How to Install PEX
- Step 1 - Cut the Pex When cutting PEX, it is imperative that it is a straight, burr-free cut. ...
- Step 2 - Set into a Fitting and Crimp When you have the PEX cut to length, slip a copper crimp ring onto the pipe. ...
- Step 3 - Check the Connection Now, test the crimp with the Go/No-Go gauge. ...
- Step 4 - Run the Tubing ...
Can you use PEX tubing for underfloor heating?
Installing Pex Tubing for Concrete Slab Underfloor Heating. Installing Pex tubing for concrete slab underfloor heating is one of the easiest ways to install radiant heat. When installed in a concrete slab, radiant underfloor heating is very efficient and comfortable.
How do you install a PEX hydronic heating system?
Arrange for a contractor to pour concrete over the PEX tubing to create a concrete slab. Ensure the two open ends protrude from the slab so installers may connect the system to the heat source. The concrete must be at least 2 inches thick for the hydronic system to radiate properly.
Can you use PEX for radiant floor heating?
With traditional pipe systems typically being quite heavy and rigid, often homeowners choose to use Pex pipes when laying down radiant floor heating. PEX tubing has actually been gaining popularity among DIY radiant floor heating fans for the past couple of years.
How do you install radiant floor heating under subfloor?
Staple up tubing to the underside of a subfloor to add convenient floor heating system Staple-up under floor systems can be the best solution of getting radiant floor installed when the flooring is over a joist system.
Can Pex tubing be used for underfloor heating?
Can you use bubble wrap for radiant floor heating?
Is concrete a conductor of heat?
How do you attach PEX to floor joists?
0:091:26Drilling holes for Pex installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you need to do is drill holes in your joists to run the tubing. I figured joists run you'reMoreAll you need to do is drill holes in your joists to run the tubing. I figured joists run you're going to need a correct boring bit I'm using a 1 inch bit but my pecs tubing is a half-inch.
Can you use PEX for heated floors?
PEX Tubing installed in concrete provides the most efficient and least costly form of hydronic in-floor heating. Tubing can be stapled to the foam insulation for a quick and easy installation, or tied off to your rebar/mesh grid to float in the middle of the concrete for the most efficient system.
How long does PEX floor heat last?
between 30-50 yearsA hydronic heating system provides heat via special flexible “PEX” tubes beneath your flooring. This plastic tubing can last between 30-50 years.
How does PEX floor heating work?
In a radiant floor heating system, warm water flows through flexible plastic tubing called PEX that is located underneath the floor or within the concrete slab. The PEX tubing carries the warm water into specific rooms or “zones” to effectively heat people and objects in every corner of the room.
How much PEX do I need for in floor heat?
As a rule of thumb, 12-inch spacing between the tubes gives a 1:1 ratio between tube length and floor area in square feet, so your 300-foot tube coil will cover 300 square feet of floor space. With 9-inch spacing, the coil will cover only 222 square feet of floor space.
What size PEX for in floor heat?
PEX and PERT tubing come in several different sizes. The most common sizes are 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″ and 3/4″. Generally, for a residential Infloor Heating System® we recommend 3/8″ and 1/2″ tubing.
Do heated floors use a lot of electricity?
Most heated tile floors and electric floor heating systems use 12 watts per hour per square foot, meaning a 100-square-foot room would use 1200 watts in total every hour (potentially up to 300 watts less than the average space heater).
What can go wrong with radiant floor heating?
The main cause of problems with in-floor radiant heating systems is a defect in the wall thermostat. When your thermostat is defective, it will keep the heating from working properly. Thermostats that fail to close properly cause the room to be cold at all times.
Should I turn off radiant floor heating in summer?
Underfloor heating can be switched off during Summer when the outside temperature is warm enough. This is because it takes longer to warm up and cool down than other heating methods, making it harder to adjust your settings when the outside temperature is warming your home.
Which type of underfloor heating is best?
Screeded wet underfloor heating systems are the most popular and effective type of underfloor heating. Pipes are clipped or stapled onto an insulation layer, then the screed is laid on top. The warm pipes effectively heat up the whole slab, giving even and consistent heat output.
How do you run radiant heat in PEX?
