PPI warns of ‘noncertified’ PEX tubing, points partly at Chinese imports

A plastics pipe association is warning that non-certified PEX tubing for demanding applications like potable water is being sold in the U.S. and Canada.

The Plastics Pipe Institute warned July 13 that uncertified cross-linked polyethylene tubing, including from China, is being improperly sold into key markets like potable water in Canada and the United States. Irving, Texas-based PPI said it has recently received reports of noncompliant PEX tubing being sold through online marketplaces. It said that materials that aren’t properly certified could fail prematurely.

“Based on PPI’s review, these PEX tubing products may not comply with required industry standards and are not third-party certified to mandatory industry standards, despite implied claims regarding the suitability of these products for critical applications.” the association said in its advisory . In an email response to questions, PPI pointed to companies from China selling through web sites.

“We have seen PEX from China being sold through various online resellers,” the association said. “[We] have seen this sporadically over the years on [a] limited basis, but now it’s being offered through online resellers.” The group said some PEX companies are looking at other steps they could take, such as filing complaints with government or certification bodies.

“PPI has not, but other PEX manufacturers with proper certifications are exploring their options,” the association said. Plumbing and building codes require that PEX tubing be third-party certified. “Major model codes require that PEX tubing products for plumbing and mechanical applications shall be marked with industry standards such as ASTM F876 or CSA B137.5 and shall be third-party certified,” said Lance MacNevin, director of engineering for PPI’s building and construction division, in the news release.

“The use of noncompliant, noncertified tubing in demanding plumbing and mechanical applications can lead to premature failure, property damage and potential legal liability throughout the supply chain,” he said. The association’s statement claimed “noncompliant and noncertified PEX tubing marked with various trade names has been offered for sale via several distribution channels, including popular online retailers.” It said the tubing is marked to indicate compliance with the ASTM F876 and CSA B137.5 but the products are not listed by the third-party certification agencies to verify compliance.

It said the noncompliant tubing is being sold into applications like potable water and hydronic heating systems. “PPI recommends that only PEX tubing which is properly third-party certified and clearly marked with the third-party certification agency logo or logos (i.e., listed and labeled) should be specified, purchased, and installed,” the association said. “Third-party certification records can also be found on certification agency websites and/or requested from the manufacturer or supplier of the PEX tubing.”