Vanguard vs Wirsbo PEX

Steve_56

First, great forum, good reading for the homeowner. I've had the parameters of a hydronic radiant system spec'ed out for me. The specs call out Wirsbo HEPEX, but I talked to my local plumbing supply guy and he recommended Vanguard saying it's better than Wirsbo because it has a chemical treatment to solve the UV/Chlorine breakdown issue.

Any other reasons to go one way or the other? Any thoughts are appreciated, or if I missed a thread that addresses this topic, please let me know.

Lastly, I saw a link off this site to a book by Dan on modern hydronic systems, came back to buy the book the other day and couldn't find it?

Thanks,

steve

John Starcher_4

UV/Chlorine??????????

I am not aware of any uv/chlorine issue with Wirsbo pex.

I have installed the hePex and have had absolutely no problems. Have plumbed many houses in aquaPex, with great results.

Sounds like your guy is "brand biased," which we all probably are to some extent. It's ok to by loyal to a brand, but one shouldn't make false claims to make one look better than another.

Wirsbo is what we use.


Exclusively.

Starch

Jason_9

The UV issue with Wirsbo's PEX is nominal in most situations, but the tube should not be exposed to direct sunlight for thirty days or longer. I'm not aware of the chlorine issues, or the accuracy of Vanguard's claim.

kevin_5

I admit I'm brand loyal to Wirsbo

But I also have experience with (and own the tools for) VanGuard and StadlerViega.
Having said that, Wirsbo uses a "better" process to cross link their tubing. (HOT as opposed to cold) Vanguard does theirs as a secondary process which costs less. It's still a good product. BUT it certainly is not superior to Wirsbo. If anything it is inferior. Ask your guy how he would repair the tubing in your floor if he accidentily kinked it while installing. Wirsbo's Engel method Pex "A" allows tubing to be reformed with a heat gun. Pex "B or C" (refers to process by which it's cross linked) needs to have a repair coupling; unless it has aluminum in it, in which case it can sometimes be reformed manually if not kinked too severely. Wirsbo doesn't have a UV inhibitor in their tubing, once your house is built, the tubing won't see direct sunlight anyway.
sunlight during construction time is not a big factor. If it's going to take several months to close in your home, cover the tubing at manifolds with a black trash bag or cardboard or whatever. Wirsbo tubing has been undergoing testing in an independent laboratory under accelerated heat and pressure conditions since 1971 and hasn't even reached a knee point on the graph yet. (It hasn't showed any signs of weakening)
Once again Vanguard is good tubing. How long has their tubing been in use? How long has it been in testing? How much is in service worldwide? How long has their company been around? Wirsbo started off as a foundry in 1620. some manufacturers promise warranties longer than their company has even existed. Having said all this, I think there is probably a much broader range in contractor capability than tubing reliability. Make sure you get a guy who absolutely knows what he is doing. You're smart to choose Radiant Heating! Kevin

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Unknown

repairing A, B&C

Kevin,

Types A,B&C can all have kinks repaired with a heat gun. All repairs hold up the same. All have the same temperature restrictions when fixing a kink. All will tell you that it is best to remove and replace the kinked piece of tube. Air used to repair all three is not to exceed 340F (wirsbo states 338F), Tube should only be heated to 265F.

Supply House Rick

Negative Selling Tactics...

Wirsbo has oh let's see a kazillion miles of tubing in use right now. WIRSBO is Pex A, best there is, Vanguard is Pex C. Glad I could help...

Unknown

geeze rick....

a Little room for quality manufactures?

I like manufactures who support the wholesalers that have supported them. Mans like Wirsbo, Watts, Roth. Then you have your mans that sell direct, that I will leave nameless to protect you.

I also like to look at US manufactures, people like Wirsbo and Watts.

Mmmmm, no you want to talk about longevity in business. I know Wirsbo has been in the states since 1989 but did you know that Roth Pex has been manufactured for 11 years longer (yes Pex C has 11 more years of successful use).

So, now lets compare support and actual products.

Ever have a Wirsbo cast brass manifold leak? How about when you join a 3 with a 4, all the gaskets held up forever.

If you want to lay claim, then let's bring out everyones ghosts. I'll even thro Entran 2 out there.

But both Wirsbo and Watts stood behind all of there failures and made good on them. Both have made superior products to replace the bad ones (except the actual cast Wirsbo manifold is still around). Can we say that abouty all of them?

C'mon, before you start throwing out statements like that, let's put a few facts together.

Thanks

tom mahon_5

WIRSBO

has got complete system solutions with lots of local talent to back it up. Getting it right for over 30 years ...

tom mahon_5

WIRSBO

has got complete system solutions with lots of local talent to back it up. Getting it right for over 30 years ...

Steve_56

Thanks to all

for the input, I think I'll stick with Wirsbo. I've only read positive things about their products.

Not to scare any of you, but I will be installing the system myself, with the contractor providing oversight and final inspection. It will probably take me 10 times longer than a pro, but I want to understand thoroughly the system I'll be living with.

Thanks again for all the info.

John Starcher_4

Steven....

....you have made a good choice. Wirsbo is an excellent product, with an outstanding support team standing behind it. That's not to say that no other pex is good - there are MANY very good brands on the market. My personal preference, though, is Wirsbo, because of the people who run the company.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you installing your own system, provided you have a pro watching over you. It will make you appreciate your silent, comfortable heating system that much more when the thermometor starts to dip towards the lower end!!!

Good luck with your installation, and come back here to let us know how everything works!!!!!

Starhc