UFH Pressurised Pipe and Screed Drying

[Mmark]

My plumber and my builders just had a bit of a fall out

The builders are installing the pipework, the plumber the manifold and pressure test.

The builders say to leave the system pressurised for 24 hours, then they'll start screeding. That it does not need to remain pressurised during the screeding process

The plumber says that after screeding the system must remain pressurised for 4 days.

I did some research and apparently the BS 1624 standard says that it must remain pressurised throughout the screed drying period - which can take from 3 to 21 days, depending on the screed, depth etc. Which is roughly what the plumber said.

I rang the suppler, Florad, to ask them - who are the people advising my builders. They said to keep pressure in the system during screed laying, but it doesn't need to be maintained during drying. I asked them about the BS standard and they said that is for soft pipes and they are installing the 10mm qual-pex barrier pipe.

So my question is. Who the hell is right

Mark

 

[electronicsuk]

Regardless of who is right, it's surely not difficult to maintain pressure during screed laying and drying, so why the big fuss? Might as well play it safe!

 

[Mmark]

Regardless of who is right, it's surely not difficult to maintain pressure during screed laying and drying, so why the big fuss? Might as well play it safe!

That was the end result, to agree to disagree. The builders will let the plumber leave it pressurised for as long as he thinks best, as there is no harm done from doing so.

My understanding is that leaving it underpressure ensures that there is expansion room when hot water is fed into the pipes.

Mostly now I'm just tring to understand for myself. For instance why is Florad's recommendation different to say Polypipe or JG, who insist it's pressurised throughout the drying time.


Mark