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.
| MATERIAL | USE CODEa |
STANDARDb | JOINTS | NOTES |
| Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic pipe |
1, 5 | ASTM D 1527; ASTM F 2806; ASTM F 2969 |
Solvent cement joints | |
| Brass pipe | 1 | ASTM B 43 | Brazed, welded, threaded, mechanical and flanged fittings |
|
| Brass tubing | 1 | ASTM B 135 | Brazed, soldered and mechanical fittings | |
| Chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) (CPVC) pipe and tubing |
1, 2, 3 | ASTM D 2846 | Solvent cement joints, compression joints and threaded adapters |
|
| Copper pipe | 1 | ASTM B 42, B 302 |
Brazed, soldered and mechanical fittings threaded, welded and flanged |
|
| Copper tubing (type K, L or M) | 1, 2 | ASTM B 75, B 88, B 251, B 306 |
Brazed, soldered and flared mechanical fittings |
Joints embedded in concrete |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) | 1, 2, 3 | ASTM F 876, F 877 | (See PEX fittings) | Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/ aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene-(PEX-AL-PEX) pressure pipe |
1, 2 | ASTM F 1281 or CAN/ CSA B137.10 |
Mechanical, crimp/insert | Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions |
| PEX fittings | ASTM F 877 ASTM F 1807 ASTM F 1960 ASTM F 2098 ASTM F 2159 ASTM F 2735 |
Copper-crimp/insert fittings, cold expansion fittings, stainless steel clamp, insert fittings |
Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions |
|
| Polybutylene (PB) pipe and tubing | 1, 2, 3 | ASTM D 3309 | Heat-fusion, crimp/insert and compression | Joints in concrete shall be heat-fused |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) pressure pipe |
1, 2, 3 | ASTM F 1282 CSA B 137.9 |
Mechanical, crimp/insert | |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 1, 2, 3 | ISO 15874 ASTM F 2389 |
Heat-fusion joints, mechanical fittings, threaded adapters, compression joints |
|
| Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) |
1, 2, 3 | ASTM F 2623 ASTM F 2769 |
Copper crimp/insert fitting stainless steel clamp, insert fittings |
|
| Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) fittings |
1, 2,3 | ASTM F 1807 ASTM F 2159 ASTM F 2735 ASTM F 2769 ASTM F 2098 |
Copper crimp/insert fitting stainless steel clamp, insert fittings |
|
| Steel pipe | 1, 2 | ASTM A 53, A 106 |
Brazed, welded, threaded, flanged and mechanical fittings |
Joints in concrete shall be welded. Galvanized pipe shall not be welded or brazed. |
| Steel tubing | 1 | ASTM A 254 | Mechanical fittings, welded |
For SI: °C = [(°F)-32]/1.8.
- Use code:
- Above ground.
- Embedded in radiant systems.
- Temperatures below 180°F only.
- Low temperature (below 130°F) applications only.
- Temperatures below 160°F only.
- Standards as listed in Chapter 44.
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
the Plumbing
Code.
Exception: The buried portions of systems embedded underground or under floors.
Exception: The buried portions of systems embedded underground or under floors.
The potable water system shall be protected from backflow in accordance with the provisions listed in
the Plumbing Code.
Openings through concrete or masonry building elements shall be sleeved.
A hydronic piping system shall not be in direct contact with any building material that causes the piping material to degrade or corrode.
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.
Fluid in the supply side of a hydronic system shall not enter a tee fitting through the branch opening.
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.
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
M1309.4.
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 and not more than 20 minutes.
Baseboard convectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Convectors shall be supported independently of the hydronic piping.
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), polybutylene, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) or polypropylene (PP) with a minimum rating of 100 psi at 180°F (690 kPa at 82°C).
Radiant floor heating systems shall have a thermal barrier in accordance with Sections M2103.2.1 through M2103.2.4.
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.
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.
Radiant piping used in slab-on-grade applications shall have insulating materials having a minimum R-value of 5 installed beneath the piping.
In suspended floor applications, insulation shall be installed in the joist bay cavity serving the heating space above and shall consist of materials having a minimum R-value of 11.
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.
Insulating materials used in thermal barriers shall be installed so that the manufacturer's R-value mark is readily observable upon inspection.
Copper and copper alloy systems shall be soldered 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. Piping joints that are embedded shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements:
- Steel pipe joints shall be welded.
- Copper tubing shall be joined by brazing complying with the Plumbing Code.
- Polybutylene pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with socket-type heat-fused polybutylene fittings.
- CPVC tubing shall be joined using solvent cement joints.
- Polypropylene pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with socket-type heat-fused polypropylene fittings.
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing shall be joined using cold expansion, insert or compression fittings.
- Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) tubing shall be joined using insert or compression fittings.
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.
Exception: Continuous loop systems using PEX or PP
tubing are allowed to be tested with an air pressure test of
100 psi (689 kPa) for 30 minutes with no observed leaks.
Piping to be
embedded in concrete shall be pressure tested prior to pouring
concrete in accordance with Section M2103.3. During pouring,
the piping shall be maintained at the proposed operating
pressure.
Low temperature piping for embedment in concrete or gypsum materials shall be as indicated in Table M2101.1.
