Is it possible to extend snow melt loops.

Bbrriiaann

Hi,

I've laid the snow melt loop for a sunken entrance through my basement pad but not set the outside loops in concrete yet. Do you think I could splice the pex to be able to extend the loop into the concrete steps I'll be pouring at the same time? I originally wasn't intended. The loops is very small, only 30sq ft of pad, just worry about separation.

Jamie Hall

Personally I'd rather not see PEX splices — or anything else splices — embedded in concrete. However, if the splices can be located where you can get at them when they leak, there's no problem.

HomerJSmith

Sure, what size and type of Pex? Type A? If so, I would expand the Pex and use a brass fitting (coupling) and not a plastic fitting. I would wrap the fitting with black electrical tape afterward to prevent corrosion. I would stay under the recommended loop length depending upon tube size.

pecmsg

why not run a seperate loop for the stairs?

Zman

It is better form never to splice. That being said, splices happen! Test your splice when you are done and isolate brass splices from the concrete. When it comes to stairs, be sure to run the tubing parallel to the treads and ~2" from the surface and edge of the nose. I am in the process of tearing out a very expensive staircase where the original contractor decided it was easier to run the tubing in the lower portion of the stringer.

hot_rod

the Pex tube manufacturers have a specific method to follow for in slab splices. Heat shrink tubing is a good option compared to electrician tape.

Whatever you use needs to be compatible with the Pex tube outer coatings, EVOH typically.

LMacNevin

Several PEX manufacturers will allow the use of their couplings in embedded applications, as long as you follow their instructions.