How a differential bypass valve works

The Taco Differential Bypass Valve maintains a regulated path of flow to prevent velocities that are too high or too low from being pumped through the zones (these zones remain open during reduced demand periods). This eliminates the noise caused from the velocity in standard valves while maintaining the designed heat transfer of each zone, which works to boost the overall system performance. Differential Bypass Valves should also be used to prevent dead heading of the circulator pump in systems where parallel piped heat emitters are controlled by thermostatic radiator valves.

Taco Pumps and Pressure Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

The Twelve YAY!'s of SupplyHouse

For the 12 YAY!'s of SupplyHouse any DIY would love to recieve:

12 Hoffman Air Valves
11 Boiler Controls
10 Rolls of ThermaPEX
9 VisionPro Thermostats
8 Thermal Actuators
7 Zurn Grease Traps
6 Grundfos 3 Speed Pumps
5 Expansion Tanks
4 Kohler Faucets
3 Air Eliminators
2 Male Adapters
and a Brand New Takagi Heated Toilet Seat!

Plumbing Supplies and Heating Supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Joining PVC Pipes

As with any pipe connection, make sure to have straight, clean cuts before attempting to make a fitting. Apply PVC Primer to the hub of the fittings and the end of the pipe. Wait for the primer to dry, then apply PVC Cement to the fitting and glue to the end of the pipe. Push the pipe into the fitting while turning the pipe approximately 1/4 turn. Hold the parts together for a minute or so until the glue has dried. Wipe off the excess glue from around the joint and wait another 2-3 minutes for the connection to dry before putting it to use.

PVC fittings and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Boilers or furnaces

A boiler and a furnace are not actually the same thing. A boiler is used for hydronic heating systems while a furnace is used for hot air systems. If you have a furnace, it means that your heat is through air, and the furnace will heat the air before sending it off to different parts of your home. If you have a boiler, you are using hot water to heat your home. The boiler will store the hot water and then send it through pipes to heat your home.

Boilers & Heaters and Weil Mclain Boilers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Pump sizing

When sizing a pump for a radiant heat application, you will need to take the loop length of your runs of tubing into consideration. By determining the pressure loss in your system, you can size the correct pump for everything to run smoothly. Other factors that affect pressure loss include types and materials of the other components and the outside temperature and desired inside temperature.

Pumps & Flanges, Taco pumps and other radiant heat supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Can towel warmers be left on all day?

Amba Towel Warmers are made to be on all day and night. The units have a built in thermostat and internal thermal cutout, so the unit will cycle itself to an average temperature of 154 ° Fahrenheit. The towel warmers will switch themselves on and off just like a hot water tank. If for any reason one of the units overheats, there is a safety cutout switch and the unit will shut itself off.

Towel Warmers and Amba Towel Warmer can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Loop length in radiant heat systems

There are some common guidelines that people follow when running PEX tubing, one being to keep loop length under 300 feet. While this is a good rule of thumb, it is not always true. If (after finding the Heat Loss Report for your home) you have a heat loss higher than 15 BTU's per square foot, you should keep your loop length under 225 feet. The higher the heat loss, the shorter your loops must be to accommodate for more rapid cooling. The difference in water temperature between the water leaving your pump and the water returning after it has circulated through the loop should be no more than 20 degrees.

PEX Tubing for radiant heat and other Radiant Heat supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Fittings and rings for the Viega tool

When using the Viega PEX Press Tool, you will need to use the Viega PEX Press Fittings and Viega PEX Press Sleeves. To install, first slide the PEX Press Sleeve over your tubing (1/2" for 1/2" tubing, 3/4" for 3/4" tubing, etc). Insert the PEX Press Fitting and then use the tool of the corresponding size to tighten the sleeve onto your tubing with the fitting inside. Upon tightening, the tool will create two circular grooves in the stainless steel PEX Press Sleeve.

PEX Tubing, PEX Tools and PEX Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tekmar 369 Control

From the Tekmar Catalog- The Tekmar Controller 369 is designed to control the temperature in up to six heating zones using Room Temperature Units (RTUs) or indoor sensors. The 369 zone control allows one stage heating zones, two stage heating zones, or a combination of one stage and two stage heating zones. PID zoning logic allows for staggering and synchronization of multiple zones in order to minimize boiler short cycling. The 369 is capable of operating a single cooling output and can provide automatic or manual heat / cool change over. When the 369 is used with a tekmar Reset or House Control, the 369 provides indoor temperature feedback that automatically adjusts the supply water temperature in order to satisfy the zone with the highest heat load. A large Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is incorporated in order to view system status and operating information. The LCD and user key pad are used to set the adjustments and to monitor zone running times, outdoor high and low temperatures, minimum zone temperatures, and many other useful items.

Tekmar controllers, and the 369 Tekmar control can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Measurement of tees

Tees are named end - end - middle, so a 1" x 1/2" x 1" is 1" on one end, 1/2" on the other end and 1" in the middle. a 1/2" x 1" x 1" tee is exactly the same as a 1" x 1/2" x 1" tee- if you just flip the tee in your hands, the ends will swap.

Copper Fittings and copper tees can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Underground sewage

If you are adding a new toilet (or laundry sink, etc) in a basement below your current sewage line, you will need a sewage pump. Sewage pumps will force the liquids and solids up toward your main line. The further the distance, the more powerful you will need the pump to be (with higher horsepower). The Grundfos sewage pumps also vary based on cord length and voltage.

