Is this at risk of freezing?

trivetman

I've been running a recirculating hot water loop using one of those crossover valves which uses the cold line for the return. I am in the process of rebuilding a third floor closet and realize I've got access to a space next to the chimney where I can probably fish a line of pex through to the basement to be a dedicated return line.

Only hesitation is I don't know how cold this space might get. it's a hot water recirculating line, but there's always power outages and other edge cases to consider. My gut tells me it's far enough from the exterior wall not to be a freeze risk (as long as the house heat is working!), but I'm not 100% sure. I'm also realizing we have some existing water lines running from basement to second floor in essentially the same spot two floors down and which have never been a problem, but I didn't put those in so never questioned them. House is a 1900 build without any insulation against the stone exterior.

Here's a top view cross-section of the space Dimensions are approximate. Would you put a water line here for a client? Region is Philadelphia area.

mattmia2

unless there is a significant draft in from the outside(which is certainly a possibility in that chase) that is far enough in to not freeze unless you've lost heat for probably a day or 2 or more

hot_rod

you will want to insulate the line to limit the heatloss if that is a cold space. Running recirc lines in cold spaces will cost more DHW fuel.

mattmia2

it essentially makes all of the hot water lines in the loop part of the tank

Intplm.

You should be fine there. Just insulate the area.

pecmsg

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1868524#Comment_1868524

Key word………….Should

EdTheHeaterMan

I agree with @hot_rod & @mattmia2 sbout adding some pipe insulation. I also want to add

For the Philadelphia Fans.