90 85.8 61.2 56.0 53.9 52.8

100 24.9 11.4 8.1 6.5 5.6 100 94.8 64.0 57.5 54.9 53.5

110 29.9 13.7 9.7 7.8 6.7 110 103.7 66.8 59.0 55.8 54.2

120 34.9 16.0 11.3 9.1 7.8 120 112.7 69.5 60.5 56.8 54.9

130 39.9 18.3 12.9 10.4 9.0 130 121.7 72.3 61.9 57.8 55.6

140 44.8 20.6 14.5 11.7 10.1 140 130.6 75.1 63.4 58.7 56.3

150 49.8 22.8 16.1 13.0 11.2 150 139.6 77.9 64.9 59.7 57.0

160 54.8 25.1 17.7 14.3 12.3 160 148.5 80.7 66.4 60.7 57.7

170 59.8 27.4 19.3 15.6 13.5 170 157.5 83.5 67.9 61.6 58.4

180 64.8 29.7 21.0 16.9 14.6 180 166.4 86.3 69.4 62.6 59.1

190 69.8 32.0 22.6 18.2 15.7 190 175.4 89.1 70.9 63.6 59.8

200 74.7 34.3 24.2 19.5 16.8 200 184.3 91.9 72.4 64.6 60.5

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

160 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
2 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 2 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -12.0 -5.4 -3.7 -3.0 -2.5 30 32.5 44.3 46.9 48.0 48.5

40 -6.0 -2.7 -1.9 -1.5 -1.3 40 41.3 47.2 48.5 49.0 49.3

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 6.0 2.7 1.9 1.5 1.3 60 58.7 52.8 51.5 51.0 50.7

70 12.0 5.4 3.7 3.0 2.5 70 67.5 55.7 53.1 52.0 51.5

80 18.0 8.0 5.6 4.5 3.8 80 76.2 58.5 54.6 53.0 52.2

90 24.0 10.7 7.5 6.0 5.1 90 85.0 61.3 56.2 54.0 52.9

100 30.0 13.4 9.3 7.5 6.4 100 93.7 64.1 57.7 55.1 53.7

110 36.0 16.1 11.2 8.9 7.6 110 102.4 67.0 59.2 56.1 54.4

120 42.0 18.8 13.1 10.4 8.9 120 111.2 69.8 60.8 57.1 55.1

130 48.0 21.5 14.9 11.9 10.2 130 119.9 72.6 62.3 58.1 55.9

140 54.1 24.1 16.8 13.4 11.5 140 128.7 75.4 63.9 59.1 56.6

150 60.1 26.8 18.6 14.9 12.7 150 137.4 78.3 65.4 60.1 57.3

160 66.1 29.5 20.5 16.4 14.0 160 146.1 81.1 66.9 61.1 58.1

170 72.1 32.2 22.4 17.9 15.3 170 154.9 83.9 68.5 62.1 58.8

180 78.1 34.9 24.2 19.4 16.5 180 163.6 86.7 70.0 63.2 59.5

190 84.1 37.5 26.1 20.9 17.8 190 172.3 89.6 71.6 64.2 60.3

200 90.1 40.2 28.0 22.4 19.1 200 181.1 92.4 73.1 65.2 61.0

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 161
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
3" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 3" Uponor PEX Surface
at 50°F/10°C Ambient Temperature at 50°F/10°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -14.0 -6.1 -4.2 -3.3 -2.8 30 32.9 44.3 46.9 47.9 48.5

40 -7.0 -3.1 -2.1 -1.7 -1.4 40 41.5 47.2 48.4 49.0 49.2

50 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

60 7.0 3.1 2.1 1.7 1.4 60 58.5 52.8 51.6 51.0 50.8

70 14.0 6.1 4.2 3.3 2.8 70 67.1 55.7 53.1 52.1 51.5

80 21.0 9.2 6.3 5.0 4.3 80 75.6 58.5 54.7 53.1 52.3

90 28.0 12.3 8.5 6.7 5.7 90 84.2 61.4 56.3 54.2 53.0

100 34.9 15.4 10.6 8.4 7.1 100 92.7 64.2 57.9 55.2 53.8

110 41.9 18.4 12.7 10.0 8.5 110 101.3 67.1 59.4 56.3 54.6

120 48.9 21.5 14.8 11.7 9.9 120 109.8 69.9 61.0 57.3 55.3

130 55.9 24.6 16.9 13.4 11.4 130 118.3 72.8 62.6 58.4 56.1

140 62.9 27.6 19.0 15.1 12.8 140 126.9 75.6 64.2 59.4 56.9

150 69.9 30.7 21.1 16.7 14.2 150 135.4 78.4 65.7 60.4 57.6

160 76.9 33.8 23.2 18.4 15.6 160 144.0 81.3 67.3 61.5 58.4

170 83.9 36.9 25.4 20.1 17.0 170 152.5 84.1 68.9 62.5 59.1

180 90.8 39.9 27.5 21.8 18.5 180 161.0 87.0 70.5 63.6 59.9

190 97.8 43.0 29.6 23.4 19.9 190 169.6 89.8 72.0 64.6 60.7

200 104.8 46.1 31.7 25.1 21.3 200 178.1 92.7 73.6 65.7 61.4

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

162 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1
⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1
⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -6.3 -4.1 -3.2 -2.7 -2.4 30 31.4 60.5 65.4 67.1 68.0

