Is insulation required for PEX type piping?

[Ken Amelin]

I almost never see hot water distribution pipe (PEX type) insulated. The energy code requires R3?
Is PEX rated R3?

Do you call this out on your reports??

[Billy Stephens]

R Value of Pex is very similar to cooper.
If you AHJ requires R3 then Pex needs to be insulated as cooper supply would be to meet this requirement.

[JB Thompson]

Old post resurrection.

Yes. I call it out. Pex manufacturers recommend it. From a Viega manual....

15.6
Freezing
The flexibility of ViegaPEX Ultra tubing makes it
resistant to damage from freezing, but precautions
to prevent freezing should be taken when low
temperatures might be encountered.
Insulating each PEX tube individually or as a group is
not generally necessary if the PEX tubing is installed
within the insulation envelope of the structure, i.e. the
heated area. For example, the tubing may be installed
under the insulation in the attic or within an interior wall
of a heated space.

[Ken Amelin]

Old post resurrection.

Yes. I call it out. Pex manufacturers recommend it. From a Viega manual....

15.6
Freezing
The flexibility of ViegaPEX Ultra tubing makes it
resistant to damage from freezing, but precautions
to prevent freezing should be taken when low
temperatures might be encountered.
Insulating each PEX tube individually or as a group is
not generally necessary if the PEX tubing is installed
within the insulation envelope of the structure, i.e. the
heated area. For example, the tubing may be installed
under the insulation in the attic or within an interior wall
of a heated space.


Hi Bruce,
The original discussion was not about insulation for freezing but about insulating to energy code. ViegaPEX bulletin is not addressing this. Very curious that it says it is not needed if within heated space?? MMM?