What type of pex tubing is needed for a geothermal closed loop?
On One Hand: 1-Inch Wirsbo PEX is a Good OptionPEX stands for cross linked polyethylene. This is a very durable pipe with a high resistance to both cold and heat. PEX tubing also has a high resistance to pressure. In the case of a geothermal, where temperatures never rise above 80 degrees F. and the internal pressure is low, PEX tubing has an excellent resistance to compression. If you use PEX in a geothermal loop, you should use at least 1-inch wirsbo tubing.On the Other: HDPE is Often RecommendedSome plumbers who install geothermal loops feel that HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is a better option than PEX. You may get a higher back pressure in PEX, especially with a diameter smaller than an inch, than you would have with the same diameter of HDPE.Bottom LineBoth PEX and HDPE are possible types of tubing to use for your geothermal loop. PEX is more expensive than HDPE and has more internal friction than the HDPE, which means more energy to pump the water around the closed loop. It i
