ANOTHER KITEC UPDATE RE A SUBSTITUTE FOR DANFOSS FITTINGS
UPDATE TO DEL WEBB / PULTE'S REHAU PLUMBING SYSTEM REPAIR PROTOCOL
As noted in Del Webb/Pulte's REHAU Plumbing System Repair Protocol included in the 6/5/07 website update, we originally specified that the gate valve at the recirculation line was to be replaced with ball valve DANFOSS Flomatic #5308E, Model 601E, 1/2" Bronze.
At times, our plumbing trades are experiencing shortages of availability of this part. In order to keep this part shortage from delaying repairs, our Research and Development team has worked to identify the following two substitute parts which can be used if the DANFOSS part is not available.
a. NIBCO Model # NS58570D, 3/4" Bronze
b. NIBCO Model # NS58570F, 1/2" Bronze
Because dezincification is a reaction whereby the zinc in yellow brass reacts with chemicals in the water supply, we have had several homeowners ask about the zinc content in these substitute parts. Please note that the zinc content in these substitute parts is 9%. Our Research and Development team's testing and research indicates that brass alloys with zinc content below 15% should not be susceptible to dezincification.