At what pressure should hot water distribution pipe and tubing be rated at a temperature of 180°F?

Hot water distribution pipes and tubing must be rated for specific pressures depending on their temperature rating to ensure safety and functionality in plumbing systems. At a temperature of 180°F, the structural integrity of the pipe materials can be affected, so they are required to withstand higher pressure.

The rating of 100 PSI for hot water distribution at 180°F is based on industry standards that take into account the thermal effects on the materials used in pipes and tubing. This pressure rating helps prevent failures under extreme conditions, ensuring that the plumbing system operates without leaks or bursts.

Typically, as water temperature increases, the allowable operating pressure of a pipe generally decreases if it is not rated correctly. However, the rating of 100 PSI at 180°F provides a margin of safety that aligns with the requirements of the International Plumbing Code. This is necessary to maintain performance and reliability in hot water systems used for various plumbing applications.

While other pressure ratings such as 75, 85, and 110 PSI may be relevant to different conditions or materials, they do not meet the specific requirement for hot water distribution piping at this elevated temperature, marking the choice of 100 PSI as the correct one.