Antifreeze corrosive to copper pipe rubber rings?
Hi all,
I'm new here as I'm considering to install a heat pump. Happy to read a lot of great information and sharing here. While searching for heat pump information, I heard a plumber said antifreeze in heat pump is corrosive to rubber rings at copper pipe junctions if they're not joined by welding. Within 10 years there will be leakage from the joints. There's currently no way to avoid this. It is very difficult to find the exact location of leakage because the pipes are running undeground or between walls. Is this true? I'm unable to find anything about this online.
YF
Hi there, and welcome @wyf. Glycol might not be compatible with all compression fittings that use rubber or neoprene sealing systems. Needs checking. Not all heat pump manufacturer's specify glycol anti-freeze however, many use pure water with an anti-corrosion additive. Pure water has best thermal performance. Frost protection can be provided by anti-freeze valves and proper high quality water impervious external insulation. In all but the most exposed and extreme areas of the UK prone to long power cuts, pure water is OK with very little risk of frost damage.
Just use antifreeze valves instead of glycol, then there cant be an issue.
4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.
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