Federal law now requires water utilities across the country to pull millions of lead drinking water pipes out of the ground and replace them, at a cost of billions of dollars. States, cities and water utilities all agree that the lead pipes need to go to ensure safe water for residents. And those replacement waterlines need to be both safe and long-lasting.
GF Building Flow Solutions Americas (formerly Uponor North America) recently introduced their latest advancement in PEX-a piping technology with the launch of Uponor ServicePEX for water service applications. Designed for both new construction and the replacement of lead service lines, ServicePEX delivers clean, safe water from the main to the structure, offering a modern, dependable solution that prioritizes health, safety and performance in every installation, according to Anna Picchetti, vice president of marketing and strategy at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas.
“We have a strong legacy of providing our customers with quality, reliable, polymer piping solutions that bring greater efficiencies and performance in plumbing, heating and cooling applications,” says Picchetti. “Launching Uponor ServicePEX extends our solutions even further to provide the benefits of PEX-a from the water main to the home.”
Available in sizes from 3/4 to 2 inches, the pipe is tested and proven to the highest industry standards and is fully compliant for water service applications to prevent costly errors, rework and penalties. Not only is it certified to AWWA C904 Standard for water service, it is tested for up to 12 months of UV exposure. The pipe has a rating of 200 psi at 73 degrees F at 0.63 design factor, with a chlorine resistance rating of 5 per ASTM F2023. It meets ASTM F876, CSA B137.5, NSF 14 and NSF 61. It is approved for use with AWWA C800 CTS compression fittings and valves.
The highly flexible PEX-a product minimizes connections, reduces kinking, and allows for kink repairability for faster installs, less time in trenches, improved efficiencies and reduced job site waste, according to Picchetti.
“The pipe is designed and manufactured to withstand the rigors of installation, resisting damage from impact and abrasion during backfilling and trench compaction,” she says. “Plus, it is extremely resilient in freezing conditions and resists corrosion, rust, scale buildup and stress cracking for long-lasting, reliable service.”
800-321-4739; www.uponor.com
