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Post by depawl on Aug 17, 2011 19:45:01 GMT -6
Hello:
I'm installing an underfloor radiant heating system using onix. My contractor wants to use pex tubing to construct the manifolds. I've only seen copper recommended. Is it acceptable to use pex for constructing manifolds? Thank you.
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Post by Watts Radiant on Aug 18, 2011 8:48:09 GMT -6
Hey depawl-
Onix is the way to go for underfloor, good choice.
I guess if you could explain a little bit on how your contractor is going to construction manifolds out of PEX? There are a few different options for Onix manifolds, but typically we use either copper or stainless steel.
-MDR
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Post by depawl on Aug 19, 2011 8:33:08 GMT -6
He's talkng about a "long manifold" as per page 25 of the Onix installation manual.
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Post by Watts Radiant on Aug 19, 2011 10:12:20 GMT -6
Hey depawl-
Ahhh, gotcha.
There's no problem using PEX to do a long manifold if that's what your contractor feels comfortable with. I'm guessing he'll be using a larger diameter PEX (1" or 1-1/2")? Also, every bay he'll need to splice in a branch fitting and transition to Onix. But, in theory, it should work fine.
You lose a little bit of the circuit balancing features when you do this, so be sure your circuit lengths are as close to equal as possible. If you have a long circuit and then a short circuit, you'll get a hot spot in the floor due to more fluid flowing through the short circuit.
Be sure to install as shown in the manual, the proper supply-return configuration is essential to the effectiveness of the system.
Thanks!
-MDR
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