Accidentaly hit PEX with nail. Above subfloor radiant heat

WillC

Hi there,

I have an above subfloor heated floor that I am doing myself.

Flooring nail didn't go straight and punctured PAP PEX. I can't replace the loop, unfortunately PEX needs to be fixed. What's the best way to approach this?

I was thinking to cut the plywood around the puncture, cut the PEX and use a brass coupling with 2 clamp rings. (is a crimp ring better? Should I install a heat shrink sleeve?)

I am worried about expansion and the connection getting loose over time. If it matters, I have also access to this part of the subfloor from the basement ceiling (underneath).

I have included a picture of the "before the flooring install".

Thanks

hot_rod

Just a coupling that fits that type of tube is fine. No harm in heat shrinking it also. That is mostly for repairs in concrete pours.

Maybe make a map of the exact location, for peace of mind.

What brand of tube is it? Do they offer a crimp coupling, or just compression style?

On my Warmboard installs I would get a roll of butcher paper, lay it across the room to make a map of the exact tube location. pics or drone shots work well also.

WillC

thanks for the reply. I called them and they do have a specific repair kit, I’m gonna get it tomorrow.

Phil_17

I had a similar problem about 15 years ago when our plasterer managed to slit the PAP tube in a warmboard installation. I wound up shortening the loop by routing a new return into the floor which provided slack to effect the repair. I cut out the damaged portion and poked both of the ends through the subfloor into the cavity below where I used the manufacturers recommended compression fitting to splice the tube in a location where I could more easily get at it if I ever had an issue in the future (thinking it would be a lot easier to cut and patch some drywall from below than to pull up and repair a hardwood floor). I haven't had any issues so far…