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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
Huck, this is a baseboard system and backflow preventer is already on it, but apparently needs to be replaced. I will check this week with the person who installed the system. He helped my folks get set up in their new home back then but the distance was too far for him to continue to service the system.
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
I finally got in touch with the oil company on this one. New York state passed a law in 2001 that requires any home heating system with antifreeze to have an RPZ installed (backflow preventer with vacuum break). The cost of the RPZ is $750. Replacement of the antifreeze was done in my mother's heating pipes in 1999 for $250. The oil company (which also services the furnace) thinks the antifreeze should be replaced again (they say it has become acidic) which will trigger the requirement to install the RPZ. In addition to the valve installation there are the labor costs, antifreeze costs, etc. Of course there will also be an annual inspection fee of $125 they will also charge my mother.
The alternative is to flush the antifreeze out and replace with water since the garage area has now been converted to a heated room. The only concern is that the pipes are behind the sheetrock wall and next to the concrete outside wall. I think we might be willing to take the risk since things have been warmer lately.
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
NC, wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to just have that outside wall well insulated, perhaps by the method of having holes drilled (Either from outside or inside)and then having expanding insulation forced in? Put that $1200 toward the insulation and forget about the antifreeze and the $125 yearly cost for inspection. Steve
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
NC, if you don't install antifreeze, what would happen if the house were not heated for a few days of normal winter weather?
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
Huckmeat,
I have RV anti freeze that I use for my pressure washer when I store it. You said the one you have is non toxic. The one I have says it is toxic, just a little less toxic then automotive Antifreeze. It only takes a tablespoon of regular antifreeze to kill a dog, and dogs seek it out as it is sweet to them. Could you check the stuff you have and let me know the brand as I am always concerned my dog will get some of this stuff by accident.
Dennis
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
One simple alternative to using toxic anti-freeze is to just replace it with something kids and animals aren't likely to mess with, no less toxic, just less tempting.
Probably the simplest is to use a methyl hydrate and water solution. If you can't be bothered to find it in the hardware store, just use windshield washer fluid, that's all it really is anyways.
It isn't as tempting since it doesn't have that 'sweet' smell or taste to it. It also isn't as bad on the environment when it gets flushed out in the spring.
If you look around you can usually find it in gallon jugs for not much money, especially in big truck supply places, it's used as anti-freeze in air brake systems to stop condensation from freezing them up in cold weather.
Best of luck.
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
KT, I figure for $125 a year for an annual inspection on one hand, and freezing risk on the other - I am willing to take the risk. No more risk than any house has of freezing pipes when the power goes out. I have seen the damage that freezing pipes can do with a place we once rented out. The tenant had the utilities and stopped heating the place.
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Antifreeze in Heating Pipes
ncrunch,
Just wondering here. I was looking at electric space heaters yesterday. They have them that look like radiators that are OIL filled. Have no ide about the type of oil used or if there is an oil that would be suitable or legal for your system. But, it would seem to solve the need to replace it, dogs drinking it, rusting the system or ph changing. But if worried about it being drunk, use Mineral Oil.  That will straighten them out.
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