PEX inside or outside of wall?

[slowTA]

I've started laying out my PEX and hung the manifold on a girt. Should I run the PEX from the floor up to the manifold in the wall (surrounded by insulation) or along the face of the wall?

I'm going to have batt insulation with liner panel. I figured there will be a hole in the liner panel to allow all the PEX to pass out to the manifold.

 

[Jim greengo]

Outside of wall

 

[slowTA]

Outside the wall because it's more organized and less complicated that way?

 

[kj_mustang]

Yep come up out of the floor on the outside of the wall. If the pump and controls are all going to be in this area, then hang a piece of osb/plywood instead of the metal liner to attach it all.

 

[rsanter]

I would create a little recess so it’s in the wall but has a cover plate to protest it

 

[stingry]

As said above, keep the tubing where you can see it. Also consider using pvc conduit bends where the pex exits the concrete.

View media item 21026

 

[Slowgsr]

Id run it in the wall then back out a couple feet up. Prevents mechanical damage at the floor.

 

[slowTA]

So based on the answers so far it sounds like it doesn't matter from a technical point of view, just convenience issues!

In the wall offers some protection, but more work. Only 'some' protection since my bottom girt won't be in when the concrete is poured anyway.

 

[MoonRise]

You MUST protect the PEX from UV.

That includes sunlight, UV from arc welding, and fluorescent lighting.

Just an FYI.

https://www.uponor-usa.com/residential-plumbing/contractor/faqs.aspx

The test method for evaluating UV resistance as required by ASTM F876 is ASTM F2657 Test Method for Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX). According to ASTM F876, PEX tubing must bear a four-digit code to signify the requirements it meets. The second digit in the code references the minimum ultraviolet (UV) resistance of the piping. For example, tubing with a 5106 marking has a “1” as the second digit, which indicates the piping meets minimum UV resistance requirements for a period of 1 month. Tubing with a “2” as the second digit indicates a resistance period of 3 months. Uponor AquaPEX White and Wirsbo hePEX piping carry a 5106 marking, indicating a UV-resistance period of 1 month. Uponor AquaPEX Red and Blue tubing (typically used for plumbing applications) carry a 5206 marking, indicating a UV-resistance period of 3 months.

Where in Morris are you, btw? I'm in the northwest corner.

 

[slowTA]

Good points, which is why I was going to put it in the wall. Either way I was going to make a plywood box as a cover for the pex and manifold. If I keep the PEX out of the wall that box will just have to be a bit taller.

 

[86turbodsl]

You MUST protect the PEX from UV.

That includes sunlight, UV from arc welding, and fluorescent lighting.

Just an FYI.

https://www.uponor-usa.com/residential-plumbing/contractor/faqs.aspx

Anecdotal data i've seen seems to suggest that pex has to be pretty close to a fluorescent bulb before this starts to really be a problem.

Like a couple of feet.