Chapter 21 Hydronic Piping
Section M2101 Hydronic Piping Systems Installation
M2101.1 General.
Hydronic piping shall conform to Table M2101.1. Approved piping, valves, fittings and connections shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Pipe and fittings shall be rated for use at the operating temperature and pressure of the hydronic system. Used pipe, fittings, valves or other materials shall be free of foreign materials.
M2101.2 System drain down.
Hydronic piping systems shall be installed to permit draining of the system. Where the system drains to the plumbing drainage system, the installation shall conform to the requirements of Chapters 25 through 32 of this code.
Exception: The buried portions of systems embedded underground or under floors.
M2101.4 Pipe penetrations.
Openings through concrete or masonry building elements shall be sleeved.
M2101.5 Contact with building material.
A hydronic piping system shall not be in direct contact with any building material that causes the piping material to degrade or corrode.
M2101.6 Drilling and notching.
Wood-framed structural members shall be drilled, notched or altered in accordance with the provisions of Sections R502.8, R602.6, R602.6.1 and R802.7. Holes in load-bearing members of cold-formed steel light-frame construction shall be permitted only in accordance with Sections R505.2.6, R603.2.6 and R804.2.6. In accordance with the provisions of Sections R505.3.5, R603.3.4 and R804.3.3, cutting and notching of flanges and lips of load-bearing members of cold-formed steel light-frame construction shall not be permitted. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) shall be drilled and notched or altered in accordance with the provisions of Section R610.7.
M2101.7 Prohibited tee applications.
Fluid in the supply side of a hydronic system shall not enter a tee fitting through the branch opening.
M2101.8 Expansion, contraction and settlement.
Piping shall be installed so that piping, connections and equipment shall not be subjected to excessive strains or stresses. Provisions shall be made to compensate for expansion, contraction, shrinkage and structural settlement.
M2101.9 Piping support.
Hangers and supports shall be of material of sufficient strength to support the piping, and shall be fabricated from materials compatible with the piping material. Piping shall be supported at intervals not exceeding the spacing specified in Table M2101.9.
PIPING MATERIAL | MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING (feet) | MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet) |
ABS | 4 | 10a |
CPVC ≤ 1-inch pipe or tubing | 3 | 5a |
CPVC ≥ 1 1/4 inches | 4 | 10a |
Copper or copper-alloy pipe | 12 | 10 |
Copper or copper-alloy tubing | 6 | 10 |
PB pipe or tubing | 2.67 | 4 |
PE pipe or tubing | 2.67 | 4 |
PE-RT ≤ 1 inch | 2.67 | 10a |
PE-RT ≥ 1 1/4 inches | 4 | 10a |
PEX tubing ≤ 1 inch | 2.67 | 4 |
PEX tubing ≥ 1 1/4 inches | 4 | 10a |
PP < 1-inch pipe or tubing | 2.67 | 4 |
PP > 1 1/4 inches | 4 | 10a |
PVC | 4 | 10a |
Steel pipe | 12 | 15 |
Steel tubing | 8 | 10 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
- a.
For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be installed midway between required vertical supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
M2101.10 Tests.
Hydronic piping systems shall be tested hydrostatically at a pressure of one and one-half times the maximum system design pressure, but not less than 100 pounds per square inch (689 kPa). The duration of each test shall be not less than 15 minutes.
Exception: For PEX piping systems, testing with a compressed gas shall be an alternative to hydrostatic testing where compressed air or other gas pressure testing is specifically authorized by all of the manufacturers’ instructions for the PEX pipe and fittings products installed at the time the system is being tested, and compressed air or other gas testing is not otherwise prohibited by applicable codes, laws, or regulations outside of this code.
M2101.11 Used materials.
Used pipe, fittings, valves and other materials shall not be reused in hydronic systems.
M2101.12 Material rating.
Pipe and tubing shall be rated for the operating temperature and pressure of the system. Fittings shall be suitable for the pressure applications and recommended by the manufacturer for use with the pipe and tubing material installed. Where used underground, materials shall be suitable for burial.
M2101.13 Joints and connections.
Joints and connections shall be of an approved type. Joints and connections shall be tight for the pressure of the system. Joints used underground shall be approved for such applications.
M2101.13.1 Joints between different piping materials.
Joints between different piping materials shall be made with approved transition fittings.
M2101.14 Preparation of pipe ends.
Pipe shall be cut square and shall be free of burrs and obstructions. Pipe ends shall have fullbore openings and shall be prepared in accordance with the pipe manufacturer’s instructions.
