Feb. 05, 2024

Understanding F1960 Fittings: Navigating the Market for Quality and Peace of Mind 

by Alex Gross

PEX is booming. This revolutionary piping system has taken the plumbing industry by storm, winning over projects in both residential and commercial construction. But with its increasing popularity comes an influx of new players, not all of them created equal. The rise of low-quality ASTM F1960 expansion fittings threatens the integrity of PEX installations and puts your hard work at risk. 

Not all F1960 fittings are born the same. While some manufacturers and suppliers claim their products meet the standard, they might skimp on crucial details that can leave you with compromised connections, potential leaks, and post-project headaches. Let's delve deeper into why choosing the right fittings matters. 

Beware of the "Just as Good" trap. Third-party certification is key. Look for fittings certified by an independent agency like NSF International. This verifies compliance with the F1960 standard and guarantees reliable performance. Don't fall for mere compliance claims; trust independent verification for true quality assurance. 

There is always a price paid for cutting corners. Reduced flow, and hampered performance is commonplace when installers use lower-quality F1960 fittings independent tests revealed some inferior fittings with internal diameters up to 50% smaller. This translates to restricted flow and sluggish systems, making the initial price savings a false economy. 

Protect your reputation. Uponor has seen an increasing number of failed connections traced back to low-quality F1960 fittings from other suppliers. Don't let someone else's shortcuts tarnish your reputation. Verify the authenticity of each fitting you purchase. 

Sometimes fittings can get accidentally mixed with multiple manufacturers. Ensuring you get genuine ProPEX® is imperative. Look for the Uponor logo. On older fittings, a "W" might indicate Warnock Hersey (another third-party certification) or Wirsbo (Uponor’s original name from 1984 to 2006). 

ProPEX is engineered for excellence and tightly controlled in manufacturing: Uponor manages the manufacturing source for every part, ensuring consistent quality products that feature thicker tube stops and wider sealing barbs. These unique design elements help ensure stronger connections. 

Build with confidence and choose ProPEX. It’s the complete package: Uponor offers a full system of pipe, rings, and fittings, all designed and tested to work together seamlessly. This NSF- and CSA-certified system guarantees optimal performance and peace of mind.

Uponor offers an unmatched 25-year warranty for added assurance, unlike the meager warranties offered by generic fittings. It is a one-stop shop for accountability. With a complete Uponor system, you have only one warranty holder, eliminating confusion about which manufacturer is responsible and ensuring timely resolutions.

In short, don't gamble with your reputation and your clients' trust. Steer clear of low-quality F1960 fittings and choose ProPEX. It's a complete system engineered for exceptional performance, backed by a rock-solid warranty, and designed to keep your installations leak-free and your name synonymous with quality. Invest in the best, build with confidence, and let your work speak for itself.