Renewable Heating Hub Heat Pump Forums

Search with Wattson
Forums
Sustainable Sidetra...
Safety, Regulations...
Antifreeze corrosiv...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Joining the Renewable Heating Hub forums is completely free and only takes a minute. By registering you’ll be able to ask questions, join discussions, follow topics you’re interested in, bookmark useful threads and receive notifications when someone replies. Non-registered members also do not have access to our AI features. When choosing your username, please note that it cannot be changed later, so we recommend avoiding brand or product names. Before registering, please take a moment to read the Forum Rules & Terms of Use so we can keep the community helpful, respectful and informative for everyone. Thanks for joining!

Antifreeze corrosive to copper pipe rubber rings?

 
Safety, Regulations, Tools, Plumbing & DIY Installations
Last Post by JamesPa 1 year ago
4 Posts
3 Users
0 Reactions
1,759 Views
RSS
 WYF
(@wyf)
New Member Member
Joined: 1 year ago
Posts: 2
Topic starter 23/01/2025 11:37 am   [#2050]

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



   
Quote
 AllyFish
(@allyfish)
Prominent Member Contributor
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 520
23/01/2025 4:33 pm  

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.



   
ReplyQuote
 WYF
(@wyf)
New Member Member
Joined: 1 year ago
Posts: 2
Topic starter 31/01/2025 11:58 pm  

Thanks a lot AllyFish. That's really helpful.



   
ReplyQuote
JamesPa
 JamesPa
(@jamespa)
Illustrious Member Moderator
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 5022
01/02/2025 2:46 pm  

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.


   
ReplyQuote
Forum Jump:
  Previous Topic
Next Topic  
Share:

SPONSORS

Join Us!

Installer Finder

Degrees of Separation

Latest Posts

SPONSORS

Click to access the login or register cheese
Protected By
Shield Security PRO