Brass Fittings in Concrete

Ed_5

I have a brass union on PEX tubing for a radiant floor in a bathroom, should the union be wrapped in anything before putting down the mud floor? Just trying to avoid any problems down the road. Thanks -Ed

Jeff Krawic

Brass/Corrosion

I think this one may even be a question for Dan! If my memory is right (and THATS an if......) there is "flyash" mixed in with cement. At least in the old days. Now in the composition of flyash was some sulphur as a byproduct. Now sulphur and brass in the "OLD" days used to make a composition called "Mercaptan Sulphur" and bear in mind, this is all from a shaky memory today,......and Mercaptan sulphur attacks brass, like the old nozzle adapters. So in my opinion, I think you should encapsulate the union in something. This is a question for someone with more experience than me and I think you will get it here. Good luck.

Ed_5

Thanks Jeff, I believe the tile setter will be using a sand/portland mix. I'm wondering if just wrapping it in electrial tape would help. -Ed

Paul Pollets

3 Mil Tape

3 Mil tape from a plumbing supply house is recommended. BTW, Unions are not supposed to be concealed in a concrete floor or overpour.

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hr

I'd wrap

it and mark on a plan where the splice is located.

Some manufactures do sell spliced lengths of tube. The factory splice has a heat shrink covering.

I have heard electricial tape or other petrolum based tapes are a no no on tube with barrier. That's an official from one of themanufactures. Might want to get,in writing, an approval from the manufacture.

hot rod

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Ed_5

Paul, my terminology may be off, it's a compression splice. I'll wrap it in the tape as you suggest. Thanks. Ed

bob young

concealed piping.

TO BURY A UNION IN CONCRETE IS A NOT GOOD IDEA. unless you don't mind chopping up your floor sometime in the near future. IF THE JOB WAS FOR A WELL INFORMED PAYING CUSTOMER HE WOULD BE GETTING A JOB WITH no splice OR YOU WOULD BE not gettin' paid. in any case consider yourself now well informed.

Brian (Tankless)

Hot Rod's

advice is spot on.

Make your splice, test it, mark it on a plan, to the inch, (copy for you, copy for the H.O.) Then use shrink-wrap tubing with plenty of overlap.

Don't skimp on the quality, get 3-M or equivalent that your tubing maker recommends.

Happy hydronic splicifying from Swampland.

89F today, isn't it supposed to be Autumn?

Swampster.

EJW

Splice

Also take a picture of it. You might measure to it from two points and write the measurements on the floor before you take the picture. EJW

Paul Pollets

Splice

Splices need not be wrapped, if the Mfg. approves. Some inspectors want to make sure the brass is wrapped, but with regard to HR's comment, I'd check with the Mfg regarding use of Mil tape on the PEX.

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