M2101.15 Joint preparation and installation.
Where required by Sections M2101.16 through M2101.18, the preparation and installation of mechanical and thermoplastic-welded joints shall comply with Sections M2101.15.1 and M2101.15.2.
M2101.15.1 Mechanical joints.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2101.15.2 Thermoplastic-welded joints.
Joint surfaces for thermoplastic-welded joints shall be cleaned by an approved procedure. Joints shall be welded in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2101.16 CPVC plastic pipe.
Joints between CPVC plastic pipe or fittings shall be solvent cemented in accordance with Section P2906.9.1.2. Threaded joints between fittings and CPVC plastic pipe shall be in accordance with Section M2101.16.1.
M2101.16.1 Threaded joints.
Threads shall conform to ASME B1.20.1 The pipe shall be Schedule 80, 40 or heavier plastic pipe and shall be threaded with dies specifically designed for plastic pipe. Thread lubricant, pipe-joint compound or tape shall be applied on the male threads only and shall be approved for application on the piping material.
M2101.17 Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing.
Joints between cross-linked polyethylene plastic tubing and fittings shall comply with Sections M2101.17.1 and M2101.17.2. Mechanical joints shall comply with Section M2101.15.1.
M2101.17.1 Compression-type fittings.
Where compression-type fittings include inserts and ferrules or O-rings, the fittings shall be installed without omitting the inserts and ferrules or O-rings.
M2101.17.2 Plastic-to-metal.
Solder joints in a metal pipe shall not occur within 18 inches (457 mm) of a transition from such metal pipe to plastic pipe or tubing.
M2101.18 Polyethylene plastic pipe and tubing.
Joints between polyethylene plastic pipe and tubing or fittings for systems shall be heat-fusion joints complying with Section M2101.18.1, electrofusion joints complying with Section M2101.18.2, or stab-type insertion joints complying with Section M2101.18.3.
M2101.18.1 Heat-fusion joints.
Joints shall be of the socket-fusion, saddle-fusion or butt-fusion type, and joined in accordance with ASTM D2657. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2683 or ASTM D3261.
M2101.18.2 Electrofusion joints.
Joints shall be of the electrofusion type. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture, and scoured to expose virgin resin. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures for the period of time specified by the manufacturer. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F1055.
M2101.19 Polypropylene (PP) plastic.
Joints between PP plastic pipe and fittings shall comply with Sections M2101.19.1 and M2101.19.2.
M2101.19.1 Heat-fusion joints.
Heat-fusion joints for polypropylene (PP) pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with socket-type heat-fused polypropylene fittings, electrofusion polypropylene fittings or by butt fusion. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM F2389.
M2101.19.2 Mechanical and compression sleeve joints.
Mechanical and compression sleeve joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2101.20 Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) plastic tubing.
Joints between raised temperature polyethylene tubing and fittings shall comply with Sections M2101.20.1 through M2101.20.4. Mechanical joints shall comply with Section M2101.15.1.
M2101.20.1 Compression-type fittings.
Where compression-type fittings include inserts and ferrules or O-rings, the fittings shall be installed without omitting the inserts and ferrules or O-rings.
M2101.20.2 PE-RT-to-metal connections.
Solder joints in a metal pipe shall not occur within 18 inches (457 mm) of a transition from such metal pipe to PE-RT pipe or tubing.
M2101.20.3 Heat-fusion joints.
Heat-fusion joints shall be of the socket-fusion, saddle-fusion or butt-fusion type, and shall be joined in accordance with ASTM D2657. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2683 or ASTM D3261.
M2101.20.4 Electrofusion joints.
Joints shall be of the electrofusion type. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture and scoured to expose virgin resin. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures for the period of time specified by the manufacturer and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F1055.
M2101.22 Shutoff valves.
Shutoff valves shall be installed in ground-source loop piping systems in the locations indicated in Sections M2101.22.1 through M2101.22.6.
M2101.22.1 Heat exchangers.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the supply and return sides of a heat exchanger.
M2101.22.2 Central systems.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the building supply and return of a central utility system.
M2101.22.3 Pressure vessels.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the connection to any pressure vessel.
M2101.22.4 Pressure-reducing valves.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on both sides of a pressure-reducing valve.
M2101.22.5 Equipment and appliances.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on connections to mechanical equipment and appliances. This requirement does not apply to components of ground-source loop systems such as pumps, air separators, metering devices, and similar equipment.
M2101.22.6 Expansion tanks.
Shutoff valves shall be installed at connections to nondiaphragm-type expansion tanks.
