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How do you check for leaks with air on floor heat?

Buzzie8

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I made a repair on my floor heat today and it seems to be working fine. I ran the pump and no sign of a leak. In a previous post, I was told to put about 10 PSI of air in the system and see if it leaked before redoing the concrete. There is a tank attached near my boiler that has what looks like a tire valve attachment welded to it. I am assuming I attach my small compressor to this and set the regulator at 10 PSI. Is this correct?
 
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lag

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That's your expansion tank. Don't hook up there.

Our system is a multi zone system,and I will isolate the run,and install our air on one side of our teco pump,and put a gauge on the return line. I like to do this when doing a large pour.

If you have run the pump,and you only need to do a small repair you should be fine.

Feel free to PM me you contact info,and I would be glad to clarify any info.
 

robtl

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I made a repair on my floor heat today and it seems to be working fine. I ran the pump and no sign of a leak. In a previous post, I was told to put about 10 PSI of air in the system and see if it leaked before redoing the concrete. There is a tank attached near my boiler that has what looks like a tire valve attachment welded to it. I am assuming I attach my small compressor to this and set the regulator at 10 PSI. Is this correct?
If you are just testing for a leak on a repair dont add air to the already water filled system, test it by pumping the system with the water you have in the system.
If you are installing a new system and have not added water then put a air test on and leave it on until ready to charge with antifreeze. dont let the air pressure fool you, a completly tight system will vary on pressure over time with temp. changes. hotter the temp the higher the pressure will climb and drop on temp drop.
 

mjwalsh

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If you are just testing for a leak on a repair dont add air to the already water filled system, test it by pumping the system with the water you have in the system.
If you are installing a new system and have not added water then put a air test on and leave it on until ready to charge with antifreeze. dont let the air pressure fool you, a completly tight system will vary on pressure over time with temp. changes. hotter the temp the higher the pressure will climb and drop on temp drop.
Buz,

I agree with robtl. Air during initial install or if you have to drain to make the repairs. Otherwise the specific leak should be revealed with the water. At this stage I would be very cautious about upping the pressure more than normal operationg pressure to test for leaks because some leaks could actually be created.

MJ
 
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