Pex for air line?

[autorepairguy]

Anyone here plumb air lines in their shop with pex? Cheap,easy to install,adapt,add on to, etc.

 

[The Cobbler]

I'm putting on the popcorn LOL

regularly discussed here, the short answer is " don't do it" , unless you use pex al pex

 

[ADSR]

There's a few AL-PEX jobs on here. I plan to try it with regular pex and only 125 psi.

 

[Jas29]

^^
Should bump the pressure up to 175. what do u got to lose

 

[DekeT]

Try the search function for an opinion.

 

[rburke65]

I have it in my shop...relatively new and not much use on it so far but happy with it.

 

[dfiler2]

The manufacturing plant where I work has used PEX for air lines for the past 25 years. We are a MNSHARP company, which means OSHA has agreed not to make unannounced visits, there are 35 MNSHARP companies in MN that have qualified for this program. I point this out because I know for a fact that PEX is approved for use as airlines and is very safe. I understand using black iron as it makes for a very neat install. I do have concerns about using AL- Pex for anything.

 

[er3456df]

I do have concerns about using AL- Pex for anything.

Just curious- why? I've never used it, but it seems like it should be as good or better than regular PEX at pretty much everything (aside from maybe flexibility).

 

[Whaler1777]

Fittings are rated for 200 psi no?

 

[dfiler2]

Just curious- why? I've never used it, but it seems like it should be as good or better than regular PEX at pretty much everything (aside from maybe flexibility).

I was introduced to AL-Pex about 20 years ago,my concern at that time was that you had two different materials that would expand and contract at different rates. I felt that the possible long term problems were not worth the risk. As it turns out most of the problems and failures of the product were caused by electrolysis where the aluminum came in contact with a dissimilar metal at the fittings. I think it is easier to do a neat looking install with the product but given its current track record I am just not comfortable using it.

Understand this is just my opinion and I realize millions of feet are in use as air lines with no current problems.

It seems some people have PEX and CPVC confused, they are very different products and I would never suggest using CPVC for air lines.

 

[akdiesel]

Pros to PEX-AL-PEX are faster installs, less connections, less initial costs and easy to make modifications.

Cons to PEX-AL-PEX are that it will not absorb the air temps like metal pipe to help drop out moisture, can have low section in straight runs to trap moisture, and if not installed correctly can look and function bad as just mentioned.

So if you have a small shop and are to overly concerned about moisture or live in a high humidity location than PEX-AL-PEX is a great choice.

 

[slice]

7 yrs 110 lbs on it. Nvr a leak. 3/4 red.

 

[autorepairguy]

If you use clear pex you can watch the air go by inside,great for troubleshooting volume issues.