PEX as return tubing in baseboard enclosure

kevin coppinger_4

make a lot of noise as it expands... it will look pretty strange, especially if it pops the cover off...and over time it will be subject to damage due to all the expansion over the fins...yes I know 3/4 M is not cheap...kpc

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Patchogue Phil_29

PEX as return tubing within the baseboard enclosure

I'd like to use PEX as the return tubing within SlantFin Fine/Line-30 baseboard enclosure.

How should the PEX be protected from cuts and suspended from the brackets? Loosely cinched tie-wraps? Or does there exist a specific "hanger"?

Will PEX droop too much or be unsightly visible?

kevin coppinger_4

I would not use...

pex for this application...more issues than it is worth....kpc

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Patchogue Phil_29

Can you....

....please explain the issues?

Patchogue Phil_29

Noise?

Pex makes expansion noise? I've never tried to listen to some..... what does it sound like compared to copper fin tube expansion noise?

As far as damage, that was my big question of my post, how to keep it from being damaged. I figure suspending it above the fins inside the brackets, Just not sure what is the best method.

J.C.A._3

Slant-Fin.....

Used to include "J- hooks" in with their baseboard for use as a return hanger. (Do they still?)

I have used Pex-Al-Pex as a return inside an enclosure with no problems. The PAP expands at almost the same rate as copper, and I haven't heard any noise complaints to date.I used simple "Talon hangers", right into studs. Chris

Bob Bona_4

use

PAP such as Fostapex and call it done. I do it all the time. Let the PAP rest on the fins. Keep any brass adapters off the fins. HTH

hot_rod

Straight lengths of PAP

would be my choice for that.

Remember with regular pex the EVOH O2 barrier may not be UV protected. Some brands are adding and extra PE layer over the EVOH layer for UV protection.

I use the Viega FostaPex for jobs like that. The sell all sizes in 20 foot straight sticks. Silver jacket, but I think they offer additional colors now.

hot rod

Patchogue Phil_29

hooks

They show them on their website pdf literature, not sure if they are an option item when ordering baseboard. I do not recall seeing them included.

I am wondering if over time a wire hook would cut into the pex.

Bruce Stevens

Patchogue Phil_29

Silver jacket

Silver would blend in against the fins I guess.

Patchogue Phil_29

pex roll

I am in need of buying a roll of O2 barrier PEX for a homerun to baseboard (is that called PEX-b?), but wasn't going to buy PEX-AL-PEX for that.

Wondered if that type would work OK as a return inside the enclosure.

hot_rod

The front cover

pretty much hides that additional tube. It will be visiable where it goes thru the floor.

I've seen that additional tube on top, as well as below the fin tube element. Some brands have a notch in the fin carrier to allow the additional pipe to fit closely.

hot rod

hot_rod

regular pex moves quite a bit

as it heats and cools. PAP tube is much more stable as far as expansion issues.

Regular pex, especially long runs, will need some room to expand. Like oversized holes with insulators.

You should be able to find a supplier that stocks straight lengths of whatever brand PAP, or FostaPex you like.

hot rod

Patchogue Phil_29

Hidden

The enclosures go from wall to wall, so the pipe is hidden.

This is in the 1/2 story of a Cape house. Closets are on one side, in front of kneewalls. Will run the PEX inside the closet above the door opening.

Originally, baseboard was fed by copper running inside the unheated kneewalls. My parents decided it was a good idea to close the bedroom doors on this 1/2 story they do not use. Well, battery in eletronic thermostat died, pipes froze inside the eaves behind kneewalls. Leaked on diningroom ceiling when it thawed.

30-some years ago when I was a skinny young teenager I fit inside the kneewalls and ran the copper as per my old man's direction. I don't have the inclination to squeeze in there now.

hot_rod

If you run over doorways

be sure to use a good air purger back at the boiler. I like the Spirovents for that application. You need to collect all those micro bubbles, else they end up gathering at those high points over the summer.

It's the mesh screen in the Spiro that does an excellent job of catching the small bubbles. They pass right through a scoop type purger.

Don't oversize the piping so you keep the velocity (4FPS) up to move air along.

Often times 5/8 tube is plenty for baseboard runs. Possibly 1/2 on short baseboard loops.

3/4" pex, even PAP can be a bear to run in baseboard enclosures

hot rod