The most common type of tubing used for radiant heat applications is the oxygen barrier PEX. The oxygen diffusion barrier coating of this radiant heat PEX prevents the oxygen in the atmosphere from permeating the pipe walls into the water to avoid over-saturation of the water with oxygen.
Do I really need oxygen barrier PEX?
If you're using a closed system, you MUST use oxygen barrier pex... Or else your system won't be closed...... Now, on open systems, it's a little less critical.... Basically a good anti-corrosion additive is in order there if you have ferrous (iron based) materials in the system.
Can you use oxygen barrier PEX for potable water supply?
The initial investment in the PEX tubing with oxygen barrier can help you in staying in good health. Therefore, always use pipes with oxygen barrier for the supply of potable water. Nothing is better than PEX.
Should PEX piping be insulated?
PEX doesn’t sweat in high humidity and is resistant to bursting in freezing temperatures. While PEX does not ordinarily burst in the cold, the water in the pipes can still freeze. It is important to insulate PEX pipe in an attic, particularly in cold-weather areas.
Is PEX pipe dangerous?
PEX tubing must be installed correctly. Improper connections will leak and this can become costly. PEX piping is well known for its flexibility and features, but dangers can come from the types of fittings used. The more copper or brass involved, the more risk of corrosion and build up in the system.
What's the difference between oxygen barrier PEX and regular PEX?
Non-barrier tubing is simply PEX tubing without the oxygen barrier. For potable water applications, you will generally use non-barrier PEX. Oxygen barrier PEX is made for heating applications and has thus not been approved for plumbing and drinking water.
What is oxygen barrier PEX used for?
PEX Tubing with oxygen barrier is used for radiant floor heating, ice/snow melting projects and baseboard/radiator heating applications. It is also commonly used for supply and return lines to boilers and fan coils.
What happens if you don't use oxygen barrier PEX?
PEX without an oxygen barrier actually allows oxygen from the air to permeate it. This happens even if the PEX is embedded in concrete. Cast iron circulator pumps will rust when oxygen is present in the water. Bronze or stainless steel circulators are necessary when this is the case.
Can you use oxygen barrier PEX for water?
Viega Barrier PEX tubing is recommended for hydronic heating, cooling, and snow melting systems using water or a water/glycol mix as the heat transfer media. The tubing is also NSF rated safe for potable water.
How do you know if PEX has oxygen barrier?
Both Oxygen Barrier and Non-Barrier PEX can be purchased in these assortments of colors. The difference is in the outside material of the tubing itself. The Oxygen Barrier tubing exudes a glossy appearance, as the Non-Barrier tubing resembles a matte.
What is the difference between red and orange PEX?
There are no performance differences between red, white, blue and white PEX and all are intended for use in potable water systems. The colors can be used to easily distinguish between hot and cold distribution lines. Orange PEX pipe is an oxygen barrier PEX pipe used only for hydronic heating applications.
What type of PEX is best for radiant heat?
1/2" PEX Tubing with Oxygen Barrier is the most popular size for all radiant floor heating applications due to it's flexibility, light weight and ability to deliver large amounts of heat.
Can you use PEX for baseboard?
For baseboards, 5/8" or 3/4" PEX are recommended, although very small baseboards can be fed with 1/2" PEX lines. For cast iron and aluminum radiators, 3/4" PEX is a standard size. In small to mid size residential plumbing 3/4" PEX is used for mains and 1/2" for feeding water to the fixtures.
Can you use in floor heat PEX for potable water?
Most oxygen-barrier PEX does not have the appropriate approval codes for use with potable water and should not be installed in domestic plumbing applications.
What is the difference between red and blue PEX?
Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply.
What is orange PEX pipe used for?
Designed for use on hot and cold potable water lines, Orange PEX tubing is commonly used for radiant floor and hydronic heating applications.
What are the different types of PEX?
So What are the Differences between PEX types?PEX A is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method.PEX B is formed using Silane, or Moisture Cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there.PEX C is created using the Electronic Irradiation, or Cold, method of cross-linking.
What is PEX barrier pipe used for?
PEX Pipe is a multilayer pipe made from high-density polyethylene which is durable and flexible when used and can bend at a 90-degree angle. This type of piping is commonly used for domestic & commercial hot and cold water installations.
Can you crimp oxygen barrier PEX?
Yes, SharkBite oxygen barrier PEX tubing is compatible with SharkBite barb fittings, clamp rings and crimp rings.
What kind of PEX do you use for radiant heat?
1/2 Inch PEX Tubing1/2 Inch PEX Tubing accounts for the majority of Residential Radiant Heat installations and should be used in most slab, overpour, or joist underfloor heating applications. 5/8 Inch PEX and 3/4 PEX pipe are generally reserved for large commercial and snow-melt applications.
What is PEX barrier pipe?
