Worried about voiding your warranty by using PEX with your outdoor boiler? You don’t need to stress, using PEX piping is actually a popular and an approved choice for many outdoor heating systems. Many manufacturers now acknowledge how durable and flexible PEX is for outdoor use, especially in tough weather. Just make sure you check with your manufacturer and follow their installation guidelines so your warranty stays good and your system runs smooth.
Because PEX is easy to install and resistant to freezing, several outdoor boiler manufacturers now advocate its use. You should have no issues as long as you use approved, high-quality PEX and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions. Checking your warranty terms again is usually a good idea, though, as some brands might have particular guidelines. In this manner, you can take use of PEX's benefits without fear of your warranty being voided.
Warranty Basics
Outdoor boiler warranties usually cover repairs for manufacturing defects, but there are some important conditions. To file a claim, owners typically need to provide the following:
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Boiler’s model
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Serial number
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Proof of purchase
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Warranty registration
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Photos of the leak
They also have to prove the leak was caused by a defect and not corrosion, which usually means showing annual water sample results with satisfactory readings. Another thing to keep in mind is that warranty coverage decreases over time, for example, boilers over 10 years old might only get 10% of the repair cost reimbursed. Because of these limits, it’s not always guaranteed that a leak repair will be covered.
That said, some manufacturers, like Hawken, offer extra support even if the repair isn’t under warranty. They help owners find a qualified welder, consult with them about the repair process, and even share tips from past successful fixes. Many customers have found that, even without warranty coverage, this kind of guidance saves them a lot of money on repairs. So while a warranty might not always cover everything, manufacturers often try to help in other ways to keep boilers running for as long as possible.
Read more about the warranty basics - HERE!
PEX and Warranty Requirements
PEX is really important, but there are some warranty rules that have to be followed. The PEX tubing inside the pipe should never be spliced, because couplings almost always fail after a few years. Also, the white outer casing needs to stay undamaged, since any holes or cuts will let water in, making the insulation not work properly and voiding the warranty.
To keep the warranty, the pipe has to be buried at the right depth, usually about two feet deep. But if it's under a driveway, it needs to be at least four feet deep with extra protection if cars will drive over it. Before you bury the pipe, it’s really important to check the white casing for dark spots because that could mean it’s already damaged. If there’s any damage, don’t use the pipe and contact the company to get a replacement.
The "Double Five Warranty" means the pipe can be replaced for up to five years, but only if everything was installed the right way. If the casing gets damaged, the PEX is spliced, or the pipe isn’t buried deep enough, the warranty won’t cover it. By following these rules, people can make sure their PEX piping lasts a long time and stays under warranty.
Installation Best Practice
Putting in Heat Mizer underground insulated pipe the right way is super important if you want it to last and keep the warranty good. Doing things like splicing the PEX, messing up the outer casing, or not burying it deep enough can cause big problems and might even cancel the warranty. If you follow the right steps, your pipe will stay safe, work great, and be covered for a long time. So, make sure you do everything the right way to avoid trouble later. Taking your time now can save you money and stress in the future. If you’re ever not sure about something, it’s always best to ask for help before making a mistake!
1. Don’t Splice the PEX Tubing
The PEX tubing inside the pipe should never be spliced because the connections can fail after a few years. Cutting and connecting the tubing puts pressure on the fittings, which can cause leaks and damage over time. The safest way to install it is to use one continuous piece of PEX, no matter how long the pipe needs to be.
2. Keep the White Outer Casing Safe
The white outer casing needs to stay in perfect shape because if it gets a hole or tear, water can leak in and mess up the insulation. If you see any damage before installing it, don’t use it, instead, call the company and ask for a replacement. Since the warranty won’t cover damage later, it’s super important to check it carefully before installing to avoid any problems.
3. Bury the Pipe at the Right Depth
The pipe needs to be buried at least two feet deep, which is the normal standard. If it’s going under a driveway, then it has to be at least four feet deep and sometimes put inside a six-inch PVC pipe for extra protection. Making sure it’s deep enough helps keep it safe from damage and working properly.
