January 30, 2026

I once inspected a failed heating system where corrosion had clogged the radiators. The culprit was not the famous PEX-AL-PEX pipe, but a standard valve that let oxygen seep in. Yes, a valve designed for PEX-AL-PEX systems must and can prevent oxygen diffusion. It does this by incorporating a continuous metal layer or a specialized […]

I once consulted on a failed industrial heating line. The culprit was a pipe that couldn’t handle constant heat and pressure, a costly lesson in why material ratings matter. The 121UC rating is suitable for demanding applications because it certifies that a plastic pipe can withstand continuous internal pressure at 121°C (250°F) for its entire

I recently saw a project fail because a standard valve crushed an aluminum composite pipe. This moment taught me that not every fitting works with these advanced pipes. Yes, a properly designed valve can and must connect with both the aluminum and PEX layers of a composite pipe. It uses a connection mechanism, like a