Flexible Copper Tubing

[Beachcomber]

I inadvertently installed "Refrigeration Tubing Dehydrated" for a dedicated drinking water system. I used 1/2" tubing run from the basement to the kitchen where it splits to a drinking water spout and an icemaker.

Is this tubing safe to use for drinking water applications?

Correct me if you know I'm wrong, but based on my research, the refrigeration tubing uses ASTM B280 standards, whereas the drinking water tubing uses ASTM B88 standards. I have no idea what the differences are.

Are there any chemicals used in the manufacturing process that would make the refrigeration tubing unsuitable for drinking water? They *look* the same (that's how I ended up with the wrong stuff - read the label, stupid!), but obviously doesn't mean they are.

Thanks for any and all input.

[jadnashua]

This is a guess, I'm not a pro. The dehydrated tubing is cleaned and then the gas in the line is replaced with dry air (maybe nitrogen) then capped to prevent contamination or crud and moisture so that when installed into a refrigeration system you don't have to worry about water in the line. My guess is that, like any new plumbing, that if you flush the line out after installation, you won't have any problems.

[Beachcomber]

Thanks - that's what I suspected.

As a follow up, I called the manufacturer. They indicated it *can* be used for water as long as code in my locality allows it (properties must be slightly different regarding pressure capabilities, etc.

Thanks again.