APEX Valves Frequently Asked Questions

General Inquiries

1. Can the Limiting Valve be installed in the ground?
No, the valve must be open to atmosphere. Installing it in the ground or in a Toby Box may compromise the valve and will void the warranty.

2. Can the Relief Valve be installed on its side?
Yes, as long as the relief drain falls continuously to the outlet.

3. Can valves cause water hammer?
No. Shut off devices such as single lever taps and solenoid valves are the cause. The water hammer is arrested at the non-return and the next upstream valve. A water hammer arrestor at the source will prevent this.

4. Where is the best place to install the Filterstop?
Ideally, the valve should be fitted in a position so as to protect all downstream tapware and fittings, therefore where the main enters the building is the best place to install the valve. The valve may also be installed in any orientation although Apex recommends the filter bowl (cap) down so that any sediment is easily cleaned out.

5. How do I make a warranty claim?
We stand by our product. In the unlikely event that there appears to be an issue with an Apex Valve, please contact us at Apex Valves and we can offer technical assistance. If the valve is then considered faulty, your Plumber is able to return the valve to their local plumbing merchant (preferably that supplied the valve) and provide them with as much detail as possible regarding the purchase and installation. The Plumbing Merchant will take over the process from there and advise you of the outcome after testing.

Hose Nozzles

1. Can the hose nozzle be taken apart?
Yes. You need to take the cap off the diffuser. You will find a Philips head screw, and down the bore of the nozzle a nylon nut. Undo the nut and the screw and unwind the two body parts.

2. How often do I need to clean the nozzles?
Depending on the usage, it may need to be cleaned every 6-12 months.

3. What should I clean hose nozzles with?
Warm soapy water. Also check that the o-rings are not damaged and re-lubricate. We recommend Rocol Mx22 Silicone Grease.

4. Why does the hose nozzle leak when I turn it off?
All sorts of small grit, sand or stones might have gone through the system causing damage to the diffuser. Try taking the valve apart and cleaning it then re-lubricating it. If the nozzle requires replacement parts, obtain and fit a service kit.

Pipe Fittings

1. How tight do I need to do the nut up?
Do the pipe fittings nut up as much as you can by hand, then tighten 1-2 turns with a wrench.

2. Do I need to cut the pipe square?
It does help. Also it pays to clean up any burrs or rough edges and it helps if you chamfer the end of the pipe.

3. Do I need to heat the pipe?
Depends on what type of pipe. There are some very hard pipes made, and heating will help soften and make assembly easier.

4. What pressure will the fittings take (maximum working pressure)?
The range of pipe fittings are rated to 16 Bar, 230psi @ 20º C.

5. Can pipe fittings be used above ground?
Yes, or fittings are very strong and can handle extreme frost and extreme heat, and have a high UV resistance.

6. Do you need to use thread tape on the male fittings?
Yes, we do recommend thread tape, or Loctite 5331 paste.

7. Where are pipe fittings made?
All of the product range is made in New Zealand. We strongly support Made in New Zealand.

Looking for something specific?

If you have a technical or product-related question that has not already been answered above, please contact us.