Little Giant pumps, sewage pumps, and other plumbing pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Boiler Reset Controls

Boiler Switching Relays are designed to improve performance in your hot water heating systems by regulating the supply water temperature of a single boiler based on outdoor temperature. The control utilizes a heating curve to set the relationship between outdoor temperature and supply water temperature to provide optimum control and comfort. Thanks to its integral microprocessor, it is able to continuously adjust the boiler differential to avoid boiler short-cycling and large temperature swings. Standard functions include warm weather shut down, minimum boiler supply temperature setting, and a starting water temperature setting.

Boiler Switching Relays, Boilers & Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sending cooler water to faucets and fixtures

Your boiler (or tankless water heater) might produce water at a higher temperature than what you want flowing to your faucets and fixtures. If this is the case, you will need to install a mixing valve. A mixing valve will take your hot water on one end and take cold water in on another end. A dial is set to the temperature you desire, and the valve will mix the hot with the cold to produce water of that temperature.

Tekmar Mixing Valves, Taco Mixing Valves, and other mixing valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Thermostat Height

When mounting a thermostat, it is best to place it at chest level. Since heat rises, placing the thermostat too high will make it read a higher temperature than what you feel. If the thermostat is placed too low, it could read too low, raising the heat more than you had planned for and wasting energy. Placing your thermostat at chest level will provide optimal comfort in your home.

White Rodgers Thermostats and Honeywell Thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Viega Snap Panels

Viega Snap Panels can be used for easy installation of PEX Tubing. Simply snap the PEX into place and it will stay down securely. Viega Snap Panels also act as a vapor barrier, but do not have an R value and thus cannot be used as insulation.

Viega Snap Panels and other Radiant Heat Panels can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sharkbite Adapters

Sharkbite Adapters have one end with a SharkBite connection and the other end with pipe threads. A Pipe to Female Pipe Thread Connector (example: U072) has female threads and will thus connect to a male pipe fitting while a Pipe to Male Pipe Thread Connector (example: U120LF) has male threads and will connect to a female pipe fitting. Put simply, an adapter with female in the name has threads on the inside while an adapter with male in the name has threads on the outside. To make a connection, you will need one of each of these adapters.

SharkBite Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Filling small baseboard gaps

If you only have a few inches of space to fill between pieces of baseboard, a filler sleeve is the perfect solution. Made to join two baseboard units, a filler sleeve is a 7" piece that will seamlessly create one long unit of baseboard against your wall. Be sure to match your filler sleeve to the style of baseboard that you are using- Fine/Line with Fine/Line 30A Baseboard Heaters, Baseline with Baseline 2000 Baseboard Heaters, etc.

Slant/Fin Baseboard Heaters and Runtal Baseboard Radiators can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sweat flanges

Most flanges come with threaded connections to thread onto your pipe. If you need sweat connections to attach your pump, you will need to use Webstone sweat isolator flanges. These flanges are available in 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" and designed for residential or commercial use.

Pumps and flanges including Taco pumps and Webstone Isolation Flanges can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Valves for a tankless heater

When installing a tankless water heater, you will need a pressure relief valve to regulate pressure through the system and assure that the pressure never climbs too high. A stop valve is also important as it allows you to easily shut off the water supply if there is ever a problem in the system. Takagi Isolation Valve Kits combine both the pressure relief valve and the stop valve, giving you the functionality of two valves in one convenient kit.

Takagi tankless water heaters and tankless water heater accessories can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Replacing a humidifier pad

Make sure that the humidifier pad you purchase matches the humidifier that you currently have. The GA10 Honeywell Humidifier Filter works for Honeywell Humidifier models HE220 & HE225. And, the GA35 Honeywell Humidifier Filter works for Honeywell Humidifier models HE260, HE265, HE360, &HE365. When you have the proper pad, simply pull out the used pad and replace it with the new one. Pads should be replaced every 3 to 6 months depending on usage. And do not throw away your old humidifier pad- just brush it off and the aluminum is recyclable.

Honeywell humidifiers and humidifier pads can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Male or female adapters

Male adapters have threads on the outside, while female adapters have threads on the inside of the fitting. In order to successfully secure a threaded fitting into place, you will need both a male and a female adapter using the same thread size (most use NPT, which stands for National Pipe Thread). Place the male fitting inside of the female, and twist until the threads are secure.

HydroPEX fittings, ProPEX fittings, and Sharkbite fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

HydroPEX Clamps

HydroPEX Stainless Steel Clamps (or SSC Clamps)can only be used with the HydroPEX Clamping Tool. This tool has special jaws that will only grab onto the tab of the stainless steel clamp and squeeze down, securing the ring onto the tubing with your fitting inside. If you have a crimping tool, you will need to use circular copper crimp rings instead of the stainless steel clamps.

Clamping tools, crimp tools, and other PEX tools and PEX fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Keypad lockout on programmable thermostats

Three security settings are available for keypad lockout on White Rodgers 90 Series Thermostats. "Keypad Lockout and L" = Total Lockout. Total Lockout locks all keys. "Keypad Lockout and P" = Partial Lockout. Partial Lockout allows only the or buttons to operate within your set temperature limits. "Keypad Lockout and Limit" prevents changing the temperature limits in the Configuration Menu. Press Menu after selecting the type of lockout. For each lockout mode, you will need to select a password to override the lock and allow you to make changes to the settings on your thermostat.

White Rodgers Thermostats and Thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Peace of mind during installation

To assure that no wires are damaged or not functioning properly during installation, you can use a Suntouch LoudMouth Meter. This meter will produce a loud noise if anything is wrong with the wiring during the installation process. If there is no noise, you will know that the wires are good and can continue with the installation of your warm floors.

