Crimped Polyethylene Pipe Fittings

Plumbing systems installers using PEX and PE-RT polyethylene pipe will be the primary users of a new ASTM International standard approved by Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems. The new standard, F2735, Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings for SDR9 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) and Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F17.10 on Fittings.

“It occasionally happens that fittings are not crimped when they are connected to a pipe,” says Peter J. Cook, technical services manager, IPEX Inc., and an F17 member. “The crimp ring is placed on the assembly, but through an oversight, the crimp is not actually made.” When this happens, Cook notes, the uncrimped joint may pass an initial pressure test but will fail after a period of time under pressure.

ASTM F2735 provides instructions for the creation of a plastic fitting for PEX and PE-RT pipes that will result in a joint leaking during initial pressure tests unless it is properly crimped. The new standard is particularly concerned with pipe made in accordance with F876, Specification for Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing, or F2623, Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) SDR 9 Tubing.

CONTACT

Technical Information: Peter J. Cook, IPEX Inc., Île-des-Soeurs, Verdun, Quebec, Canada

Phone: 514-769-3445, ext. 221

ASTM Staff: Robert Morgan

Phone: 610-832-9732