Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

On Nov 7, 9:25 am, "BETA-32" wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

dumb idea, and its not code.

"ransley" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Nov 7, 9:25 am, "BETA-32" wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

dumb idea, and its not code.


I've seen PEX used to supply hot water to wall heaters in new construction. This
obviously passed inspection in Seattle.

O.P. - contact your local inspector for the final word.

Bob

"BETA-32" wrote in message
. ..
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use
PEX to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

Check with the manufacturer. Some have a temperature limit below what your
radiator may be.

On Nov 7, 10:25 am, "BETA-32" wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

Yes, many hybrid hydronic systems are using PEX. they are running at
180F, so no reason you couldn't. I would want to verify the specs on
the pex tubing though.

On Nov 7, 11:49 am, wrote:
On Nov 7, 10:25 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

Yes, many hybrid hydronic systems are using PEX. they are running at
180F, so no reason you couldn't. I would want to verify the specs on
the pex tubing though.

Hydronic or floor heat is around 110f not the 185 my boiler gets to,
You risk loosing your boiler to a fancy garden hose. But its your
house not mine.

"ransley" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Nov 7, 11:49 am, wrote:
On Nov 7, 10:25 am, "BETA-32" wrote:

Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

Yes, many hybrid hydronic systems are using PEX. they are running at
180F, so no reason you couldn't. I would want to verify the specs on
the pex tubing though.

Hydronic or floor heat is around 110f not the 185 my boiler gets to,
You risk loosing your boiler to a fancy garden hose. But its your
house not mine.


Google PEX temperature.
http://www.toolbase.org/ToolbaseReso...Cat egoryID=9

Bob

On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:25:48 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?


They have valves and elbows for adapting PEX. Check your local code.

http://www.pexsupply.com/CategoryPre...D=626&brandid=

--
Oren

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison

On Nov 7, 12:21 pm, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:25:48 -0500, "BETA-32"

wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

They have valves and elbows for adapting PEX. Check your local code.

http://www.pexsupply.com/CategoryPre...D=626&brandid=

--
Oren

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison

And the site did say 140f for saftey, for a reason, plastic has
failed. 140f would not get me through a winter without being cold.
Boilers can run at 190-200f safely, aquastats go bad. Plastic pipe is
is just not safe at high temps for the long term. Also his system
pressure must be figured in.

On 7 Nov 2007 18:47:59 GMT, Clark wrote:

ransley wrote in
oups.com:

On Nov 7, 12:21 pm, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:25:48 -0500, "BETA-32"

wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating
system?

And the site did say 140f for saftey, for a reason, plastic has
failed. 140f would not get me through a winter without being cold.
Boilers can run at 190-200f safely, aquastats go bad. Plastic pipe is
is just not safe at high temps for the long term. Also his system
pressure must be figured in.


Perhaps you aren't reading the correct portion of the website. The
Wisbro/Uphonor and Zurn pex's are rated at 200 degrees and 80 psi.

Pex is approved by code for hydronic radiator systems in many areas.

I Vanex PEX - 160 psi @ 73°F and 100 psi @ 180°F.

From the data sheet:*

* Vanex tubing can also be used in "continuously-recirculating"
plumbing systems at temperatures of up to 140° F while still
maintaining excellent chlorine resistance. For information on the
suitability for other hot and cold water applications not listed here,
consult with your Vanguard Piping Systems representative.

On Nov 7, 1:52 pm, Oren wrote:
On 7 Nov 2007 18:47:59 GMT, Clark wrote:





ransley wrote in
oups.com:

On Nov 7, 12:21 pm, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:25:48 -0500, "BETA-32"

wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating
system?
And the site did say 140f for saftey, for a reason, plastic has
failed. 140f would not get me through a winter without being cold.
Boilers can run at 190-200f safely, aquastats go bad. Plastic pipe is
is just not safe at high temps for the long term. Also his system
pressure must be figured in.

Perhaps you aren't reading the correct portion of the website. The
Wisbro/Uphonor and Zurn pex's are rated at 200 degrees and 80 psi.

Pex is approved by code for hydronic radiator systems in many areas.

I Vanex PEX - 160 psi @ 73°F and 100 psi @ 180°F.

From the data sheet:*

* Vanex tubing can also be used in "continuously-recirculating"
plumbing systems at temperatures of up to 140° F while still
maintaining excellent chlorine resistance. For information on the
suitability for other hot and cold water applications not listed here,
consult with your Vanguard Piping Systems representative.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Clark, I see it as rated for 200f, but the site also says " for saftey
and conservation 140F". He can of course do it but it does fail, its
plastic. Radiant underfloor heating is around 110f and lower pressure
than a 185f boiler. My car is rated 5000 rpm redline, , but for long
life it never goes there. Metal is proven, Pex does not have a long
track record in years. nobody really knows how Pex will last at high
temps and pressure over 50 years++.

