Heat Pex for domestic?

Geo_4

I,ve been installing wirsbo heat pex for awhile and now need to run hot and cold domestic water into my garage from my basement. Can the heat pex be used for potable water? I know it says you can't, just wondering why? Is it so they can sell more of both??

cruizer

PW rating

If it doesn't have PW stamped on it, then it is not rated for potable water. Potable rated tubing has a special cleaning process, among other things, that make it friendly for potable use. Also, the fittings must be potable rated as well.

Tim Doran

HePex

First off it's HePex not heat pex. Heat pex was an RTI product. Secondly, it's about listings and certifications. Wirsbo did not have HePex NSF-PW listed so it is not for potable use. HePex has a barrier and costs more so why use it for plumbing which does not require a barrier? Thirdly, why does a technical question have to end in speculation and suggestion of an alterior motive. This only serves to keep manufacturers from participating in this forum.

Tim D.

hr

But Tim

regarding point 3. I feel that's exactly why manufactures should be more vocal here, to present the facts and help end the rumors, assumptions and wives tales that seem to snowball in this industry

If a manufacture sees bad info being passed on we all benefit if the "truth" is presented for all to see.

Elsewise the rumors and bad info just perpetuates and grows larger with the absence of the facts from the "horses mouth" so to speak.

It doesn't always have to come from the manufacture, per say, reps should pipe in (pun intended) if the see their products being mis represented.

What say you?

hot rod

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Chris_32

Frustrating

HR,
I do agree with your thoughts. It is just very frustrating to see all of the BS. I would much rather share information and idea's than try to squash rumors and speculation.

Tim D.

Unknown

Tim

putting the issue of listings and liability aside , is there any danger of using Hepex for potable water ? Does the oxygen barrier make it unsuitable for that use ? I realize that Aquapex costs less that Hepex , put sometimes you might just have alot of excess Hepex and have a short run to a washing machine .

Bill Nye_2

Yeah Ron,

Hey Tim, would you die or something? Would the pex cops arrest you? I have 10 co-workers and I am not sure but it may have been used [by mistake of course] what is the worse that could happen? This is not a **** question. If I knew I wouldn't ask.

Bob Forand

reps

I wanted to make a comment in regards to representation from manufacturers. I have spoken to a few different "reps" in regards to the wall. What I find bothersome is that most feel that they have to monitor this site for fear that their products will be slandered, misrepresented, or taken avantage of by people with their own motives. Perhaps part of the price increases that happen are due to that fact. The best and worst part of the wall is voicing opinions....

hr

How does the Wall

differ from the coffee shop, or parts counter in that regard. Seems any opportunity to correct mis information, which is not always slander, just mis info passed by uninformed folks, is a good one.

I would say Wirsbo goes above and beyond the norm when training contractors, a big thanks to them.

Training and education NEVER ends. Looks like even some loyal Wirsbo users are confused on the acceptable use of the various products.

Agreed some comments seem harsh, not are all meant to be that way. That's just the way e-communication goes, unfortunatly.

Regardless, if it is an honest question or a misguided jab, seems getting the correct answer is worth the time spent hear by the mans, and their chain of dist. At least that's how I see it.

Sometimes a lack of reply comes across as more of an issue than a response??

hot rod

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John Felciano

Lurking

It's amazing how many manufactureres monitor this and other sites and NEVER speak up to address a problem.Some will contact the posting individual privatly which is ok but a few have stood up here and attacked problems head on.Let me say as a contractor I have a great deal of respect for any manufacturer who is willing to participate here in this open forum.

A while back I had a continuing problem with a product.Posted something here about it and within an hour my cell phone was ringing from the manufacturers rep wanting to address the problem.Great for me,but not so great for the others who I'm sure were experiencing the same problem.

The internet and this board has great power.

Tim Doran

Ron & Bill

It's the same base pipe as Aquapex it just has a barrier. Nothng bad will happen to you if you use a scrap or two here and there and we know that some of folks do it. A lot of drinking water has been transported through things that are much worse than anything that is in pex, like lead and asbestos. From a legalities stand point I have to say that it should not be used as it is not rated or listed with NSF.

Tim D.

kevin_5

The difference...

I agree with hot rod's comments, but I can see a great potential difference between the Wall and the local parts counter or coffeeshop.
It is the astronomical number of people who can pick up on the tale, whether it be good, bad, or ugly. This is the World Wide Web. So far there is no world wide coffee shop.
It is a lot more permanent when it's in writing, I guess that's the legal difference between slander and libel?
Hot Rod is correct that Manufacturers should be glad for all the great exposure the wall gives to Radiant Heating and all related components. And with that exposure they must accept the potential for people to misrepresent them whether intended or not. Now, can I transfer boiling zylene through some Aquapex tubing even though it doesn't have the EVOH barrier on it? Kevin

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Sweet_2

Maybe if

there was a forum like this in place when Poly Buty came around there wouldnt be thousands if not, tens of thousands of home owners and contractors feeling the brunt end of that debacle. Although Im sure the envelope is pushed at times with an open forum the industry needs watch dogs and who better than the people putting there livelyhoods on the line everyday putting these products to the real world test.

Dave Stroman

Man! George sure got more than he bargained for when he asked his question. The answer is yes, you can use the hePex for domestic water. I would not make a habit of it and you may have a problem if it was a permited job, but in your own house where you are doing the work yourself, don't worry about it.

Dave in Denver

Geo_4

Thanks Dave,

I have alot of left over HePex tubing and need to make a couple short runs into my garage. I was not trying to be cynical or take a shot at the manufacturers, I was chuckling to myself as I wrote the last comment. Not meant to be a shot at anyone. Thanks Dave (post above) It would save me time and money as I don't have any aquapex or use it hanging around. I appreciate everyones input and I think one must review all the answers and opinons and then make an educated decision for himself. But when in doubt check with the manufacturers themselves.