Hydronic systems typically last 40 to 50 years, with boilers having an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Key components of these systems include:

Radiant floor heating uses infrared radiation to heat objects and people directly, rather than just the air, providing consistent warmth and comfort. This type of home heating system can be more energy-efficient than traditional forced-air systems, especially in well-insulated homes. Whether you’re considering a hydronic system that circulates hot water or an electric system using heating cables, radiant floor heating can transform your living space into a cozy haven.

Pre-made mats, including the SunTouch TapeMat, come with embedded heating cables that offer easy installation for uniform spaces. However, they can also be cut to fit around obstacles, such as a sink pedestal, and are suitable for various floor types. They come in a wide range of sizes, and some have holes for shower drains. Others use double-sided tape and can be laid over plywood, backer board, or a concrete slab.

shut-offvalve types

These valves work fine if they’re periodically serviced, which isn’t that big of a deal. You simply turn off the gas to the entire house, take the valve apart and lubricate it, put it back together, turn the gas back on, and re-light your pilot lights. Oh wait, maybe that is kind of a big deal. That’s why nobody ever does this, and that’s why we find a lot of gas leaks at these valves. They also get very difficult to operate over time, so we often find broken handles at these valves. It’s because someone couldn’t turn the valve off, so they put a wrench to it, and it was so stuck that the handle actually snapped off.

We will make every effort to use a caulk that closely matches the color of the surrounding siding; however in some cases the holes may be noticeable upon close inspection. If the holes are of any cosmetic concern the property owner can have them painted with a matching paint.

Stop valves take several hand movements to operate and they tend to get difficult to operate over time. They also leak when they haven’t been touched in a while. For this reason, no home inspector should ever touch one of these valves. Yes, I’ve learned the hard way. If you have a leaking stop valve, you can often stop the leak by using a wrench to tighten the nut right below the handle. Lefty loosey, righty tighty. But this won’t always stop the leak, because sometimes new packing is needed.

Ball valves, also known as quarter-turn valves, are used for water, oil, and gas. They have a handle that operates a concealed ball with a hole through the middle. As the name implies, you give this valve a quarter turn to fully open it or close it.

Shut offvalve for toilet

Hydronic systems use heated water, which is then pumped through the cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing installed under the floor. These are the most popular option, and they tend to be more cost-effective and energy-efficient than electric radiant heating systems, especially in colder climates.

Today I’ll cover the basics of shut-off valves; we’ll discuss different types and the pros and cons of each. We’ll start with my least favorite valve first. And yes, I have favorites.

Aluminum oriented strand board (OSB) panels, such as the Warmboard example above, are often used in renovations. They offer a thinner profile than plywood versions, making them suitable for installations where floor height is a concern, and they can easily be screwed over an existing subfloor (or in walls or ceilings). The aluminum layer provides efficient heat transfer from the PEX tubing to the floor surface.

Open or closed: To know if the valve is open or closed, take a look at the stem. If you carefully examine the stem in the photos above, you’ll see that when the valve is fully closed, the stem isn’t visible at all. Most stop valves are much smaller than the one pictured above, but I decided to use a larger one for my example because it gives the best view. The photo below shows an exploded view of the guts of a stop valve.

Stop valves, aka globe valves, are only meant for water. They’re commonly found at plumbing fixtures, such as the water supply line to your toilet or as part of your outside faucet. A stop valve works by moving a stopper up and down. The photos below show a stop valve in the open position, halfway open position, and fully closed position.

Aluminum over plywood panels, as in the example above from Warmboard, combines the structural strength of plywood with the heat-conducting properties of aluminum. An aluminum layer runs under the tubing tracks. They’re ideal for new construction or major renovations, adding minimal height to the floor while providing excellent heat distribution.

If you have any of these valves at your home, it’s a good idea to have the valve replaced when you have the appliance replaced that it’s serving.

This method of heating suffers minimal heat loss between the surface in the room, unlike ductwork in forced air systems. It also eliminates cold spots that are common with traditional systems.

High-efficient boilers, also known as condensing boilers, can achieve over 90% efficiency by condensing flue gases in a heat exchanger. While more expensive upfront, they can significantly reduce long-term energy costs, especially in colder climates, and could result in tax savings.

