Building a toxic free home, plastic piping on central heatin
Discussion
Odd question, here goes ….trying to limit any toxins in my new build. From insulation to paint choice...flooring.
My questions relates to underfloor heating, the plastic pipe that is used is pex piping, logically thinking the pipe heats up. Does Plastic piping tend to release air bourne toxins when heated up. I hear warm water or drinking water ran through pex piping has been tested and contains toxins. Now worried about the materials used in underfloor heating pipes.
Thanks All
Check out this site: WRAS
"The purpose of WRAS is to contribute to the protection of public health by preventing contamination of public water supplies and encouraging the efficient use of water by promoting and facilitating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws."
Might give some info.
I'd wager copper pipe would also emit "something" into the potable water supply but nothing deemed hazardous.
The hardness of your local water would also be a factor.
Some filters at point of use supposedly clear up waterborne contaminates.
"The purpose of WRAS is to contribute to the protection of public health by preventing contamination of public water supplies and encouraging the efficient use of water by promoting and facilitating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws."
Might give some info.
I'd wager copper pipe would also emit "something" into the potable water supply but nothing deemed hazardous.
The hardness of your local water would also be a factor.
Some filters at point of use supposedly clear up waterborne contaminates.
newbie29 said:
Odd question, here goes ….trying to limit any toxins in my new build. From insulation to paint choice...flooring.
My questions relates to underfloor heating, the plastic pipe that is used is pex piping, logically thinking the pipe heats up. Does Plastic piping tend to release air bourne toxins when heated up. I hear warm water or drinking water ran through pex piping has been tested and contains toxins. Now worried about the materials used in underfloor heating pipes.
You aren't consuming the water that's gone through the UFH piping, and only VERY small stretches are exposed to the air, from manifold to screed. Everything else is thoroughly and irretrievably buried.My questions relates to underfloor heating, the plastic pipe that is used is pex piping, logically thinking the pipe heats up. Does Plastic piping tend to release air bourne toxins when heated up. I hear warm water or drinking water ran through pex piping has been tested and contains toxins. Now worried about the materials used in underfloor heating pipes.
its more airborne toxins that are released from the plastic when heated up from the pipe work that im worried about. i have joists with wooden flooring hence the pipes wont be buried in concrete.
Does plastic cure over time, consequently reducing any airborne toxins
good point i will ensure my plumber uses copper on all hotwater pipes.
cheers
Does plastic cure over time, consequently reducing any airborne toxins
good point i will ensure my plumber uses copper on all hotwater pipes.
cheers
Six Figs said:
frisbee said:
Copper isn't that safe.
its been used for at least a hundred years, it is as safe as they come, in the context of the ops question.Edited by Six Figs on Saturday 3rd February 14:18
Copper is toxic in high enough doses, it's one reason you shouldn't drink from the hot water supply, the higher heat and lower mineral contents tends to leech more copper from the piping.
Trying to build a toxin free home is pointless unless you live in the middle of nowhere as airborne toxins will infiltrate the house from outside.
That said. Plastic piping is unlikely to release anything airborne at heating temperatures. You don't really have to worry until you get it properly hot. It doesn't really cure with time - if anything it's more likely to degrade with time, so you'll have a bathtub curve of released chemicals, where it's high at the start from manufacture, then low, then high again as it begins to break down.
The main issues with plastics leeching chemicals are from water contact, there are definite concerns over PEX pipes leeching various compounds into drinking water such as MTBE and toluene. I think I'd stick to copper for piping myself...
Trying to build a toxin free home is pointless unless you live in the middle of nowhere as airborne toxins will infiltrate the house from outside.
That said. Plastic piping is unlikely to release anything airborne at heating temperatures. You don't really have to worry until you get it properly hot. It doesn't really cure with time - if anything it's more likely to degrade with time, so you'll have a bathtub curve of released chemicals, where it's high at the start from manufacture, then low, then high again as it begins to break down.
The main issues with plastics leeching chemicals are from water contact, there are definite concerns over PEX pipes leeching various compounds into drinking water such as MTBE and toluene. I think I'd stick to copper for piping myself...
Flibble said:
Copper is toxic in high enough doses, it's one reason you shouldn't drink from the hot water supply, the higher heat and lower mineral contents tends to leech more copper from the piping...
I thought it was traditionally down to the fact that old cold water storage tanks in the loft were not cocvered and there was a possibility of dead things floating around in it, plus the chance of bacteria being present from standing water.Hence the reason why hot water storage should be kept at 60 degrees plus to kill of the majority of bacteria that may be present.
Alucidnation said:
I thought it was traditionally down to the fact that old cold water storage tanks in the loft were not cocvered and there was a possibility of dead things floating around in it, plus the chance of bacteria being present from standing water.
Hence the reason why hot water storage should be kept at 60 degrees plus to kill of the majority of bacteria that may be present.
Also true. But with the advent of mains fed combis that is less of a concern. Still not a great plan to drink it (though in reality, harmless for most).Hence the reason why hot water storage should be kept at 60 degrees plus to kill of the majority of bacteria that may be present.
I’m all for protecting the environment but this is really an odd question - what about the 1000s of metres of piping before it gets to you?
newbie29 said:
Odd question, here goes ….trying to limit any toxins in my new build. From insulation to paint choice...flooring.
My questions relates to underfloor heating, the plastic pipe that is used is pex piping, logically thinking the pipe heats up. Does Plastic piping tend to release air bourne toxins when heated up. I hear warm water or drinking water ran through pex piping has been tested and contains toxins. Now worried about the materials used in underfloor heating pipes.
Thanks All
My questions relates to underfloor heating, the plastic pipe that is used is pex piping, logically thinking the pipe heats up. Does Plastic piping tend to release air bourne toxins when heated up. I hear warm water or drinking water ran through pex piping has been tested and contains toxins. Now worried about the materials used in underfloor heating pipes.
Thanks All
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