Suntouch Mats and other electric radiant heat products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Stock up to save stress

The only way to open and close the valves on your MANABLOC Manifold is with a Valve T-Handle. At less than a dollar each, it's usually recommended to pick up an extra or two. This way, you can save the stress of looking all over for this small, plastic piece if you happen to lose the one that comes with your manifold.

PEX Manifolds and other parts for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Electrical Ratings of McDonnell & Miller Mechanical Water Feeders

McDonnell & Miller Mechanical Water Feeders have different motor switch ratings (amps) at different voltage. At 120 Volts, a full load can handle 10.2 amps and a locked rotor 61.2 amps. At 240 Volts, a full load can handle 5.1 amps and a locked rotor 30.6 amps.

McDonnell Miller Low Water Cutoffs can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Closing off a PEX loop

If you need to close a loop of tubing either temporarily or permanently, you can use a PEX Plug. HydroPEX Brass Plugs can be installed and used with either the Watts Crimping Tool or the HydroPEX Clamping Tool.

PEX Fittings and PEX Tools can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Takagi Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters

Takagi Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters should be installed in mild climates only. When installed outdoors, T-K4-OS-NG's and T-K4-OS-LP's should be wall mounted in an open, unroofed area.

Takagi Tankless Water Heaters and other tankless water heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Wiring for QMark Heaters

QMark Electric Baseboard Heaters get hard wired into your system and are controlled by a line voltage thermostat. Wiring must be done in order for these baseboards to work properly as there is no plug-in option available.

QMark Heaters and other baseboard heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

No hub cast iron couplings

No hub couplings can be used to connect cast iron, steel or plastic pipe. The no-hub replaces the traditional hub and spigot joint common in many plumbing jobs. No hub couplings are used in a variety of above-ground applications including sanitary drains, vent piping and grease trap installation.

No hub couplings and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Replacing a zone valve

If you have a defective zone valve, the problem could be in the unit, or isolated just in the head. As a less expensive alternative to replacing the entire zone valve (if your problem is in the head, of course), you can purchase a Zone Valve Replacement Head, a twist on part which is easy to install and maintain.

Zone Valves and other Taco Heating Products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sizing an expansion tank based on BTU output of your boiler

Based on the BTU output of your boiler, the following is an approximation on which expansion tank to choose for your heating system.

BTU Output Under 50,000: #15
BTU Output 50,000 - 150,000: #30
BTU Output 150,000 - 200,000: #60
BTU Output 200,000 - 400,000: SX-30V
BTU Output 400,000 - 600,000: SX-40V
BTU Output 700,000 - 900,000: SX-60V
BTU Output Over 900,000: SX-90V

Expansion Tanks and Extrol Tanks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Regulating Gas Pressure

All systems using gas require a gas regulator in order to assure proper gas pressure levels. Most gas fired units have a regulator built in, but it is best to check before completing your installation. Without proper gas regulation, the pressure in your system can build to dangerous levels. To size your gas regulator, you will need to know what pipe size it will be connecting to, the BTU load of your system, gas pressure coming into the system, and which style you prefer.

Maxitrol Gas Regulators can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Making cuts in Pex-Al-Pex

A standard PEX tube cutter will not make a clean cut in PEX-Aluminum-PEX Tubing. After cutting the PEX-Al-PEX with a tube cutter, you will need to use a chamfering tool to smooth the edges and get a clean line on your tubing in order to make secure connections.

PEX Tubing and PEX Tools can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Securing a bolt

A pair of slip-joint pliers are the best way to secure the tool down to the bolt and make a fast and tight fitting with minimal effort. Instead of repositioning your pliers, the slip joint mechanism in slip joint pliers allows you to keep the tool in tightly around the bolt while making the connection.

Slip joint pliers and other PEX Tools can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

The best place to read temperature may not be your thermostat

Sometimes where your Honeywell thermostat is located is not the best place to read the temperature and regulate the heat in your home based on that. If this is your situation, and you cannot move the thermostat, the best thing to do is get a remote sensor. Honeywell makes remote indoor sensors that are wired to connect to the thermostat up to 250 feet away. This way, you keep your thermostat where it is, but get temperature readouts from somewhere else in your home where the temperature is more constant (or more representative of the rest of the home, or just where you want the temperature to be read from).

Honeywell thermostats and remote sensors can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Make-up of Rhinoflex Tubing

Rhinoflex Pre-Insulated PEX pipe consists of three parts. The inner layer is PEX-a quality tubing with an oxygen barrier. The PEX is surrounded by a layer of high thermal-efficiency flexible urethane foam insulation. The outer layer is covered with a corrugated polyethylene outer jacket that combines strength with flexibility.

Pre-insulated PEX Tubing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Fittings for PEX-Aluminum-PEX Tubing

Since the aluminum layer of PEX-Al-PEX tubing makes it thicker than standard PEX tubing, PEX-Aluminum-PEX Tubing is not compatible with HydroPEX Fittings, ProPEX Fittings, or Sharkbite Fittings. You will need to use either the PEX-Al-PEX Compression Fittings or MultiPress (MLC) Fittings with this type of tubing.

PEX Tubing for PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Replacing a toilet flush ell

If a flush ell leaks, the first step to replacing it is to carefully undo the nuts with a pipe wrench. Then, clean the threads thoroughly and wrap them with Teflon sealant tape before tightening the nuts in place on the new tubular flush ell. When tightening the nuts, be sure to hold on to the ell firmly to avoid cracking it.

Tubular plumbing supplies and flush ells can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Adjustability for Hoffman Air Valves

The Hoffman 1A Adjustable Angle Air Valve features 6 settings. Ports 1 and 2 are the "slow" settings, meant for radiation located nearest the boiler or areas that overheat. Ports 3 and 4 are the "medium" settings, meant for normal venting of radiation under normal conditions. Ports 5 and 6 are the "fast" settings, meant for radiation located farthest from the boiler or areas that are hard to heat.

Hoffman Air Valves and other heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Low voltage vs line voltage thermostats

Most thermostats come either low voltage, (24v, where the wire is very thin like doorbell wire) or line voltage (110v or 240v, where the wire is much thicker). Most line voltage thermostats are on very old systems or elecrtic baseboards. Looking at the wires is the fastest way to know which kind of thermostat your system needs.

Honeywell Thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Safe heating for your home

The QMark HBB Liquid Filled Electric Basboards are a safe model of baseboard if you have pets or children. The sheathed electric heating element is totally immersed in a heat-transfer liquid and sealed in a heater-length copper tube. The large diameter reservoir maximizes the volume of heat storage fluid to prolong the thermal constant of the entire heater. Gentle heat keeps radiating even after the thermostat turns off because of the hydronic element's heat retention qualities.

Baseboard heaters and QMark heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Securing copper fittings

Most copper fittings can be attached by melting solder (a tin and antimony mixture) and using the molten metal to permanently secure the two pieces of copper to each other. Other fittings include threads, which can be screwed onto each other as long as the two pieces have a common thread size.

Copper tubing, copper fittings and solder can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Setting up your Amtrol Expansion Tank

Amtrol Fill-Trol Expansion Tanks are typically set up using an air scoop and air vent. The product image for these units shows how these parts fit above the expansion tank. Neither the air scoop nor the air vent come with the Fill-Trol Expansion Tank and must be purchased separately.

Expansion Tanks including Extrol Tanks and Amtrol Tanks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Water temperature for 007 pumps

Taco's 007 circulator pumps can operate with water up to 240 degrees Farenheit. Some Taco Pumps include a built-in IFC (Integral Flow Check). This IFC prevents gravity flow and eliminates the need for a separate, in-line check valve.

Pumps & Flanges, and Taco Pumps such as the 007-F5-7IFC can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sizing of Multi/Pak 80 Baseboards

The height of the baseboards are measured from the bottom plate to the top and the depth is the amount that your baseboard will stick out from the wall. The face plate of a Multi/Pak Baseboard (the piece in front that faces your room) measures 5 and a quarter inches from top to bottom.

Baseboard heaters including Slant Fin Baseboard Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Energy Efficient Options to Save Money

Installing a programmable thermostat will lower your energy bills each month, putting money back into your pockets. Lux Programmable Thermostats are especially cost efficient, starting at only $29.99. For maximum energy (and money) savings, you can set your thermostat to a lower temperature while you are at work and sleeping than for hours you will be awake and in your home. You can even set these thermostats to come on at a different time during weekends when hours at home are typically different than those during the work week.

Programmable thermostats including Lux Programmable Thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

pH of Water Through PEX

AquaPEX Tubing has been tested to handle water with pH ranging from 5 (slightly acidic) all the way to 10 (basic). Pure water is a 7 on the pH scale, but your water can range in pH due to a variety of reasons. No water coming from public sources should have a pH lower than 5 or higher than 10.

PEX Tubing for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Fitting your Air Separator in small spaces

Vortech Air Separators measure 7-1/2" from top to bottom. Air separators remove the air from your hydronic heating system, removing any gurgling noises and allowing your system to run smoothly and reliably for years to come.

Air Separators and Air Eliminators can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Re-doing a fitting

If you are using the HydroPEX Cinch-Clamp Ratchet Tool, it is easy to remove a fitting you no longer want. Whether the fitting was put in an incorrect place or improperly secured, just attach the HydroPEX Clamp Removal Tool to a socket wrench and remove the stainless steel clamp from around your PEX Tubing. To reinstall the fitting somewhere else, you will need a new (unused) stainless steel clamp but are able to use the same fitting that you have just removed.

PEX Tubing, PEX Tools, and PEX Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Voltage of Radiant Thermostats

Wirsbo Radiant Heat Thermostats use 24 volt power. Most radiant heat systems use low voltage (24 volt), but if you need your thermostat to run on line voltage, you will need a Honeywell Thermostat or a Lux Thermostat in line voltage.

Thermostats and Radiant Heat supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tubing for QuikTrak

Wirsbo hePEX 5/16" Tubing is the tubing to use when installing QuikTrak Panels. The 5/16" tubing fits into the panels and is used for radiant heat applications where you cannot raise the floor more than a half inch.

hePEX Tubing and Quick Track Panels can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Voltage of circulator pumps

The Taco Cast Iron Circulator Pumps come standard at 110 volt power. If you need a heat pump to work with 220 volt, these can be special ordered. The Taco 007-F5 is a good example of a standard 110 volt circulator pump.

Heating Pumps and Flanges can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sizing a Copper Fitting Reducer

Copper Fitting Reducers are sized with the first number connecting to a copper fitting and the second number connecting to an actual copper pipe. For example, the 3/4" x 1/2" FTGxC Reducer connects to a 3/4" copper fitting and a 1/2" copper pipe.

Copper Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

When to pressure test your radiant system

When installing radiant heat under a slab, you should pressure test your system before, during and after the slab is poured. Pressure test before you pour the slab to find and fix any defects before the work is done. Pressure test during the pour so that if there is something wrong, you can fix it before the pour is complete. And pressure test after you complete the pour just to be sure that everything is still working properly before you begin using the radiant heat system to heat your home.