Speedfit PEX Barrier Pipe is slightly more rigid than our polybutylene pipe, making it ideal for both long and short pipe runs. Made up of 5 layers, including an oxygen barrier, the pipe prevents the ingress of air into the system which reduces the effect of corrosion on metal components.
Is PEX banned in California?
Yes, currently PEX is banned in California as it has not been added to the approved materials list.
What is the difference between Pex-A, B & C?
PEX-A is formed using the Engel method. This gives the strongest degree of cross-linkage, making it the most durable, and it’s the most flexible ma...
How long does PEX plumbing last?
PEX plumbing will typically last over 100 years (barring any damage).
What are the available sizes of PEX tubing and pipes
PEX piping is usually in a standard size but is available anywhere between ½ inch and 32 inches in diameter. Typically they are available ½, ¾, and...
Does Pex meet the plumbing code?
PEX meets all national codes in the US, but in some local areas, PEX hasn’t been approved (such as California).
What is oxygen barrier PEX?
Oxygen Barrier PEX is used in your heating systems which can suffer from corrosion, and just like with Non-Oxygen PEX, there are two grades available. Oxygen Barrier Pex is typically ½ inch in diameter, but you can get some variation to fit different systems. 3. Aluminum Barrier Pex.
What is PEX piping made of?
Traditional piping would be made from copper or a galvanized metal. PEX offers a modern alternative with a material that’s more affordable and much easier to handle.
What is PEX plumbing?
PEX is a practical alternative to traditional plumbing that offers a range of benefits. If you’re a DIY plumber, this is the material you want to be using, and hopefully, this article has given you everything you need to know about PEX.
How much does PEX plumbing cost?
To replumb small areas, it will typically cost $300-1500. To re-plumb your entire home, it may cost over $5000. This is still significantly cheaper than using other piping, though.
How to fit PEX pipe?
Once you’ve cut the PEX to the appropriate length and removed the old pipe, you can fit your PEX plumbing. Slide a crimp ring over the end of your PEX pipe, and then use the cinch clamp to tighten the connection. Make sure this is completely sealed before you switch the water back on.
How to attach PEX to PEX tube?
For this method, you need to fit a brass nut over the end of the tube along with a compression ring. You then need to insert a brass pipe into the PEX tube before you attach the PEX to the connection. You then need to tighten the nut over the fitting.
How to bend PEX?
You simply need to attach a copper ring to the end of the PEX, connect it to the attachment, and use a crimping tool (or cinch) to bend the PEX around the metal. You will need a crimping tool to do this effectively.
What is PEX with oxygen barrier?
PEX with oxygen barrier offers an effective and low cost solution for protection of ferrous parts in hydronic and radiant heat systems against rusting and corrosion.
What is the difference between PEX and non-barrier?
Primary difference between Non-Barrier and Oxygen Barrier PEX is external coating of special polymer (EVOH), which purpose is to prevent gradual diffusion of O2 (oxygen) molecules into the water circulating in the heating system. This simple mechanism protects cast iron components of the heating system from rusting and contributes to higher operating efficiencies and longer lifespan of the parts.
What size PEX is used for snow melt?
3/4" barrier PEX is commonly used for snow melt systems in driveways and walkways, since such systems require a higher flow rate with less restriction than traditional radiant heating systems. This size is also very common for supply and return lines to copper finned baseboards and cast iron or aluminum radiators.
What is 1" PEX?
1" PEX is generally used for supply and return lines to the boiler or the radiant heat manifold. Large internal diameter of 1" PEX allows it to transport substantial amounts of hot water to great distances, which makes it ideal for outdoor wood furnace installation.
Is PEX tubing lead free?
A: Only Non-Barrier (Plumbing) PEX Tubing and PEX-AL-PEX tubing by Everhot are Lead-Free compliant and certified for potable (drinking) water use.
What is the pressure of a PEX barrier?
1" PEX w/ oxygen barrier has a 9" minimum bending radius and is pressure rated up to 100 psi at 180F. It is manufactured to ASTM F876/F877, CSA B137.5, DIN 4726, ANSI/NSF 14 and SDR 9 standards and is UPC Listed by IAPMO. NSF-rfh certified for use in radiant heating applications. Warranted by the manufacturer.
What is 1" PEX used for?
1" PEX is most commonly used for running supply and return lines to an outdoor wood boiler or furnace. It is well suited for direct underground burial in a trench, with proper thermal insulation provided.
Is 1" PEX pipe stiff?
A: 1" pipe is thick and indeed can be somewhat stiff when compared to smaller PEX sizes. The brand and type does not make much of a difference. To remedy, place the coil in a warm place prior to the installation or (if available), place it in a tub filled with hot water - this will make the pipe noticeably more flexible.
What is PEX Al-Pex?
