My UV light filter is currently installed with PVC tubing (you should see the tubing glow at night) but I’m about to relocate my filter system and I’m planning on using PEX to replumb the new layout.
I could use some clarification on the dos and don’ts of exposing PEX to a UV light source. Part of my water filtration system includes a UV light (Trojan UV Max) and I’m concerned that the UV light may damage the PEX tubing.
Any guidelines would be great.
-John
Replies
My understanding is that PEX will be damaged by UV light. But so will PVC.
Think about covering the tubing with insulation, or foil tape.
Or you could protect it by running it though sacrificial PVC conduit.
Edited 11/3/2004 1:27 pm ET by csnow
I'm not plumber but my first thought is to run a foot or two of copper before and after the UV source and throw in a 90 making a light trap. The copper should be immune to UV radiation.
Surprisingly no one (UV light manufacturer or PEX manufacturer) will give me a clear answer. But the general consensus follows your idea of copper for a distance then adapt to the PEX.
Thanks for the input.
-John
I’m getting ready to install UV treatment and had the same concern (almost 17 years later). I’m going to take the 90 degree approach also but will be using the stainless steel braid hoses used for water heater connections. Copper has a tendency to corrode due to our supplies from the lower Colorado River.
what is ph of the river?
The ph is alkaline but the problem is more the chloride level.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/9100CILD.PDF?Dockey=9100CILD.PDF