Dan Hubbard, design services supervisor for Uponor Fire Safety, adds, “Before this listing, we had to use copper for any pipe size larger than 1". Having to install copper on a job can dramatically impact the profitability of a project, mainly because the contractor doesn’t know what is needed for pipe size until after the design is completed.”

The new listing also allows designers to use ¾" tubing and fittings for a majority of their systems now that they can upsize the supply pipes. The ¾" systems will be much easier for contractors to install compared to 1" systems.

Additionally, Hubbard estimates a typical two-story house has around a dozen brass tees as part of the multipurpose system piping. Now with the new listing, using EP instead of brass, can reduce the overall list price on an average system by as much as 10 percent. “We’re also looking into alternative layouts that may help eliminate the need for booster pumps in certain situations, which will also reduce system costs,” he adds.

Uponor, Inc. is a leading supplier of plumbing, fire safety, and radiant heating and cooling systems for the residential and commercial building markets in the United States. Uponor, Inc. employs 380 people at its North American headquarters in Apple Valley, Minn. For more information, visit www.uponorpro.com, www.uponor-usa.com or call (800) 321-4739.