On Nov 7, 3:36 pm, ransley wrote:
nobody really knows how Pex will last at high
temps and pressure over 50 years++.

Nobody really knew how galvanized or copper would last at high temps
and pressures over 50+ years, either. A lot of it didn't, yet we still
use it...

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:36:41 -0800, ransley
wrote:

On Nov 7, 1:52 pm, Oren wrote:
On 7 Nov 2007 18:47:59 GMT, Clark wrote:
ransley wrote in
oups.com:

On Nov 7, 12:21 pm, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:25:48 -0500, "BETA-32"

wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating
system?
And the site did say 140f for saftey, for a reason, plastic has
failed. 140f would not get me through a winter without being cold.
Boilers can run at 190-200f safely, aquastats go bad. Plastic pipe is
is just not safe at high temps for the long term. Also his system
pressure must be figured in.

Perhaps you aren't reading the correct portion of the website. The
Wisbro/Uphonor and Zurn pex's are rated at 200 degrees and 80 psi.

Pex is approved by code for hydronic radiator systems in many areas.

I Vanex PEX - 160 psi @ 73°F and 100 psi @ 180°F.

From the data sheet:*

* Vanex tubing can also be used in "continuously-recirculating"
plumbing systems at temperatures of up to 140° F while still
maintaining excellent chlorine resistance. For information on the
suitability for other hot and cold water applications not listed here,
consult with your Vanguard Piping Systems representative.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Clark, I see it as rated for 200f, but the site also says " for saftey
and conservation 140F". He can of course do it but it does fail, its
plastic. Radiant underfloor heating is around 110f and lower pressure
than a 185f boiler. My car is rated 5000 rpm redline, , but for long
life it never goes there. Metal is proven, Pex does not have a long
track record in years. nobody really knows how Pex will last at high
temps and pressure over 50 years++.

Sorry. PEX has a history of multiple decades.

My Vanex PEX is ten years old ...not at boiler temps.

ransley wrote:


Clark, I see it as rated for 200f, but the site also says " for saftey
and conservation 140F". He can of course do it but it does fail, its
plastic. Radiant underfloor heating is around 110f and lower pressure
than a 185f boiler. My car is rated 5000 rpm redline, , but for long
life it never goes there. Metal is proven, Pex does not have a long
track record in years. nobody really knows how Pex will last at high
temps and pressure over 50 years++.



I don't understand the comment about underfloor heating running at a
different pressure. It typically uses 12 PSI just like other hot water
heating systems.

PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:59:45 -0500, George
wrote:

ransley wrote:


Clark, I see it as rated for 200f, but the site also says " for saftey
and conservation 140F". He can of course do it but it does fail, its
plastic. Radiant underfloor heating is around 110f and lower pressure
than a 185f boiler. My car is rated 5000 rpm redline, , but for long
life it never goes there. Metal is proven, Pex does not have a long
track record in years. nobody really knows how Pex will last at high
temps and pressure over 50 years++.



I don't understand the comment about underfloor heating running at a
different pressure. It typically uses 12 PSI just like other hot water
heating systems.

PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Since Sputnik ? g

On Nov 7, 3:59 pm, George wrote:
ransley wrote:

Clark, I see it as rated for 200f, but the site also says " for saftey
and conservation 140F". He can of course do it but it does fail, its
plastic. Radiant underfloor heating is around 110f and lower pressure
than a 185f boiler. My car is rated 5000 rpm redline, , but for long
life it never goes there. Metal is proven, Pex does not have a long
track record in years. nobody really knows how Pex will last at high
temps and pressure over 50 years++.

I don't understand the comment about underfloor heating running at a
different pressure. It typically uses 12 PSI just like other hot water
heating systems.

PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Yea Pex is fine , im an idiot, but dont complain if anything goes
wrong..............in 80 years, or when you sell your
house.................

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:52:20 -0800, ransley
wrote:

On Nov 7, 3:59 pm, George wrote:
ransley wrote:
PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Yea Pex is fine , im an idiot, but dont complain if anything goes
wrong..............in 80 years, or when you sell your
house.................

And your point is what? Post on 80 years.

On 7 Nov 2007 23:34:18 GMT, Clark wrote:

Oren wrote in news:4ph4j3ds2lfvqp1sjt33kjj13cfq4m43s1@
4ax.com:

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:52:20 -0800, ransley
wrote:

On Nov 7, 3:59 pm, George wrote:
ransley wrote:
PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Yea Pex is fine , im an idiot, but dont complain if anything goes
wrong..............in 80 years, or when you sell your
house.................

