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Radiant heat - 3/8 ONIX radiant heat hose

Allan & Karen Becker
Allan & Karen Becker Member Posts: 2
in THE MAIN WALL
Yes we are running the system, but it was not running properly as the original contractor piped it incorrectly. The system was also wired incorrectly by the original plumber (also addressed). This has been corrected after numerous days of work with a new contractor. We are still pecking away at all the other issues and it has been very time consuming. I did contact TACO, the manufacturer of the control box and ended up with a different contractor than they recommended (I was looking for less "bells & whistles" than who they recommended and to just wanted to have the system function properly). Is this helpful?

Comments

  • Allan & Karen Becker
    Allan & Karen Becker Member Posts: 2
    Radiant heat - 3/8 ONIX Watts Radiant heating hose

    Dear Radiant heat experts,
    We were hoping to get some input on a problem regarding our radiant heat system that was installed almost 2 years ago. Some of the major issues have been reconfigured, repiped, etc. by a new contractor, but one problem that is still a large health concern is why the 3/8 ONIX heating hose is giving off an extremely strong bitter smell still almost 2 years after installation. Our new contractor recommends PEX/wirsbo. Is there a reason why ONIX gives off such a bad odor? It has caused us to be ill it is so strong. There are 2 zoned systems; Zone 1-radiant (Kitchen/mudroom), Zone 2-Main house, oil fired hot water system with raditors. Each system runs off a separate thermostat.
    Any recommendations/suggestions/info. anyone could offer would be MOST appreciated. Thank you in advance.
  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    How hot

    are you running the system? Have you contacted Watts radiant for their advice?

    hot rod

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  • JBH_2
    JBH_2 Member Posts: 9


    Are you sure there's not tar paper under your hardwood floor or something that would give off an odor?
  • JBH_2
    JBH_2 Member Posts: 9


    Are you sure there's not tar paper under your hardwood floor or something that would give off an odor?
  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    Hard telling, not knowing

    how the system was designed and installed.

    First off a heat loss calc should have been preformed. If the installer used the Watts Radiant software the installation details i.e. loops, temperatures, pump size, etc should have been spelled out, clearly.

    If this was not done, sadly, it could be a challange to undo and redo.

    You really need that data to "get it right" a heat loss and design could and should be preformed even if the building is completed.

    This calculation is the "map' to your sucess. You need to know the heat loads of the various rooms to be sure the radiant floor can handle that heat load.

    Sounds to me the tube is running at some fairly high temperatures? Possibly to provide sufficient heat.

    You might contact the Watts Radiant rep for your area. 800-279-2418 I'm sure they want to make this right.

    hot rod

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  • Bill Nye_2
    Bill Nye_2 Member Posts: 538
    Allen & Karen

    Hot Rod asked, How Hot? What temperature is the water going through the onyx tubing ? Do you have a temperature gauge? Is there a mixing valve?

    I have 600 ft of this product in my home for over 6 yrs, never a smell. My water temp has never gone over 135°F.

    Unregulated water temp. "may" cause a problem, check with Mfg.
  • Robert O'Connor_12
    Robert O'Connor_12 Member Posts: 728
    Becker's

    I've installed over 100,000 feet of this and even have it in my own house. I too have "heard" about smell issues and so far noted the culprit to be temperatures exceeding the manufacturer's installation instructions. The only "smells" that I've deemed foul have been with initial purging. The hose really gives off a nasty smell while being mixed with water in a bucket or purge station.

    Robert O'Connor/NJ
  • Boilerpro_3
    Boilerpro_3 Member Posts: 1,231
    That's my first thought

    I've never had odor issues with Onix.

    Boilerpro
  • kevin coppinger_4
    kevin coppinger_4 Member Posts: 2,124
    MY thoughts...

    too...tar paper and radiant don't mix. kpc

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  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    When they ramp way up on OD reset

    is when you can get a smell sometimes. If it has a reset and it was not dialed in correct you may be shooting 190, 200 or more. I've had E-3 systems smell when they hit design days on reset controls, even 6 years after installation.

    hot rod

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