non oxygen pex
Last Post 26 Sep 2014 11:13 AM by sailawayrb. 6 Replies.
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DannySUser is Offline
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25 Sep 2014 05:22 PM
Hello, I'm new to this forum so my apologies if this topic has been beaten to death. I did a quick search and didn't find much. I recently built a workshop/studio and installed the in-floor heating system myself. I bought a kit and it came with non-oxygen barrier pex tubing. We installed it and it passed the pressure test for the inspector. The inspector noted the non-ox pex in the preliminary mech. inspection, but said it would be ok. Then, at the final inspection, he failed the system because the pumps are cast iron. Can anyone tell me if the code reads anywhere that non-oxygen pex must be used and that the pumps must be stainless steel if non-ox pex is used?
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25 Sep 2014 07:58 PM
Only O2 barrier PEX should be used in hydronic applications. I believe this explains the situation pretty well:

O2 Barrier vs Non-barrier PEX

The videos on this website may be informative as well:

O2 Barrier vs Non-barrier PEX

Since it is too late to install the proper O2 barrier PEX, you will now need to use bronze or stainless steel components. You will have problems if you don't do this so I don't think there is much value in challenging the inspector about this.

If you don't mind me asking, who sold you a hydronic kit with non-barrier PEX?
Borst Engineering & Construction LLC - Competence, Integrity and Professionalism are integral to all that we do!
DannySUser is Offline
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25 Sep 2014 09:13 PM
Radiantec, www.radiantec.com
They're out of Vermont. Is this a specific code violation issue? He "allowed" the pex to be used which says to me it's not specifically spelled out in the code that it can't be used, just not the best way to do it. I have a local guy that I should have bought my system from that will sell me chemicals to help stabilize the fluid to help the situation. He didn't think there was anything specific in the code that puts me in violation with my system as-is. It's just not the best practice.
Other than the cast iron pumps corroding, is there any other concern?
DannySUser is Offline
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25 Sep 2014 09:19 PM
I see you're name is sailawayrb... What kind of boat?
sailawayrbUser is Offline
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26 Sep 2014 10:42 AM
Yes, it is the combination of non-barrier PEX and the use of ferrous hydronic system components (i.e., components that contain iron) that is problematic and far from best practice. The use of non-barrier PEX and non-ferrous hydronic system components is considered acceptable. So I suspect this is why the inspector likely initially allowed the use of non-barrier PEX, but subsequently failed the completed system that used ferrous hydronic system components. If he was perhaps a more helpful inspector, he might have told you this in advance. I suppose the same could be said for the company that sold you the kit.  However, most inspectors don’t get too involved in telling you how to do stuff in advance, they just tell you after the fact what it was that they think you did wrong and why they can’t approve it. Yes, sometimes inspectors can go too far in applying their interpretation of the code. In this case, however, I suspect your inspector is just trying to help you avoid future hydronic component system failure and his intent is good. It is almost always best to work with your inspector to understand their concerns and make the recommended changes. Choose your inspector battles very wisely!

With regard to the hydronic systems components, any of them that touch the now oxygenated hydronic fluid need to be non-ferrous material (e.g., brass, bronze, stainless steel, plastic, etc) to avoid corrosion failure.

With regard to boats, we had a Beneteau Oceanis 41 based in Seattle for many years and we sailed to most everyplace in Pacific Ocean. We spent lots of time in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. These days we live in the southern OR mountains and will just do bareboat charters from here on out. Our last two charters were Sea of Cortez and British Virgin Islands. We also have a small place in Maui, but the sailing isn’t all that good there.
Borst Engineering & Construction LLC - Competence, Integrity and Professionalism are integral to all that we do!
DannySUser is Offline
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26 Sep 2014 11:02 AM
Thanks for your input. Not what I was hoping to hear but understandable coming from a competent source and not the a-hole inspector I have to deal with. I'd rather talk boats any day of the week. We have an O'day 35 on Lake superior.
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26 Sep 2014 11:13 AM
Very nice. We lived in Medina, OH (southwest of Cleveland) for a couple years and managed to do some sailing on Lake Superior. I wish that we had more time to explore the great lakes...very interesting area.  The kids loved Cedar Point...by far the best amusement park in the world (if you like roller coasters), or so I think.
Borst Engineering & Construction LLC - Competence, Integrity and Professionalism are integral to all that we do!
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