4. Check for Damage Before Installing
Before putting the pipe in the ground, you should check the outer casing for any black spots or damage. If there’s even a small hole, water can get inside and cause big problems like heat loss and bad insulation. If you notice anything wrong, don’t install it, call the company to get a new one.
5. Use the Right Backfilling Material
After putting the pipe in the trench, don’t just throw any dirt back in, because rocks can poke holes in the casing. The best thing to do is use soft soil or sand first to keep the pipe protected. If sharp rocks press against the pipe, it can cause big damage and void the warranty.
By following these rules, the Heat Mizer pipe will last longer, and you won’t have to worry about losing your warranty!
Read more about PEX pipe installation best practices - HERE!
When in Doubt, Ask
If you're not sure, just ask us! Don’t be afraid to call if you got any questions or worries about using Heat Mizer Underground Insulated Pipe for your outdoor wood boiler. If you need help with installing it, the warranty, or anything else, we’re here to help so everything works like it should.
We’re always ready to help if something doesn’t make sense. You can call us at (888) Log-Burn or (231) 861-8200, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. We just want to make sure you get the right help and your outdoor boiler is set up the right way!
Conclusion
Using PEX with an outdoor boiler shouldn’t mess up the warranty if it’s installed correctly and follows the manufacturer’s rules. A lot of outdoor boiler brands say it’s okay to use PEX piping because it’s flexible and can last even in tough weather. You just need to make sure you install it properly, like not cutting the pipes underground and making sure all the connections are sealed. If you do everything the right way, PEX shouldn’t cause any problems with your warranty.
Before you start, it's a good idea to double-check with the maker of the boiler to make sure they say PEX is okay and that you’re installing it the right way. Most of the time, if you use good-quality PEX and follow the instructions, your warranty should be fine. Many outdoor boiler owners say using PEX actually makes their system work better. So, as long as you do everything right, you can enjoy the benefits of PEX without worrying about losing your warranty.
FAQs
Can using PEX in an outdoor boiler void the warranty?
No, using PEX in a outdoor boiler probly won’t break your warranty if you put it in the right way. Lots of companys say PEX is good cause it’s strong and can work in cold weather. Just make sure to follow the rules and ask the manufactur to be sure it’s okay.
What should I do if I have doubts about installing PEX?
If you’re not sure about how to put in PEX, you should reach out to the manufacturer. They can help you out with any questions you have and give advice on installation. It’s better to ask than mess something up and mess with your warranty.
What are the important steps to follow when installing PEX?
Make sure you don’t splice the PEX tubing, keep the outer casing in good shape, and bury the pipe deep enough. Also, check the pipe for damage before putting it in the ground and use soft soil for backfilling. Doing all these things will help the pipe work properly and make sure your warranty stays safe.
How deep should I bury my PEX pipe?
Normally, you should bury the PEX pipe at least two feet deep. But if it’s under a driveway, you gotta bury it four feet deep and use extra protection like a PVC pipe around it. This helps keep the pipe safe from traffic and other damage.
What can happen if the outer casing of PEX gets damaged?
If the white outer case of the PEX pipe gets messed up, water can get inside and ruin the insulation, which might mess up your warranty. Always look at the case before putting it in, and don’t use it if it has any holes or rips. If it’s broken, you should call the company and ask for a new one.
Why is splicing PEX tubing underground a problem?
Splicing the PEX tubing underground is a big problem because the couplings can break down and cause leaks. It’s best to use one long piece of PEX so you don’t deal with issues later. This will make sure your system works right and keeps the warranty good.
Can I get help if my outdoor boiler experiences a leak?
Yes, most makers will help if your outdoor boiler has a leak, even if it's not covered by the warranty. They can help you find a welder and give you advice on how to fix it. This will save you money and make sure everything gets fixed the right way.