40 -4.7 -3.0 -2.4 -2.0 -1.8 40 41.1 62.9 66.5 67.9 68.5

50 -3.2 -2.0 -1.6 -1.4 -1.2 50 50.7 65.2 67.7 68.6 69.0

60 -1.6 -1.0 -0.8 -0.7 -0.6 60 60.4 67.6 68.8 69.3 69.5

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 1.6 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.6 80 79.6 72.4 71.2 70.7 70.5

90 3.2 2.0 1.6 1.4 1.2 90 89.3 74.8 72.3 71.4 71.0

100 4.7 3.0 2.4 2.0 1.8 100 98.9 77.1 73.5 72.1 71.5

110 6.3 4.1 3.2 2.7 2.4 110 108.6 79.5 74.6 72.9 72.0

120 7.9 5.1 4.0 3.4 3.1 120 118.2 81.9 75.8 73.6 72.5

130 9.5 6.1 4.7 4.1 3.7 130 127.9 84.3 76.9 74.3 73.0

140 11.1 7.1 5.5 4.8 4.3 140 137.5 86.7 78.1 75.0 73.5

150 12.6 8.1 6.3 5.4 4.9 150 147.2 89.0 79.2 75.7 74.0

160 14.2 9.1 7.1 6.1 5.5 160 156.8 91.4 80.4 76.4 74.5

170 15.8 10.1 7.9 6.8 6.1 170 166.5 93.8 81.5 77.2 75.1

180 17.4 11.1 8.7 7.5 6.7 180 176.1 96.2 82.7 77.9 75.6

190 18.9 12.2 9.5 8.2 7.3 190 185.8 98.6 83.8 78.6 76.1

200 20.5 13.2 10.3 8.8 8.0 200 195.4 101.0 85.0 79.3 76.6

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 163
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
3
⁄4" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 3
⁄4" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -8.7 -5.0 -3.8 -3.2 -2.8 30 31.8 59.9 65.0 66.9 67.8

40 -6.6 -3.7 -2.8 -2.4 -2.1 40 41.4 62.4 66.2 67.6 68.3

50 -4.4 -2.5 -1.9 -1.6 -1.4 50 50.9 65.0 67.5 68.4 68.9

60 -2.2 -1.2 -0.9 -0.8 -0.7 60 60.5 67.5 68.7 69.2 69.4

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 2.2 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.7 80 79.5 72.5 71.3 70.8 70.6

90 4.4 2.5 1.9 1.6 1.4 90 89.1 75.0 72.5 71.6 71.1

100 6.6 3.7 2.8 2.4 2.1 100 98.6 77.6 73.8 72.4 71.7

110 8.7 5.0 3.8 3.2 2.8 110 108.2 80.1 75.0 73.1 72.2

120 10.9 6.2 4.7 4.0 3.5 120 117.7 82.6 76.3 73.9 72.8

130 13.1 7.4 5.6 4.8 4.3 130 127.3 85.1 77.5 74.7 73.3

140 15.3 8.7 6.6 5.6 5.0 140 136.8 87.7 78.8 75.5 73.9

150 17.5 9.9 7.5 6.4 5.7 150 146.3 90.2 80.0 76.3 74.4

160 19.7 11.2 8.5 7.2 6.4 160 155.9 92.7 81.3 77.1 75.0

170 21.9 12.4 9.4 8.0 7.1 170 165.4 95.2 82.5 77.8 75.6

180 24.0 13.6 10.4 8.8 7.8 180 175.0 97.8 83.8 78.6 76.1

190 26.2 14.9 11.3 9.6 8.5 190 184.5 100.3 85.0 79.4 76.7

200 28.4 16.1 12.2 10.3 9.2 200 194.1 102.8 86.3 80.2 77.2

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

164 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -11.1 -5.8 -4.3 -3.6 -3.2 30 32.3 59.5 64.7 66.7 67.6

40 -8.3 -4.4 -3.2 -2.7 -2.4 40 41.7 62.1 66.0 67.5 68.2

50 -5.5 -2.9 -2.2 -1.8 -1.6 50 51.2 64.8 67.4 68.3 68.8

60 -2.8 -1.5 -1.1 -0.9 -0.8 60 60.6 67.4 68.7 69.2 69.4

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 2.8 1.5 1.1 0.9 0.8 80 79.4 72.6 71.3 70.8 70.6

