Guides · PE-RT · PE-Xa · Multilayer Composite Pipe · EVOH · DIN 4726

Heating Pipes for Underfloor Heating 2026 – PE-RT, PE-Xa & Multilayer Composite Pipes Compared

from 0.48 €/m
PE-RT heating pipe
10 bar
max. operating pressure
EVOH
Oxygen barrier layer
DIN 4726
certified
Heating pipe on 200 m / 600 m reel – available directly from stock
EVOH oxygen barrier layer mandatory according to DIN 4726 – prevents corrosion throughout the entire system
PE-RT, PE-Xa & Multilayer Pipes – the right pipe for every application
Optimized for heat pumps – 16 x 2 mm and 17 x 2 mm, 30–45 °C flow temperature, GEG § 60 compliant
Content
    Contact & Advice
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    Adresse MC Therm
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    09120 Chemnitz
    Heating pipe for underfloor heating

    Which heating pipe is the right one – and why is the EVOH barrier layer mandatory?

    The heating pipe is the basis of every underfloor heating system: Without the right pipe, neither a heat pump nor a condensing boiler can work efficiently. The most important technical requirement is oxygen tightness according to DIN 4726: The EVOH barrier layer prevents atmospheric oxygen from diffusing through the pipe wall into the heating water – the oxygen would corrode all steel components (boiler, pump, manifold) from the inside.

    Three pipe types are available: PE-RT EVOH (from €0.48/m) – inexpensive, flexible, standard for tacker plates. PE-Xa EVOH (from €0.66/m) – cross-linked, higher continuous temperature resistance up to 95 °C, ideal for higher operating pressures. PE-RT-ALU-PE multilayer composite pipe (from €0.70/m) – dimensionally stable after bending, minimal thermal expansion (0.025 mm/m·K instead of 0.14 mm/m·K for PE), SKZ and DVGW certified.

    For heat pump systems with 30–45 °C flow temperature, all three types are suitable – the decisive factor is the installation system: Tacker and KLETT with 16 × 2 mm, clamping rail with 16 × 2 or 17 × 2 mm, wet screed constructions with up to 20 × 2 mm.

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    16 × 2 mm
    Standard Dimension
    70–95 °C
    max. continuous operation
    10 bar
    Operating pressure
    5 × OD
    Minimum bending radius
    ≤ 0.1 mg
    O₂ permeability/m²·d·bar
    200 m
    Standard roll length
    KLETT PE-RT EVOH Heizrohr MC Therm Systemtechnik
    Common heating pipe errors

    Your problem – our solution

    Making the right technical decisions when it comes to heating pipes can save expensive renovations later on.

    Problem

    No oxygen barrier: Heating pipe without an EVOH barrier layer allows atmospheric oxygen to diffuse through the pipe wall – boiler corrosion, rust sludge in the system, blockage of the heating circuit manifold.

    Lösung

    EVOH barrier layer according to DIN 4726: Oxygen permeability ≤ 0.1 mg/(m²·d·bar). All pipe types (PE-RT, PE-Xa, multi-layer composite pipe) with integrated EVOH layer or aluminum barrier layer.

    Problem

    Incorrect diameter: 16 x 2 mm for circuits > 100 m overloads the circulation pump – pressure loss too high, uneven heating, noise generation in the pipe system.

    Lösung

    Dimensioning by circuit length: 16 × 2 mm up to 100 m, 17 × 2 mm up to 120 m, 20 × 2 mm up to 140 m. Hydraulic balancing at the manifold (GEG § 60) compensates for remaining differences.

    Problem

    Wrong material for heat pump: PE-RT without an aluminum layer expands significantly (0.14 mm/m·K) – for 600 m of pipe in the screed, this can lead to length changes of up to 8 cm, which can cause cracks in the screed.

    Lösung

    Multilayer composite pipe PE-RT-ALU-PE: only 0.025 mm/m·K thermal expansion – six times less than simple PE. Or correct expansion joint planning according to DIN 18560 for single-layer pipes.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros & Cons: Heating pipe for underfloor heating

    All three pipe types honestly evaluated – for the right purchasing decision.

