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    tonynacha's Avatar
    tonynacha Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 13, 2012, 04:24 PM
    Pex water lines
    Are pex water lines required to be insulated when installed in California homes?
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 13, 2012, 04:57 PM
    I don't live in Cali, but I do fall under the same code (upc). It is not code to insulate pex lines in my area, and I doubt it is in yours. Lets wait and see what Milo has to say about this, as he is a licensed plumber in Cali.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #3

    Feb 15, 2012, 07:08 AM
    Hello Tonynacha, PEX water line is subject to heat loss just as any other pipe. Yes, in California we have so called T-24 (Title 24 Energy Compliance Code) that mandates insulating hot water pipes. Building Departments are quite strict about complying with T-24.

    The wall thickness of the insulation shall be equal to the nominal diameter of the pipe that is being insulated. The Thermal value of such insulation should be rated R-6 or more. As far as type of insulation goes, you can use any type as long as it meets the T-24 R-value requirements.

    Hope that helps. Milo
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #4

    Feb 15, 2012, 05:04 PM
    Good to know Milo. Thanks for clearing that up. Just for my own sanity, this is not in the upc, but a local building code, correct?
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #5

    Feb 15, 2012, 08:41 PM
    MGD77: Yes, you are correct in your assumption.
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