Thoughts on Legend HyperPure pipe
I’ve been looking for a “greener” pex alternative that does not leach and type of chemicals/taste into the water.
After doing some research last night, I learned about the pex alternative, Hyperpure, on this GBA article:
Making The Best Pex Connections
According to Legend’s description, this looks like it’s right down my alley, stating: “no chemical additives or additional processes are necessary, thus it is tasteless and odorless. HyperPureâ„¢ is 100% recyclable and can be fused”. Additionally, the product is promised with a 100 yr warranty.
Anyways, I am curious if any of you have used this product in replace of Pex or know someone who has? The install is identical to pex and all the clamps work on it.
My primary reason for considering it is just to get a greener product, that has less chance of leaching chemicals into my water.
I have read multiple posts on GBA stating the PEX leaches a bad taste into water and concerns about safety.
If anyone has anything to add on this product I would love to hear!
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Replies
Grey,
First of all, it's not at all clear that "PEX leaches a bad taste into water." Nor is it clear that PEX raises any "concerns about safety." On the contrary: Pex is approved for use in homes because extensive studies have raised no safety concerns.
That said, I think that Peter Yost's description of Legend HyperPure tubing (in the GBA article titled Making the Best PEX Connections) is a good summary of what we know:
"Legend HyperPure pipe. A newer and therefore less proven candidate for those interested in a 100% recyclable alternative to PEX, this is a bi-modal polyethylene raised temperature (PE-RT) tubing. The resin for this tubing comes from Dow, and it’s called bi-modal because there are both high-molecular weight elements for strength and low-molecular weight elements for flexibility. Neither Legend nor Dow are exactly newcomers to piping and chemical formulations respectively, so while this piping solution may be less proven, it’s not the type of “high-risk” product we might associate with lesser-known start-up companies."
Hi Martin,
Sure, even though PEX is somewhat controversial (depending on who you ask), nothing is proven stating it is harmful for your health. I should of made that more clear. With that being said, I always gravitate towards a greener product and HyperPure seems to be that product. Side by side - it looks like a superior product to me but it has not been around in the states for very long. I know Europe uses Dow's pure pipes quite frequently and was even told it's about 50% of the market.
Though, It would make me feel better about purchasing it if I have heard from anyone who has used HyperPure :)
What is the cost differential between Legend Hyper Pure and Pex?
Also, which type of Pex are you comparing to? There seem to be differences of opinion on whether Pex emits a chemical smell, and that seems to vary based on whether it is Pex A, Pex B or Pex C...
They are about the same price (Hyperpure is slightly more).
I ended up going with hyperpure , being a greener product and Pe-RT has been used in Europe for 10+ years now.
Hi Greg-
I was wondering if you are happy with your decision to use Hyperpure? Would you use it again?
Is the Hyperpure in lieu of the interior distribution Pex, or do you use it to connect from the main in the street?
If not, what did you use to connect from the street, before distribution in the house?
CL,
Grey Wolf is building a tiny house on wheels. If he decides to connect to the street he would need about 1000 miles of pex, and some type of robust mechanical protection for the piping laid on the roads.
Checking prices on "Houseneeds.com", Legend HyperPure 1.2" 500 foot roll is actually about half the price of Viega PEX, and about 15% less than Mr,. PEX 1/2", Would be great if it was actually a better product, too; maybe one of the building scientists will run a material properties analysis for us?