Finding an old radiant floor leak?

J.T.

A new customer called and has an old radiant floor in concrete with copper pipes (just like in Levitown) with radiators on the second floor and said it wasn't heating. I'm wondering how to tell if it's the copper in the concrete causing the problem. They have wall to wall carpet. Other contractors want to do away with the boiler and install a heatpump with ductwork and all. I know that's a mistake and want to help them.

John Felciano

Leaks

you need to isolate the radiant portion and see if it looses pressure.We've gone as far as adding water meters to the makeup water line to monitor old copper radiant systems.

If it is leaking than you need to find it.There are all sorts of high tech ways these days.Infared cameras and sensitive listening devices.I found a very lo tech way by accedent that works pretty well.Cover the floor in clear plastic sheeting and tape the edges.Turn up the heat than wait.Moisture develops under the poly in the area where there is a leak.Can's say if it will find all leaks but it's worked for me.

The hard decision is wheather to fix the leak and any future ones that may occur or abandon the system.

George_10

Jay

I have talked with contractors that have had the same situation. The problem is, if there is one pin hole leak in the copper pipe, then there are going to be more in the near future. You could run our cleaner through the system and find all of them at once and then decide what to do next. These old systems with copper pipe in concrete are resort areas for pin hole leaks. If you want to discuss this further give me a call at 800-543-5975.

George Hunt