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Reroute radiant heat tube for construction

j_go
j_go Member Posts: 1
Hi all- I have existing radiant floors in the basement of my home. Remodel plans call for cutting the floor to pour new structural footings in a few places. I am wondering if it's feasible to essentially cut the PEX and re-route it around these footings (~3.5' square). Has anyone encountered this before?  Many thanks in advance 

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,375
    Well, you have to do what you have to do. Any rerouting is going to involve additional pipe, and therefore at least two splices if not more, and any splice is a potential leak. Therefore, take great care (or have someone else take great care) in making those splices.

    There will also be some additional head loss from the splice fittings, which may slightly upset the balance of the loops.

    Now. I would very much suggest that you cut and demolish the existing concrete in a small patch at the centre of the new footing, and then use hand techniques to expose the existing tubing to a considerable distance beyond where the rerouting is to begin, taking -- again -- great care not to damage the tubing.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 24,070
    Turn the system on and locate all the loops with an infrared camera. That should limit the damage.
    No problem splicing tubes. Use the manufacturer’s recommendation for in slab splices.

    Adding 5 or so feet to a loop will hardly be noticeable for flow.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream