FAQ on the Safety of PEX Plumbing Products
January 20, 2017
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has become one of the most widely used piping products for hot- and cold-water distribution in buildings.
All principal plumbing codes in North America require compliance of all potable water piping products (including PEX tubing and fittings) with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61: Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects.
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 requires the identification of all chemicals that could potentially be extracted (or leached) into drinking water from a product. Tests are run to determine extraction amounts, if any. Virtually every material extracts some level of contaminants into drinking water – the question is whether that level of contaminant is safe for human consumption.
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