We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • PROS REPS
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webinars
    • AHR Live 2023
  • PODCASTS
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
Home » Rehau Releases Installation Time Study

Rehau Releases Installation Time Study

July 10, 2018
Rehau Releases Installation Time Study

REHAU has announced the results of an installation time study designed to compare different pipe and fitting systems used in commercial plumbing projects.

The study, conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, was commissioned by REHAU to quantify the installation time savings plumbers can achieve by using the REHAU PEXa plumbing system vs. rigid piping systems and other cold-expansion PEX systems in a typical commercial new construction setting.

“It is pretty obvious that installation of flexible systems such as PEXa will be faster than copper because of the simpler joining technique and the reduced requirement for directional fittings,” said Jonathan Bittenbender, director of engineering in the building solutions division at REHAU. “But how much faster? That’s what we set out to determine.”

The study compared the installation of four systems:

  • Copper pipe with press fittings.
  • Copper pipe with solder fittings.
  • PEXa pipe with ASTM F1960 cold-expansion fittings.
  • REHAU PEXa pipe with EVERLOC+™ fittings.

The timed installations were performed by an experienced commercial plumbing crew in two identical sections of a mockup hotel guest floor. Each of the four systems were installed on a section of the mockup by two different plumbers. The installations included 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, and 2-inch piping, representing the size ranges in a typical hotel plumbing system.

Key findings of the study were:

  • The REHAU PEXa pipe with EVERLOC+ fitting system installed 66 percent faster than copper with solder fittings, 52 percent faster than copper with press fittings and 21 percent faster than PEXa with ASTM F1960 cold-expansion fittings.
  • PEXa systems and the copper solder system passed the 60-psi (413 kPA) pressure test on the first attempt, while two un-pressed fittings were discovered in the copper press installation during the pressure test.
  • Installation time for PEXa with ASTM F1960 cold-expansion fittings increased by 33 percent vs. REHAU PEXa with EVERLOC+ during a cold-room installation, with temperature slightly above freezing at 33 F (0.6 C).

After the installers had worked with all four fitting systems, they were asked to comment on aspects they liked and disliked about each of the systems.

“The plumbers indicated that copper with solder fittings was their least favorite material, because it is messy and finished work doesn’t look as professional,” Bittenbender said. “They preferred PEX over copper installations because of fewer fittings needed and less time measuring, cutting and attaching fittings to pipe. They also were the least concerned with the long-term health effects of PEX compared with other piping systems.”

The REHAU PEXa plumbing system comprises RAUPEX® crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe and EVERLOC+ compression-sleeve fittings in diameters up to 2 inch for commercial and multi-family projects. The system is uniquely designed for reliability, safety and cost savings in plumbing and hydronic piping applications. Connections are made quickly using battery-powered EVERLOC+ compression-sleeve tools and a consistent, two-step expansion/compression process in any temperature and all types of weather. Completed joints are immediately secure and ready for pressure testing.

“In addition to allowing a tighter installation schedule, with the REHAU PEXa plumbing system, engineers can rest assured they are specifying a safe and reliable system that is as secure over the long haul as it is on day one,” Bittenbender said. “Employing one consistent connection technique across all sizes and weather conditions eliminates many of the complications that can occur during plumbing installations.”

Complete details on the commercial plumbing time study can be found at: http://www.everlocplus.com/timestudy

Commercial Contractors & Installers Engineers & Specifiers Industry Community News Plumber Plumbing Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Related Articles

    REHAU to launch radiant installation system at AHR Expo 2016​

    JG ProLock fitting range reduces installation time

    McKinstry turns to RTS technology to improve installation time

Most Popular

  • Uponor Celebrates Grand Opening of New Experience Center

  • Carrier Launches New Indianapolis Technical Training Center to Address HVAC Technician Shortage

  • Carrier Develops Next Generation of Innovators Through Sponsorship of FIRST Global Youth Robotics Organization

  • Building a Company Through Teamwork and the Next Generation

Featured Video

Mrpex video 4

Foley Mechanical radiant job with MrPEX PEX-a Tubing

Industry Events

  • 28Sep

    2023 ASPE Tech Symposium

    Bellevue, WA
  • 05Oct

    PVF Roundtable TroutBlast Fishing Tournament

  • 08Oct

    2023 SFPE Annual Conference & Expo

    North Bethesda, MD
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw09 2023
    Learn More
  • Pe09 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc09 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Es 2022
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2023 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing