Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?
Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?
(OP)
Hi All,
I have a hotel project in Eastern Canada where the contractor is proposing to use Xirtec 140 Sched 80 PVC piping for the cold, and Corzan CPVC for hot and hot water recirculation lines that would be UN-INSULATED throughout the building. This building is not classified as a high building and therefore the pipe is permiteed by the codes. However, I see two problems that might arise:
1. Condensation on the cold water lines - Although, most CPVC installation don't really require insulation to prevent sweating... is it the same for PVC?
2. In terms of energy consumption, there will be heat loss in hot and recirc. water lines - Even though the thermal conductivity of plastic piping is much less than copper, won't the hot water lines still lose the heat? Especially during the night when little water is being used?
So, the million dollar question here... Should the PVC/CPVC be insulated on domestic water lines?
Thanks in advance for your input..
Dooped
I have a hotel project in Eastern Canada where the contractor is proposing to use Xirtec 140 Sched 80 PVC piping for the cold, and Corzan CPVC for hot and hot water recirculation lines that would be UN-INSULATED throughout the building. This building is not classified as a high building and therefore the pipe is permiteed by the codes. However, I see two problems that might arise:
1. Condensation on the cold water lines - Although, most CPVC installation don't really require insulation to prevent sweating... is it the same for PVC?
2. In terms of energy consumption, there will be heat loss in hot and recirc. water lines - Even though the thermal conductivity of plastic piping is much less than copper, won't the hot water lines still lose the heat? Especially during the night when little water is being used?
So, the million dollar question here... Should the PVC/CPVC be insulated on domestic water lines?
Thanks in advance for your input..
Dooped





RE: Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?
For condensation, it depends on your RH, OAT, fluid temp, etc.
For heat loss, it depends on how much you value the energy that is lost. Keep in mind that energy from hot domestic water might not be lost during building heat demand; but in contrast may be multiplied during building air conditioning demand.
Use the program 3E Plus to “do the math.” As an engineer you should be able to quantify the energy usage and make a cost/benefit analysis for energy usage.
RE: Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?
RE: Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?
In humid areas, it is standard practice to insulate PVC (or any other material for that matter) HVAC condensate drains out of the building to prevent sweating.
Sag is a big problem with PVC pipes. Make sure the supports are well designed and well built.
RE: Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?
RE: Insulating PVC or CPVC domestic water lines?