Piping joints, other than those in Section M2103.3, that are embedded shall comply with the following requirements:
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Polyethylene tubing shall be installed with heat fusion joints.
- Polypropylene (PP) tubing shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joints between raised temperature polyethylene tubing and fittings shall conform to Sections M2104.3.1, M2104.3.2 and M2104.3.3. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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.
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.
PE-RT insert fittings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reused pipe, fittings, valves, and other materials shall not be used in ground-source heat-pump loop systems.
Pipe and tubing shall be rated for the operating temperature and pressure of the ground-source heat-pump 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.
Ground-source heat-pump ground-loop pipe and tubing shall conform to the standards listed in Table M2105.4.
| MATERIAL | STANDARD |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) |
ASTM D 2846; ASTM F 437; ASTM F 438; ASTM F 439; ASTM F 441; ASTM F 442; CSA B137.6 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) |
ASTM F 876; ASTM F 877, CSA B137.5 |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) pressure pipe |
ASTM F 1282; CSA B137.9; AWWA C 903 |
| High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | ASTM D 2737; ASTM D 3035; ASTM F 714; AWWA C901; CSA B137.1; CSA C448; NSF 358-1 |
| Polypropylene (PP-R) | ASTM F 2389; CSA B137.11 |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | ASTM D 1785; ASTM D 2241; CSA 137.3 |
| Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) |
ASTM F 2623; ASTM F 2769 |
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.
| PIPE MATERIAL | STANDARD |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) | ASTM D 2846; ASTM F 437; ASTM F 438; ASTM F 439; ASTM F 1970; CSA B137.6 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) |
ASTM F 877; ASTM F 1807; ASTM F 1960; ASTM F 2080; ASTM F 2159; ASTM F 2434; CSA B137.5 |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) |
ASTM F 2434; ASTM F 1282; CSA B137.9 |
| High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | ASTM D 2683; ASTM D 3261; ASTM F 1055; CSA B137.1; CSA C448; NSF 358-1 |
| Polypropylene (PP-R) | ASTM F 2389; CSA B137.11; NSF 358-2 |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | ASTM D 2464; ASTM D 2466; ASTM D 2467; ASTM F 1970, CSA B137.2; CSA B137.3 |
| Raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) |
ASTM D 3261; ASTM F 1807; ASTM F 2159; F 2769; B137.1 |
Joints between different piping materials shall be made with approved transition fittings.
Pipe shall be cut square, reamed, and shall be free of burrs and obstructions. CPVC, PE and PVC pipe shall be chamfered. Pipe ends shall have full-bore openings and shall not be undercut.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joint surfaces for thermoplastic-welded joints shall be cleaned by an approved procedure. Joints shall be welded in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joints shall be of the socket-fusion, saddle-fusion or butt-fusion type, and joined in accordance with ASTM D 2657. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures and joined. The joint shall be undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D 2683 or ASTM D 3261.
Joints shall be of the electrofusion type. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of 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 be undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F 1055.
Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture. Pipe ends shall be chamfered and inserted into the fittings to full depth. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F 1924.
Joints between PP plastic pipe and fittings shall comply with Sections M2105.12.1 and M2105.12.2.
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 be undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM F 2389.
Mechanical and compression sleeve joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joints between raised temperature polyethylene tubing and fittings shall comply with Sections M2105.13.1 and M2105.13.2. Mechanical joints shall comply with Section M2105.8.1.
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.
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.
Joints between PVC plastic pipe or fittings shall be solvent-cemented in accordance with Section P2906.9.1.4. Threaded joints between fittings and PVC plastic pipe shall be in accordance with Section M2105.9.1.
Shutoff valves shall be installed in ground-source loop piping systems in the locations indicated in Sections M2105.15.1 through M2105.15.6.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the supply and return side of a heat exchanger.
Exception: Shutoff valves shall not be required where heat exchangers are integral with a boiler or are a component of a manufacturer's boiler and heat exchanger packaged unit and are capable of being isolated from the hydronic system by the supply and return valves required by Section M2001.3.
Exception: Shutoff valves shall not be required where heat exchangers are integral with a boiler or are a component of a manufacturer's boiler and heat exchanger packaged unit and are capable of being isolated from the hydronic system by the supply and return valves required by Section M2001.3.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the building supply and return of a central utility system.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on the connection to any pressure vessel.
Shutoff valves shall be installed on both sides of a pressure-reducing valve.
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.
Shutoff valves shall be installed at connections to nondiaphragm-type expansion tanks.
A pressure relief valve shall be installed on the low-pressure side of a hydronic piping system that has been reduced in pressure. The relief valve shall be set at the maximum pressure of the system design. The valve shall be installed in accordance with Section M2002.
Piping, valves, fittings, and connections shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Where ground-source heat-pump ground-loop systems have a connection to a potable water supply, the potable water system shall be protected from backflow in accordance with
the Plumbing Code.
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.
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.
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.
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,
as determined by the Flood Plain Administrator.
Upcodes Diagrams
Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Section M2101.9.
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.
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.
Antifreeze and other materials used in the system shall be chemically compatible with the pipe, tubing, fittings and mechanical systems.
The transfer fluid shall be compatible with the makeup water supplied to the system.
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.