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    hvacservicetech_07's Avatar
    hvacservicetech_07 Posts: 1,083, Reputation: 75
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 15, 2009, 09:28 PM
    Radiant floor heat
    Anyone have any experience with repairing busted pex tubing under a slab? I have a customer that would like to fix it without busting up the entire back porch,it's brand new,stamped and very expensive. Any help would be great,I just need to locate it to cut out a small square.
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 15, 2009, 09:36 PM
    Many years ago I use a sonar type piece of equipment to find a leak under concrete. The closer I got the louder the noise in my head phones. You have to have water flowing so the sonar picks up the noise.

    I would check with the manufacturer of the tubing to see if they offer a splice kit for under slab. Usually these kits have a special crimp ring that will not be damaged by the minerals/chemicals in the concrete itself. It will not be a fun job and you will find you might have to have a large area to work in for the splice.

    OR

    Depending upon how the system was piped (how many loops) You might be able to disconnect the problem loop and raise the water temp a bit to compensate.
    hvacservicetech_07's Avatar
    hvacservicetech_07 Posts: 1,083, Reputation: 75
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 15, 2009, 09:48 PM

    This is a new house,it has been a nightmare since day one. The system has four separate zones: basement,small driveway area,front enclosed porch and back covered porch. Both the driveway and back porch have major leaks, when the zones are open the boiler builds no pressure at all,I'm thinking it may be busted right through the basement wall. I came in at the end so I'm not real sure how the pex is laid. I was just curious if you had any tricks,busting up the entire pad is almost not an option.
    Joshdta's Avatar
    Joshdta Posts: 2,549, Reputation: 45
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    #4

    Apr 16, 2009, 05:11 AM

    If you did not install the pex and the person who did, did not make any digram of the instulation. This is going to be very hard projuct. Last one I did ended up cutting out a 3 x 3 square in the floor.
    hvacservicetech_07's Avatar
    hvacservicetech_07 Posts: 1,083, Reputation: 75
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #5

    Apr 16, 2009, 03:02 PM

    One of our installers put the system in,He has since quit,now I'm left to try and figure this thing out. I thought someone may have some tips on locating the break,it looks like busting up the pad is the only option.
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #6

    Apr 16, 2009, 11:14 PM
    Here was your tip

    Many years ago I use a sonar type piece of equipment to find a leak under concrete.

    Plumbers have access to this type equipment.
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