HEPEX used for supply lines

[jnugget]

a couple years ago I had some toekick heaters installed for my Kitchen renovation .. at the same time, I had them do the rough in for the sink . . I was in the crawl space the other day and noticed on the pex they used for the supply lines for the faucet said NOT FOR POTABLE WATER . . its the same stuff they used on the heaters . . I'm assuming I have to remove this stuff, but was also wondering if it could cause any health issues. . we've been using it for 2 years now . . it says wirsbro hepex. thanks - John

 

[Peter57]

I think you're hosed! (joke)

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Here's the deal. Heat pex is manufactured with an oxygen barrier that keeps oxygen from migrating through the pipe and into the system. On a hydronic heating system, oxygen permeation can cause rust within the boiler. Manufacturers have to pay big money to get their products 3rd party certified for use in this country so the logic is why spend a million dollars or so getting NSF certification on a product designed for heat. The actual pex product is the exact same as the potable water pipe, it just has an Oxygen barrier and although it is not certified for potable water it will never cause you any issues whatsoever so leave it where it is and forget about it. Furthermore the O2 barrier is on the outside of the pipe only. There are no health effects.

 

[hj]

The oxygen barrier is often a ply of aluminum between two plies of PEX, but should not cause any problems with potable water.

 

[jnugget]

Thanks guys. . I had seen on a Plumbing supply website that they said the tubing was actually dipped in a chemical bath, I guess probably just the outside of the tubing? this stuff is clear, theres no aluminum inside it. Thanks again

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Yes, Uponor dips the pipe. You will feel that the outside of the pipe feels a little sticky. No issues though