Quality components

[Burl]

Being in the market for a radiant slab heating system, there are a lot of choices out there to pick. Most "name" companies charge a pretty penny for their products, from PEX tubing to manifolds, and most will design systems to match your needs. When searching places on the net like Ebay, there seem to be a few lesser known places that have very good looking equipment and MUCH lower prices, some with more frills and desirable extras (gauges, flow meters, etc.). Has anyone bought from these places and what were your opinions of their components. After all, everyone tries to save a buck these days, but still you need thing to work correctly. Is this truly a market where you honestly "get what you pay for"? Thanks to all who reply.

 

[Ezzie]

Well since no one else has jumped in here - I'll give you my opinion. It is a market where you get what you pay for. Before I selected my components I looked at a lot of options and products from tubing through to boilers. I came to the conclusion that buying top of the line name brand is the way to go. Since I am a DIY'r and it is my first crack at building a system, I wanted to leave the "uncertainty" due to component quality out of the picture.

Watts manifolds (made in Germany with stainless steel) and tubing, all brass/copper plumbing tubing, fittings and valving, Triangle Tube Solo boiler, Taco/Honeywell controls. You get the idea.

 

[5wndwcpe]

Stick with the brand names, Watts, Zurn, Grundfos and you'll be fine. With the PEX, the smaller you stay (1/2") the easier it will be to work with. Some of the online heating joints like to push their housebrand 7/8" tubing which will require a huge radius when it comes to turning back on itself. Ebay can be a good source for the manifolds, expansion tanks, valves and pumps etc., but I would avoid buying the tubing there as you can't be sure of how old it is and consequently how it was stored. (PEX is photosensitive and should not be subjected to UV rays for an extended period of time). Also be aware that some mfg.s (such as Wirsbro) use a different method of attaching the tubing to the fittings, so be aware of compatiblility if you decide to mix and match your components.

 

[thammel]

So can any of you recommend a good website for purchasing pex and manifolds and associated equipment?

Thanks,
Tom