90 5.5 2.9 2.2 1.8 1.6 90 88.8 75.2 72.6 71.7 71.2

100 8.3 4.4 3.2 2.7 2.4 100 98.3 77.9 74.0 72.5 71.8

110 11.1 5.8 4.3 3.6 3.2 110 107.7 80.5 75.3 73.3 72.4

120 13.9 7.3 5.4 4.5 4.0 120 117.1 83.1 76.6 74.2 73.0

130 16.6 8.7 6.5 5.4 4.8 130 126.5 85.7 77.9 75.0 73.6

140 19.4 10.2 7.6 6.3 5.6 140 135.9 88.3 79.3 75.9 74.2

150 22.2 11.7 8.7 7.2 6.4 150 145.3 90.9 80.6 76.7 74.8

160 25.0 13.1 9.7 8.1 7.2 160 154.8 93.6 81.9 77.5 75.3

170 27.7 14.6 10.8 9.0 8.0 170 164.2 96.2 83.2 78.4 75.9

180 30.5 16.0 11.9 9.9 8.8 180 173.6 98.8 84.6 79.2 76.5

190 33.3 17.5 13.0 10.8 9.6 190 183.0 101.4 85.9 80.0 77.1

200 36.1 18.9 14.1 11.8 10.4 200 192.4 104.0 87.2 80.9 77.7

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 165
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1 1⁄4" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1 1⁄4" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -13.4 -6.7 -4.9 -4.0 -3.5 30 32.8 59.3 64.5 66.5 67.5

40 -10.0 -5.0 -3.7 -3.0 -2.6 40 42.1 61.9 65.9 67.4 68.1

50 -6.7 -3.3 -2.4 -2.0 -1.8 50 51.4 64.6 67.2 68.2 68.7

60 -3.3 -1.7 -1.2 -1.0 -0.9 60 60.7 67.3 68.6 69.1 69.4

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 3.3 1.7 1.2 1.0 0.9 80 79.3 72.7 71.4 70.9 70.6

90 6.7 3.3 2.4 2.0 1.8 90 88.6 75.4 72.8 71.8 71.3

100 10.0 5.0 3.7 3.0 2.6 100 97.9 78.1 74.1 72.6 71.9

110 13.4 6.7 4.9 4.0 3.5 110 107.2 80.7 75.5 73.5 72.5

120 16.7 8.3 6.1 5.0 4.4 120 116.5 83.4 76.9 74.4 73.1

130 20.1 10.0 7.3 6.0 5.3 130 125.8 86.1 78.3 75.3 73.8

140 23.4 11.7 8.5 7.1 6.2 140 135.1 88.8 79.7 76.2 74.4

150 26.8 13.3 9.8 8.1 7.1 150 144.4 91.5 81.0 77.0 75.0

160 30.1 15.0 11.0 9.1 7.9 160 153.7 94.2 82.4 77.9 75.6

170 33.5 16.7 12.2 10.1 8.8 170 163.0 96.8 83.8 78.8 76.3

180 36.8 18.4 13.4 11.1 9.7 180 172.3 99.5 85.2 79.7 76.9

190 40.2 20.0 14.6 12.1 10.6 190 181.6 102.2 86.6 80.6 77.5

200 43.5 21.7 15.9 13.1 11.5 200 190.9 104.9 87.9 81.4 78.2

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

166 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -15.6 -7.5 -5.4 -4.4 -3.9 30 33.3 59.1 64.3 66.3 67.4

40 -11.7 -5.6 -4.1 -3.3 -2.9 40 42.5 61.8 65.7 67.3 68.0

50 -7.8 -3.8 -2.7 -2.2 -1.9 50 51.6 64.5 67.1 68.2 68.7

60 -3.9 -1.9 -1.4 -1.1 -1.0 60 60.8 67.3 68.6 69.1 69.3

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 3.9 1.9 1.4 1.1 1.0 80 79.2 72.7 71.4 70.9 70.7

