CPVC for hydronic manifold?
#1
10-25-10, 08:25 AM
CPVC for hydronic manifold?
I'm building a hydronic heating system using a wood burning boiler with a gas boiler back-up. The manifold for hot water distribution will accomodate three zones with 2 to 4 circuits in each zone. I would like to fabricate the manifold using cpvc piping and valves for ease of assembly and future modifications and additions. The water temperature and pressure would be within cpvc specifications. What do you think?
Slim
Slim
#2
10-25-10, 02:35 PM
Welcome to the forums! CPVC is easy to work with, but don't use cpvc valves. Whoever designed them should have been tarred and feathered. They do not, over time, close completely and become more difficult to turn as time goes on. I would use the cpvc piping, but use brass ball valves for the manifold itself. Of course PEX is easier to use. Just an observation.
#3
10-25-10, 03:19 PM
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I would be leery of using CPVC for hydronic heat. It is often used for plumbing potable water, either hot or cold.
My understanding is that CPVC's temp rating is 180 deg F (compared to 200 deg for many versions of PEX). Also, is CPVC available with an oxygen barrier (necessary for hot-water heating)?
CPVC for drinking water is often connected with glue (which I don't completely trust), although I think SharkBites for CPVC are available, too.
I would prefer using pre-fabricated manifolds (copper or PEX): Radiant Heat Manifolds , Wirsbo Radiant Heat Manifolds , Radiant PEX Manifolds - PexSupply.com
My understanding is that CPVC's temp rating is 180 deg F (compared to 200 deg for many versions of PEX). Also, is CPVC available with an oxygen barrier (necessary for hot-water heating)?
CPVC for drinking water is often connected with glue (which I don't completely trust), although I think SharkBites for CPVC are available, too.
I would prefer using pre-fabricated manifolds (copper or PEX): Radiant Heat Manifolds , Wirsbo Radiant Heat Manifolds , Radiant PEX Manifolds - PexSupply.com
Last edited by Mike Speed 30; 10-25-10 at 04:38 PM.
#5
10-25-10, 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by NJ Trooper
I personally would not even consider it.
#6
10-26-10, 05:33 PM
CPVC has an oxygen permeability rating that is fine for hydronics work, provided it's sch 40 pipe and usually sch 80 fittings.
Watch what pipe and glue you use as not all pipe and glue are actual solvent welds.
A true solvent weld will not ever come out at the fitting.
I was going to use it for a big job I had lined up (64,000 sqft factory, all inflow)
Then I got prices....
Pipe is about 3 times what iron pipe is (in the larger diameters) and fittings are more.
We just are not there yet I suppose.
Build out of black iron or copper... it's easy enough and industry proven
Watch what pipe and glue you use as not all pipe and glue are actual solvent welds.
A true solvent weld will not ever come out at the fitting.
I was going to use it for a big job I had lined up (64,000 sqft factory, all inflow)
Then I got prices....
Pipe is about 3 times what iron pipe is (in the larger diameters) and fittings are more.
We just are not there yet I suppose.
Build out of black iron or copper... it's easy enough and industry proven
#7
10-29-10, 07:45 AM
CPVC for Radiant Heating
Hey, thanks, guys. I'm going to do a functional mock-up (I'm a novice) with CPVC, then copper for the final. I want long term reliability and a panel that is show-case. Yep, more work, and a few more bucks, but what the heck. 10-4?
#8
10-29-10, 02:31 PM
Yeah, copper is so much purtier than cpvc... you will be getting out the polishing ball on the electric drill and the Simichrome... and follow with clear lacquer I presume?... (I've been known to paint the MC electric cables gloss black, so I'm 'down' with yer program!... not to mention the air brush job on the side panel 
)
Since it's almost Halloween...
)Since it's almost Halloween...
#9
10-29-10, 02:41 PM
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The red-painted flapper on the barometric flue damper is way over the top. I'm sure it didn't come that way from Field.
#10
10-29-10, 03:32 PM
Everybody loves that touch! They usually notice that before they notice the skulls and fire on the jacket... I was gonna letter it STOP, but I've actually retired that one... there's a new one now that's not customized.
#12
10-29-10, 04:51 PM
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Darn it, Trooper, get a new picture. I can't stand seeing that test switch hanging off the burner. 
Oh, on the subject of CPVC for a manifold...DON'T! Plastic piping gets brittle with age.
Oh, on the subject of CPVC for a manifold...DON'T! Plastic piping gets brittle with age.
#13
10-29-10, 05:32 PM
I just post that every now and then to get yer goat Furd!
That test switch is long gone... and that shiny new flue pipe ain't as shiney either... but then, neither am I !
That test switch is long gone... and that shiny new flue pipe ain't as shiney either... but then, neither am I !
soon... I swear... 
