Moving Radiant Heat Pipes

I'm in the middle of a basement remodel. Right now I have radiant heat running to cast iron radiators (closed water system, not steam). In the basement I had to build a soffit around the main supply runs for the radiant heat system. These are large pipes and they hang down quite a bit from the ceiling and they are right in the middle of the room. The soffit ended up looking much more intrusive than I had planned. I'm wondering if it's possible to redo the main supply and return lines possibly with pex so that the ceiling could be finished off flat. If so would the pex need to be connected at each radiator or could you just tie on to the old pipes that connect to the main supply and do some type of manifold system by the boiler? I have 5 radiators on my main floor, 3 on the 2nd floor, and 1 in the basement. The ceiling is open in the basement so everything is accessible. I would hire it out. Any idea on a ballpark figure of what it might cost? I'm just trying to get an idea of whether or not it's worth it to live with the soffit.

Thanks

You can tear out all the old piping and run separate feed and return pipes to each radiator form a manifold on the radiator.

Probably the best bet is to call in a couple of local pros for an estimate. It is certainly do-able, and not necessarily a big deal.

I've got someone coming to take a look. Doesn't sound like it's a huge deal.

Another question:

Wondering if there are issues with running electrical wire and PEX in a soffit together.

nelsonba said:

I've got someone coming to take a look. Doesn't sound like it's a huge deal.

Another question:

Wondering if there are issues with running electrical wire and PEX in a soffit together.

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I don't see why not, I see these two run in joist bays every day. But a call to your local inspector might not hurt.

radiators

Typically, heating systems are not a "let's try this and see if it works" process. Radiators need larger lines than baseboard heating, and you have to do something to make sure each one gets the proper flow. Call a heating specialist.

Had a plumber out today. He said they could replace they main supply and returns with heat pex and connect to the existing lines running to each radiator. Is that really all there is to it?