[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Re: [BULK] Re: PEX tubing

[Lawrence Lile]

>It should also be pressurized before the slab is installed in order to 
check for leaks. It's infinitely easier to replace a run before the 
concrete goes down than afterwards. PEX water lines should also be 
pressurized with air before anything is sealed up. If you pressurize 
either system with air and leave it for a week or two with an air 
pressure gage in place, and the pressure doesn't drop, you know 
everything's tickey-boo and you can call for the concrete delivery.
 
 
If the temperature drops from the time you pressurize it, to the time
you check the pressure in a few days, your plumbers will run around like
keystone cops trying to find the nonexistent leaks.  A little drop in
temperature can cause a drop in air pressure in the pipe.  We struggled
with this, and delayed pouring concrete for a few days while trying to
figure it out.  


Lawrence Lile, P.E., LEED AP