copper tubing under cement...
 

Hi,

I'm gonna be replacing the 60-yr-old 3/8" copper tubing that runs
through our concrete basement floor from the oil tank to the burner.
I'm gonna chisel out the old stuff, clean-up the channel, and then
re-bury the new tubing with concrete.

Anyway, from what I understand it's advisable to first encase it in
some type of outer plastic tubing or conduit to prevent corrosion
(that's why I'm replacing the stuff that's there). Any recommendations?

Thanks,
JohnB

"johnnyzero" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi,

I'm gonna be replacing the 60-yr-old 3/8" copper tubing that runs
through our concrete basement floor from the oil tank to the burner.
I'm gonna chisel out the old stuff, clean-up the channel, and then
re-bury the new tubing with concrete.

Anyway, from what I understand it's advisable to first encase it in
some type of outer plastic tubing or conduit to prevent corrosion
(that's why I'm replacing the stuff that's there). Any recommendations?

Thanks,
JohnB


This is Turtle.

You can get K type Soft Copper tubing with a plastic cover to lay in concrete.
Lay it and forget it.

TURTLE

I'm gonna be replacing the 60-yr-old 3/8" copper tubing that runs
through our concrete basement floor from the oil tank to the burner.
I'm gonna chisel out the old stuff, clean-up the channel, and then
re-bury the new tubing with concrete.

Anyway, from what I understand it's advisable to first encase it in
some type of outer plastic tubing or conduit to prevent corrosion
(that's why I'm replacing the stuff that's there). Any recommendations?
I would think that 1/2" Sched 80 PVC would be OK, so long as the temp
never gets above 140 deg. near the burner.

Thanks for the info, guys. Actually, I already have my new tubing
running ACROSS the floor for now so that we have hot water in the
meantime, so I don't wanna have to buy more tubing that comes with the
cover. Also, the channel isn't a straight line - so rigid PVC isn't
really an option.

I probably can just get some type of plastic tubing/hose of the proper
diameter and slip it over the copper before I cover it w/ concrete. The
20-year-old kid who works in the Plumbing/HVAC aisles at my local Home
Depot actually is quite knowledgeable, so I guess I can just ask him
what type would work for me.

Thanks again!
JohnB

On 15 Aug 2005 05:53:45 -0700, "johnnyzero"
wrote:

Thanks for the info, guys. Actually, I already have my new tubing
running ACROSS the floor for now so that we have hot water in the
meantime, so I don't wanna have to buy more tubing that comes with the
cover. Also, the channel isn't a straight line - so rigid PVC isn't
really an option.

I probably can just get some type of plastic tubing/hose of the proper
diameter and slip it over the copper before I cover it w/ concrete. The
20-year-old kid who works in the Plumbing/HVAC aisles at my local Home
Depot actually is quite knowledgeable, so I guess I can just ask him
what type would work for me.

Here in AZ where houses are slab-on-grade, copper water piping is
wrapped with tape made for the purpose. There is also a primer
available that seems to be pretty much additional adhesive.

And, you never want a joint under concrete.

In the past, I have buried some polyethylene water pipe with the copper tube
threaded in through it. The 1/2" size will hold 3/8" copper tube, or 3/4" if
you have a long run and want it easy to pull. The poly pipe comes in 100
foot lengths, is cheap and is reasonably flexible to curve out of the
concrete at each end and to go around any obstructions although you may have
to stake or strap it into place where you make a tighter curve than the
material naturally wants.

"johnnyzero" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi,

I'm gonna be replacing the 60-yr-old 3/8" copper tubing that runs
through our concrete basement floor from the oil tank to the burner.
I'm gonna chisel out the old stuff, clean-up the channel, and then
re-bury the new tubing with concrete.

Anyway, from what I understand it's advisable to first encase it in
some type of outer plastic tubing or conduit to prevent corrosion
(that's why I'm replacing the stuff that's there). Any recommendations?

Thanks,
JohnB

"johnnyzero" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi,

I'm gonna be replacing the 60-yr-old 3/8" copper tubing that runs
through our concrete basement floor from the oil tank to the burner.
I'm gonna chisel out the old stuff, clean-up the channel, and then
re-bury the new tubing with concrete.

Anyway, from what I understand it's advisable to first encase it in
some type of outer plastic tubing or conduit to prevent corrosion
(that's why I'm replacing the stuff that's there). Any recommendations?

Thanks,
JohnB


Go to a plumbing supply They make a plastic sleeve ( looks like a small fire
hose/Blue) slide that over the pipe. If you are going to imbed it in the
concrete Then you might want to wrap it with foam pipe wrap. Comes in a
roll, 1/8 thick,6" wide. You could also use tem-mill tape. If you are
imbedding it in concrete expansion and contraction would be a concern. As
mentioned sliding it threw PVC would be good if you ever had to replace it ,
If you have any tight bends it could be a problem. Defiantly soft roll, you
don't want any joints in or under slab. If this can not be avoided joints
should be brazed.

Thanks to *all* for the great info.

I ended up getting a 10' piece of 5/8" H/C Pex pipe (1/2" i.d.) - it
looks like white polyethylene. It's almost as rigid as PVC (which will
allow me to pull the copper tubing out if I ever need to replace it),
but flexible enough to lay in my curved channel.

Now the fun part of chiseling out the channel and the old tubing.
Actually, I think I'll use a masonry blade on either side of the
channel to get a nice clean edge, and then remove the rest with a
masonry chisel. Fun fun...

thanks again,
JohnB