2:584:45How To Install Radiant Floor Heating System w/ HEAT TRANSFER PLATESYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you would need about 62 foot plates for every hundred square feet of space there snapped into theMoreSo you would need about 62 foot plates for every hundred square feet of space there snapped into the PEX tubing it's secured to plywood or wooden subfloor surface with nail screws or staples.
What type of PEX is used for radiant heat?
1/2" PEX Tubing with Oxygen Barrier is the most popular size for all radiant floor heating applications due to it's flexibility, light weight and ability to deliver large amounts of heat.
Can you use regular PEX for radiant heat?
Yes, PEX pipe is approved for radiant or hydronic heating applications. Since ferrous components are likely to be present in the system, it is important to use oxygen barrier PEX pipe to help prevent ferrous components from rusting.
What type of PEX is used for radiant heat?
1/2" PEX Tubing with Oxygen Barrier is the most popular size for all radiant floor heating applications due to it's flexibility, light weight and ability to deliver large amounts of heat.
How do you run radiant heat with PEX?
Adding PEX to Joist BaysDrill a series of holes through floor joists along one end of the room where you'll be adding hydronic radiant heating. ... Thread PEX tubing through the first hole. ... Pull PEX tubing through each hole, down the length of each joist bay. ... Run the tubing on a return route to the point where you began.More items...
Can you heat up PEX to bend it?
Warm the PEX Tube Though PEX tubing bends well, it can crimp if it is bent improperly. Start by warming up the PEX tubing, either by letting it sit in a warm room or by using a heat gun at the lowest temperature setting.
What is radiant floor heating?
Radiant floor heat stratifies the heat from the feet to the head. The feet are always warmer than the head; this is what feels naturally comfortable to our bodies. Objects that rest on the floor become charged as well, magnifying the effect. This allows us to run lower temperatures when compared to a forced air system or hydronic baseboard heaters
How long is PEX tubing?
Typical loop lengths fro 1/2 inch Tubing is set at 200 feet to 300 feet, keeping the distance to the circulator as part of the maximum loop length.
What is a slide bracket?
Slide brackets are ideal for retrofits where nails protrude down or there is a concern about heat transfer plate noise. Slide brackets cost less than heat transfer plates and allow higher water temps. The PEX tubing is positioned under the floor on slide brackets, 8 Inches on center with in 16 Inches on center joists.
Where to put PEX radiant?
One of the most popular retrofits and new construction pex radiant applications is placing PEX under the main living space of a home or business. The images below will show various methods for installing pex - click on the image to see more detail
How many loops are there in a manifold?
This floor layout shows 4 loops attached to one manifold. Here the manifold is placed in the center of the floor, making it easy to keep our loop lengths even. Typical loop lengths are set at 200 feet to 300 feet maximum, keeping the distance to the circulator as part of the maximum loop length. At HouseNeeds we can specify the tubing needed for a particular application.
What is a protection sleeve on PEX?
Protection sleeve should be used to prevent chafing of the oxygen barrier on the PEX. The sleeve is split and is positioned after the PEX is installed. Here we see the back run of the first loop and two joist bays with in one loop. Image 8: The PEX is in place and insulation is stapled below the tubing.
How far below should insulation be placed?
The insulation should be placed at least 4 inches below. The goal is air stagnation, allowing heat to rise. Placing the foil faced foam closes the space and send the heat up. Note: The homeowner has kept all wiring below, preventing the heating of the wires.
How to install a PEX coil?
1. Start installing PEX. Determine the circuit (loop) to install first and select appropriate PEX coil length from your list of materials. You may connect PEX to or near the manifold, but always leave 5-10ft spare in case manifold location will shift (and often it will).
What is reinforced slab?
Reinforced slabs – where welded wire mesh or rebar is used to reinforce the slab . Non-reinforced slabs – where no reinforcement is added. While reinforcement itself does not affect the radiant floor heating system, it determines placement of the PEX tubing in the slab, which in itself is an important factor.
How thick should PEX tubing be?
Since in non-reinforced slabs tubing is generally positioned at the bottom (secured with foamboard staples or PEX rails), their thickness should not exceed 4-5". Otherwise, the system will not run efficiently. The only remedy for a deep slab is to install reinforcement and position PEX tubing on top, closer to the surface.
How long can you leave a PEX slab exposed to sunlight?