    Benefits
    • EVOH Oxygen Barrier Layer according to DIN 4726 – protects the entire heating system against corrosion
    • Three material types for every application: PE-RT (cost-effective), PE-Xa (flexible/high-temperature), Multi-layer Composite (dimensionally stable)
    • Heat pump optimized: 30–45 °C flow temperature, all pipe types suitable for low-temperature systems
    • 16 × 2 mm & 17 × 2 mm: suitable for all common installation systems (tacker, hook and loop, clamp rail, studded mat)
    • 200 m and 600 m rolls: fewer connection points, faster installation, lower leakage risk
    • Tested according to EN ISO 22391, EN ISO 15875, DIN EN ISO 21003 – compliant with all European standards
    Disadvantages
    • PE-Xa: Stiffer pipe – compared to PE-RT, higher force required for laying in tight radii
    • Multilayer composite pipe: heavier weight, higher material price – often oversized for straightforward new builds
    • Pipes in screed permanently inaccessible – dimensioning and installation errors must be corrected before concreting
    Applications

    Which heating pipe is suitable for which project?

    From heat pumps in new builds to gas floor heating in old buildings – making the right choice.

    Heat pump
    Optimal

    All pipe types for 30–45 °C; multi-layer composite pipe preferred for long circuits (less expansion)

    New screed
    Optimal

    PE-RT EVOH 16 × 2 mm: most affordable and most commonly used pipe for tacker plates

    Drywall renovation
    Optimal

    PE-Xa 16 × 2 mm: high flexibility for tight radii, low installation height, clamp rail system

    HOOK AND LOOP system
    Optimal

    KLETT PE-RT or PE-Xa: specially matched to the MC Therm KLETT laying system

    Commercial / Large-scale
    Geeignet

    20 x 2 mm metal composite pipe: up to 140 m circuit length, lower pump load for large areas

    Thin-layer / Dry system
    Optimal

    PE-Xa 16 × 2 mm: tight bending radius 80 mm, ideal for system panels with pre-formed grooves

    Gas/oil heating
    Geeignet

    PE-Xa 95 °C continuous operation also easily covers higher supply temperatures up to 55 °C

    Old building high temperature
    Geeignet

    PE-Xa EVOH: 95 °C continuous operation, 110 °C short-term – also suitable for old boilers with high flow temperatures

    Optimal Geeignet Bedingt Nicht geeignet
    Prices & Costs

    How much does underfloor heating pipe cost?

    Price Overview 2026 – PE-RT, PE-Xa and Multilayer Composite Pipe Compared.

    0.48 – 0.70 €/m

    PE-RT EVOH from €0.48/m (200 m roll). PE-Xa EVOH from €0.66/m. PE-RT-ALU-PE multilayer composite pipe from €0.70/m. For 100 m² living space with 15 cm pipe spacing: approx. 670 m pipe ≈ €320–470 material.

    Lower the price
    • PE-RT EVOH: Easiest Processing, Lowest Material Price – Ideal for Standard Projects
    • 600 m large roll saves 15–20% vs. 200 m roll – worthwhile from 3+ heating circuits
    • DIY Installation: no tools other than a staple gun or pliers – no tradesperson required
    Raises the price
    • PE-Xa instead of PE-RT: approx. +€0.18/m – for high temperatures, tight radii or dry construction
    • Multi-layer composite pipe: approx. +0.22 €/m compared to PE-RT – recommended for very long circuits (> 80 m)
    • 17 x 2 mm instead of 16 x 2 mm: higher material requirements, but possible up to 120 m circumference
    • Screed Heating Instructions (Heat-Up Protocol): one-time fee of approx. €80–150 – for new builds, provided by the screed layer

    Prices are based on current list prices 2026. Details in the cost guide.