Pressure test kits, radiant heat manifolds and other radiant heat supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Connecting a ProPEX Manifold

Wirsbo ProPEX Manifolds can only be connected using a Wirsbo Expander Tool. The connections on the end of the manifold are too large for PEX pipe to fit over without first being expanded. To do so, insert the head of the Wirsbo Expander Tool into your PEX Tubing (with ProPEX ring slid over the edge of the tubing) and squeeze the handles together 5-10 times. This will make the tubing expand, allowing the tubing to slide over the manifold. The tubing will then shrink back to it's original size, creating a secure fitting over the manifold.

PEX Tubing, PEX Tools, and PEX Manifolds can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tubing compatible with SharkBite Fittings

SharkBite Fittings work with a variety of materials including PEX pipe, CPVC, and copper pipe. However, due to differences in the OD between these pipes and PEX-Aluminum-PEX, SharkBite Fittings are NOT compatible with PEX-Al-PEX tubing.

PEX Tubing and SharkBite fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Where is the sealant placed in a QuikTrak install?

When installing radiant heat using the QuikTrak system, you will first lay out all of your QuikTrak panels. Then, apply QuikTrak sealant in all of the grooves where the tubing will go. Carefully lay out the tubing and push it down into the grooves. The sealant will act to adhere the tubing to the panel, keeping it in place.

Quick Track Panels, and other Radiant Heat Supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Features of the Honeywell HEPA Air Cleaners

Honeywell HEPA Air Cleaners meet American Lung Association Health House guidelines. These Honeywell air cleaners feature a unique three-filter system with activated carbon, a pre-filter, and a HEPA filter. Maintenance is easy with the free AIRWATCH Indicator that reminds you when to change filters. These units also feature a 5-year manufacturer's warranty. (Source: Honeywell)

Honeywell HEPA Air Cleaners and other Air Quality Products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Heat source for Modine Heaters

All of our Modine Hot Dawg Heaters come ready for use with natural gas. If you need it to use liquid propane, please call our Customer Service representatives at 888-757-4774.

Hot Dawg Heaters and other Unit Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

Relieving pressure in your heating system

The relief valve is set to open at a specific pressure to prevent the pressure in the system from getting too high. When the pressure setting is exceeded, excess fluid or air will flow through the relief valve. As the fluid is diverted, the pressure inside the vessel will drop. Once it reaches the valve's re-seating pressure, the valve will re-close.

Relief valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Securing your tubing

When installing PEX Tubing for your Radiant Heat System, you will want to lay out wire mesh or rebar, then attach your tubing in loops no longer than 300' and pour the concrete on top. To attach the tubing to the wire mesh, you can use either fixing wire or zip ties.

Radiant heat materials such as those listed above can all be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How much baseboard do I need?

Slant/Fin Baseline 2000 Baseboards will typically produce about 600 BTU's of heat per foot of baseboard with 180 degree water. When determining how much baseboard you need to heat your room, you will need to determine how many BTU's are needed and can divide by 600 to get how many feet of baseboard to install.

Slant/Fin Baseboard Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Copper pipe adapters

Copper pipe adapters get sweat onto copper pipe, whereas copper fitting adapters get sweat onto a copper fitting (which is usually connected to the copper pipe). If you want to take PEX straight to a copper pipe with no copper elbow, copper coupling or other copper fitting in between, you will need a PEX Copper Pipe Adapter. Be sure to use the PEX fitting that works with your PEX tool.

Copper pipe, PEX fittings and PEX adapters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Polyethylene grease trap sizing

Though steel grease traps (GT2700 series) and polyethylene grease traps (GT2702 series) are both made by Zurn, they have slightly different sizing. For example, a GT2700-50 has a 4" inlet and outlet while a GT2702-50 has a 3" inlet and outlet. To be sure of the dimensions of your grease trap, check the product detail page for that individual grease trap.

Grease traps and grease interceptors can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How does a mixing valve mix water?

A mixing valve takes water from 2 different sources and combines to send out a mixture of the two. You can set the mixing valve to a desired temperature between 80 and 120 degrees F for the outgoing water. The valve will then take the incoming water and combine them to create the desired temperature. For example, if you have 180 degree F water and 60 degree F water coming in, and you have set the valve for 80 degrees F, it will use more of the colder water and less of the hot to create the proper outgoing temperature. The percentages of each water source used will vary depending on the temperature of each and the set outgoing temperature.

Mixing valves and thermostatic mixing valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Thermostatic Radiator Valves

A thermostatic radiator valve works in hot water heating systems to self-regulate the temperature by regulating the flow of hot water to the radiator. Thermostatic radiator valves are subject to swings in temperature and are thus best used in large spaces where the temperature does not to be precise within a few degrees.

Thermostatic radiator valves and other heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Regulating the pressure

Without an expansion tank, the pressure in your boiler will not be regulated and you run the risk of reaching dangerous pressure levels in the boiler. The most commonly used expansion tank for a home is the Extrol #30 made by Amtrol.

Expansion tanks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Type K Copper Tubing

Type K Copper is a strong copper tubing most typically used in direct burial for main water lines and is also used in dentists' offices to transport nitrous oxide and other gases.

Copper pipe and copper tubing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Energy efficient does not have to be expensive

You know that you will save money in the long run with energy efficient products like programmable thermostats. But with the Honeywell PRO Series, you do not have to spend much now to get those savings right away! Programmable thermostats allow you to turn the temperature down when you are not home, saving money and energy on heat when you will not even be around to miss it.