M2101.24 Installation.
Piping, valves, fittings and connections shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2101.26 Pipe penetrations.
Openings for pipe penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings shall be larger than the penetrating pipe. Openings through concrete or masonry building elements shall be sleeved. The annular space surrounding pipe penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section P2606.1.
M2101.27 Clearance from combustibles.
A pipe in a piping system having an exterior surface temperature exceeding 250ºF (121ºC) shall have a clearance of not less than 1 inch (25 mm) from combustible materials.
M2101.28 Contact with building material.
A piping system shall not be in direct contact with building materials that cause the piping or fitting material to degrade or corrode, or that interfere with the operation of the system.
M2101.29 Strains and stresses.
Piping shall be installed so as to prevent detrimental strains and stresses in the pipe. Provisions shall be made to protect piping from damage resulting from expansion, contraction and structural settlement. Piping shall be installed so as to avoid structural stresses or strains within building components.
M2101.29.1 Flood hazard.
Piping located in a flood hazard area shall be capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the design flood elevation.
M2101.30 Chemical compatibility.
Antifreeze and other materials used in the system shall be chemically compatible with the pipe, tubing, fittings and mechanical systems.
M2101.31 Makeup water.
The transfer fluid shall be compatible with the makeup water supplied to the system.
Section M2102 Baseboard Convectors
M2102.1 General.
Baseboard convectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Convectors shall be supported independently of the hydronic piping.
Section M2103 Floor Heating Systems
M2103.1 Piping materials.
Piping for embedment in concrete or gypsum materials shall be standard-weight steel pipe, copper and copper-alloy pipe and tubing, cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pressure pipe, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) or polypropylene (PP) with a rating of not less than 80 pounds per square inch at 180°F (552 kPa at 82°C).
M2103.2 Thermal barrier required.
Radiant floor heating systems shall have a thermal barrier in accordance with Sections M2103.2.1 and M2103.2.2. Insulation R-values for slab-on-grade and suspended floor installations shall be in accordance with Chapter 11.
Exception: Insulation shall not be required in engineered systems where it can be demonstrated that the insulation will decrease the efficiency or have a negative effect on the installation.
M2103.2.1 Thermal break required.
A thermal break consisting of asphalt expansion joint materials or similar insulating materials shall be provided at a point where a heated slab meets a foundation wall or other conductive slab.
M2103.2.2 Thermal barrier material marking.
Insulating materials used in thermal barriers shall be installed so that the manufacturer’s R-value mark is readily observable upon inspection.
M2103.3 Piping joints.
Copper and copper-alloy systems shall be soldered, brazed, or press connected. Soldering shall be in accordance with ASTM B828. Fluxes for soldering shall be in accordance with ASTM B813. Brazing fluxes shall be in accordance with AWS A5.31. Press-connect joints shall be in accordance with ASME B16.51 or ASTM F3226. Piping joints that are embedded shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements:
- 1.
Steel pipe joints shall be welded.
- 2.
- 3.
Polybutylene pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with socket-type heat-fused polybutylene fittings.
- 4.
CPVC tubing shall be joined using solvent cement joints.
- 5.
Polypropylene pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with socket-type heat-fused polypropylene fittings.
- 6.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing shall be joined using cold expansion, insert or compression fittings.
- 7.
Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) tubing shall be joined using insert or compression fittings.
M2103.4 Testing.
Piping or tubing to be embedded shall be tested by applying a hydrostatic pressure of not less than 100 psi (690 kPa). The pressure shall be maintained for 30 minutes, during which the joints shall be visually inspected for leaks.
Section M2104 Low Temperature Piping
M2104.2 Piping joints.
Piping joints that are embedded, other than those in Section M2103.3, shall comply with the following requirements:
- 1.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 2.
Polyethylene tubing shall be installed with heat-fusion joints.
- 3.
Polypropylene (PP) tubing shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 4.
Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2104.3 Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) plastic tubing.
Joints between raised temperature polyethylene tubing and fittings shall conform to Sections M2104.3.1 through M2104.3.3. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2104.3.1 Compression-type fittings.
Where compression-type fittings include inserts and ferrules or O-rings, the fittings shall be installed without omitting such inserts and ferrules or O-rings.
M2104.3.2 PE-RT-to-metal connections.
Solder joints in a metal pipe shall not occur within 18 inches (457 mm) of a transition from such metal pipe to PE-RT pipe.
M2104.3.3 PE-RT insert fittings.
PE-RT insert fittings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2104.4 Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) pressure pipe.