90 7.8 3.8 2.7 2.2 1.9 90 88.4 75.5 72.9 71.8 71.3

100 11.7 5.6 4.1 3.3 2.9 100 97.5 78.2 74.3 72.7 72.0

110 15.6 7.5 5.4 4.4 3.9 110 106.7 80.9 75.7 73.7 72.6

120 19.5 9.4 6.8 5.5 4.8 120 115.9 83.7 77.1 74.6 73.3

130 23.4 11.3 8.1 6.6 5.8 130 125.1 86.4 78.6 75.5 73.9

140 27.3 13.1 9.5 7.8 6.7 140 134.2 89.1 80.0 76.4 74.6

150 31.2 15.0 10.8 8.9 7.7 150 143.4 91.8 81.4 77.3 75.2

160 35.1 16.9 12.2 10.0 8.7 160 152.6 94.6 82.8 78.2 75.9

170 39.0 18.8 13.5 11.1 9.6 170 161.8 97.3 84.3 79.1 76.5

180 43.0 20.6 14.9 12.2 10.6 180 171.0 100.0 85.7 80.1 77.2

190 46.9 22.5 16.2 13.3 11.6 190 180.1 102.8 87.1 81.0 77.9

200 50.8 24.4 17.6 14.4 12.5 200 189.3 105.5 88.5 81.9 78.5

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 167
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -19.9 -9.1 -6.4 -5.2 -4.5 30 34.2 58.8 64.0 66.1 67.2

40 -14.9 -6.9 -4.8 -3.9 -3.4 40 43.1 61.6 65.5 67.1 67.9

50 -10.0 -4.6 -3.2 -2.6 -2.2 50 52.1 64.4 67.0 68.1 68.6

60 -5.0 -2.3 -1.6 -1.3 -1.1 60 61.0 67.2 68.5 69.0 69.3

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 5.0 2.3 1.6 1.3 1.1 80 79.0 72.8 71.5 71.0 70.7

90 10.0 4.6 3.2 2.6 2.2 90 87.9 75.6 73.0 71.9 71.4

100 14.9 6.9 4.8 3.9 3.4 100 96.9 78.4 74.5 72.9 72.1

110 19.9 9.1 6.4 5.2 4.5 110 105.8 81.2 76.0 73.9 72.8

120 24.9 11.4 8.1 6.5 5.6 120 114.8 84.0 77.5 74.9 73.5

130 29.9 13.7 9.7 7.8 6.7 130 123.7 86.8 79.0 75.8 74.2

140 34.9 16.0 11.3 9.1 7.8 140 132.7 89.5 80.5 76.8 74.9

150 39.9 18.3 12.9 10.4 9.0 150 141.7 92.3 81.9 77.8 75.6

160 44.8 20.6 14.5 11.7 10.1 160 150.6 95.1 83.4 78.7 76.3

170 49.8 22.8 16.1 13.0 11.2 170 159.6 97.9 84.9 79.7 77.0

180 54.8 25.1 17.7 14.3 12.3 180 168.5 100.7 86.4 80.7 77.7

190 59.8 27.4 19.3 15.6 13.5 190 177.5 103.5 87.9 81.6 78.4

200 64.8 29.7 21.0 16.9 14.6 200 186.4 106.3 89.4 82.6 79.1

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

168 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
2 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 2 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -24.0 -10.7 -7.5 -6.0 -5.1 30 35.0 58.7 63.8 66.0 67.1

40 -18.0 -8.0 -5.6 -4.5 -3.8 40 43.8 61.5 65.4 67.0 67.8

50 -12.0 -5.4 -3.7 -3.0 -2.5 50 52.5 64.3 66.9 68.0 68.5

60 -6.0 -2.7 -1.9 -1.5 -1.3 60 61.3 67.2 68.5 69.0 69.3

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 6.0 2.7 1.9 1.5 1.3 80 78.7 72.8 71.5 71.0 70.7

90 12.0 5.4 3.7 3.0 2.5 90 87.5 75.7 73.1 72.0 71.5

100 18.0 8.0 5.6 4.5 3.8 100 96.2 78.5 74.6 73.0 72.2

110 24.0 10.7 7.5 6.0 5.1 110 105.0 81.3 76.2 74.0 72.9

120 30.0 13.4 9.3 7.5 6.4 120 113.7 84.1 77.7 75.1 73.7

130 36.0 16.1 11.2 8.9 7.6 130 122.4 87.0 79.2 76.1 74.4

140 42.0 18.8 13.1 10.4 8.9 140 131.2 89.8 80.8 77.1 75.1

150 48.0 21.5 14.9 11.9 10.2 150 139.9 92.6 82.3 78.1 75.9

160 54.1 24.1 16.8 13.4 11.5 160 148.7 95.4 83.9 79.1 76.6

170 60.1 26.8 18.6 14.9 12.7 170 157.4 98.3 85.4 80.1 77.3

180 66.1 29.5 20.5 16.4 14.0 180 166.1 101.1 86.9 81.1 78.1

190 72.1 32.2 22.4 17.9 15.3 190 174.9 103.9 88.5 82.1 78.8

200 78.1 34.9 24.2 19.4 16.5 200 183.6 106.7 90.0 83.2 79.5

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 169
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
3" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 3" Uponor PEX Surface
at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient Temperature at 70°F/21.1°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -28.0 -12.3 -8.5 -6.7 -5.7 30 35.8 58.6 63.7 65.8 67.0