Programmable thermostats and Honeywell thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Rings and fittings for the Watts Clamping Tool

Clamping tools use different rings than crimping tools even though both types of tools use HydroPEX (or crimp-style) fittings. All clamping tools use stainless steel rings with a small tab jutting out the side. The jaws of your clamping tool are placed over the tab and the handles of the tool are squeezed together to secure the fitting. With a crimping tool, the rings used are circular and made of copper. The crimping tool's jaws are placed around the entirety of the copper ring and the handles get squeezed together to secure the fitting.
To recap- for clamping tools, use stainless steel clamps and for crimping tools, use copper crimp rings.

PEX Clamp Tools and PEX Crimp Tools can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Bringing PEX up a wall

To take PEX Tubing vertically up a floor (usually done in commercial applications), you will need a Stand-Up Bracket. Install your tubing in the stand up bracket and secure it every 3-4 feet up the wall until you reach the desired level.

Stand up brackets and other Radiant Heat Install Parts can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Blanketing your water heater saves energy

Water heaters are insulated, but you can always add to that. For a small investment, you can significantly reduce the amount of heat lost by the unit, particularly if your water heater is located in an unheated area. Make sure not to cover burners and to only insulate where it is safe and efficient.

Water heaters and Weil McLain Indirect Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Condensing Boilers

Condensing boilers feature much higher efficiency than standard boilers. Condensing boilers are designed to recover the energy normally lost through the vent. When water vapor builds up, a condensing boiler condenses this vapor instead of allowing it to escape, bringing it back into the boiler for use. Condensing boilers can function with up to 99% efficiency.

Buderus Condensing Boilers and Weil McLain Condensing Boilers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Poppet style relief valves

Adjustable, direct-acting relief valves block the flow through the valve until the force of system pressure on the poppet overcomes the adjustable spring force and downstream pressure. Poppet style relief valves are available in 1/2" or 3/4".

Relief Valves and Watts Poppet Style Relief Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Controls for electric baseboard

QMark Electric Baseboard Heaters can be controlled using any line voltage thermostat. Popular choices include the non-programmable Honeywell TL7235A1003 and the programmable Honeywell TL8230A1003.

Electric Baseboard Heaters and Line Voltage Honeywell Thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Taco 00R Pumps

Taco 00R pumps have 3-speeds which each have a separate wineding. Winedings are what connect the switch to the pump motor, and can break over time due to stress, power surges, or old age. If one of the winedings on your Taco 00R dies, all you need to do is click the pump to another speed and it will continue working without skipping a beat.

Taco Pumps and Taco 3-Speed Pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Honeywell Universal Switching Relays

Installation is easy with a Honeywell Universal Switching Relay. With three knock-outs on the bottom and one on the top, you can mount and wire this switching relay any way that works best with your system. These units also feature large screws and the standard Honeywell layout for hassle-free installation.

Switching Relays and Honeywell Switching Relays can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tubing for PEX Press

Viega PEX Press Tools and Sleeves can be used with standard PEX or FostaPEX PEX-al-PEX. Other types of tubing do not have the same inside to outside diameter ratio and will not fit properly.

The Viega PEX Press Tool and PEX Press Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sloan sensor operated flushometers

Sensor-operated flush valves offer many advantages over manual flush valves. Eliminating the need for manual flushing greatly reduces the spread of germs and protects the fixture from excessive abuse through user operation.

Sloan flush valves and Sloan flushometers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Monoflo Tees

Monoflo Tees are usually installed on the return side of heaters with the middle portion of the tee facing upwards. Looking at the tee this way, the left side is the where water enters, the middle (on top) is where air escapes, and the right side is the outlet. Sizing is done with the first number representing the inlet and outlet and the second number representing the middle.

Monoflo Tees can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What is a sillcock?

A sillcock is a type of hose bib (or bibcock) with female threads where it connects to the house. The back of the sillcock is flared, so that when it is screwed into place, the flared part covers the hole in the wall where the pipe comes through. Sillcocks are used for outdoor faucets, gardening, watering lawns or washer hook-ups.

Sillcocks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Honeywell Aquastats and Wells

On the side of your Honeywell Aquastat is a copper sensor. Vertically mount the Aquastat, slide the well over the copper sensor and fasten with a coupling or bushing. Emerge the well into the boiler water- the copper sensor and copper well allow for the transfer of heat but not the transfer of water. Regardless of the type of boiler you have, an Aquastat acts as a safety device for measuring the temperature and assuring that it does not go too high.

Honeywell Aquastats with different model numbers can serve different functions, but all Aquastats require a well. In some cases, the Aquastat will turn the boiler on and off, and some check the water level, temperature, and/or pressure. Make sure that your Aquastat meets the specifications required to perform the functions needed by your boiler and that the well is of the proper size.

Honeywell Aquastats and Honeywell Aquastat Wells can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

FNPT Ball Valves

SharkBite Ball Valves for 3/4" pipe are available with a SharkBite connection on both ends or a SharkBite connection on one end and a female threaded connection on the other (FNPT stands for Female National Pipe Thread).

SharkBite Fittings and SharkBite Ball Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Heat exchanger maintenance

Hydronic heat exchangers should be taken apart and cleaned approximately once a year or once every other year for optimal performance. To clean your plate heat exchanger, take apart the pieces and soak it in lime (the acid). The lime will un-clog any potential issues and make sure that your heat exchanger will work properly again.

Flat Plate Heat Exchangers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Replacing a Taco ESP Zone Valve

Taco ESP Zone Valves (or Energy Storage Principal Zone Valves) are just an older model of current EBV Zone Valves (Electronic Ball Valve). The EBV's are a direct replacement of the ESP, only the name has changed, so if you're looking to replace your ESP Zone Valve, just make sure that the sizing matches up for your new EBV Zone Valve.

