Can I remove the stiffener insert from the 082PF-XXNL Series ball valves?

Yes, you can remove the stiffener insert from the 082PF-XXNL Series ball valves, but only when plumbing with COPPER or CPVC pipe.

COPPER & CPVC CONNECTIONS DO NOT REQUIRE STIFFENERS!

Many installers choose to remove the stiffener when making a push fit connection to COPPER or CPVC piping. This ensures that there is no unnecessary flow restriction and provides optimal flow rates.

The 082PF series valves are shipped with the stiffener inserts (a.k.a. pipe supports) installed for convenience when making PEX connections and to reduce the risk of lost or missing inserts at the job site.

For copper or CPVC piping the use of a stiffener is not required! Both CPVC and copper pipe are rigid and do not need the stiffener to retain their round profiles. Their use is optional! Some installers leave the inserts in the fitting to save a bit of time. This will do no harm from a connection standpoint; however, they do add some unnecessary flow restriction. When installing just a couple of fittings in a repair the flow restriction is minimal. However, if you are installing a high number of valves and fittings in a piping run the flow restriction will add up and could potentially reduce the efficiency of the system.

REMOVING A STIFFENER FOR A COPPER & CPVC CONNECTION

The stiffener can be easily removed but while it is easy it must be done properly! Simply clamp onto the insert with needle nose pliers and push on the collar of the fitting with a disconnect tool to expand the gripper ring, the same as you would disconnect a connection. Slowly and gently pull the insert out past the stainless-steel gripper ring. NOTE: It should not take much effort at all. Avoid pulling hard if it does not come out easily, it is likely caught on the gripper ring teeth and more pressure is required on the disconnect tool. Avoid excessive force which could damage the gripper ring.  

WARNING: ALL PEX CONECTIONS MUST HAVE THE STIFFENER INSTALLED! 

When installing PEX pipe (Type A, B or C) the stiffener MUST be installed in the end of the PEX pipe. The reason for this is that the stiffener will eliminate any out-of-roundness from the PEX pipe. Being shipped in a coil tends to cause some out of roundness. The tube corrects this condition and supports the PEX in a round profile so that the O-ring can make a watertight seal with equal compression around the entire circumference. Oval pipe will have high compression on two sides and lower compression on the opposing sides.

There is no need to remove the stiffener from the fitting, simply follow proper tube preparation procedures and push the PEX pipe into the fitting. The insert will slide into the PEX pipe. Make sure to mark the proper insert depth on the PEX pipe to ensure the stiffener PEX pipe is against the stop in the fitting.

If you find a stiffener loose in the carton or bag, no worries! From time to time a stiffener will come out the valve during shipping and handling. If the stiffener is loose in the bag, you can simply insert the stiffener into the PEX pipe and push the pipe and stiffener into the push fit valve together.

Note: It is less of a problem to error in using a stiffener where it was not needed than to not use a stiffener in a PEX connection. Without the stiffener in the PEX pipe the connection will be prone to leaking.