Pex Tubing Types Oxygen Barrier Vs. Non Barrier}

PEX Tubing Types Oxygen Barrier vs. Non Barrier

by

Mr PEX PEX

When beginning a plumbing job the most common question that goes through our minds is what type of PEX tubing to use: an Oxygen Barrier or a Non barrier. The choice may not be easy but depending on the specification and type of application that the PEX tubing is intended for, then we are able to make a choice.

The external polymer coating the Oxygen barrier PEX tubing is the main difference between the two types of PEX tubing. The external polymer coating makes the Oxygen barrier PEX tubing prone to the diffusion of Oxygen. The only application that the Oxygen barrier PEX tubing is used in is the hydronic or radiant heating application. The system should have ferrous components or cast iron present. The Oxygen barrier PEX tubing helps to prevent the corrosion of the ferrous components. This is because rust is the result when oxygen comes into contact with the ferrous parts of the system.

Another name for the oxygen barrier PEX tubing is Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH). The standard commonly found imprinted on the oxygen barrier PEX tubing is DIN 4726. This is to show that the oxygen barrier PEX tubing meets the oxygen diffusion barrier requirements.

The non barrier PEX tubing is used for plumbing applications in the homes. Non barrier PEX tubing are also known as the PEX plumbing tubing. Oxygen molecules are present in the supply of water from the main supply or heater thus the less need of the oxygen barrier PEX tubing.

So if you have both the pipes and cannot tell one from the other you need not worry as there is a simple way to find out which is which. This is done by analyzing the two PEX tubing under a source of light of any kind. If the surface of the pipes is shiny then it is the oxygen barrier tubing. But if the surface is matte it is the non barrier pipes.

Manufactures of the tubing usually indicate whether it is a non barrier or an oxygen barrier tubing. The type of barrier is imprinted on the surface of the PEX tubing. The color of the PEX tubing does not tell the type of tubing it is. Mostly the color on the plumbing pipes is used for color coding to distinguish the hot water pipes from the cold water pipes.

PEX Plumbing Expert is the author of this article on PEX Plumbing DIY. Find more information about PEX Tubing Installation here.

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PEX Tubing Types Oxygen Barrier vs. Non Barrier}