Zone valves and Taco EBV Zone Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Solar Panel Installation

When it comes to flat panels, for every 10 square feet of home, you need approximately 2 square feet of panel. This should only be used as a guideline, as other factors involved in determining the number of panels include the area you live in and how much sun your home is able to soak up.

When installing solar panels, always face your panels towards the equator. For the USA and Canada, that means face them toward the south in order to obtain maximum efficiency.

Solar panels and other solar heat products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Straight-through support sizing

The metal plate on straight-through supports is 3" square and the metal pipe support is 3.5" long. Straight-through supports are perfect to keep your PEX Tubing in place where it enters or exits the floor and are used for 1/2" PEX only.

Straight-through supports and other PEX Plumbing installation parts can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Fittings in tight places

Many tools have wide handles that cannot fit into some small spaces where connections need to be made. The HydroPEX Clamping Tool's handles are small and compact, allowing you to get in and make connections practically anywhere.

The HydroPEX Clamp Tool and HydroPEX fittings for PEX plumbing and radiant heat applications can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How to set your VisionPro for Auto Changeover

All Honeywell VisionPro Thermostats can be set for Auto Changeover (including models TH8110U1003, TH8320U1008, TH8321U1006, TB8220U1003, and TH9421C1004).

To set your thermostat for Auto Changeover, first press "System". There are 5 blank buttons on the VisionPro, press and hold the 2nd and 4th buttons at the same time until a new screen appears. Hit the up arrow on the left hand side until the number on the screen reaches "0300". Then, select the up arrow on the right hand side to change the setting from 0 to 1 and press "Done".

Honeywell Thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Finishing touches

Chrome finishing sleeves work to protect any PEX not already hidden and provide a beautiful, shiny finish. Each chrome finishing sleeve is 4 inches long and can fit over 3/8" or 1/2" PEX.

Chrome sleeves and other materials for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

One part to do the work of several

The Taco Radiant Mixing Block makes controlling and installation of radiant systems easy. It is a variable speed injection mixing control, injection circulator, system circulator, and air eliminator all in one. And, it requires no special piping, no balancing valve, no closely spaced tees, no external controls, no complex wiring; just four pipe connections and your installation is complete.

Taco Radiant Mixing Blocks, and other parts for radiant heat systems, can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

I want to set my thermostat so that the kids can't crank it up it while I'm not looking.

The Honeywell VisionPro is the perfect thermostat when you want to set it and not have to worry about that setting getting changed by other people. This thermostat features password protection, so the only way to change the setting is to enter the password that you program in. For a room only needing to control 1 heat source and/or 1 cooling source, the TH8110U1003 is the best thermostat available.

Honeywell Thermostats including the TH8110U1003 can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Where to install a temperature and pressure gauge

Temperature and pressure gauges should be installed at the boiler. This can be done either at the supply side, at the return side, or in both locations depending on where you need to see readings on the temperature and pressure going through your system.

Temperature and pressure gauges can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Propress 100-B Battery Tools

100-B Propress Battery Tools are used with Copper Tubing and Propress Fittings. Be sure that the copper you are using is rated M, L, or K in quality.

Propress Tools and Propress Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Taco Flo-Chek Operation

Taco Flo-Cheks open automatically when the circulator starts running. When the room thermostat is satisfied and the circulator is stopped, the Flo-Cheks close immediately, preventing gravity circulation. Gravity circulation of water is induced by the difference in specific weight or density of the hot water in the vertical supply pipe and the cold water in the vertical return pipe. The lighter hot supply side water, which naturally wants to rise, is drawn up and around the system by the "pulling down" effect of the heavier cold water in the vertical return pipe. The amount of gravity circulation is dependent on the height of the system and the differential between the hot and cold temperatures. In systems with multiple zones, "ghost flow" may occur if a Flo-Chek is not installed on each zone. Ghost flow is induced when a circulator on one zone is running but is still able to bypass water through a zone that is not calling, due to a differential in piping resistance between the two zones.
Source: Taco Flow Control Submittal Data

Taco products such as flow controls can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Fittings to use in hard water

For hard/aggressive water try using ProPex Red Brass Fittings. This product is highly resistant to the effects of aggressive water conditions, it is regarded as immune to de-zincification and stress-corrosion cracking. These fittings are safe for direct burial.

ProPEX Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Step number 1 in PEX Connections

Your first step in making a secure PEX connection is always to have a clean, even cut in your PEX tubing. Using a PEX Tube Cutter is the best way to assure that your cut is clean and ready for a fitting.

PEX Fittings and PEX Tools including PEX Tube Cutters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Drain-O-Tank Application

The DT-2 Drain-O-Tank Air Charger is made to be used for compression tanks on closed loop systems. You should not use the Drain-O-Tank with pre-charged diaphragm/bladder tanks.

The Drain-O-Tank and other Expansion Tanks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tools for Wirsbo EP Manifolds

To install a Wirsbo EP Manifold, you need a Wirsbo Expander Tool with a 3/4" head and a 1/2" head. 3/4" PEX-A tubing can be attached to the supply and return ends of the manifold, and 1/2" PEX-A tubing to each outlet.

Wirsbo manifolds, tubing, tools, and fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Installation of a DetectIt Alarm System

The DetectIt is designed for quick and easy installation on the main waste line trap to your sewer or cesspool. You just need to replace one of the threaded trap caps with with the DetectIt Alarm System. For professional installations, the threaded end is designed to be cut off for slip installation into a rubber fitting or 3" glued PVC fittings. DetectIt is powered by a single Lithium AA battery for wireless transmission or can be hard wired.

The DetectIt System and other Plumbing Supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Are sleeves required for Multipress fittings?

