Ethan Clarke
Blue plastic pipes are most likely Kitec pipes, which gained popularity between 1997 and 2005 due to their lightweight, easy-to-handle, and affordable nature. They are composed of two layers of plastic with a layer of aluminium in the middle. Blue Kitec pipes are meant for cold water, while orange or red pipes are meant for hot water. Alternatively, blue plastic pipes could be polybutylene pipes, which were commonly installed in homes built or renovated between the 1970s and 1990s. These pipes are known to break down when exposed to chlorine and chloramines, leading to leaks and water damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) |
| Colour | Blue |
| Use | Carries cold water |
| Composition | Two layers of plastic with a layer of aluminium sandwiched in between |
| Other colours | Orange, red, white, grey |
| Use cases | Water supply lines, radiant floor heating systems |
| Benefits | Does not corrode, eliminates "water hammer" noise, inexpensive, lightweight, easy to handle, flexible |
| Drawbacks | Not suitable for outdoor use, cannot be recycled |
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What You'll Learn
Blue plastic pipes are often PEX pipes
PEX pipes are colour-coded, with blue pipes indicating cold water and red pipes indicating hot water. The colour of the pipe is simply for convenience, making it easy to identify hot and cold pipes in a home. The chemical makeup and temperature ratings of PEX pipes are identical besides the actual dye used to colour them. PEX-b is coloured all the way through, while PEX-a only has a coloured outer sleeve.
PEX pipes are popular because they do not corrode, which can happen with copper and steel pipes, leading to leaks and contamination of the water supply. PEX pipes are also more resistant to bursting in freezing conditions than metal pipes because they are flexible and can expand rather than split. They are also quieter than metal pipes, as water flows silently through PEX, eliminating the "water hammer" noise associated with metal piping.
However, PEX pipes are not suitable for outdoor use as they break down quickly when exposed to ultraviolet rays. They also cannot be recycled as they do not melt like other plastics.
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PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene
Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated as PEX, is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is predominantly used in building services pipework systems, hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, and domestic water piping. PEX is an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), or copper tubing for residential water pipes.
PEX is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and contains cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic to a thermoset. The cross-linking can be accomplished during or after the extrusion of the tubing, and the required degree of cross-linking is between 65% and 89%. A higher degree of cross-linking can result in brittleness, while a lower degree can lead to poorer physical properties.
The type of initial polymer structure and amount of crosslinking can impact the resulting mechanical properties of PEX. Increased cross-linking is associated with higher Young's modulus and tensile strength, but there is less elongation at the breaking point relative to HDPE. Crosslinking improves chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, while also increasing low-temperature impact strength, abrasion resistance, and environmental stress cracking resistance.
In European standards, there are three classifications: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-B. PEX-A is produced by the peroxide (Engel) method, which involves "hot" cross-linking above the crystal melting point. PEX-B is produced by the silane method, also known as the "moisture cure" method, where cross-linking is performed in a secondary post-extrusion process. The cross-linked bonds are formed through silanol condensation between two grafted vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) units, creating C-C-Si-O-Si-C-C bridges.
While PEX is commonly used in modern plumbing, older homes built or renovated between the 1970s and 1990s may have polybutylene pipes, which are also known as ""Big Blue"" due to their trademark blue colour. These pipes are prone to breaking down when exposed to chlorine and chloramines in the public water supply, leading to leaks and water damage. Therefore, it is recommended to replace polybutylene pipes with PEX or other alternatives.
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PEX pipes are colour-coded, blue for cold water
PEX, or polyethylene cross-linked, pipes have become popular across the world. They are used in plumbing applications, from water piping to electrical cables. It is estimated that PEX is used in more than 60% of new construction residential water supply systems. PEX pipes are colour-coded, with blue pipes indicating they are meant for cold water distribution lines.
The colour-coding of PEX pipes is a common practice and serves a purpose in plumbing. The colour of a PEX pipe helps a plumber or technician identify the correct pipes and their contents, thus saving time and reducing the risk of error or accidents during maintenance. The colour-coding also helps with safety measures in emergency situations. For example, if a pipe is coloured blue, it indicates to a plumber or emergency responder that it is meant for cold water.
While plumbing codes in some jurisdictions and industries may require colour-coding to identify the content of piping systems, in most places, it is not a compliance requirement. The colour-coding of a PEX pipe does not affect its performance, provided it is used as the manufacturer recommends. The use of colour-coding is mainly for visual identification and convenience.
In addition to blue PEX pipes, there are also red or orange pipes designated for hot water distribution lines. White PEX pipes, on the other hand, are used for both hot and cold water distribution lines and are commonly used for single-colour systems.
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Kitec pipes are also blue, but have orange or red pipes alongside them
Blue plastic pipes can be made of polybutylene, which is also known as "Big Blue". These pipes were commonly installed in homes built or renovated between the 1970s and 1990s. They are prone to leaks and water damage when exposed to chlorine and chloramines in the public water supply.
If you suspect that your home has Kitec pipes, look for the distinctive blue and orange or red colouring, as well as brass fittings with stamps that may say "Kitec", "KTC", "CSA B137.9/10", or "ATSM F1974". You may also find a yellow sticker inside your electrical panel door, warning about the non-metallic interior water piping. It is recommended to call a licensed plumber or certified home inspector to assess the condition of the pipes and determine if replacement is necessary.
While polybutylene pipes are known for their trademark blue colour, they can also be found in black or grey. These pipes were often paired with copper connectors and may have the letters "PB" or "QEST" printed on them. If you suspect polybutylene pipes in your home, it is advised to contact a plumbing professional to discuss replacement options.
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Polybutylene pipes are another type of blue plastic pipe
However, despite these advantages, polybutylene pipes have a major drawback. When exposed to chlorine and chloramines commonly found in the public water supply, these pipes can break down, especially in areas like corners and joints where the plastic is already under stress. This breakdown leads to leaks and water damage, which often happens suddenly and can result in flooding and serious damage to a home's interior. Due to this risk, polybutylene pipes are no longer installed in Canada and the United States.
If your home was built or renovated between the 1970s and 1990s, you may have polybutylene pipes. These pipes can be identified by their blue, black, or grey colour and the letters “PB” or “QEST” printed on them. If you suspect you have polybutylene pipes, it is recommended to contact a local plumbing professional to discuss replacement options.
While modern plastic pipes like PEX have undergone stringent testing to ensure their suitability for home plumbing systems, polybutylene pipes have been the subject of numerous class-action lawsuits due to their tendency to rupture and cause property damage. This has resulted in payouts to homeowners reaching $1 billion.
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Frequently asked questions
The blue mix in plastic pipes refers to the colour blue being used to indicate that the pipe carries cold water.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes use blue to indicate cold water. PEX is a flexible plastic that is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanised steel as water supply lines.
Red is used to indicate hot water in PEX pipes.
Polybutylene is a type of plastic pipe that gained popularity in the 1970s through the 1990s. It is known for its trademark blue colour, but it can also be black or grey.