40 -21.0 -9.2 -6.3 -5.0 -4.3 40 44.4 61.5 65.3 66.9 67.7

50 -14.0 -6.1 -4.2 -3.3 -2.8 50 52.9 64.3 66.9 67.9 68.5

60 -7.0 -3.1 -2.1 -1.7 -1.4 60 61.5 67.2 68.4 69.0 69.2

70 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

80 7.0 3.1 2.1 1.7 1.4 80 78.5 72.8 71.6 71.0 70.8

90 14.0 6.1 4.2 3.3 2.8 90 87.1 75.7 73.1 72.1 71.5

100 21.0 9.2 6.3 5.0 4.3 100 95.6 78.5 74.7 73.1 72.3

110 28.0 12.3 8.5 6.7 5.7 110 104.2 81.4 76.3 74.2 73.0

120 34.9 15.4 10.6 8.4 7.1 120 112.7 84.2 77.9 75.2 73.8

130 41.9 18.4 12.7 10.0 8.5 130 121.3 87.1 79.4 76.3 74.6

140 48.9 21.5 14.8 11.7 9.9 140 129.8 89.9 81.0 77.3 75.3

150 55.9 24.6 16.9 13.4 11.4 150 138.3 92.8 82.6 78.4 76.1

160 62.9 27.6 19.0 15.1 12.8 160 146.9 95.6 84.2 79.4 76.9

170 69.9 30.7 21.1 16.7 14.2 170 155.4 98.4 85.7 80.4 77.6

180 76.9 33.8 23.2 18.4 15.6 180 164.0 101.3 87.3 81.5 78.4

190 83.9 36.9 25.4 20.1 17.0 190 172.5 104.1 88.9 82.5 79.1

200 90.8 39.9 27.5 21.8 18.5 200 181.0 107.0 90.5 83.6 79.9

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

170 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1
⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss  1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -9.5 -6.1 -4.7 -4.1 -3.7 30 32.1 75.7 83.1 85.7 87.0

40 -7.9 -5.1 -4.0 -3.4 -3.1 40 41.8 78.1 84.2 86.4 87.5

50 -6.3 -4.1 -3.2 -2.7 -2.4 50 51.4 80.5 85.4 87.1 88.0

60 -4.7 -3.0 -2.4 -2.0 -1.8 60 61.1 82.9 86.5 87.9 88.5

70 -3.2 -2.0 -1.6 -1.4 -1.2 70 70.7 85.2 87.7 88.6 89.0

80 -1.6 -1.0 -0.8 -0.7 -0.6 80 80.4 87.6 88.8 89.3 89.5

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 1.6 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.6 100 99.6 92.4 91.2 90.7 90.5

110 3.2 2.0 1.6 1.4 1.2 110 109.3 94.8 92.3 91.4 91.0

120 4.7 3.0 2.4 2.0 1.8 120 118.9 97.1 93.5 92.1 91.5

130 6.3 4.1 3.2 2.7 2.4 130 128.6 99.5 94.6 92.9 92.0

140 7.9 5.1 4.0 3.4 3.1 140 138.2 101.9 95.8 93.6 92.5

150 9.5 6.1 4.7 4.1 3.7 150 147.9 104.3 96.9 94.3 93.0

160 11.1 7.1 5.5 4.8 4.3 160 157.5 106.7 98.1 95.0 93.5

170 12.6 8.1 6.3 5.4 4.9 170 167.2 109.0 99.2 95.7 94.0

180 14.2 9.1 7.1 6.1 5.5 180 176.8 111.4 100.4 96.4 94.5

190 15.8 10.1 7.9 6.8 6.1 190 186.5 113.8 101.5 97.2 95.1

200 17.4 11.1 8.7 7.5 6.7 200 196.1 116.2 102.7 97.9 95.6

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 171
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
3
⁄4" Uponor PEX Heat Loss  3⁄4" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -13.1 -7.4 -5.6 -4.8 -4.3 30 32.7 74.9 82.5 85.3 86.7

40 -10.9 -6.2 -4.7 -4.0 -3.5 40 42.3 77.4 83.7 86.1 87.2

50 -8.7 -5.0 -3.8 -3.2 -2.8 50 51.8 79.9 85.0 86.9 87.8

60 -6.6 -3.7 -2.8 -2.4 -2.1 60 61.4 82.4 86.2 87.6 88.3

70 -4.4 -2.5 -1.9 -1.6 -1.4 70 70.9 85.0 87.5 88.4 88.9

80 -2.2 -1.2 -0.9 -0.8 -0.7 80 80.5 87.5 88.7 89.2 89.4

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 2.2 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.7 100 99.5 92.5 91.3 90.8 90.6