Stainless steel sleeves are actually included attached to Multipress fittings, so no additional sleeves must be purchased. To install, slide your Pex-Aluminum-Pex tubing between the sleeve and the inside of the fitting and use the Press Tool to compress the sleeve.

Pex-Al-Pex and Multipress Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Expanding your tubing

To properly expand Pex-A tubing using the Wirsbo Expander Tool, you must fully separate the handles and insert the head into the tubing. Then bring the handles together at least 5 times for 3/8" tubing, 4 times for 1/2" tubing, 8 times for 3/4" tubing and 14 times for 1" tubing before inserting the ProPEX Fitting.

Wirsbo PEX, Wirsbo Tools, and Wirsbo Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Exactly how long are your loops?

You don't need a tape measure to know how long your loops are. PEX Tubing is marked every 3 feet, so if you look at the markings going from and coming back to your manifold on the same loop, you can just subtract the lower marked number from the higher and know, within a few feet, the length of your loop. Make sure not to use loops longer than 300 feet in radiant heat applications to avoid heat loss.

PEX Tubing for Radiant Heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Which pumps use Webstone flanges?

Webstone Isolator Flanges can be used with circulator pumps of all kinds including all Taco pumps, Grundfos pumps, and Bell & Gossett pumps.

Heating pumps and flanges can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Water Heater Adapters

When hooking up PEX tubing to your water heater, there needs to be at least 6 inches of metal to act as a barrier. A water heater adapter makes this connection quick and easy with one side connecting to your PEX tubing and the other side to the water heater.

PEX Tubing and PEX Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Firomatic Oil Valves

The handle of Firomatic valves is made of a special alloy that melts at a very low temperature. In the event of a fire in the boiler room, the handle of the shaft melts off which frees the plunger and shuts off the oil flow to the burner.

Firomatic oil products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Sizing your pressure reducing valve

A properly sized valve prevents noisy operation and premature valve failure. A valve that is too large can lead to problems such as wire draw under low flow conditions. In general, the minimum flow through a water pressure reducing valve should be 10% to 15% of the maximum flow rate desired in the system. Pressure reducing valves should be selected based on the flow and pressure ranges listed, not by the size of the pipe they will be attached to. You should select a regulator whose operating pressures fall within the middle of its rated range.

Pressure valves including Watts Pressure Valves, Taco Pressure Reducing Valves, and Bell & Gossett Pressure Reducing Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Naming tees

Tees are named first by the size of the ends, and then by the size of the middle connection (typically called end-end-middle). The order of the ends does not matter; for example, a 1/2" x 3/4" x 1/2" tee would function the same as a 3/4" x 1/2" x 1/2" tee if you just flip it around. If a tee only has one size listed, all three connections are for the same size pipe.

Brass tees, copper tees, black tees, and PEX tees can all be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How far will heat travel from each blue heating wire?

Suntouch Electric Radiant Heat wires are woven 2.75 inches apart so that people will not feel any cold area between the blue wires at that spacing. However, if your tile extends three inches past the wire, you will probably feel a temperature drop. Your radiant heated floor temperature can also be affected by the presence of ductwork below, insulation variations, solar gain, and heat loss outside. All of these are good reasons to plan your layout so you can install the heated floor mats where they will do the most good.

Suntouch mats and other radiant heat products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Plumb like a pro

Designed not to snag on fittings or obstructions and able to make its way through multiple twists and turns, the Ridgid SeeSnake camera lets you see, with great clarity, exactly what is going on in your pipes. Not only can you see what needs to be done when a problem arises, but you can put the camera back in and make sure that the problem was fixed properly when you are done.

RIDGID SeeSnake Micro Cameras can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tools for your manifold

Different manifolds require different tools. If you are using a HydroPEX Crimp Copper Manifold, you have two choices for your tool- either the HydroPEX Clamping Tool or the Watts Crimping Tool. Both of these tools are used with HydrdoPEX fittings but require different rings to make the connections (stainless steel for Clamping and copper for Crimping).

PEX Tools, Manifolds, and Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

An uphill tank

If your septic tank is located uphill from your house, a sewage pump will be required to get the waste to the sewer line. Make sure that you get a pump large enough for the waste to travel the full distance and install check valves to ensure that sewage water does not re-enter the sump and building.

Sewage pumps and check valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What voltage does my thermostat use?

Thermostats run on either line voltage or low voltage. The easiest way to tell if you need a line or low voltage thermostat is to look at the wire. If it is a very thin wire (like a doorbell or speaker wire), you will need a low voltage thermostat. If it is a heavy wire, you will need a line voltage thermostat.

Honeywell thermostats, low voltage thermostats and line voltage thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Matching your flanges

If you need a pump for potable (drinking) water, you must use a bronze pump. With a bronze pump, you absolutely need bronze flanges. Cast iron flanges will rust, compromising your whole system. With a cast iron pump, you can use either bronze flanges or cast iron flanges. With no clear benefit of using bronze flanges with a cast iron pump, most people opt to save some money and use cast iron flanges.

Taco pumps and flanges can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Facts about Indoor Air

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in homes can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.

The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine reports that exposure to indoor pollutants is a key contributor to the asthma problems of this nation.

Most allergy and asthma sources are passed from person to person through the air.

The air in a single room can contain hundreds of thousands of infectious bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, and contaminants, which can only be seen with a microscope.

Health effects may show up immediately, or after years of exposure to poor indoor air quality. These symptoms include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. They may be severely debilitating or fatal.

Clean your indoor air with UV light using an air purification system that is friendly for the environment and your wallet.

Air cleaners and UV-Aire Air Purification Systems can be found at www.supplyhouse.com