Uponor AquaPEX Tubing

Uponor AquaPEX tubing is crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-a) pipe manufactured by Uponor for use in hot and cold domestic potable water distribution systems, Wirsbo AQUASAFE residential fire sprinkler systems, and hydronic radiant heating and cooling applications where the system contains no ferrous corrodible components or where ferrous components are isolated from the tubing. Uponor AquaPEX tubing is manufactured and listed to ASTM F876 and F877 and certified to NSF Standards 14 and 61, with hydrostatic ratings of 200°F at 80 psi, 180°F at 100 psi, and 73.4°F at 160 psi as listed by the Hydrostatic Stress Board of PPI. AquaPEX is PEX-a material, meaning it uses the Engel method of crosslinking and is the tubing required for the Uponor ProPEX expansion fitting system. Available in sizes from 1/4" through 3" in coil and straight length formats, and in white, red, blue, and purple (reclaimed water) colors, Uponor AquaPEX tubing carries a 25-year limited warranty and more than 15 billion feet of installed history over four decades.

KEY SUBCATEGORIES / PRODUCT TYPES

AquaPEX Tubing in Coil Format

Uponor AquaPEX tubing in coil format is available in sizes from 1/4" through 2-1/2" and in white, red, and blue colors across a range of coil lengths. Common coil configurations include the 1/2" white 100 ft. coil (SKU F1040500), 1/2" white 100 ft. coil with blue print (SKU F4340500), 3/4" white 300 ft. coil (SKU F1060750), 1" white 100 ft. coil (SKU F1041000), 1" white 300 ft. coil (SKU F1061000), 1-1/4" white 100 ft. coil (SKU F1061250), 1-1/2" white 100 ft. coil (SKU F1061500), and 1-1/2" white 300 ft. coil (SKU F1021500). Red coil options include the 3/4" AquaPEX Red 100 ft. coil (SKU F2040750) for hot supply identification. Smaller sizes include 3/8" white in 400 ft. coil (SKU F1090375) and 1000 ft. coil (SKU F1120375). AquaPEX isn't manufactured with an oxygen diffusion barrier, so in hydronic heating applications, any ferrous components in the system must be isolated from the tubing.

AquaPEX Tubing in Straight Length Format

Uponor AquaPEX straight lengths are available for applications where coil flexibility isn't needed, including main trunk lines, commercial distribution runs, and installations requiring precise cut lengths without coil memory. Straight lengths are available in white, white with red print, and white with blue print across sizes including 1" x 20 ft. blue (SKU F3921000), 1" x 20 ft. white with blue print (SKU F4931000), and 1-1/4" x 20 ft. white (SKU F1921250). Standard 20-foot straight lengths match the working length common in residential and commercial rough-in work. Uponor AquaPEX white tubing carries the PEX 5106 designation per ASTM F876-10, indicating it exceeds chlorine-resistance requirements for continuous-recirculation systems up to 140°F and carries a 30-day UV-resistance level. AquaPEX red and blue tubing carries the PEX 5206 designation, also indicating it exceeds chlorine-resistance requirements for continuous-recirculation systems up to 140°F.

Pre-Insulated AquaPEX Tubing

Pre-Insulated AquaPEX tubing is Uponor AquaPEX PEX-a tubing with a 1/2" layer of PEX-foam insulation factory-applied around the tubing, eliminating the need for a separate insulation contractor or secondary insulation step after installation. Pre-Insulated AquaPEX is available in a 1-1/2" size (SKU F6041500) in a 100 ft. coil and is confirmed to save approximately 37% on install costs compared to the traditional two-step installation and insulation process. Pre-Insulated AquaPEX features the same minimum bend radius as standard AquaPEX tubing (6 times the outside diameter), meets national, state, provincial, and local energy-code requirements for insulation of potable-water lines, and can contribute to LEED or National Green Building Standard points. For re-pipe jobs and tight installation spaces where post-installation insulation is difficult, Pre-Insulated AquaPEX eliminates the access problem entirely.

AquaPEX Reclaimed Water Tubing

Uponor AquaPEX Reclaimed Water tubing is a purple-colored AquaPEX variant designed exclusively for use in reclaimed (non-potable) water systems. AquaPEX Reclaimed Water tubing is color-coded purple to clearly distinguish reclaimed water lines from potable water lines throughout the piping system, as required by most codes governing reclaimed water installations. Available sizes include 3/4" in 300 ft. coil (SKU F1060752) and 1" in 300 ft. coil (SKU F1061002). AquaPEX Reclaimed Water tubing does not comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act and must not be used in any potable water application. Purple tubing installed in a mixed system makes the distinction unmistakable at inspection and during future service.

BUYING GUIDE / HOW TO CHOOSE

Specifying Uponor AquaPEX tubing starts with confirming the application, because AquaPEX tubing is not manufactured with an oxygen diffusion barrier. For potable water distribution and fire sprinkler systems, that distinction doesn't matter. For hydronic radiant heating applications, it means any ferrous components in the system, including cast iron boilers, must be isolated from the AquaPEX tubing to prevent corrosion from oxygen permeation. Uponor's hePEX tubing, not AquaPEX, is the correct choice when an oxygen barrier is required for a closed-loop hydronic system with ferrous components.

