#UPONOR MANIFOLD INSTALL#

Given coatings do not stick to PEX, Uponor has patented a color-coating process that involves sending the tubing through a heated oxidization method that effectively burns the outside of the pipe, the case reads, displaying a picture purporting to show the difference between other manufacturers’ PEX and that of the defendants:Īlthough the heat improves the PEX’s adhesion property for the purpose of applying coatings, it also destroys the vital antioxidants on the outside of the tubing, causing it to become brittle and develop microcracks, the complaint says. In Uponor’s manufacturing process, however, the PEX tubing is made prior to the addition of blue or red coating to its outside surface, according to the suit. The case says that most PEX manufacturers, unlike Uponor, add red or blue pigment along with antioxidant stabilizers to the tubing’s plastic formulation during the extrusion process, i.e., when the tubing is formed, and prior to cross-linking, which adds color evenly throughout the tubing wall. PEX piping is popular due to its flexibility and ease of installation, the suit begins. The complaint relays that although Uponor discontinued its manufacture, distribution and sale of blue and red PEX because of the above-described defects, the company “misrepresented that the product was being ‘suspended,’ not ‘discontinued,’” and instead concealed that the tubing was discontinued due to its tendency to fail prematurely. “Because the outside surface of Uponor PEX is depleted of antioxidants after the flame treatment, the outside surface prematurely becomes brittle and develops microcracks when the tubing is expanded during installation,” the lawsuit elaborates, claiming the tiny cracks stemming from the manufacturing defect can grow and eventually cause leaks and significant property damage. This heat treatment, however, destroys the tubing’s antioxidant stabilizers, which are crucial for the piping to achieve flexibility, maintain ductility and protect against embrittlement, the lawsuit says.

According to the complaint, Uponor, in order to get the blue and red coating to stick to the outside of the PEX tubing, runs the product through a furnace/flame treatment that aids in the application of coatings and adhesives. The 20-page lawsuit out of Colorado claims the Uponor PEX piping, a popular product made for use in residential plumbing systems, can develop exterior microcracks due to the oxidizing process whereby the blue and red coloring-for cold and hot water lines, respectively-are added to the tubing.

#UPONOR MANIFOLD INSTALL#

Pre-assembled and ready to install right out of the boxNew to ? Read our Newswire DisclaimerĪ proposed class action alleges blue- and red-colored cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) made by Uponor is defective and prone to premature degradation, deterioration and failure.Integrated flow meters for simple system balancing.Integrated, full-port ball valves with temperature gauges.Compatible with all glycols used in radiant heating and cooling systems.

Balancing and isolation valves for complete loop isolation.

NPT-threaded ball valve for easy, cost-effective transition.

Corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel barrel.

The included manifold supply and return ball valves come with an R32 x 1' NPT connection. The manifold body ends have R32 union connections and the loop outlets have R20 male threads. For multiple zoning on the manifold, the black caps are removed and replaced with Uponor Thermal Actuators. The return manifold comes equipped with isolation valves for easy loop isolation. Use the included flow meters located on the supply manifold to balance the loops across the manifold. The Stainless-steel Manifold Assembly with flow meter comes fully assembled and ready for installation.

Uponor manifold