110 4.4 2.5 1.9 1.6 1.4 110 109.1 95.0 92.5 91.6 91.1

120 6.6 3.7 2.8 2.4 2.1 120 118.6 97.6 93.8 92.4 91.7

130 8.7 5.0 3.8 3.2 2.8 130 128.2 100.1 95.0 93.1 92.2

140 10.9 6.2 4.7 4.0 3.5 140 137.7 102.6 96.3 93.9 92.8

150 13.1 7.4 5.6 4.8 4.3 150 147.3 105.1 97.5 94.7 93.3

160 15.3 8.7 6.6 5.6 5.0 160 156.8 107.7 98.8 95.5 93.9

170 17.5 9.9 7.5 6.4 5.7 170 166.3 110.2 100.0 96.3 94.4

180 19.7 11.2 8.5 7.2 6.4 180 175.9 112.7 101.3 97.1 95.0

190 21.9 12.4 9.4 8.0 7.1 190 185.4 115.2 102.5 97.8 95.6

200 24.0 13.6 10.4 8.8 7.8 200 195.0 117.8 103.8 98.6 96.1

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

172 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -16.6 -8.7 -6.5 -5.4 -4.8 30 33.5 74.3 82.1 85.0 86.4

40 -13.9 -7.3 -5.4 -4.5 -4.0 40 42.9 76.9 83.4 85.8 87.0

50 -11.1 -5.8 -4.3 -3.6 -3.2 50 52.3 79.5 84.7 86.7 87.6

60 -8.3 -4.4 -3.2 -2.7 -2.4 60 61.7 82.1 86.0 87.5 88.2

70 -5.5 -2.9 -2.2 -1.8 -1.6 70 71.2 84.8 87.4 88.3 88.8

80 -2.8 -1.5 -1.1 -0.9 -0.8 80 80.6 87.4 88.7 89.2 89.4

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 2.8 1.5 1.1 0.9 0.8 100 99.4 92.6 91.3 90.8 90.6

110 5.5 2.9 2.2 1.8 1.6 110 108.8 95.2 92.6 91.7 91.2

120 8.3 4.4 3.2 2.7 2.4 120 118.3 97.9 94.0 92.5 91.8

130 11.1 5.8 4.3 3.6 3.2 130 127.7 100.5 95.3 93.3 92.4

140 13.9 7.3 5.4 4.5 4.0 140 137.1 103.1 96.6 94.2 93.0

150 16.6 8.7 6.5 5.4 4.8 150 146.5 105.7 97.9 95.0 93.6

160 19.4 10.2 7.6 6.3 5.6 160 155.9 108.3 99.3 95.9 94.2

170 22.2 11.7 8.7 7.2 6.4 170 165.3 110.9 100.6 96.7 94.8

180 25.0 13.1 9.7 8.1 7.2 180 174.8 113.6 101.9 97.5 95.3

190 27.7 14.6 10.8 9.0 8.0 190 184.2 116.2 103.2 98.4 95.9

200 30.5 16.0 11.9 9.9 8.8 200 193.6 118.8 104.6 99.2 96.5

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 173
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1 1⁄4" Uponor PEX Heat Loss  1 1⁄4" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -20.1 -10.0 -7.3 -6.0 -5.3 30 34.2 73.9 81.7 84.7 86.2

40 -16.7 -8.3 -6.1 -5.0 -4.4 40 43.5 76.6 83.1 85.6 86.9

50 -13.4 -6.7 -4.9 -4.0 -3.5 50 52.8 79.3 84.5 86.5 87.5

60 -10.0 -5.0 -3.7 -3.0 -2.6 60 62.1 81.9 85.9 87.4 88.1

70 -6.7 -3.3 -2.4 -2.0 -1.8 70 71.4 84.6 87.2 88.2 88.7

80 -3.3 -1.7 -1.2 -1.0 -0.9 80 80.7 87.3 88.6 89.1 89.4

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 3.3 1.7 1.2 1.0 0.9 100 99.3 92.7 91.4 90.9 90.6

110 6.7 3.3 2.4 2.0 1.8 110 108.6 95.4 92.8 91.8 91.3

120 10.0 5.0 3.7 3.0 2.6 120 117.9 98.1 94.1 92.6 91.9

130 13.4 6.7 4.9 4.0 3.5 130 127.2 100.7 95.5 93.5 92.5

140 16.7 8.3 6.1 5.0 4.4 140 136.5 103.4 96.9 94.4 93.1

150 20.1 10.0 7.3 6.0 5.3 150 145.8 106.1 98.3 95.3 93.8

160 23.4 11.7 8.5 7.1 6.2 160 155.1 108.8 99.7 96.2 94.4

170 26.8 13.3 9.8 8.1 7.1 170 164.4 111.5 101.0 97.0 95.0

180 30.1 15.0 11.0 9.1 7.9 180 173.7 114.2 102.4 97.9 95.6

190 33.5 16.7 12.2 10.1 8.8 190 183.0 116.8 103.8 98.8 96.3

200 36.8 18.4 13.4 11.1 9.7 200 192.3 119.5 105.2 99.7 96.9

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

174 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
1 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 1 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -23.4 -11.3 -8.1 -6.6 -5.8 30 34.9 73.6 81.4 84.5 86.1

