Although you can generally bury PEX tubing, some tubing types will have a longer lifespan than others underground, especially when used to transport water in freezing conditions (source). PEX-B is the first choice for burying due to its higher bursting pressure and reduced issues with leached chemicals.
Can you use PEX pipe outside?
Can I use PEX pipe outside? PEX pipe is not approved for outdoor applications and is not approved for continuous UV exposure. PEX pipe should not be stored in direct sunlight.
What is the best pipe to use for underground water line?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are a considered the best choice for underground water lines. What makes this type of piping so great? HDPE pipes are non-toxic, tasteless, and considered a green building material. The pipes are designed to be high crack- and corrosion-resistant.
Is PEX pipe rated for direct burial?
PEX pipe is approved for direct burial in soil or concrete. Some PEX fittings and fitting materials are also rated for direct burial; check with the manufacturer for approved applications and installation guidelines.
What do you use for buried water lines?
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is a plastic water supply line suitable for both buried and above ground applications. Like a thick, strong hose, PEX is a flexible tubing material capable of stretching around bends and turns without pipe fittings. PEX withstands chemical damage, high temperature and high pressure.
Where should you not use PEX?
PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas.
You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.
Is PEX or PVC better for underground?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. – Price. When you compare the material costs of PEX vs PVC, PEX comes out more expensive. (However, balance this factor against the lower labor cost to install PEX.)
How deep do I bury water line?
Water filled pipe should be buried at least 12″ below the maximum expected frost line. It is recommended that thermoplastic piping be run within a metal or concrete casing when it is installed beneath surfaces that are subject to heavyweight or constant traffic such as roadways and railroad tracks.
How deep should a water pipe be in the ground?
According to ‘The Department of the Environment’, they recommend that pipes should be buried at least 600mm (two feet) underground. At this depth, the soil acts as a natural insulator and prevents them freezing.
