Say Goodbye to Leaky Pipes! PEX Pipe: The White Savior for Worry-Free Plumbing

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is a popular choice for plumbing applications due to its flexibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion. However, one question that often arises is: “Is PEX pipe white?” This blog post will delve into the world of PEX colors, providing a comprehensive answer to this common query.

PEX Pipe Colors: A Spectrum of Options

Contrary to popular belief, PEX pipes are not exclusively white. In fact, they come in a wide range of colors, each with its own specific purpose and application. The most common colors include:

• White: The most widely used color for PEX pipes, white is typically associated with cold water lines.
• Red: Red PEX pipes are designed for hot water lines.
• Blue: Blue PEX pipes are primarily used for cold water lines in commercial and industrial settings.
• Green: Green PEX pipes are often used for radiant floor heating systems.
• Orange: Orange PEX pipes are typically found in oxygen barrier applications, such as hydronic heating systems.
• Yellow: Yellow PEX pipes are specifically engineered for gas distribution lines.
• Purple: Purple PEX pipes are used in potable water systems and are NSF-61 certified for drinking water applications.

Is White PEX Pipe the Only Option for Cold Water Lines?

While white PEX pipes are commonly used for cold water lines, they are not the only option. Blue PEX pipes are also suitable for cold water applications, particularly in commercial and industrial settings where color-coding is important for safety and organization.

Why Use Colored PEX Pipes?

Using colored PEX pipes offers several advantages:

• Color-coding: Different colors make it easy to identify the purpose of each pipe, which can prevent accidental connections or misidentification.
• Temperature indication: Red and blue pipes clearly indicate hot and cold water lines, respectively.
• Oxygen barrier: Orange PEX pipes provide an oxygen barrier, which is essential for hydronic heating systems to prevent corrosion.
• Potable water certification: Purple PEX pipes are NSF-61 certified for drinking water applications, ensuring the safety and purity of the water supply.

Is PEX Pipe Always White?

No, PEX pipe is not always white. It comes in a variety of colors, each with its own specific purpose and application. While white is the most common color for cold water lines, other colors are available for hot water lines, radiant floor heating, oxygen barrier applications, gas distribution, and potable water systems.

How to Choose the Right PEX Pipe Color

When selecting PEX pipes, it is important to consider the specific application and the intended use. The following guidelines can help you make an informed decision:

• Cold water lines: White or blue PEX pipes are suitable for cold water lines.
• Hot water lines: Red PEX pipes are designed for hot water lines.
• Radiant floor heating: Green PEX pipes are commonly used for radiant floor heating systems.
• Oxygen barrier applications: Orange PEX pipes provide an oxygen barrier for hydronic heating systems.
• Gas distribution: Yellow PEX pipes are specifically engineered for gas distribution lines.
• Potable water systems: Purple PEX pipes are NSF-61 certified for drinking water applications.

Wrapping Up

The question “Is PEX pipe white?” has a multifaceted answer. While white PEX pipes are commonly used for cold water lines, they are not the only option. PEX pipes come in a wide range of colors, each with its own specific purpose and application. By understanding the color-coding system and the different types of PEX pipes available, you can ensure that you choose the right pipes for your plumbing needs.

Information You Need to Know

Q: What color PEX pipe is best for cold water lines?
A: White or blue PEX pipes are suitable for cold water lines.

Q: What color PEX pipe is designed for hot water lines?
A: Red PEX pipes are designed for hot water lines.

Q: What color PEX pipe is used for radiant floor heating?
A: Green PEX pipes are commonly used for radiant floor heating systems.

Q: What color PEX pipe provides an oxygen barrier for hydronic heating systems?
A: Orange PEX pipes provide an oxygen barrier for hydronic heating systems.

Q: What color PEX pipe is specifically engineered for gas distribution lines?
A: Yellow PEX pipes are specifically engineered for gas distribution lines.

Q: What color PEX pipe is NSF-61 certified for drinking water applications?
A: Purple PEX pipes are NSF-61 certified for drinking water applications.