Copper Type L or M - Hydronic System

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Tacotime

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I have a Bradford White Combi combination water heater with two air handlers in my home, and unfortunately, CPVC plumbing. I've experienced at least 4-5 separate CPVC leaks in two years of owning this home and I'm in the process of re-piping it all, starting with the hydronic system.

We're using copper type M for the plumbing between the water heater and air handlers. Is that best practice, or would Type L be preferred for this application?

I'm undecided between PEX and copper for the rest of the home. If we do go with copper, should that be Type L or M?

Thanks!
 

Dana

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Heating piping is typically type "M" because of the low pressure and low water velocity.

That's if it's designed by a pro. Too many systems out there are WAY over-pumped, and can develop thin spots and leaks in the plumbing. It seems the "pump for every zone" approach is a trend that just won't die, with Taco 007 (or an oversized 3-speed) driving a single micro-zone with 10' of baseboard plus 30' of associated pipe between the supply & return manifolds. With newer better smarter pump technology zone valves and one pump is the better choice.

With a hydro-air handler a variable speed ECM drive smart pump can be useful for optimizing and dialing in the system. If reasonably sized for the load most will do just fine a 2-3 gpm.
 

Tacotime

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Thanks for the responses.

Would you recommend Pex or copper for the non-heating pipe? If copper, should I go with type L or M?
 

MACPLUMB

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WITH OVER 35 YEARS DOING PLUMBING SERVICE I ALWAYS PREFER TYPE L, BECAUSE I HAVE DONE TOO MUCH
REPLACING OF TYPE M OVER THE YEARS, THAT BEING SAID I WOULD SUGGEST PEX AS IT IS MORE FORGIVING
OF MISTAKES
 
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