PEX-AL-PEXThe most expensive of the bunch, PEX-AL-PEX, also known as aluminum-barrier PEX, features a special construction—namely, an aluminum layer that goes a long way to help the tubing keep its shape once bent. That means PEX-AL-PEX eliminates the need for the installer to employ tie-downs every few feet. In addition, because the aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, PEX-AL-PEX often plays a role in heating systems whose components would corrode if exposed to oxygen.
Why is PEX so poorly understood?
In part, that’s because cutting, crimping, and clamping the material requires specialty tools to which many are unfamiliar. However, according to O’Brian, those who are new to PEX often get tripped up, not when installing the tubing, but rather when choosing which type to install. After all, PEX comes in more than 20 different varieties, each of which boasts its own set of pros and cons, and its own set of ideal applications. When shopping for PEX, therefore, “you must carefully consider the requirements of the project,” O’Brian explains, and from there, “decide which PEX product would make the best match for the task at hand.” To be successful, O’Brian concludes, “You need a basic understanding of the four main types.”
Which is better PEX or copper pipe?
For many plumbers, it's clear that PEX tubing wins out over copper pipe, but since there are several types of PEX navigating the marketplace can be a challenge.
What are the different types of PEX?
The Types of PEX (PEX-A, PEX-B, PEX-C, PEX-Al-PEX)
Can you use a heat gun to repair PEX tubing?
Normally, if a section of tubing were to become damaged or deformed, you’d have no choice but to remove and replace it. But with PEX-A you can use a heat gun to restore it to its original state. Overall, and for tight spaces in particular, “it’s hands-down the best,” O’Brian says.
Is PEX C the same as PEX B?
PEX-C“PEX-B and PEX-C are pretty interchangeable ,” O’Brian says. If there’s a practical difference between the two, it’s their relative hardness levels. “PEX-C is the softer of the two,” O’Brian continues, and for that reason, “it’s more vulnerable to kinks.” On the plus side: Because a different manufacturing process goes into PEX-C, it typically costs less than PEX-B. If you’re taking on a demanding project, though, bear in mind that to an extent, “you get what you pay for,” O’Brian says.
Can you bury PEX tubing in concrete?
In regards to protecting PEX tubing in concrete our PEX is approved to be buried in concrete without any additional safeguards, so you are all good with just the tubing! When it comes to heating applications specifically you do not want to sleeve the tubing because it will get in the way of the heat transfer. For potable drinking water you can use Aquapex for additional protection. See our selection of that in the link below.
What is PEX a layer of?
Also known as PEX-AL-PEX, aluminum barrier PEX is three-layer tubing that consists of a layer of PEX, a layer of aluminum, and another layer of PEX. Its primary benefit is that once bent, PEX-AL-PEX holds its shape and doesn’t need to be tied down every few feet.
What is PEX B?
PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant. Both types of tubing come in three colors—red, white, and blue—in diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 3 inches. For indoor plumbing, the most common PEX tubing is one half-inch, which boasts a higher flow rate than copper pipe of the same size. For outdoor applications, “sleeved” versions of ...
What type of fittings are used for PEX tubing?
Once you’ve determined which type of PEX tubing you need, you will need to choose the fittings. The easiest to use are brass push-fit fittings, which simply “bite” into the tubing. Other types of fittings used with PEX are crimp, clamp, press and compression, any of which are less expensive but require specialized tools.
What is the difference between PEX and PEX-B?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.
What size oxygen barrier is used for baseboard?
The 1/2-inch size is most commonly used; 3/8-, 5/8- and 3/4-inch sizes are also available.
What is PEX tubing?
Polyethylene cross-linked tubing, better known as PEX, is a fine addition to the industrious do-it-yourself plumber’s arsenal. Inexpensive to buy and surprisingly versatile, PEX is also relatively easy to install.
What is PEX-AL-PEX used for?
The aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, which in concert with its lower expansion rate, makes PEX-AL-PEX suitable for use in outdoor, warmboard, or high-temperature heating systems.
What is the oxygen barrier?
Oxygen barrier has an interior coating of EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) polymer which is less oxygen-permeable than the polyethylene of the tubing.
Is a water resistive barrier a vapor barrier?
Same way that water resistive barriers are not vapor barriers. They stop water but allow the product it is protecting to dry out at the same time.
Is PEX a solid?
Same with PEX. PEX looks solid. For all intents and purposes, it IS a solid. It holds liquid water. But things can still pass through it. Oxygen is one of those things.
Is PEX tubing permeable?
polyethylene is too oxygen permeable to meet the standard for an oxygen barrier. EVOH doesn't allow oxygen through (or allows it through in minute enough quantities to be considered "close-enough" to zero. The polyethylene PEX tubing is coated on the inside with the EVOH so oxygen can't get into the liquid inside the tube and cause corrosion.