EZ Quick™ FAQ

  1. Why should I buy this product instead of current standard water line kits?
  2. What is the fundamental difference between Dormont installation kits and standard saddle or piercing valves?
  3. What is a saddle or piercing valve?
  4. Why do piercing valves tend to leak?
  5. Why do piercing valves fail to stop the water flow when closed, which would be needed for removal/repair of an appliance?
  6. How do the EZ Quick quick-connect fittings work?
  7. Will the EZ Quick™ quick-connect valve work on different types of copper pipe?
  8. Can the EZ Quick™ quick-connect valve be used with non-metallic pipe?
  9. Can the EZ Quick™ quick-connect fittings be disconnected?
  10. What is PEX tubing?
  11. What are the advantages to PEX tubing?
  12. If I don’t need all of the PEX supply tubing provided, can I cut it to length?
  13. What are the small clips in the kit used for?
  14. What are the primary applications for these kits?
  15. I need a water line kit that works outdoors; can this kit be used in this manner?
  16. Can these kits be used in freezing temperatures?
  17. Piercing valves tend to leak when shut off. Do the EZ Quick quick-connect valves have the same issue?
  18. Do these kits flow as much water as a saddle valve type kit?
  19. If my appliance has a ¼” tube attached and ends with a compression nut captured on the end, how do I connect with these kits?
  20. What is the correct installation orientation for the valve assembly?
  21. Has quick-connect technology been used in plumbing applications previously?
  22. Does this product have any limitations?
  23. Are internal tubing supports (metal sleeves) required to use the quick-connect technology?
  24. Have your water line installation kits been tested by NSF?

1. Why should I buy this product instead of current standard water line kits?

The EZ Quick™ Water Line Installation Kits are the first of their kind, an easy-to -install alternative to standard methods of installation. They deliver the added security of the integral shut off valve, which provides a leak-free shut-off and avoids costly labor-intensive installations.

2. What is the fundamental difference between Dormont installation kits and standard saddle or piercing valves?

With the EZ Quick™ quick-connect valve, there is no piercing of the supply line necessary. The valve requires at most two simple cuts and then, the supply piping is simply pressed into the quick-connect fittings.

3. What is a saddle or piercing valve?

The most common type of piercing valve is made up of two components that clamp around a water supply line. One piece is merely a clamping component that provides a tight seal against the water supply line. The second component contains the piercing element and a gasket liner to facilitate a seal when the tubing is pierced. The two components are tightened onto the supply line – usually through a set of machine screws. Once the valve is tightened in place, the valve handle is used to drive the piercing element into the supply line. Once the pipe is pierced, water flow is initiated by backing off the valve/piercing stem.

4. Why do piercing valves tend to leak?

There are several causes of leaking piercing valves.

  • The supply line can be slightly deformed during penetration of the piercing element. This compromises the ability of the small piece of gasketing material to completely seal around the puncture.
  • Puncturing the pipe can make it more susceptible to corrosion, reducing the effectiveness of the sealing gasket.
  • In general, the components of a saddle valve tend not to be rugged or durable and can be damaged during installation and operation.

 

5. Why do piercing valves fail to stop the water flow when closed, which would be needed for removal/repair of an appliance?

To completely shut the supply of water to the appliance, a piercing valve depends on a seal between the piercing element and the walls of the copper supply pipe. This is like expecting a nail, driven through a water line, to be removed and then reinserted in the hole to reseal the pipe. As you would expect, this seldom provides an effective seal. As such, water can flow around the piercing element and through the output line from the valve. This is a very common problem with piercing valves.

6. How do the EZ Quick quick-connect fittings work?

The EZ Quick™ quick-connect fittings use a series of teeth to grab the outside diameter of the pipe. An O-ring provides the liquid seal on the outside diameter of the pipe.

7. Will the EZ Quick™ quick-connect valve work on different types of copper pipe?

Yes, all copper tubing that is the correct CTS (copper tube size) will work regardless of wall thickness.

