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  1. #1
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    Running pipes in concrete



    What's the best wat to run pipes in concrete?

    We're starting to do alot of restaurant and supermarket fit outs which require running pipes through concrete before it is poured.

    We normaly run them in PVC pipe, but what happens if the copper pipe comes in contact with the wet concrete, and would insulation alone be OK?
    Last edited by Jadeair; 11-10-2008 at 11:07 AM.


    If I can make more than my wife can spend in a day, that's a good day....

  2. #2
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    Quote Originally Posted by Jadeair View Post
    What's the best wat to run pipes in concrete?

    We're starting to do alot of restaurant and supermarket fit outs which require running pipes through concrete before it is poured.

    We normaly run them in PVC pipe, but what happens if the copper pipe comes in contact with the wet concrete, and would insulation alone be OK?

    On all the jobs we have done where pipes run under concrete, they have always run in tunnells or voids under the floor.
    They have never been alowed to come into contact with the concrete itself.

    Cheers taz.

    .

  3. #3
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    Quote Originally Posted by Jadeair View Post
    What's the best wat to run pipes in concrete?

    We're starting to do alot of restaurant and supermarket fit outs which require running pipes through concrete before it is poured.

    We normaly run them in PVC pipe, but what happens if the copper pipe comes in contact with the wet concrete, and would insulation alone be OK?
    Jadeair
    Simply put, how you access the pipes in future is a dilemma.
    But basically put if copper is in direct contact with Concrete. It will rot!
    The lime in the Concrete attacks the Copper.
    I would assume that the insulation would be sufficient but very susceptible to liquid concrete seeping past it.
    Surely what Tazz has suggested and you refer to,would be the most sensible solution.
    IE, run it through a plastic pipe. which would enable future access as well as protect the pipe.
    Grizzly

  4. #4
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    We use the following method to run pipes underground and thru concrete slabs
    ...and she said "give it to me you big fridgie"

  5. #5
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    Quote Originally Posted by 750 Valve View Post
    We use the following method to run pipes underground and thru concrete slabs
    Very impressive 750 valve.
    I assume the extra insulation from the foam would cancel out the high thermal storage properties of the concrete/
    Grizzly

  6. #6
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    This used to be the norm in the UK and the consequence is often lots of leaks which are not accessible. Very few new installations now put the pipes in the floor. Try and persuade your client as to the benefits of running overhead. services

  7. #7
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    Quote Originally Posted by Guy Hodgins View Post
    This used to be the norm in the UK and the consequence is often lots of leaks which are not accessible. Very few new installations now put the pipes in the floor. Try and persuade your client as to the benefits of running overhead. services

    True, overheads are heaps better but unfortunately droppers entering island cases look like poo so if you are going to run undergrounds just pressure test them first before foam and concrete
    ...and she said "give it to me you big fridgie"

  8. #8
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    Thanks guys,

    Sometimes there's no other way of getting pipes there when under constuction.

    Most of the cabinets are small in capacity and can be run in soft drawn through pvc pipes without joins.

    Wonder how long that lime would take to eat through the pipes if let unprotected?
    If I can make more than my wife can spend in a day, that's a good day....

  9. #9
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    750,
    Why foam the entire run? Wouldn't it be better to just foam the openings? I'm thinking of the hassle involved if you needed to replace or upsize the lines.

  10. #10
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    Re: Running pipes in concrete

    I guess it harks back to some older practices when the pipes were laid in the ducts without insulation and the run was foamed, but all the major companies here run undergrounds in this manner still so I guess its just an industry standard.

    When upgrading stores we NEVER saw cut near an existing trench, its easier to run a new one with a different route and a new pipe. Most of our stuff is overheads to mutidecks anyway so its just the service deli and low height cases such as islands that see undergrounds.
    ...and she said "give it to me you big fridgie"

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