About Brian McElroy Expertise I am a home builder in the Tampa Florida area specializing in energy-efficient homes built with precast concrete wall systems that are hurricane resistant to 235 mph. I have researched and used many methods of new home construction and find this the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly method of home building for this area. I am also investigating other alternative methods to improve my products. I am a member of the Florida Green Build Coalition, EPA Energy Star Program, and have other affiliations involving energy savings, safe building practices and quality construction practices
Experience
Past/Present clients Many happy homeowners and repeat customers.
Question I saw a house built in the early '80s that heated water in black pipe on a wood burning stove and directed it thru the slab and as a radiator in a 10K gal tank.
My question is: Does the heating push the water thru the 250 ft plus pipe or would it have to have a pump? And I am assuming that it needs a pop off valve and bypass close to the source of the heat?
Answer You would need a recirculating pump and maybe an expansion tank as well. I do similar now for my solar water systems. We heat the water on the roof and store it in an 80 gallon tank. We use a small recirculating pump to keep warm water in the lines. We also insulate the hot water lines as well to keep from losing heat as the PVC pipes are thinner than northern pipes. It also solves any condensation issues. My only fear with a system in the slab is if there was a leak, it is major damage to repair and even find the leak. Then termites are attracted to moisture under the slab. Pros and cons to everything.
