Old Pex Tubing

Ron Schroeder_3

how old the tubing is. Barrier tubing has not always been.

Wayco Wayne_2

I am working

in an old log cabin where the previous homeowner installed a radiant floor all on his own with the help of an internet company selling him all of the materials. Eep! It is run with what looks like 3/4 pex tubing. They have already had to replace the cast iron boiler before I was contacted because of a motorised 3 way valve bring back cool water with no protection. My concern right now is whether the tubing is Oxygen barrier tubing or not. The only printing I can find on the tubing says, "Solar Option One Co. Heat Exchanger Tubing." Does anyone have any idea what this tubing is and does it have oxygen barrier protection?? Thanks for any help. WW

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Ron Schroeder_3

O2 barrier or not

Hi Wayne. An old fox such as yourself will know what to do with this stuff whether it is barrier tubing or not. My old mentor constantly reminds me that the tubing only accounts for approximately 30% of the total O2 that diffuses into a heating system. Where does the other 70% come from? The )2 barrier is highly overrated and lulls us into a false sense of confidence to the point where we no longer consider the chemistry of our heating systems.

I have many old and new heating systems built without barrier tubing. I do pay attention to keep my fluid temperatures as cool as I possibly can though. Cooler fluid takes up less O2 through the tube wall.

If the customer wants a heat exchanger to protect their new boiler, please give them one. If the boiler manufacturer requires one to maintain warranty, insist on it.

Consider either a fourway motorized valve (the Vitoronic 300 controller is on special) with a high temperature boiler, or a threeway valve with a stainless steel condensing boiler.

The 3/4" tubing will carry a lot of BTUs for you.

Also, remember corrosion inhibitor please.

You know what to do.

Shalom

JohnWood1

Look for EVOH layer

Should be a "peelable" clear layer discernable on the surface of the tube. Be willing to bet that it is not barrier! Most tube sold over the 'net has typically been plumbing pex, not heat pex.

Unknown

So, where does the other 70% come from?

Bob Sweet

I'm curious aswell

where's the other 70% come from. Did you use HX on these older installs?

[Deleted User]

Crap tubing

Thats what Bob at RadiantTech used to call his tubing. It's basically a non listed poly ethylene tubing and you're correct, it has NO o2 barrier.

Same old same old...

ME

Wayco Wayne_2

Job is about

15 years old I'm guessing. The original Homeowner is gone. Should I treat with chemicals or install a flat plate or both??? WW

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

hr

I'd isolate

the tube with a HX of some sort.

A small indirect tank, 20 or 30 gallon, makes a nice HX sometimes, and offers some buffer capacity, which can help a lot on micro zoned non modulating boilers.

I would consult with the owner regarding any warranty or expected life of that tube. Before you start!

hot rod

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"