Is it possible to cap a PEX Circuit?

[CBR9Seadoo]

I am now (see thread in general http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44857) working plans for a 18' x 24' garage.

The question I have is:

Has anyone ever laid a pex circuit for the sole purpose of being able to put on an addition later?

What do I need to do to pressurize and cap the circuit so I can extend it into a new slab at a later date?

I am working on a drawing to show what I am talking about.

 

[lametec]

You mean a plug?

 

[72Tunaboat]

Yup. Just as the post above, you can plug it. However, (IMO) you should leave enough tube (extra even) extended out of the existing slab to use in your future addition. The reason for this is just that it isn't advised to have a coupling buried in concrete if you can help it.

Also, remember that your loop length should not exceed 300ft if you are using 1/2" pex.

Good luck.

 

[CBR9Seadoo]

Cool. That will work.

Can I just put air in those tubes or do I need to hook them up to a manifold and pressurize them with a glycol solution so they don't freeze?

If I left enough for my other circuits:

has anyone every burried it under ground. I am thinking of pouring a temporary slab over the top of where the tubes would come out of the building for a dog kennel?

Do you think I could pack enough sand around them or should I build a structure to put it in?

 

[Mattlt]

Maybe you could put in a small loop under the dog kennel, keep Fido warm? If the slab is going to be temporary anyway.

Thinking out loud here, if you want to somewhat insulate and protect the short end of tubing, could you pack it inside a 4" PVC pipe that's full of insulation? Then bury the pipe. Also, maybe make up a short loop inside a length of PVC pipe, hook that up to the manifold. When it comes time to add on to the loop/shed, just bust into the PVC pipe and you're good to go.

You'd be "wasting" that little bit of heat, but it shouldn't be too much.

 

[1320stang]

How far is it extending? I work for a MEP and we don't leave any dead end circuits as the water stagnates in there and provides a place for stuff to grow and contaminate your water. You could run the line and cap both end leaving it full of air and be okay, then connect the end up to your system when your ready.

 

[CBR9Seadoo]

I would be buring 4 circuits at about 220ft per. I know it is not optimal, but I am hoping that some day I will get to build the shop I want. Hopefully new township board members will be elected in the future.

 

[CBR9Seadoo]

You could run the line and cap both end leaving it full of air and be okay, then connect the end up to your system when your ready.

This is kind of what I was thinking.