Tubing Material

[Goodhome]

During an inspection, I came across a tubing material for an in floor hot water heating installation that I was curious about. I couldn't get close enough to touch it, so I was not 100% sure what it was. The boiler was installed a year ago, but the installation had been there for a while. It was made by Shaw Flexible Tubes LTd, but no date.

I think it was polyethylene, not pex. As you can see in the pic, there was serious corrosion. Is anyone familiar with what it could be based on the pic?

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[Robert Jones]

Sure looks like Poly to me. I can't find any information on Shaw Flexible Tubes. Is it flex tube pushed over metal and held together with hose clamps?

[Goodhome]

Yes, that is right, flex tube over hose clamps. I don't see a lot of poly that is black, mostly grey. But then again I am in Vancouver Canada. Weird about the Shaw Flexible tubes... No info, but that is what is said on the tubes from a different angle.

Thanks for your help Rob

[Bill Kibbel]

I see quite a bit of HDPE (high density polyethylene) used for hydronic snow/ice melting systems. I also see it in commercial greenhouses. I've heard/read it was being used for in-floor radiant heating in Canada, but never seen it for that purpose here.

I don't know of anything that shows durability is a concern. It's used for ground loops in geothermal heating/cooling. I've read that the heat conductivity isn't as good as other products.

[Goodhome]

That's good to know Bill, thanks I appreciate it