Thread: PEX

Does anyone know if PEX for potable water needs to be color specific. Basically, the plumber used red Pex on cold water lines. Opaque, red and blue colors were used, however several toilets and faucets used all red. Any thoughts.

Thanks

PEX Tubing - PEX Tube - PEX Plumbing Pipe - Aquapex PEX Plumbing - Zurn PEX Tubing

Red- Hot
Blue-Cold

Is that a code requirement, I could not locate any info on it.

I would say it is more of a manufactures recommendation/requirement.

HydroPEX Tubing is designed for use in potable plumbing systems. HydroPEX Tubing meets ASTM F876/877, SDR 9, and is pressure tested to 180°F at 100 psi. HydroPEX Tubing comes in red and blue to distinguish hot and cold water lines.

Dumb, but not prohibited that I can see.

Any color can be used for hot or cold. White, Blue or Red all do the same thing. It would be logical to use Red for hot and Blue for cold.

Thanks everyone. Looks like one less item I need to mention.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Any color can be used for hot or cold. White, Blue or Red all do the same thing. It would be logical to use Red for hot and Blue for cold.

As Scott said - any color is acceptable. The use of different colors was strictly to help the plumber *not* make mistakes when connecting the ends up. (no need to follow the pipes out, or, as some plumbers do with CPVC - write 'HOT' on the hot piping at each fixture location when they are running the piping).

That said, those are not connected properly.

Without reviewing the PEX installation instructions, I am pretty sure I remember them being like the PB instructions - come off the connections straight 12" (may have been 6" or 18"??), anchor with a strap, then make any bends. This will relieve the stress being applied to those fittings, which are not designed to take that stress.

Why it that T&P valve in the tee under the thermal expansion thank? I doubt that tank is properly supported either.

Jerry,
Good question about the TP valve, I am not sure about the fire suppression system, althought the system was under contruction. What are your thoughts why it is there.

Looks like those kitchen sink drain lines run uphill.

Also looks as though the sprayer hose will snag on the supply stop.

Is that an Air Admittance valve? Check your local codes on these. Lots of info in past threads.

I am surprised it took someone that long to mention the improper drain slope, the whole house was that way. Good work for a 4 million dollar home. I will check on that valve. Thanks for the info

Colors not a requirement in the codes, but one would hope people would plan 15 minutes ahead of a job. I've seen jobs where suddenly, red tubing is connected to blue - so either they ran out to tubing, the fittings are mini-magical tankless heaters, or the installer is color blind.

Mike
PPFA

BTW - if you don't have a copy, I suggest downloading the "PEX Design Guide" -

Design Guide - Residential PEX Water Supply Plumbing Systems

Very good source of information for installers and inspectors for PEX.

Mike
PPFA