Pex Al Pex

For those of you that are using pex al pex for your system, how hot does the pex pipe get? Can you grab it with your bare hands? I was thinking since it has a layer of aluminum and the water temp inside the pipe would be approx 200*, the outside temp of the pipe would be far less. Any insight?

If the water is 200* the outside will be about 195*-200*.. there is very little insulation value in the plastic., none in the aluminum.

Greg L.

Agreed, Greg.

Mine runs real hot, feels pretty much like the black supply line.
I have the orange 1" from an eBay seller.

I've found if you can gently, lightly, hold something, it is 140 degrees. If you just can't, it's over 140.

Ok here's a question and a bit off topic. Whats the best way to determine the temp of your water with out a thermostat in the copper fitting? Would the exterior of a copper fitting be just as hot as the water temp?

Yes. Copper is a wonderful conductor of heat, there would be hardly any temperature difference.