October 2, 2023

Ask for Uponor: Identifying Uponor in Distribution

by Scott Zins

“Can I have some Kleenex?” Most likely, you'd gladly accept any tissue handed to you after this request, whether it's ultra soft, budget friendly, or even just a napkin — any tissue will do the trick and help you move on from your runny nose.

But there are certain products you request by name, and you expect to receive exactly what you asked for. Think about when you’re at a restaurant and you ask for a Coke — the server might inquire, “Is Pepsi okay?” It might be fine for some folks, but for a die-hard Coke lover, getting a Pepsi instead is a bit of a letdown.

Now, it might surprise you to learn that a similar scenario can unfold with Uponor pipe and fittings. We have a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality products, and we’ve spent decades demonstrating that Uponor PEX-a pipe and ProPEX® systems are the superior and safest choice on the market. Due to our success, there are now numerous imitations on the market, claiming to meet the same rigorous standards. Regrettably, using these lookalike products in your project is far riskier and carries greater consequences than opting for a rough tissue or sipping a Pepsi instead of a Coke. That’s why it’s crucial to “Ask for Uponor” and double check that you're getting the real deal.

When you walk into your local plumbing supply store, you know where to go for Uponor products. But even if you ask for Uponor, there's a chance you might not get what you want. That’s because sometimes, non-Uponor fittings get mixed in with the Uponor products. They look similar, but you won’t be covered under the warranty you thought you were getting, and the product won’t have the quality you’ve come to expect from Uponor.

So, it’s important to double check your order, even if you’re sure you asked for Uponor. Here are a few things to look for:

The packaging should say “Uponor”.
The fittings should have the Uponor logo.

If you’re not sure, ask the store clerk to help you. They should be able to verify that the fittings you’re getting are, in fact, Uponor. We know you’re busy, and you don't want to slow down your project. But it’s worth taking the extra few minutes to double check your order. Peace of mind is worth it.

Here’s another scenario: you’ve been using Uponor for years, and you’ve always been happy with the product. So, when you place your next order, you don't think twice about it. You just tell your sales rep what you need, and you assume you’ll get Uponor.

But what if your sales rep is trying to save you some money? They might send you a different brand of fitting, even though you didn't ask for it. They might think you won’t notice, or they might think you won’t care.

But you should be careful. Non-Uponor fittings may not be as good as Uponor fittings. They may not be as durable, and they may not be as reliable. And if something goes wrong, you could be left holding the bag. So, it’s important to be clear with your sales rep and tell them you only want Uponor products.

I know it’s easy to assume that all PEX fittings are the same. But they're not. Uponor PEX products are made with the highest-quality materials and are backed by a 25-year system warranty when the PEX-a pipe and ProPEX fittings are used together. So, if you want the best possible product for your piping project, make sure you ask for Uponor.

Don't jeopardize your business and reputation! Ask for Uponor.