40 -19.5 -9.4 -6.8 -5.5 -4.8 40 44.1 76.3 82.9 85.4 86.7

50 -15.6 -7.5 -5.4 -4.4 -3.9 50 53.3 79.1 84.3 86.3 87.4

60 -11.7 -5.6 -4.1 -3.3 -2.9 60 62.5 81.8 85.7 87.3 88.0

70 -7.8 -3.8 -2.7 -2.2 -1.9 70 71.6 84.5 87.1 88.2 88.7

80 -3.9 -1.9 -1.4 -1.1 -1.0 80 80.8 87.3 88.6 89.1 89.3

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 3.9 1.9 1.4 1.1 1.0 100 99.2 92.7 91.4 90.9 90.7

110 7.8 3.8 2.7 2.2 1.9 110 108.4 95.5 92.9 91.8 91.3

120 11.7 5.6 4.1 3.3 2.9 120 117.5 98.2 94.3 92.7 92.0

130 15.6 7.5 5.4 4.4 3.9 130 126.7 100.9 95.7 93.7 92.6

140 19.5 9.4 6.8 5.5 4.8 140 135.9 103.7 97.1 94.6 93.3

150 23.4 11.3 8.1 6.6 5.8 150 145.1 106.4 98.6 95.5 93.9

160 27.3 13.1 9.5 7.8 6.7 160 154.2 109.1 100.0 96.4 94.6

170 31.2 15.0 10.8 8.9 7.7 170 163.4 111.8 101.4 97.3 95.2

180 35.1 16.9 12.2 10.0 8.7 180 172.6 114.6 102.8 98.2 95.9

190 39.0 18.8 13.5 11.1 9.6 190 181.8 117.3 104.3 99.1 96.5

200 43.0 20.6 14.9 12.2 10.6 200 191.0 120.0 105.7 100.1 97.2

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 175
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss  2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -29.9 -13.7 -9.7 -7.8 -6.7 30 36.3 73.2 81.0 84.2 85.8

40 -24.9 -11.4 -8.1 -6.5 -5.6 40 45.2 76.0 82.5 85.1 86.5

50 -19.9 -9.1 -6.4 -5.2 -4.5 50 54.2 78.8 84.0 86.1 87.2

60 -14.9 -6.9 -4.8 -3.9 -3.4 60 63.1 81.6 85.5 87.1 87.9

70 -10.0 -4.6 -3.2 -2.6 -2.2 70 72.1 84.4 87.0 88.1 88.6

80 -5.0 -2.3 -1.6 -1.3 -1.1 80 81.0 87.2 88.5 89.0 89.3

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 5.0 2.3 1.6 1.3 1.1 100 99.0 92.8 91.5 91.0 90.7

110 10.0 4.6 3.2 2.6 2.2 110 107.9 95.6 93.0 91.9 91.4

120 14.9 6.9 4.8 3.9 3.4 120 116.9 98.4 94.5 92.9 92.1

130 19.9 9.1 6.4 5.2 4.5 130 125.8 101.2 96.0 93.9 92.8

140 24.9 11.4 8.1 6.5 5.6 140 134.8 104.0 97.5 94.9 93.5

150 29.9 13.7 9.7 7.8 6.7 150 143.7 106.8 99.0 95.8 94.2

160 34.9 16.0 11.3 9.1 7.8 160 152.7 109.5 100.5 96.8 94.9

170 39.9 18.3 12.9 10.4 9.0 170 161.7 112.3 101.9 97.8 95.6

180 44.8 20.6 14.5 11.7 10.1 180 170.6 115.1 103.4 98.7 96.3

190 49.8 22.8 16.1 13.0 11.2 190 179.6 117.9 104.9 99.7 97.0

200 54.8 25.1 17.7 14.3 12.3 200 188.5 120.7 106.4 100.7 97.7

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

176 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
2 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Heat Loss 2 1⁄2" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -36.0 -16.1 -11.2 -8.9 -7.6 30 37.6 73.0 80.8 83.9 85.6