Do not leave PEX exposed to sunlight for too long (5-7 days at most). While different PEX manufacturers may have 30-60 day exposure limit and in some cases even more (UV-stabilized PEX), a safer alternative is to cover PEX with poly tarp or other non-abrasive covering until the slab is poured.
What is the best way to seal a concrete slab?
A good concrete sealer protects the slab surface from absorbing water, which would otherwise freeze and thaw inside the micropores, causing small cracks and early deterioration of the top of the slab.
What is the minimum thickness of a slab?
Thin slabs are generally poured over a subfloor, which can be plywood or another slab. Adequate minimal thickness of a thin slab is considered to be 2", not including insulation.
Why is insulation needed on slabs?
Insulation is a must for all slab-on-grade systems. It prevents heat loss and allows for quicker warm-up of the slab. Among several options available on the market and listed from highest R-value to lowest are:
How to make a PEX tubing arc?
Curve the tubing into a 6- to 8-inch arc and begin creating a series of elongated “S” patterns as you wind the tubing back toward the spot where you began. Continue stapling or tying the tubing. Once complete, you should have two open ends of PEX tubing near one another at a corner of the room.
What is PEX tubing?
By Robert Korpella. PEX is an acronym for cross-linked polyethylene , a plastic tubing installers use for hydronic radiant heating systems. Hydronic systems circulate heated water through PEX tubing that winds under the floor. Install PEX tubing before pouring a concrete slab for the home, or install it when using plywood as a subfloor.
How to thread PEX tubing?
Thread PEX tubing through the first hole. Run it the length of the joist bay -- the space between joists -- to the hole in the next joist at the other end of the room.
How to install PEX tubing on a wall?
Run the tubing along one wall, curve it to follow the adjacent wall, then curve it again to follow the wall opposite of where you began. Staple across the tubing, fastening it to the insulation. Do not to puncture the PEX tubing. Alternatively, if rebar is already in place, use wire ties to fix the tubing to the rebar at least at every curve.
What is a nail sheet?
Nail sheets of specially grooved plywood to the existing subfloor. The grooves, or channels, are specially designed to accept PEX tubing and they keep the PEX below floor grade. Drive nails through the channeled plywood and the subfloor, then into the joists below.
How to staple aluminum plates?
Staple aluminum plates over the tubing, driving the fasteners into the subfloor with an electric stapler. Space the plates along the course of PEX tubing according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How thick should a hydronic system be?
Ensure the two open ends protrude from the slab so installers may connect the system to the heat source. The concrete must be at least 2 inches thick for the hydronic system to radiate properly.
What type of tubing is used for heat transfer?
Use a quality tubing like Watt's EPDM rubber Onix that produces high heat transfer without noise or metal plates.
Why do heat transfer plates increase surface area?
Heat transfer plates increase the surface area of the heating system to give better heat transfer at lower water temperatures.
Can you staple PEX tubing?
PEX tubing will expand with temperature so you can't staple it tight to the subfloor. When the tubing is heated it will push on the fastener and over time will either break the fastener or the tubing. So the alternative is to use a "loose" fastener that will allow the tubing to slide as it expands. This reduces heat transfer rates and usually requires higher fluid temperatures to get enough heat to the room above. This method of installation is called a "suspended" system.
Can Pex tubing be used for underfloor heating?
Installing Pex tubing for concrete slab underfloor heating is one of the easiest ways to install radiant heat. When installed in a concrete slab, radiant underfloor heating is very efficient and comfortable. Since the concrete slab installation is fairly simple, many people fail to follow some simple yet very important steps thinking that it will work no matter what. To make sure you do the work right, please read this manual.
Can you use bubble wrap for radiant floor heating?
Radiantec doesn’t recommend using radiant barriers or “bubble wrap” insulation for radiant floor heating. Install the wire mesh or rebar for the concrete slab. Attach the tubing to the wire mesh or rebar using plastic zip ties. If there is no steel, it is acceptable to staple the tubing directly to the insulation.
Is concrete a conductor of heat?
Since concrete is a decent conductor of heat, having an exact and perfect tubing arrangement isn’t necessary for most projects. You should try to use all of the tubing that was specified, space it out reasonably well, and make sure the tubing lengths are neither too short or too long.
