Hi. I have a new home with aquapex tubing in my attic space. The water in the cold water lines heat over 114 degrees in days over 85 degrees. My builder is refusing to correct the problem documented in one year warranty period. The area WIRSBO rep(Aquapex) inspected but could not access the water lines because the space was too small. They refuse to insulate saying that will make the lines even hotter. I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS PROBLEMS IN SACRAMENTO AREA. I need to know who should legally be responsible.I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE WATER IS SCALDING IN MASTERBATHROOM WHEN TEMPS ARE ABOVE 85 DEGREES WHICH IS BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER. Thank you, Linnea
COMMUNITY FORUM
Hopefully erik will respond your problem. erik is in Ca. and I'm sure he will set you on the right path.
Ive no experience with this type of pipe. Personally I wouldnt install plastic inside a structure, including even the ice-maker line. I suggest calling an attorney that deals with consruction issues. erik
[This message has been edited by erik peterson (edited February 08, 2004).]
I too experience this problem. But my problem is that the builder of my home is using these water lines throughout all the home being built in our subdivision and is not doing anything to resolve this problem.
The Aquapex is probably an untested product, because it is definitely subject to Thermal transfer.
The Aquapex is probably an untested product, because it is definitely subject to Thermal transfer.
"The Aquapex is probably an untested product, because it is definitely subject to Thermal transfer."
ALL building products are subject to termal transfer. And most products used for water distribution have very high transfer rates.
And as far as it being test.
http://www.mid-americanenergy.com/aquapex.htm
"# NSF 14 and 61 certified (AQUAPEX® tubing)
# Listed to ASTM F877, F876
# Approved by BOCA, CABO, SBCCI, IPC, ICBO, and accepted by IAPMO
# Made in the USA
# Wirsbo quality, 25-year limited warranty"
http://www.wirsboaquapexplumbing.com/
" • 25-Year Warranty - Wirsbo PEX tubing comes with a 25-year warranty when installed by a Wirsbo-trained plumber.
• Proven Product - With over three decades of proven performance and more than 5 billion feet installed worldwide, Wirsbo offers you a tried and tested plumbing system that could last more than 100 years. "
So it has been tested and approved.
However that does not mean that the builder is using it appropriately.
http://www.wirsbo.com/main.php?pm=1&mm=2&sm=1&pc=homeowner/ho_mm2sm1.php
Go through the website and check the installation information and also you might want to contact Wirsbo about this and ask their opion.
ALL building products are subject to termal transfer. And most products used for water distribution have very high transfer rates.
And as far as it being test.
http://www.mid-americanenergy.com/aquapex.htm
"# NSF 14 and 61 certified (AQUAPEX® tubing)
# Listed to ASTM F877, F876
# Approved by BOCA, CABO, SBCCI, IPC, ICBO, and accepted by IAPMO
# Made in the USA
# Wirsbo quality, 25-year limited warranty"
http://www.wirsboaquapexplumbing.com/
" • 25-Year Warranty - Wirsbo PEX tubing comes with a 25-year warranty when installed by a Wirsbo-trained plumber.
• Proven Product - With over three decades of proven performance and more than 5 billion feet installed worldwide, Wirsbo offers you a tried and tested plumbing system that could last more than 100 years. "
So it has been tested and approved.
However that does not mean that the builder is using it appropriately.
http://www.wirsbo.com/main.php?pm=1&mm=2&sm=1&pc=homeowner/ho_mm2sm1.php
Go through the website and check the installation information and also you might want to contact Wirsbo about this and ask their opion.
Anytime you install any type water piping in the attic it is subject to the same heat problems. The best place to run aqua pex is in an insulated space protected from heat transfer (unless its hot) or in the ground protected as it passes through the concrete from damage. Installing it unprotected in the attic is contrary to design standards listed by Wirsbo.
Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.
Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.
