As a subject matter expert in the field of plumbing materials, I'd like to shed some light on the nuances between oxygen barrier PEX tubing and its standard counterpart. PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible and durable piping material widely used in plumbing systems for both residential and commercial applications. The key difference lies in the presence of an oxygen barrier, which serves a specific purpose in certain environments.
Oxygen Barrier PEX is a variant of PEX tubing that includes an additional layer designed to prevent oxygen from permeating through the pipe walls. This feature is particularly important in applications where the ingress of oxygen could lead to corrosion or other undesirable effects. Let's delve deeper into the specifics:


1. Corrosion Prevention: Oxygen in water can accelerate the corrosion process of metal components in a plumbing system, such as copper pipes, brass fittings, and even the heat exchangers in boilers. The oxygen barrier in PEX tubing helps to mitigate this issue by creating a protective layer around the water-carrying system.


2. Microorganism Growth: Oxygen can also promote the growth of certain microorganisms within the plumbing system. An oxygen barrier can help to reduce the risk of bacterial growth, which is especially crucial in closed-loop systems like hydronic heating.


3. Heat Loss Reduction: PEX tubing with an oxygen barrier is often used in radiant floor heating systems. The barrier not only helps to prevent corrosion of the heating elements but also reduces heat loss by providing better insulation properties.


4. Longevity and Efficiency: By reducing the impact of oxygen on the system, the overall efficiency and longevity of the plumbing system are improved. This can lead to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for the system components.


5. Color Coding: As mentioned in the provided content, oxygen barrier PEX tubing is often manufactured in a distinct color, such as orange, to differentiate it from standard PEX tubing. This color coding can be helpful for plumbers and contractors during installation and maintenance to ensure the correct type of tubing is being used for the intended application.


6. Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process for oxygen barrier PEX involves the incorporation of additives that create a barrier to oxygen diffusion. This process must be carefully controlled to ensure the barrier's effectiveness without compromising the tubing's structural integrity or flexibility.

7.
Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the region, there may be specific codes and regulations that require the use of oxygen barrier PEX in certain applications, particularly in systems that are prone to corrosion or where the preservation of water quality is a concern.

8.
Cost Considerations: Oxygen barrier PEX tubing is typically more expensive than standard PEX due to the additional manufacturing steps involved. However, the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance and increased system longevity can offset the initial higher cost.

In conclusion, while both types of PEX tubing share the general advantages of being flexible, durable, and easy to install, the oxygen barrier version offers additional benefits in specific applications where protection against oxygen-related issues is critical.

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SharkBite PEX tubing is a cross-linked polyethylene tubing for a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing applications. This pipe is manufactured with an oxygen barrier for radiant floor and hydronic heating applications (only available in orange).read more >>