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Pex for condensate lines?

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rhodebump
rhodebump Member Posts: 152
in THE MAIN WALL

I know that I can't use PEX for steam pipes, but can you use it for the condensate return lines in a 2 pipe system?

j a_2

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  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,424
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    You looking to get a laugh out of us? :lol: Not that I’m an authority on any manufacturer, but, no. What are you trying to do?
    rhodebumpj a_2
  • rhodebump
    rhodebump Member Posts: 152
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    NO, it was a genuine question. In the last week, I have had to replace 20 feet of 1/2 black pipe that is used to return condensate to the steam system. It's piping that comes from the steam trap.
    Working with black pipe is very difficult, and you have to get the measurements just right. It would be so much easier if I can just use pex. There are some pex connections that go from NPT threads to pex.

    Since the condensate should be just water and air, I would think PEX could be used. It's also no pressure in this pipe.

    Thanks!
  • mikeg2015
    mikeg2015 Member Posts: 1,194
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    No. not a good idea. 200F is max temperature. You might get away with it on uninsulated wet returns near the boiler, but you are pushing it. Above 180F it starts losing strength and pressure limits drop. But pressure isn't an issue on steam.

    That being said, latex paint isn't supposed to be used over 200F, but 1/2 my radiators are painted and I have no issues at all.

    Best alternate cheaper, easier to work with option is copper tubing. That's what's used for mini tube systems.
    rhodebump
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,692
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    Get a mega press
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
    ratio
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,248
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    I'd look at hoses.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,061
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    Not only temp limitations for just hot condensate, but sometime you will have a trap fail and live steam will shoot around the returns.

    Also, a dry return has to have good pitch with no pockets to drain water and no traps caused by those pockets to impede air removal........something to keep in mind if you go to copper is to use rigid copper and not soft tubing which never really straightens out no matter how much you try.

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