Joints between polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene pressure pipe and fittings shall conform to Sections M2104.4.1 and M2104.4.2. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2104.4.1 Compression-type fittings.
Where compression-type fittings include inserts and ferrules or O-rings, the fittings shall be installed without omitting such inserts and ferrules or O-rings.
M2104.4.2 PE-AL-PE-to-metal connections.
Solder joints in a metal pipe shall not occur within 18 inches (457 mm) of a transition from such metal pipe to PE-AL-PE pipe.
Section M2105 Ground-Source Heat-Pump System Loop Piping
M2105.1 Plastic ground-source heat-pump loop piping.
Plastic piping and tubing material used in water-based ground-source heat-pump ground-loop systems shall conform to the standards specified in this section.
M2105.2 Used materials.
Reused pipe, fittings, valves, and other materials shall not be used in ground-source heat-pump loop systems.
M2105.3 Material rating.
Pipe and tubing shall be rated for the operating temperature and pressure of the ground-source heatpump loop system. Fittings shall be suitable for the pressure applications and recommended by the manufacturer for installation with the pipe and tubing material installed. Where used underground, materials shall be suitable for burial.
M2105.4 Piping and tubing materials standards.
Ground-source heat-pump ground-loop pipe and tubing shall conform to the standards listed in Table M2105.4.
M2105.5 Fittings.
Ground-source heat-pump pipe fittings shall be approved for installation with the piping materials to be installed, shall conform to the standards listed in Table M2105.5 and, where installed underground, shall be suitable for burial.
M2105.6 Joints and connections.
Joints and connections shall be of an approved type. Joints and connections shall be tight for the pressure of the ground-source loop system. Joints used underground shall be approved for such applications.
M2105.6.1 Joints between different piping materials.
Joints between different piping materials shall be made with approved transition fittings.
M2105.7 Preparation of pipe ends.
Pipe shall be cut square and shall be free of burrs and obstructions. Pipe ends shall have fullbore openings and shall be prepared in accordance with the pipe manufacturer’s instructions.
M2105.8 Joint preparation and installation.
Where required by Sections M2105.9 through M2105.11, the preparation and installation of mechanical and thermoplastic-welded joints shall comply with Sections M2105.8.1 and M2105.8.2.
M2105.8.1 Mechanical joints.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2105.8.2 Thermoplastic-welded joints.
Joint surfaces for thermoplastic-welded joints shall be cleaned by an approved procedure. Joints shall be welded in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2105.9 CPVC plastic pipe.
Joints between CPVC plastic pipe or fittings shall be solvent-cemented in accordance with Section P2906.9.1.2. Threaded joints between fittings and CPVC plastic pipe shall be in accordance with Section M2105.9.1.
M2105.9.1 Threaded joints.
Threads shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. The pipe shall be Schedule 80 or heavier plastic pipe and shall be threaded with dies specifically designed for plastic pipe. Thread lubricant, pipe-joint compound or tape shall be applied on the male threads only and shall be approved for application on the piping material.
M2105.10 Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing.
Joints between cross-linked polyethylene plastic tubing and fittings shall comply with Sections M2105.10.1 and M2105.10.2. Mechanical joints shall comply with Section M2105.8.1.
M2105.10.1 Compression-type fittings.
Where compression-type fittings include inserts and ferrules or O-rings, the fittings shall be installed without omitting the inserts and ferrules or O-rings.
M2105.10.2 Plastic-to-metal connections.
Solder joints in a metal pipe shall not occur within 18 inches (457 mm) of a transition from such metal pipe to plastic pipe or tubing.
M2105.11 Polyethylene plastic pipe and tubing.
Joints between polyethylene plastic pipe and tubing or fittings for ground-source heat-pump loop systems shall be heat-fusion joints complying with Section M2105.11.1, electrofusion joints complying with Section M2105.11.2, or stab-type insertion joints complying with Section M2105.11.3.
M2105.11.1 Heat-fusion joints.
Joints shall be of the socket-fusion, saddle-fusion or butt-fusion type, and joined in accordance with ASTM D2657. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2683 or ASTM D3261.
M2105.11.2 Electrofusion joints.
Joints shall be of the electrofusion type. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture, and scoured to expose virgin resin. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures for the period of time specified by the manufacturer. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F1055.
M2105.12 Polypropylene (PP) plastic.
Joints between PP plastic pipe and fittings shall comply with Sections M2105.12.1 and M2105.12.2.
M2105.12.1 Heat-fusion joints.