Size is the next decision. AquaPEX tubing follows copper OD sizing convention. Branch lines to fixtures in residential plumbing typically run 1/2". Main distribution trunks commonly run 3/4" or 1". Larger commercial applications use 1-1/4" through 3". Confirming the system design and flow requirements against Uponor's engineering documentation before finalizing tubing size is the right approach on any new installation.

Format, coil versus straight length, is a practical jobsite decision. Coils work well for branch runs, home-run distribution systems, and any installation where the tubing needs to navigate framing, mechanical spaces, or multiple direction changes. Straight lengths suit trunk mains, commercial distribution headers, and installations requiring precise lengths without managing coil memory in tight spaces.

Color is a convenience and code question. Red for hot, blue for cold, and white for either are all the same AquaPEX quality. The PEX 5106 designation on white tubing and the PEX 5206 designation on red and blue tubing both confirm the tubing exceeds ASTM F876 chlorine-resistance requirements for continuous-recirculation systems up to 140°F. Purple is reserved exclusively for reclaimed water and must not be used in potable systems.

For fire sprinkler applications, only 1/2" AquaPEX carries the UL 1821 and ULC/ORD C199P listing required for residential fire protection use. Confirming the listing against the local authority having jurisdiction before specifying AquaPEX for sprinkler applications is required.

FAQs

What is Uponor AquaPEX tubing and what is it used for?

Uponor AquaPEX tubing is crosslinked polyethylene PEX-a pipe manufactured for use in hot and cold domestic potable water distribution, Wirsbo AQUASAFE residential fire sprinkler systems, and hydronic radiant heating and cooling where ferrous components are isolated from the tubing. AquaPEX tubing is manufactured and listed to ASTM F876 and F877 and certified to NSF Standards 14 and 61, with hydrostatic ratings of 200°F at 80 psi, 180°F at 100 psi, and 73.4°F at 160 psi. AquaPEX isn't manufactured with an oxygen diffusion barrier, which means it can be used in hydronic systems only where ferrous components are isolated from the tubing.

What is the difference between Uponor AquaPEX and hePEX tubing?

The difference between Uponor AquaPEX and hePEX tubing is the oxygen diffusion barrier. Uponor AquaPEX isn't manufactured with an oxygen diffusion barrier and is designed for potable water distribution and hydronic systems with no ferrous corrodible components or where ferrous components are isolated. Uponor hePEX tubing includes an EVOH oxygen diffusion barrier and is specified for closed-loop hydronic heating systems that include ferrous components such as cast iron boilers, where oxygen permeation can cause corrosion. Both AquaPEX and hePEX are PEX-a material manufactured using the Engel crosslinking method and are compatible with Uponor ProPEX expansion fittings.

What temperature and pressure ratings does Uponor AquaPEX tubing carry?

Uponor AquaPEX tubing is rated and listed by the Hydrostatic Stress Board of PPI at 200°F at 80 psi, 180°F at 100 psi, and 73.4°F at 160 psi. The 1/2" AquaPEX tubing carries an additional rating of 120°F at 130 psi under UL 1821 and ULC/ORD C199P. White AquaPEX tubing carries the PEX 5106 designation and red and blue AquaPEX tubing carries the PEX 5206 designation, both confirming the tubing exceeds ASTM F876 chlorine-resistance requirements for continuous-recirculation systems operating up to 140°F.

What colors are available for Uponor AquaPEX tubing and does color affect performance?

Uponor AquaPEX tubing is available in white, red, blue, and purple (reclaimed water only). Color doesn't affect performance. Red and blue are added during manufacturing to help differentiate hot and cold supply lines on the job. White AquaPEX carries the PEX 5106 designation and red and blue tubing carries the PEX 5206 designation, both indicating the same level of chlorine resistance for continuous-recirculation service up to 140°F. Purple is strictly reserved for reclaimed water applications and must not be used in potable water systems. AquaPEX white tubing also carries a 30-day UV-resistance level per the PEX 5106 designation.

What size range does Uponor AquaPEX tubing cover, and what coil and straight length options are available?

Uponor AquaPEX tubing is available in sizes from 1/4" through 3", spanning the full range of residential branch lines through large commercial distribution mains. Coil options include 100 ft., 300 ft., 400 ft., and 1000 ft. depending on size, with 3/8" available in 400 ft. (SKU F1090375) and 1000 ft. (SKU F1120375) coils, 1/2" available in 100 ft. white (SKU F1040500) and white with blue print (SKU F4340500), 3/4" available in 300 ft. white (SKU F1060750), and 1" available in 100 ft. (SKU F1041000) and 300 ft. (SKU F1061000) white coils. Straight lengths in 20 ft. sections are available in select sizes including 1" and 1-1/4". Pre-Insulated AquaPEX is available in 1-1/2" x 100 ft. coil (SKU F6041500).