Old Radiant System in NH

Unknown

I am working with an architect who is doing a remodel on a home from the 50's or 60's in Hanover, NH.

House has the original radiant, copper in slab, still running. However it has come up that perhaps they want to just pour a new slab over the old with new pipe, anticipating that the system will probably fail at some point.

It's been going for 40 or 50 years so I'm not so positive it's due to croak. However, I also have no idea how we could verify what state the tubing in the slab is in to know whether or not these clients need to go through the extra expense of a new system when their old one is working fine.

Any ideas on how to inspect that tube? Anyone in that area with the capabilities to check out such a system relatively inexpensively? The job will be going out to bid after we design it so I can't promise a full install job out of it, but being the guy who can properly inspect the current system may help if that's what you were interested in!

Thanks in advance for any feedback!



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George_10

We do not know of any practical way to test the existing

piping. The one way you could test for current leaks is to pressurize the system and leave it and see if the pressure holds. It has been my experience talking with old Levitte (sp) house home owners that they do begin to get pin hole leaks in their copper tubing in cement, at about this age range.

What is the pH of the existing system water.

Once they start to leak, it is an unending battle from that point until they are forced to do something either with a rasied floor or baseboards.

Unknown

hmmm. I was afraid that would be the case. Thanks for the info!

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George_10

What does the system flush look like?

You could send us a sample and we will test it for free. We would need about 12 oz to run a complete test.

Also, go to our web site and read about our cleaning and treating products for hydronic systems.

If you do replace the existing system componants, I would suggest that you clean and treat the system.

Give me a call if you have any questions. 800-543-5975

Unknown

Oh, we'll be giving you a call for the cleaning/treatment solution in either case, have no fear there. We just referred one our contractor clients to you recently as well for a system we got called in on that had a corrosion problem.

Just trying to figure out how we can tell whether or not that copper pipe is going to last. Haven't made a site visit yet; trying to get my ducks in a row before I (and maybe someone better equipped!) can go over and check it out.

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George_10

A system flush sample

would also give a clue as to how the system is holding up.

Some old systems are remarkably clean and have little chemistry problems going on, while others are a disaster.

The story is in the flush and that is an easy step to do.

hr

A starting point

would be to pressurize and test the exisiting system. If you are lucky it already has a leak

If not I would not, and you should not, put any life expectancy on the system. Certainly not in writing

If now is a good time to look at a retro fit to offer better zoning, comfort and maybe efficiency and quicker response, than take that road.

hot rod

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Larry Weingarten

Another approach...

would be to locate some copper in the system that could be uncovered and replaced. Examine it inside and out for corrosion, erosion, etc. Look at the slab for any cracking. If the water chemistry is good and there is little evidence of copper damage, a new system might not be justified. Conversely, if it looks iffy, you'll have good evidence.
Yours, Larry