Shop pressure regulator valve online at H2o Shop Online. We offer high quality inline pressure regulators that have high mechanical strength.

You no longer have to send cold water down the drain while waiting for warm water. Instead, recirculating pumps rapidly pull hot water from a water heater, ...

TOH Pro Tip: “Because a tiny nick can cause a malfunction, it’s good practice to test the resistance of any electric radiant system and floor-temperature sensor with a multimeter before and after installation, and after covering it with flooring. Some manufacturers require a log of these tests for warranty purposes.” —Charlie Silva, home builder

Perfect for retrofitting radiant heating systems in existing homes, aluminum transfer plates, such as the Uponor Joist Trak Heat Transfer Panel shown above, attach to the underside of the subfloor, typically in a basement ceiling. They hold the .025-inch-thick PEX tubing and efficiently transfer heat to the floor above.

Before deciding on radiant floor heating, consider these pros and cons to determine if it’s the best fit for your home and lifestyle:

Open or closed: Just like ball valves, the valve is open when the handle is parallel with the pipe, closed when perpendicular.

Whether it’s warming a large addition or a cozy bathroom, radiant heat underfoot invisibly ups the comfort level. Here’s the lowdown on some of today’s most popular systems.

Radiant floor heating systems supply heat similar to how the sun warms the earth. As the heat moves upward, it is evenly distributed across the floor surface. The floor acts as a thermal mass, storing and slowly releasing heat, maintaining consistent temperatures.

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Shut offvalve hydraulic

Radiant floor heating offers a comfortable, efficient, and silent heating solution for many homes. While the initial cost can be higher than traditional systems, the long-term benefits in comfort and potential energy savings make it an attractive option. Consider your home’s specific needs, climate, and budget when deciding if radiant floor heating is right for you.

Shut offvalve under sink

Structure Tech specializes in the moisture testing of buildings for the purpose of determining if there is moisture located behind the exterior wall cladding. A moisture inspection of your property has been requested.

20201123 — This device works to regulate or reduce your water pressure. When a pressure-reducing valve is too tight or needs replacing, it can create low water pressure ...

Radiant heating can be used in various areas of your home, but it’s often recommended for smaller rooms, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or entryway. The tiles in these spaces make it the perfect place for radiant heat. However, these systems are also often found in garages and basements.

Electric peel-and-stick film options, including the QuietWarmth Peel & Stick for Tile and Glue-Down Floors, combine heating elements with a peel-and-stick waterproof membrane, simplifying installation under tile, stone, or glue-down floors. It can’t be used in the shower or with vinyl or linoleum floors.

American-made trap primer valves and splitters by Sioux Chief effectively prevent issues associated with evaporated water in floor drain P-traps.

Electric film is designed to float under click-together floors, such as laminate, vinyl, floating tile, or engineered wood, with an underlayment over the subfloor. This option provides gentle, even heat without adding significant height to the floor. One example of electric film is the QuietWarmth Heating Film for Click-Together Floors.

Shut off valvesfor water pipes

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Homeowners can expect to pay between $6 and $20 per square foot* for a radiant floor heating system, but the cost can vary depending on the type of system and the area to be heated. Other factors that could impact cost include the type of flooring, installation requirements, site prep, and location.

Like stop valves, gate valves are only meant for water. They have a round handle that’ll shut off the flow of water by essentially closing a gate. The three photos below show a gate valve in the open position, halfway open position, and fully closed position.

Lube valves, aka grease valves, are used for gas. They’re similar to ball valves, but they rely on a lubricant to help keep them operable. They’re easy to distinguish from traditional ball valves because they have a nut directly across from the handle, allowing you to disassemble the valve to add lubricant.

The energy efficiency of electric radiant heating systems depends on your local electricity rates and flooring type. With proper care and maintenance, they tend to last longer compared to traditional heating options—between 30 and 40 years.

In order to perform this inspection, we need the permission of the owner. We should have access to all parts of the exterior. Any security systems will need to be shut off during the testing, which can take several hours. We use standard industry practices for conducting the moisture tests, which includes the use of a penetrating probe meter to verify the moisture content of the structural wood and sheathing of the building. 3/16” holes will be placed under most windows and other possible moisture entry areas. These holes will be filled with caulk when the testing is completed.