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    Standards & Regulations

    Standards & legal requirements for heating pipes

    DIN 4726
    Oxygen Barrier Plastic Pipes
    Core requirement for heating pipes: Oxygen permeability ≤ 0.1 mg/(m²·d·bar). An EVOH layer (PE-RT, PE-Xa) or ALU layer (multi-layer composite pipe) fulfills this requirement. Pipes without a barrier layer may not be used in closed heating circuits.
    EN ISO 22391
    PE-RT pipes for hot/cold water
    Specifies material requirements, dimensions, and test methods for PE-RT (polyethylene of raised temperature resistance). Two types: PE-RT Type I (linear polymer, up to 70 °C continuous operating temperature) and Type II (modified, up to 90 °C).
    EN ISO 15875
    PE-Xa pipes for hot/cold water
    Regulates requirements for peroxide-crosslinked PE-Xa (Engel method). Higher continuous operating temperature (95 °C), higher pressure resistance, shape memory after deformation. Mandatory proof: Cross-linking degree ≥ 70 % (PE-Xa according to ISO 10147).
    DIN EN ISO 21003
    Multi-layer composite pipe PE/ALU/PE
    Standard for PE-RT-ALU-PE and PE-Xa-ALU-PE multilayer composite pipes. Regulates layer structure, adhesive bond between plastic and aluminum, pressure testing, and heat resistance. SKZ and DVGW certification confirms conformity to the standard.
    DIN 18560 / EN ISO 11855
    Screed & Underfloor Heating Design
    DIN 18560 regulates screed constructions including the heating protocol (screed drying phase). EN ISO 11855 regulates the design, heating load calculation, and circuit length determination for surface heating systems.

    DIN 4726 is the most important standard for heating pipes: No plastic pipe without an EVOH or ALU barrier layer may be installed in closed heating circuits. All offered pipes (PE-RT EVOH, PE-Xa EVOH, PE-RT-ALU-PE) comply with DIN 4726, EN ISO 22391/15875 and are approved for use in GEG-compliant low-temperature systems with heat pumps.

    Convinced?

    Heating pipe for underfloor heating – directly in the shop

    PE-RT EVOH, PE-Xa EVOH, and PE-RT-ALU-PE multilayer composite pipe – all with DIN 4726 oxygen barrier.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ Heating Pipe Underfloor Heating

    For standard projects (new construction, wet screed, tacker system): PE-RT EVOH 16 × 2 mm from €0.48/m – affordable, easy to lay, sufficient for 30–70 °C. For renovation, dry construction, and tight bends: PE-Xa EVOH 16 × 2 mm from €0.66/m – more flexible, higher temperature resistance. For very long circuits and high dimensional stability: PE-RT-ALU-PE multilayer composite pipe from €0.70/m. All three comply with DIN 4726 oxygen tightness.

    Plastic pipes without a barrier layer are gas-permeable: atmospheric oxygen diffuses through the pipe wall into the heating water and oxidises all iron parts in the system (boiler, pump, manifold). The consequences: rust sludge, corrosion damage, blockages. DIN 4726 therefore stipulates an oxygen permeability of ≤ 0.1 mg/(m²·d·bar) for all heating pipes in closed systems. An EVOH barrier layer or an aluminium layer fulfils this requirement.

    Rule of thumb by laying distance: 10 cm = 10 m/m² (bathroom, edge zone), 15 cm = 6.7 m/m² (standard living areas), 20 cm = 5 m/m² (heat pump, well-insulated new building). For 100 m² living space with 15 cm distance: 670 m + approx. 30 m supply lines = ~700 m. Detailed calculation formula in the calculation guide.

    The outer diameter determines the maximum pipe cross-section and thus the maximum circuit length: 16 × 2 mm up to approx. 100 m, 17 × 2 mm up to approx. 120 m. The inner cross-section for 17 × 2 mm (13 mm ID) is slightly larger than for 16 × 2 mm (12 mm ID) – the pressure loss is lower. For typical living rooms up to 20 m², 16 × 2 mm is sufficient. For open living-dining rooms > 30 m² or long supply lines, prefer 17 × 2 mm.

    For heat pumps with a low-temperature flow of 30–45 °C, both materials are equally suitable – the operating temperature is well below the limit values. Flexibility is crucial: PE-RT is softer and easier to install, while PE-Xa has less springback after bending. With multi-layer composite pipes, cracks in the screed due to temperature fluctuations are less likely due to the lower thermal expansion (0.025 vs. 0.14 mm/m·K).

    Generally no – the same pipe should always be used within a heating circuit. Different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion and pressure losses, which complicates hydraulic balancing. However, within a building, different circuits can have different pipe materials – e.g., PE-RT for simple rooms, PE-Xa for bathrooms with a tight radius. Connections between pipe types should only be made using compression fittings, never by welding or gluing.

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