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Antifreeze corrosive to copper pipe rubber rings?

 
Safety, Regulations, Tools, Plumbing & DIY Installations
Last Post by JamesPa 2 years ago
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 WYF
(@wyf)
New Member Member
Joined: 2 years 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



   
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 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.



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

Thanks a lot AllyFish. That's really helpful.



   
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JamesPa
 JamesPa
(@jamespa)
Illustrious Member Moderator
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 5238
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.


   
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