Pex help? Stadler Viega/ Vanguard

old wrench

Hi all. I have been installing Stadler Viega, for a while now. I just heard that Stadler Viega purchased VanGuard. I am getting two different stories if the brass fittings can be interchanged (from one to another). Can I use the Stadler Viega fittings work with the Vanguard tube. My supply house's rep says yes, Stadler Viega in MASS. says no. Anyone have thoughts on this? I don't know what one to believe as the supply house gets its info from a StadlerViega rep but the tech guys up in Bedford Mass say don't mix the two. I am way confused. Thanks for any help! OLD WRENCH...

Robert O'Brien

I've

been using the Vanguard PAP when I can't get Fostapex.No problems at all just make sure your cuts are square

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old wrench

Thanks Robert, The reason I ask is vanguard makes straight lengths, where before I used the stadler from the coil (for domestic). Even when we use the el's and tees and use the clic hangers supported every 32", it just seems to look funny. Also with the price of copper (as we all know is out of control) we are forced to use pex tube. I do realize that any pex will never be as straight as copper. I do really like the stadler products and pex tube. I just keep getting conflicting answers. They almost make to many versions of pex. Well I ranted long enough. Thanks Again.

kevin coppinger_4

the supply house...

I have been getting both products from has in the past said I can use the stadler fitting w/ VG pipe.I have several fittings installed out there for a few years that have had no problems...as always the warrantee made be effected. kpc

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Kevin O. Pulver

fittings look identical to me.

I wouldn't be afraid to do it. When you really think about it, even a hose clamp would probably work. Any crimp fitting outta work. Kevin

old wrench

I just tried an experiment. I went out to the Garage took a piece of vanguard crimped it to a Stadler Viega fitting. Set it up with a cap on one end and a test guage on the other. I then pumped it up with the compressor to 160 psi. Guess what happened.

Nothing bad at all. Still holding press. All digits in place. I will never get that high water pressure out here.(as most customers are on wells). Going to give it a shot! Thanks all. Old Wrench....

Jeff Matson_2

Viega & Vanguard mix

The story that you got from the Viega tech support guys in MA is the right one. You should not mix these two systems if you can prevent it. While you did not see any trouble in a static, cold pressure test the situation can be different in a long term, hot/cold cycling situation like plumbing and heating systems really experience. We can not provide any warranty for systems installed with a mix of Viega and Vanguard tube/fittings for this reason, even though both companies are now a part of Viega. I'm not saying that such a combination will definitely leak, but it has not been certified and I would not take that risk if I were the installer (or give up the warranty).

Jeff Matson, Product Development Engineer, Viega North America

Leo G_99

interesting Jeff

out here on the left coast of Canada, all fittings and tubing and crimp rings MUST meet the same code. Now I know a couple of companies that use the tube stretch method, will not warrant their tubing if a crimp fitting is used. Fine. But if a crimp system is used, and all material meets the standard, then why would the warranty be void?

Besides, it seems that the wholesalers and manufactures out here are not that protective of their material, as I have NEVER been told that I cannot mix Plasco with Vanguard with Bow with Watts, etc. Not only that, but generaly week to week, we never know what brand tubing/fittings/rings that the wholesalers will have on the shelf!

If there is a serious problem with mixing, then I suggest that the manufactures make this VERY public. But I have a feeling that if that were to happen, there would some of the manufactures closing shops, as I know what brand I would demand my wholesalers to carry in this case!

Leo G

Jed_2

Jeff

Will you be in Nashua Monday? I would like to talk with you about this. I'm hearing conflicting stories, as well. We have Vanguard and Fostapex coils and straight lengths of both flavors. Vanguard crimp fittings and Viega crimp fittings. Contractors are demanding the the two systems be seemless. In our case, the "here we go again, ANOTHER GD set of TOOLS" scenario. And a LOT of confusion. The sleeves vs. crimp rings, the "rib count" discrepency, the tool discrepency. We don't stock Pextron. We do stock Vanex both potable and barrier. We do stock Fostapex. We do stock Crimpsert and Press fittings. We do stock 20' sticks in both. The guys are liking it, BUT, DEMAND seemless crimps! Even in transition.In FACT, they are DOING it! What are we to do?

Jed

old wrench

Jeff, When I called tech support in MA the person asked me if I was from Ohio. He went on to tell me not to mix the fittings as there must of been a failure from mixing the two brands out in Ohio somewhere. Please send a memo or something out to the people who purchase these two products, as to not have a huge mess out there. I would of never known if I didn't side step my supply house and call you guys direct. BTW my supply house still swears you can mix VG with SV according to the rep they have. Thanks! Rusty Old Wrench.