Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Copper?

[Sammyez]

Hi,

I am a relative newbie to the site. Following my last post it seems we've got a leak underfloor with the CH pipes set in the concrete slab of our bungalow. The boiler pressure is dropping from 1.5 bar to zero every 24 hours.

As there are no visible sign of leaks anywhere to be seen in and around the property. I think the best option is to cap of the underfloor CH pipes and create a drop down system of surface mounted pipes to each radiator? Whilst not aesthetically pleasing it seems like the only option?

I would like some advice as to which type of system to go for plastic or copper? The plastic Hep20 looks quite good but, I am not sure if there are better alternatives?

There are 7 radiators in total. Would a manifold system be required (pardon my ignorance?) What is the cost effective but quality option?

Would really appreciate some advice?

Thanks

 

[Scott_D]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

Copper for the bits on show as a minimum

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

I would use copper for the whole installation, just make sure that there is a clear path in the loft for whoever is re piping your heating system.

Lag it all and make sure each individual drop has a drain cock on it.

 

[townfanjon]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

Copper all day long , are you absolutely sure its not the boiler loosing the pressure rather than the system ( sorry not seen the other thread )

 

[SimonG]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

Copper all the way. Have taped a bag over the pressure relief valve discharge? Could be something a whole lot cheaper.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

I would pressure test the system first to 6 bar soon show any leaks

 

[Chalked]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

Don't ditch all the underfloor, just for one leak.
As Shaun says pressure test each circuit at 6 bar. You should be able to pin it down to one circuit. If it doesn't show the damp from above the floor. Turn the heat on and it can be traced with a he also imaging camera. These can be hired.
Once found access the pipe and fix.

 

[wozelbeak]

Re: Bungalow replacing CH pipes in concrete (due to leak) with drop down:Hep20 or Cop

copper all the way, drops in trunking with drain off below radiators. done hundreds of these jobs for housing associations. Whenever we did a repair job for them, it was never long before another under concrete leak appeared on that system.