Plastic Piping in Heating Systems

Use of plastic piping in heating systems can result in problems in several ways. The most common concerns are the result of using non-oxygen barrier piping. In hydronic heating systems (hot water heating) this often surfaces to homeowners in a number of ways, continual repair bills, repeated expansion tank changeouts, poor delivery of heat and system failures. With uninformed people creating confusion and panic by telling the home owner that plastic piping used in their heating system will make it hard to sell their home, homeowners want their systems repaired. Realistic estimates are in the range of $ 500 to $5000 depending on the type of repair chosen by the homeowner.

There are three basic remedies to ensure the longevity of a hydronic system installed with non-oxygen barrier piping.

The first option would be to install a heat exchanger to enable the separation of the distribution heating water from the boiler. This option enables use of the existing boiler. With the installation of a heat exchanger, you would also need to install a pump and expansion tank along with an independent fill valve and necessary fittings to ensure proper installation. In essence what you get is two systems running without the mixing of water media. The benefit of this method is the saving of the cost of a new boiler. If the existing boiler is in reasonable shape this can be a viable option.

The second method of repair can be to utilize a nonferrous boiler with all new nonferrous pumps, expansion tanks and accessories. This would be the most expensive way to go, but if the boiler is on its last legs this may be necessary. The benefit of this option is that additional pumps and expansion tanks are not required.

The third option is to treat the water chemically with the intent of stabilizing the water, reducing oxidation. The treating of water in the boiler is something that should be done on a regular basis regardless of the condition of the boiler. This can help ensure the longevity of any heating system and also allows a qualified professional to check the system to ensure it is working to its optimal performance. Chemically treating the water may not provide a huge long-term benefit to a heating system that has non-barrier tubing, but it can be of short-term relief.

Source: Residential Hot Water Heating Association of BC

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