PAP for Snowmelt?

Unknown

Are there any reasons why not to use PAP for snowmelt?

Just wondering what could happen to the composite pipe if the antifreeze mixture went unattended and a deep freeze were to occur. Could the aluminum layer breach if it got cold enough? If so, there is no memory for PAP and this could be a huge problem.

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Mark Eatherton1

Other than...

the possibility of a complete tube closure from inadvertent pinch off when the heavy footed concrete guys are stepping on it as it crosses rebar, no...

I prefer good ol' PEX where its going to be abused.

I prefer viagra pipe when doing staple down. It STAYS where you put it.

ME

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hr

Why not

ME has a good point about rebar, it does pose a pinch potential.

Although I've yet to see a driveway here in Missouri with rebar used in the pour?? And the only reason you'll see mesh, in driveways, is if tubing is installed!

hot rod

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Phil_10

freeze & burst

Isn't it possible that the PEX-AL-PEX could burst under the snowmelt? Let's say the system fluid was diluted down to just H2O. I see the pipe expanding and bursting. Is it possible?

Mark Eatherton1

You betcha...

and I've seen the same thing happen to regular PEX too. THe key to this problem is NOT providing a means of dillution to the equation. NO FRESH WATER MAKE UP ON ANY SNOWMELT SYSTEM period.

Use the PIG...

ME

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Unknown

Ahhhhh,,,the P.I.G.

Pressure induced Gizmo.;-)

I've not seen (or heard) of PEX A damaged by freezing. However, I'm sure it has.

I'm just wondering if PEX may be the better choice for snow melt. I know someone who just placed a HUGE order for 5/8" Multicor for a melt job and I proposed the thought that composite tubing may NOT be the best choice for these systems.


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Troy_3

PAP

We use PAP 3/4" always for snowmelt. It has a much larger ID than pex. We run 300' loops of 3/4" and have never had any problems. Larger ID means less restriction of this sluggish fluid at single digit temps. At least that is my rationale. W ran out of PAP so we used 3/4" pex-a. It got loose and put a golf ball sized goose egg in my helpers forehead when the tube whacked it. 3/4" pex has a lot of potential energy in it's memory.