And your point is what? Post on 80 years.


His point seems to be that he is free to make any claim what-so-ever while
failing to providing any factual support. In other words he is free to troll
usenet.

Facts are facts. Nothing more, nothing less.

On Nov 7, 7:02 pm, Oren wrote:
On 7 Nov 2007 23:34:18 GMT, Clark wrote:



Oren wrote in news:4ph4j3ds2lfvqp1sjt33kjj13cfq4m43s1@
4ax.com:

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:52:20 -0800, ransley
wrote:

On Nov 7, 3:59 pm, George wrote:
ransley wrote:
PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Yea Pex is fine , im an idiot, but dont complain if anything goes
wrong..............in 80 years, or when you sell your
house.................

And your point is what? Post on 80 years.

His point seems to be that he is free to make any claim what-so-ever while
failing to providing any factual support. In other words he is free to troll
usenet.

Facts are facts. Nothing more, nothing less.


there is also the option of PEX-AL-PEX, which is pex, covered with
aluminum and then another layer of pex. Provides a complete oxygen
barrier. I am using this on 180F hybrid radiant system. Some is
running at 180 and some at 140.

On Nov 7, 8:25 am, "BETA-32" wrote:
Can PEX piping be used for a cast iron hot water radiator heating system?

Right now, the system is a combination of original galvanized steel pipes
and more recently added copper lines. I am just wondering if when moving
the location of a couple of the radiators for a remodel job, can I use PEX
to reconnect the radiators at their new locations?

I am currently a Colorado Master Plumber and I have been a plumber for
more then 35 years.
I have installed miles of PEX pipe. Like all pipe it has a number
rating on it. It should have a
temperature rating on it. If it has a temperature above 160 then it is
OK for hot water heating.

wrote in message
ups.com...
On Nov 7, 7:02 pm, Oren wrote:
On 7 Nov 2007 23:34:18 GMT, Clark wrote:



Oren wrote in news:4ph4j3ds2lfvqp1sjt33kjj13cfq4m43s1@
4ax.com:

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:52:20 -0800, ransley
wrote:

On Nov 7, 3:59 pm, George wrote:
ransley wrote:
PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Yea Pex is fine , im an idiot, but dont complain if anything goes
wrong..............in 80 years, or when you sell your
house.................

And your point is what? Post on 80 years.

His point seems to be that he is free to make any claim what-so-ever while
failing to providing any factual support. In other words he is free to troll
usenet.

Facts are facts. Nothing more, nothing less.


there is also the option of PEX-AL-PEX, which is pex, covered with
aluminum and then another layer of pex. Provides a complete oxygen
barrier. I am using this on 180F hybrid radiant system. Some is
running at 180 and some at 140.


Good point. I understand that oxygen in heating systems can cause problems with
corrosion of steel pipes sections.

Bob

On Nov 8, 4:48 pm, "Bob F" wrote:
wrote in message

ups.com...





On Nov 7, 7:02 pm, Oren wrote:
On 7 Nov 2007 23:34:18 GMT, Clark wrote:

Oren wrote in news:4ph4j3ds2lfvqp1sjt33kjj13cfq4m43s1@
4ax.com:

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:52:20 -0800, ransley
wrote:

On Nov 7, 3:59 pm, George wrote:
ransley wrote:
PEX has been in use for over 50 years. Cross linked polyethylene is a
well proven material.

Yea Pex is fine , im an idiot, but dont complain if anything goes
wrong..............in 80 years, or when you sell your
house.................

And your point is what? Post on 80 years.

His point seems to be that he is free to make any claim what-so-ever while
failing to providing any factual support. In other words he is free to troll
usenet.

Facts are facts. Nothing more, nothing less.

there is also the option of PEX-AL-PEX, which is pex, covered with
aluminum and then another layer of pex. Provides a complete oxygen
barrier. I am using this on 180F hybrid radiant system. Some is
running at 180 and some at 140.

Good point. I understand that oxygen in heating systems can cause problems with
corrosion of steel pipes sections.

Bob- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Hence oxypex or Whisbo

wrote in message
ups.com...

I am currently a Colorado Master Plumber and I have been a plumber for
more then 35 years.
I have installed miles of PEX pipe. Like all pipe it has a number
rating on it. It should have a
temperature rating on it. If it has a temperature above 160 then it is
OK for hot water heating.


Thanks! That's good information

And thanks to all other for your thoughts and suggestions.