8. Can the EZ Quick™ quick-connect valve be used with non-metallic pipe?

Yes, PEX or CPVC pipe that is the correct CTS (copper tube size) will work.

9. Can the EZ Quick™ quick-connect fittings be disconnected?

Yes, with water pressure removed from the line, the collet that extends from each tubing connector on the valve body can be pushed in and the tubing/pipe pulled to be removed.

10. What is PEX tubing?

PEX tubing is a type of polyethylene. It contains cross-link bonds that are introduced into the polymer structure, making the tubing more durable and semi-rigid.

11. What are the advantages to PEX tubing?

PEX tubing is more kink resistant than copper and is stronger than regular polyethylene or CPVC tubing.

12. If I don’t need all of the PEX supply tubing provided, can I cut it to length?

Yes, as long as a clean square cut is made. The quick-connect fittings rely on a clean square tubing end with no damage to the outside surface to seal correctly.

13. What are the small clips in the kit used for?

The included collet clips are installed to the three ¼” collet connections. These clips provide an extra measure of security, preventing the ¼” line from being accidentally disengaged once installed. One of each of the clips is used in the following locations: attached behind the ¼” collet on the supply valve and on both ends of the ¼” union.

14. What are the primary applications for these kits?

These kits are designed to fill the requirements for any appliance that requires a ¼” inlet water supply. This includes but is not limited to the following appliances: ice machines, refrigerators (water and ice), under cabinet water filters, humidifiers and evaporative coolers (if protected from the elements).

15. Yes, the kit can be used for exterior applications provided the parts are protected from UV light. The components require a protective wrapping to guard against potentially harmful UV rays from the sun.

 

16. Can these kits be used in freezing temperatures?

As with most plumbing products, freezing temperatures may result in component failure due to expansion of water. Therefore, using these kits in freezing temperatures is not recommended.

17. Piercing valves tend to leak when shut off. Do the EZ Quick quick-connect valves have the same issue?

No, these valves were designed in such a way to avoid leaking. The integral valve will shut off the water supply to the appliance for required servicing or replacement.

18. Do these kits flow as much water as a saddle valve type kit?

These kits flow more water, 30% to 50% more than a saddle valve kit because of the low restriction design of the quick-connect valve.

19. If my appliance has a ¼” tube attached and ends with a compression nut captured on the end, how do I connect with these kits?

Simply remove the captured nut by cutting the tubing then use the included quick-connect ¼” union. Remember: The quick-connect fittings rely on a clean square tubing end with no damage to the outside surface to seal correctly.

20. What is the correct installation orientation for the valve assembly?

Even though the valve can be oriented in either a vertical or horizontal position, the recommended approach is having the valve oriented in a vertical position to limit the possibility of debris gathering in the valve, which can create water flow obstruction.

21. Has quick-connect technology been used in plumbing applications previously?

Yes, quick-connect technology has been used for many years in many different types of standard plumbing applications. Companies offer couplings, tees, elbows and valves to simplify these installations. The new Dormont EZ Quick™ Water Line Kits expand the use of these quick-connect fittings by creating the first of its kind to supply water-fed appliances.

22. Does this product have any limitations?

The product can be compromised if contacted by any volatile organic compound (VOC) or caustic chemicals. They would include (but are not limited to) liquid thread sealant, leak check compounds, bug sprays, lubricants, cleaners, paints, bleaches, acids, solder fluxes, plastic piping primers and cements, oxidizing agents, alkaline solutions, thinners, fuels, oil-based caulk, hydrocarbons, spray foam and foaming agents (insulation).

23. Are internal tubing supports (metal sleeves) required to use the quick-connect technology?

No. When correctly-sized copper, PEX, or CPVC pipe is used, internal tubing supports are not needed.

24. Have your water line installation kits been tested by NSF?

Yes, all of our kits and the individual tee valves have been tested by NSF and are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61.