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Radiant Heat Installation Find out how to install radiant heat under your flooring. From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-307

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Running the Thermostat Wire

The thermostat that powers radiant heat flooring has a sensor that measures the temperature of the floor. The placement of this sensor is crucial for optimal performance. The best place for the sensor is midway in the radiant loop in the thinnest space between the panels and your tile.

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Running the PEX Piping

1. Leave the feed and return panels for the PEX loose. Drill two holes through the wall to get to the water heater. Mark them down, and then ensure that you keep the hole in line with the track. Remove the panel so the drill won't cause any damage.

2. Permanently mount the last two panels.

3. Remove the short pieces of PEX installed earlier.

Tip: Always unroll the PEX pipe as you go to prevent kinks.

Figure H

4. Mark the end of the pipe in the direction the water will flow, and then feed that end through the wall. Be sure to push plenty of extra pipe through the wall.

5. Unroll the PEX, and walk it into the track (figure H) as you go. Take the turns and bends slowly to prevent damage to the pipe.

6. Slowly continue the process until all of the tracks are filled.

7. Leaving extra pipe, cut the PEX so that you can feed it back through the wall.

8. Use a mallet to ensure the PEX hasn't popped out of the track.

Tip: Run air or water through the system to check for leaks before installing the finished floor.

9. The radiant mixing block ties into the water heater. The feed and return from the radiant block will go into two ports, and then is connected to the supply, which comes from the water heater.

	Figure I
	Figure J
	Figure K
	Figure L

10. Remove the control panel and the cover (figure I). Use a threaded male adaptor coated with Teflon paste, and screw into the radiant heat loop port on the pump.

11. Add Teflon paste to the threaded 3/8 inch PEX adaptor, and then connect to the threaded male adaptor.

12. Use a pair of slip joint pliers to tighten down the connection. Repeat the process on the other radiant loop port.

13. Mark and mount the valve using 1/4" x 2" hex screws.

14. Check the PEX line for the marks made earlier indicating the flow direction (figure J). Cut the pipe to length.

15. Place a crimp ring in place, and then attach the PEX line to the appropriate port on the valve. Use a crimping tool to secure the connection in place (figure K).

16. Connect the other side of the radiant loop, and then run the thermostat line into the valve and replace the cover.

17. Hook up the control panel by finishing up the wiring.

Note: Always check with your manufacturer's instructions before wiring for specific instructions.

18. Mount the radiant block (figure L), and then connect the radiant loop to the block.

19. Connect the controller to the water heater thermostat.

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RESOURCES :

Zurn PEX
Website: www.zurn.com

Taco, Inc.
Website: www.taco-hvac.com