Uponor (Wirsbo)

Uponor is a manufacturer of PEX-a piping systems for plumbing, radiant heating and cooling, hydronic distribution, and fire safety applications. The company traces its origins to 1918. Uponor acquired Wirsbo, the first commercial manufacturer of PEX pipe globally, in 1988. U.S. headquarters is in Apple Valley, Minnesota, where manufacturing has operated since 1990.

Product Lines

• Uponor AquaPEX: PEX-a pipe in 1/4 to 2 inch nominal sizes. ASTM F876 and F877 compliant; NSF 61 listed for potable water. Coils and straight lengths.
• ProPEX Connection System (ASTM F1960): Cold-expansion fittings with PEX reinforcing rings. Joints tested to 1,000 plus lbs pull force. Only PEX connection using the pipe itself to form the joint.
• Uponor ChlorFIT: Chlorine-resistant PEX-a for recirculating hot water systems with elevated chloramine or chlorine exposure.
• TruFLOW Manifolds: Centralized distribution manifolds with individual zone shutoff valves for radiant and plumbing systems.
• Ecoflex Pre-Insulated PEX: Outdoor underground piping for district heating, snow melt, and exterior applications.

Why Contractors Specify Uponor

• PEX-a Engel method: greater than 70 percent crosslink density; kinked pipe recoverable with heat
• ProPEX expansion connection accepted in all 50 states under major plumbing codes
• 25-year transferable limited warranty when installed as complete Uponor system with ProPEX ASTM F1960 fittings
• Compatible with Milwaukee Tool M18 and M12 ProPEX expansion tools
• Technical resources: pipe size calculator, submittal builder, installation manuals

How to Choose a Uponor Product

Specify AquaPEX in the correct nominal size (1/4 to 2 inch) for the application. Use ChlorFIT for recirculating hot water with elevated chlorine or chloramine. Pair TruFLOW manifolds for zone-controlled systems. Use ProPEX ASTM F1960 fittings to qualify for the 25-year transferable limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What distinguishes PEX-a from PEX-b/c? PEX-a has greater than 70 percent crosslink density and shape-memory property. Kinked pipe recoverable with heat. PEX-b and PEX-c lack this characteristic.
• Is AquaPEX safe for drinking water? Yes. NSF 61 listed for potable water; complies with ASTM F876 and F877.
• What sizes are available? 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, and 2 inch nominal, in coil and straight-length form.
• What is the warranty? 25-year transferable limited warranty for complete Uponor system with ProPEX ASTM F1960 fittings.
• Compatible with Milwaukee expansion tools? Yes. Milwaukee M18 and M12 ProPEX expansion tools work with the Uponor ProPEX system.