A hydronic system tends to cost between $19,000 and $48,000, while an electric floor heating system is often between $19,000 and $36,000.

Documents. Description. This 1" lead free copper silicon alloy reduced pressure zone backflow preventer assembly is designed to prevent the flow of polluted ...

Radiant heating systems aren’t restricted to the floor. They can be found behind the walls or in the ceiling. For example, a hydronic tubing system can be installed behind the walls of a chilly stairwell to warm up the space. In addition, both hydronic and electric systems can be installed outside and used to melt snow on walkways, driveways, and patios.

Whether it’s warming a large addition or a cozy bathroom, radiant heat underfoot invisibly ups the comfort level. Here’s the lowdown on some of today’s most popular systems.

Shut off valvesbunnings

Zurn manufactures a full line of Pressure Reducing Valves. Discover the complete list of features and benefits.

Open or closed: When the handle of a ball valve is parallel to the valve or pipe, it’s open. When it’s perpendicular, it’s closed. This makes it easy to know if a ball valve is open or closed, just by looking at it. The ball valve below is in the open position.

9 May 2017 — The pressure only needs to be reduced if above 89 psi. The expansion tank will not help with hammer, but is required with the pressure reducing valve.

Shut offValve price

Air-to-water heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from outdoor air, even on cold days. They can provide both heating and cooling, making them a versatile choice for year-round comfort. While the initial investment is higher, they offer excellent energy efficiency and can also supply household hot water.

Electric cable with uncoupling membranes, as used in the DITRA-HEAT Uncoupling Membrane, combines heating cables with a waterproof membrane. They’re ideal for tile and stone floors. The membrane allows for movement between the substrate and the finished floor, preventing cracks.

MAG Beeco Backflow Dual Valve. Product Description: For installation on potable water lines. Protects against back-siphonage and backpressure.

TOH Pro Tip: “In-floor radiant can cause wood floors to expand and contract even more than usual. To reduce the chance of the boards cupping, we generally keep them less than 6 inches wide.” —Tom Silva, general contractor

For wood floors, both hydronic and electric systems can be used, but care must be taken to prevent warping. It’s recommended that you keep surface temperatures below 80°F and choose stable wood species.

A gate valve has a very large opening for water to pass through, making it less restrictive than a stop valve. Like stop valves, these tend to stick over time and they’re prone to leaking when they haven’t been touched in a while.

Ceramic tile is the most effective option for radiant floor heating systems as it stores heat and conducts well. However, just about any type of flooring can be used, including wood, concrete, vinyl, linoleum, and even carpeting.

Electric radiant floor heating systems use electric heating cables or mats installed under the floor. As the wires within the cables or mats heat up, the heat is transferred to the room. It’s ideal for smaller areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens, for more localized heating.

Shut offvalve hot water system

This form must be completed and signed prior to us conducting any moisture testing. We cannot perform the moisture testing requested by the buyers without this form being signed.

The 801 High-Low Thermostatic Mixing Valve provides tempered water over a wide range of flows in a single valve unit.

While you can technically use carpeting, it’s not often recommended as it will decrease the efficiency of your heating system. If you’d prefer rugs or a carpet, choose lower-pile options with thin pads, and aim for a total R-value of 2.5 to improve efficiency.

Basements, garages, and workshops tend to have concrete floors. Hydronic systems can be installed here during new construction, while electric systems can be added to existing slabs.

1 in. Cast Bronze FNPT Backflow Preventer ... This product was purchased before. Help This product was purchased before. ... 1 in. 350XLFT Brass FIP 175 psi Double ...

Gate valves, stop valves, and ball valves are the most common types of shutoff valves to find in your home. If you have any projects that require replacing valves, I recommend using ball valves, also known as quarter-turn valves. They’re better in every way, and they don’t cost much more than the other types.

Open or closed: As you can see, the handle never goes up and down as the gate opens and lowers; for this reason, it’s impossible to know if a gate valve is in the open or closed position just by looking at it. The exploded view below shows what the guts of a gate valve look like.