Answering buyer questions about 1-1/2 inch PEX pipe, this guide highlights five strong options for potable water, radiant heating, and general plumbing use. It explains which pipes are best for flexible installations, barrier vs non-barrier needs, and where to avoid certain choices. The selected products suit professional contractors, DIY homeowners tackling large-scale projects, and renovators seeking reliable, long-lasting piping. A quick summary table follows, helping you compare key details at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pex-A Tubing 1-1/2 Inch x 100 Ft Coil | SUPPLYGIANT | Potable water runs and tight spaces | Flexible PEX-A; 3-1/2″ bend radius; non-barrier |
| Pex-A 1-1/2″ PEX Pipe, Oxygen Barrier | SUPPLYGIANT | Radiant floors and hydronic heating | PEX-A with oxygen barrier; 100 ft coil |
| 1-1/2″ PEXworx Non-Barrier PEX Tubing | PEXworx | General radiant heating installs | 300 ft coil; non-barrier |
| 1 1/2″ 500′ Non Oxygen Barrier Blue PEX Tubing | Badgerpipe | Budget heating/plumbing runs | Blue non-oxygen barrier |
| SharkBite 1-1/2 Inch Brass Crimp Coupling | SharkBite | Connecting PEX segments | Brass crimp coupling; compatible with PEX and PE-RT |
Pex-A Tubing 1-1/2 Inch x 100 Ft Coil
Product type and use: flexible PEX-A tubing designed for potable water systems. Best for tight installations where fewer fittings are desired. It includes standards compliance markings every five feet for traceability and quality assurance.
Who it’s best for: contractors and DIY homeowners needing a reliable, highly bendable line for water distribution with minimal fittings. It’s especially useful in spaces with limited routing options.
Why selected: The PEX-A grade offers the highest flexibility, which reduces kinked sections and installation time. It is compatible with clamp or sleeve joins and supports expansions and repairs more easily than some other PEX types. Caution: Non-barrier design means it’s not intended for applications where long-term exposure to oxygen needs mitigation without additional components.
Pex-A 1-1/2″ PEX Pipe, Oxygen Barrier
Product type and use: PEX-A tubing with an oxygen barrier, suitable for radiant floor heating and other hydronic systems. The barrier helps reduce oxygen diffusion into the loops, potentially reducing corrosion of metal components.
Who it’s best for: homeowners and professionals focusing on radiant heating with an emphasis on longevity and reduced oxygen-related issues. It’s favorable where moisture barriers and oxygen control are beneficial.
Why selected: Oxygen barrier PEX improves system durability in heating applications, and the 5-foot marked accuracy aids installation accuracy. Caution: Oxygen barrier tubing may require specific fittings and installation methods; verify compatibility with your system before use.
1-1/2″ PEXworx Non-Barrier Tubing
Product type and use: non-barrier PEX tubing intended for radiant heating installations and other plumbing needs. This product provides a long run length suitable for various installation layouts.
Who it’s best for: installers seeking clear length coverage with straightforward compatibility for standard PEX fittings. It is better for projects where oxygen diffusion management is not a primary concern.
Why selected: The 300-foot span supports substantial runs without frequent splices. Caution: Non-barrier tubing may require other components to manage oxygen diffusion in some heating systems.
1 1/2″ 500′ Non Oxygen Barrier Blue PEX Tubing
Product type and use: blue, non-oxygen barrier PEX tubing intended for general heating and plumbing runs. The color coding can help with system labeling and differentiation of circuits.
Who it’s best for: budget-conscious projects where oxygen diffusion control is not a priority, and where color-coding can improve installation clarity.
Why selected: It provides a longer 500-foot run for fewer joins and easier routing. Caution: Non-oxygen barrier tubing may be less suitable for some closed-loop heating systems that require oxygen diffusion management.
SharkBite 1-1/2 Inch Brass Crimp Coupling
Product type and use: brass crimp coupling for connecting two pieces of same-sized PEX pipe. It is certified for potable water and hydronic heating applications and supports clamp or crimp methods.
Who it’s best for: professionals and DIYers needing a reliable, tool-friendly connector that avoids soldering or glue. It’s especially useful when expanding or repairing PEX runs.
Why selected: The coupling’s compatibility with PEX and PE-RT and its straightforward installation make it a versatile choice. Caution: Ensure the correct crimp tool size and technique to avoid leaks; improper crimping can compromise performance.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for 1-1/2 PEX Pipe
What should you look for when choosing 1-1/2 PEX pipe? Consider flexibility, barrier type, and compatibility with fittings. PEX-A offers the greatest bend radius reduction, which can simplify routing in tight spaces but may come at a cost and fitting considerations. Oxygen barrier pipes help reduce the risk of corrosion in hydronic systems, making them better for radiant floors and hot-water loops. Non-barrier options can be adequate for many standard plumbing tasks where oxygen diffusion control is less critical.
How to choose by application: For radiant heating, prefer PEX-A with oxygen barrier or non-barrier depending on whether your system requires oxygen diffusion control. For potable water distribution, ensure the tubing complies with ANSI/ASTM standards and is labeled for potable use. If you need long runs to minimize joints, look at longer coil lengths like 300′ or 500′ options, but plan for compatible fittings and clamps.
Installation tips: Use clamps or sleeves where recommended, follow manufacturer guidelines for expansion and contraction, and verify compatibility with your chosen fittings (F1960, F1807, etc.). For color-coded systems, blue tubing often denotes heating or cold lines and can help with maintenance and repairs. Always inspect for visible damage before installing lengthy sections.
FAQ
- What is PEX-A vs PEX-B? PEX-A is the most flexible with the fastest expansion and contraction properties, making it easier to install in tight spaces. PEX-B offers durability with a different manufacturing process and may be more cost-effective.
- Is an oxygen barrier necessary? Oxygen barrier is beneficial in radiant heating systems to limit oxygen diffusion that can corrode metal components. For standard potable water runs, it’s often optional unless specified by system design.
- Can I mix barrier and non-barrier PEX? Mixing barrier and non-barrier tubing in a single circuit is generally not recommended unless the system designer confirms compatibility and protection for all components.
- Do I need special fittings for PEX? Use compatible clamps, sleeves, or crimp rings specified for PEX. Some fittings are designed specifically for crimping or expansion methods; verify tool compatibility before use.
- What length of tubing should I buy? Choose length based on the project layout and the number of runs. Longer coils reduce the number of joints but require careful routing and support.
- Are there limitations on 1-1/2″ PEX for residential use? In most residential settings, 1-1/2″ PEX is used for main supply lines, zone distribution, or radiant heat circuits. Always follow local building codes and manufacturer guidelines.
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