Blockage baseboard heat?

daveoo

Installed new basboard heating loop and element for a remodel. 2 zone system, pex piping . New zone has a flow problem. I think something is stuck inside piping or element. Of course house is completely finished. Any ideas to narrow where the block could be?

Jamie Hall

Is the blockage complete? That is, no flow at all? If not, you might be able to hear where the restriction is. But if there is no flow at all, that won't work. Only other thing I can think of is to take it step by step -- make sure all valves, if any, are fully open. Make sure the pump, if any, is delivering what it should be. If possible, break out any accessible connections (such as at the baseboard elements) to see where flow stops...

Tinman

My first thought is air? Are you sure it's been purged well?

Does the pump you're using have an integrated check valve? I had one sticking earlier this week.

hot_rod

A zone valve in backwards? Follow all the arrows.

I suppose it is not impossible, but a 100% flow blockage would be unusual in a new system.

daveoo

Not 100% blockage. There is flow, just restricted. I did take apart flow check in pump. Actually flipped supply and return. I know so.etching is in there. When trying to purge its building pressure and blowing off. There is no air. Something is in system. I'm trying to figure a way to find the obstruction without tearing the home apart.

j a_2

How about a possible kink in the pex?

Bob Bona_4

Was there any cleaning brushes used for any fitting prep? Years ago, on occasion I'd have those brushes with the metal "washers" on the tips. One job, I was piping merrily away and came to realize I'm not seeing that washer on the brush anymore. 1 1/4 too. Looked everywhere, then took apart 6 fittings before I found it lodged in an elbow. Talk about a flow restrictor!

Never, ever again did I buy those types of brushes

daveoo

I'm leaning toward a pebble stuck in pipe. Anyone have an idea to locate it? The pipes are covered by drywall and insulation. I don't want to cut the whole place apart.

Tinman

Did you put tape or caps over the pex when roughing it in? Can you cut the far ends of each loop and blow compressed air through it?

hot_rod

You may have to isolate sections and cut open some piping.

If you can get to both ends of the loop start there and see how much actually flows into a 5 gallon bucket to get an idea how restricted it is, or add a flow meter.

Long loops of small diameter pex are fairly flow restrictive, any idea how long the entire loop is and what size tube?

If the system was piped with 3/4 pex, it can easily be kinked when trying to make short bends.

I know the manufacturers of rubber radiant tube shot a ball bearing thru with compressed air to assure the tube is extruded properly with no 'bottle necks" If it is a dirt blockage maybe isolate and flow street water pressure, or compressed air at 100 psi or more. Disconnect from boiler if you try high pressure flushing.

j a_2

Pex is great stuff, if that's your thing...but the installation is a bit different than copper...you need to install far more clips and be very careful with your bends...but in my opinion it looks like crap,don't like it and never will... but I can definitely see the need for the young contractors to use it, it's the only way they can compete...with the moon lighters stealing

ratio

If there aren't any 90s in the run you might try an electricians fish tape. With a leader they'll go through a pretty tight turn, but they'll never go through a 90.

j a_2

So, what was the issue...did you fix it?

j a_2

Still no response, can u tell us what was it,causing the issues

Paul48

I wonder if the blockage point would show up with IR?

vibert_c

I have witnessed mice hiding in 3/4" copper pipe in my solar radiant panels on the porch that are awaiting installation. Did your equipment sit around long enough for the mice to call it home?
vibert_c

j a_2

I was hoping for a report back, just curious...