PEX for shop air lines?

[tmc_31]

Glad to see this topic being discussed! I am considering using Pex to pipe up my shop air too. A couple of years ago I plumbed a friends garage for hot and cold water using Pex. That was my first experience with it. I am an inspector on a water plant project and last year a plumber ran all the domestic water piping in the new office/storage area in Pex. By specification the contractor had to perform a hydrostatic test on the domestic water system at 125 psi for 1 hour. There was no pressure loss during that time.

I have a 20'X30' shop and plan to upgrade my air system to a 5 hp 2 stage compressor with an 80 gal tank. I will limit my pressure on the distribution system to 100 psi. I intend to use 3/4 piping to maybe get a little improvement in cfm delivery.

Now I just need to figure out whether to use red or blue.

 

[ovrszd]

Good discussion. I'm pondering this as well. Like Bumpkin, I'll be running 300ft or so.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm not familiar with PEX being used for air lines. I know that PVC is the worse material that you can use because it fatigues over time and the explodes when it fails, sending splinters though the air that have blinded people and caused serious injuries to those around when it happens. Never use PVC for this!!!!

Does PEX make the fittings to do this? If they do, then I would be fine with doing it if the numbers made sense. If nobody makes PEX fittings for air lines, then that's a sign to me that says it's not a good idea.

Personally, I like using air hoses for air lines. The ends are already threaded, you can get them in a variety of lengths to fit your space, they are cheap, and you know that they are safe. Why use anything else?

 

[Oldoak]

I used RapidAir MaxLine system. It is plastic pipe lined with aluminum. It was a snap to install. Have it about a year and so far no leaks or failures of any kind. All fittings are also available in far supply stores. I think it is way to go.
Maxline Air Compressor Piping | Rapidair Piping | Engineered Specialties

:thumbsup:
Just what I used in my 30' x 48' pole building. Went with 3/4" Dia. to have the air volume I wanted at each drop leg. Installed it three years ago and am quite pleased.

 

[Deere Dude]

For a lot of air line I would just use solid copper. It is easy to solder and fairly durable, meaning it can take a hit. Don't know the price though.

 

[radios1]

do not use plastic, it's unsafe, use black pipe..

 

[Sawyer Rob]

My shop is plumbed with blk. pipe, it's permanent/safe and not that hard to install...

SR

 

[ovrszd]

I'm not familiar with PEX being used for air lines. I know that PVC is the worse material that you can use because it fatigues over time and the explodes when it fails, sending splinters though the air that have blinded people and caused serious injuries to those around when it happens. Never use PVC for this!!!!

Does PEX make the fittings to do this? If they do, then I would be fine with doing it if the numbers made sense. If nobody makes PEX fittings for air lines, then that's a sign to me that says it's not a good idea.

Personally, I like using air hoses for air lines. The ends are already threaded, you can get them in a variety of lengths to fit your space, they are cheap, and you know that they are safe. Why use anything else?

Problem with using rubber air hose to plumb a shop is it's short lifespan.

 

[AndyMA]

RapidAir MaxLine 3/4in., 3ft. Master Kit, Model# M758 | Northern Tool + Equipment

This kit looks interesting. Anybody tried it?

Andy

 

[stuckmotor]

Good discussion. I'm pondering this as well. Like Bumpkin, I'll be running 300ft or so.

It's cool the way the RapidAir ad above leads to a 300 ft kit.