40 -30.0 -13.4 -9.3 -7.5 -6.4 40 46.3 75.9 82.3 84.9 86.3

50 -24.0 -10.7 -7.5 -6.0 -5.1 50 55.0 78.7 83.8 86.0 87.1

60 -18.0 -8.0 -5.6 -4.5 -3.8 60 63.8 81.5 85.4 87.0 87.8

70 -12.0 -5.4 -3.7 -3.0 -2.5 70 72.5 84.3 86.9 88.0 88.5

80 -6.0 -2.7 -1.9 -1.5 -1.3 80 81.3 87.2 88.5 89.0 89.3

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 6.0 2.7 1.9 1.5 1.3 100 98.7 92.8 91.5 91.0 90.7

110 12.0 5.4 3.7 3.0 2.5 110 107.5 95.7 93.1 92.0 91.5

120 18.0 8.0 5.6 4.5 3.8 120 116.2 98.5 94.6 93.0 92.2

130 24.0 10.7 7.5 6.0 5.1 130 125.0 101.3 96.2 94.0 92.9

140 30.0 13.4 9.3 7.5 6.4 140 133.7 104.1 97.7 95.1 93.7

150 36.0 16.1 11.2 8.9 7.6 150 142.4 107.0 99.2 96.1 94.4

160 42.0 18.8 13.1 10.4 8.9 160 151.2 109.8 100.8 97.1 95.1

170 48.0 21.5 14.9 11.9 10.2 170 159.9 112.6 102.3 98.1 95.9

180 54.1 24.1 16.8 13.4 11.5 180 168.7 115.4 103.9 99.1 96.6

190 60.1 26.8 18.6 14.9 12.7 190 177.4 118.3 105.4 100.1 97.3

200 66.1 29.5 20.5 16.4 14.0 200 186.1 121.1 106.9 101.1 98.1

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual — Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature 177
 Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature
3" Uponor PEX-a Heat Loss  3" Uponor PEX Surface
at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient Temperature at 90°F/32.2°C Ambient
Heat Loss (Btu/hr·ft) Surface Temperature (°F)

Water Water

1½" Insulation

1½" Insulation
½" Insulation

½" Insulation
No Insulation

No Insulation
1" Insulation

2" Insulation

1" Insulation

2" Insulation
Temp Temp
(ºF) (ºF)

30 -41.9 -18.4 -12.7 -10.0 -8.5 30 38.7 72.9 80.6 83.7 85.4

40 -34.9 -15.4 -10.6 -8.4 -7.1 40 47.3 75.8 82.1 84.8 86.2

50 -28.0 -12.3 -8.5 -6.7 -5.7 50 55.8 78.6 83.7 85.8 87.0

60 -21.0 -9.2 -6.3 -5.0 -4.3 60 64.4 81.5 85.3 86.9 87.7

70 -14.0 -6.1 -4.2 -3.3 -2.8 70 72.9 84.3 86.9 87.9 88.5

80 -7.0 -3.1 -2.1 -1.7 -1.4 80 81.5 87.2 88.4 89.0 89.2

90 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

100 7.0 3.1 2.1 1.7 1.4 100 98.5 92.8 91.6 91.0 90.8

110 14.0 6.1 4.2 3.3 2.8 110 107.1 95.7 93.1 92.1 91.5

120 21.0 9.2 6.3 5.0 4.3 120 115.6 98.5 94.7 93.1 92.3

130 28.0 12.3 8.5 6.7 5.7 130 124.2 101.4 96.3 94.2 93.0

140 34.9 15.4 10.6 8.4 7.1 140 132.7 104.2 97.9 95.2 93.8

150 41.9 18.4 12.7 10.0 8.5 150 141.3 107.1 99.4 96.3 94.6

160 48.9 21.5 14.8 11.7 9.9 160 149.8 109.9 101.0 97.3 95.3

170 55.9 24.6 16.9 13.4 11.4 170 158.3 112.8 102.6 98.4 96.1

180 62.9 27.6 19.0 15.1 12.8 180 166.9 115.6 104.2 99.4 96.9

190 69.9 30.7 21.1 16.7 14.2 190 175.4 118.4 105.7 100.4 97.6

200 76.9 33.8 23.2 18.4 15.6 200 184.0 121.3 107.3 101.5 98.4

1. All calculations based on cylindrical thermal resistance methodology (ASHRAE).

2. Based on fluid velocity of 8 ft./sec. at 160°F/71.1°C (maximizing heat transfer from 100% water).
3. Pipe convection set to be 1.761 Btu/hr•ft²•°F (based on standard value for free convection of air).
4. This heat loss comparison uses 0.24 Btu•in/(hr•ft2•°F) as the insulation thermal conductivity.
This is a standard value for fiberglass pipe insulation at a 100°F/37.8°C mean temperature.

178 Appendix F – Pipe Heat Loss and Surface Temperature — uponorengineering.com

Plumbing Design Assistance Manual 179
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Plumbing Design Assistance Manual (PDAM) Fourth Edition