Heat-fusion joints for polypropylene (PP) pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with sockettype heat-fused polypropylene fittings, electrofusion polypropylene fittings or by butt fusion. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM F2389.
M2105.12.2 Mechanical and compression sleeve joints.
Mechanical and compression sleeve joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2105.13 Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) plastic tubing.
Joints between raised temperature polyethylene tubing and fittings shall comply with Sections M2105.13.1 through M2105.13.4. Mechanical joints shall comply with Section M2105.8.1.
M2105.13.1 Compression-type fittings.
Where compression-type fittings include inserts and ferrules or O-rings, the fittings shall be installed without omitting the inserts and ferrules or O-rings.
M2105.13.2 PE-RT-to-metal connections.
Solder joints in a metal pipe shall not occur within 18 inches (457 mm) of a transition from such metal pipe to PE-RT pipe or tubing.
M2105.13.3 Heat-fusion joints.
Heat-fusion joints shall be of the socket-fusion, saddle-fusion or butt-fusion type, and shall be joined in accordance with ASTM D2657. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2683 or ASTM D3261.
M2105.13.4 Electrofusion joints.
Joints shall be of the electrofusion type. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture and scoured to expose virgin resin. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures for the period of time specified by the manufacturer and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F1055.
M2105.15 Shutoff valves.
Shutoff valves shall be installed in ground-source loop piping systems in the locations indicated in Sections M2105.15.1 through M2105.15.6.
M2105.15.1 Heat exchangers.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the supply and return side of a heat exchanger.
M2105.15.2 Central systems.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the building supply and return of a central utility system.
M2105.15.3 Pressure vessels.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the connection to any pressure vessel.
M2105.15.4 Pressure-reducing valves.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on both sides of a pressure-reducing valve.
M2105.15.5 Equipment and appliances.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on connections to mechanical equipment and appliances. This requirement does not apply to components of ground-source loop systems such as pumps, air separators, metering devices, and similar equipment.
M2105.15.6 Expansion tanks.
Shutoff valves shall be installed at connections to nondiaphragm-type expansion tanks.
M2105.17 Installation.
Piping, valves, fittings, and connections shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
M2105.19 Pipe penetrations.
Openings for pipe penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings shall be larger than the penetrating pipe. Openings through concrete or masonry building elements shall be sleeved. The annular space surrounding pipe penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section P2606.1.
M2105.20 Clearance from combustibles.
A pipe in a ground-source heat pump piping system having an exterior surface temperature exceeding 250°F (121°C) shall have a clearance of not less than 1 inch (25 mm) from combustible materials.
M2105.21 Contact with building material.
A ground-source heat-pump ground-loop piping system shall not be in direct contact with building materials that cause the piping or fitting material to degrade or corrode, or that interfere with the operation of the system.
M2105.22 Strains and stresses.
Piping shall be installed so as to prevent detrimental strains and stresses in the pipe. Provisions shall be made to protect piping from damage resulting from expansion, contraction and structural settlement. Piping shall be installed so as to avoid structural stresses or strains within building components.
M2105.22.1 Flood hazard.
Piping located in a flood hazard area shall be capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the design flood elevation.
M2105.24 Velocities.
Ground-source heat-pump ground-loop systems shall be designed so that the flow velocities do not exceed the maximum flow velocity recommended by the pipe and fittings manufacturer. Flow velocities shall be controlled to reduce the possibility of water hammer.
M2105.25 Labeling and marking.
Ground-source heat-pump ground-loop system piping shall be marked with tape, metal tags or other methods where it enters a building. The marking shall state the following words: “GROUND-SOURCE HEAT-PUMP LOOP SYSTEM.” The marking shall indicate if antifreeze is used in the system and shall indicate the chemicals by name and concentration.
M2105.26 Chemical compatibility.
Antifreeze and other materials used in the system shall be chemically compatible with the pipe, tubing, fittings and mechanical systems.
M2105.27 Makeup water.
The transfer fluid shall be compatible with the makeup water supplied to the system.
M2105.28 Testing.
Before connection header trenches are backfilled, the assembled loop system shall be pressure tested with water at 100 psi (689 kPa) for 15 minutes without observed leaks. Flow and pressure loss testing shall be performed and the actual flow rates and pressure drops shall be compared to the calculated design values. If actual flow rate or pressure drop values differ from calculated design values by more than 10 percent, the cause shall be identified and corrective action taken.
M2105.29 Embedded piping.
Ground-source heat-pump ground-loop piping to be embedded in concrete shall be pressure tested prior to pouring concrete. During pouring, the pipe shall be maintained at the proposed operating pressure.