Hi All,

I want to have installed in my basement an additional zone of hot
water baseboard heat.
The basement has a concrete slab floor. A plumbing contractor told me
the level of the copper pipe used to connect the baseboard should
remain mostly level, and is suggesting in one instance channeling into
the concrete floor to continue the loop, as opposed to going up, over
and down an obstacle with the pipe. He said this will prevent excess
air in the pipe and avoid the constant need to bleed the pipes. I'm not
keen on the idea of laying copper pipe into concrete. Is keeping the
pipe level really a big concern in this kind of application.
Thanks for advise in advance.

Air bleed valves at highpoints will work

On 5 Nov 2005 05:57:30 -0800, "Tonysi" wrote:

Hi All,

I want to have installed in my basement an additional zone of hot
water baseboard heat.
The basement has a concrete slab floor. A plumbing contractor told me
the level of the copper pipe used to connect the baseboard should
remain mostly level, and is suggesting in one instance channeling into
the concrete floor to continue the loop, as opposed to going up, over
and down an obstacle with the pipe. He said this will prevent excess
air in the pipe and avoid the constant need to bleed the pipes. I'm not
keen on the idea of laying copper pipe into concrete. Is keeping the
pipe level really a big concern in this kind of application.
Thanks for advise in advance.

Yes and no. It is important to avoid areas where air can accumulate
and cause an air lock, preventing the water from flowing. Going up
over and down to clear an obstacle is a perfect example of something
to avoid. It possible to manage by proper flushing technique, but it
becomes a maintenance hassle.

However, if the area will be open or accessable, the plumber can
install an automatic air vent at the top of that loop that will
prevent air from accumulating. Or even a manual vent.

I've got pipes under the slab and I wish I didn't. I've had one leak,
and figure it's only a matter of time until another.

HTH,

Paul

m Ransley wrote:

Air bleed valves at highpoints will work

....including the automatic ones.

Nick