Soto
New Member
Can someone please explain to me how good BIP is for a closed loop hydronic system? (I know it is not at all good for potable water supply due to the rust issue.)
My system is 60 years old, baseboard hydronic heat. I have all the pipe exposed (since I am remodeling the basement) and this is an important time when I either need to replace all this BIP or leave it alone. I have had two different opinions from two different plumbers. #1 says it's a great looking system, artfully crafted, and I should leave it alone except there are 2 or 3 small pieces of galvanized in there that he says I should replace while it is exposed. He says it will probably last more than 100 years. #2 says that galvanized lasts longer than BIP and that both will significantly deteriorate after 40 years so I should replace it all with copper.
For what it's worth most of the BIP is shiny and fairly new looking. It looks great to me. There are a few rusty areas right where the fittings go in to the baseboards, but those are the exception. There are NO leaks; I have a new mod/con boiler installed last year. The house is 4300 SQFT and we are talking lots of pipe... THANKS!
My system is 60 years old, baseboard hydronic heat. I have all the pipe exposed (since I am remodeling the basement) and this is an important time when I either need to replace all this BIP or leave it alone. I have had two different opinions from two different plumbers. #1 says it's a great looking system, artfully crafted, and I should leave it alone except there are 2 or 3 small pieces of galvanized in there that he says I should replace while it is exposed. He says it will probably last more than 100 years. #2 says that galvanized lasts longer than BIP and that both will significantly deteriorate after 40 years so I should replace it all with copper.
For what it's worth most of the BIP is shiny and fairly new looking. It looks great to me. There are a few rusty areas right where the fittings go in to the baseboards, but those are the exception. There are NO leaks; I have a new mod/con boiler installed last year. The house is 4300 SQFT and we are talking lots of pipe... THANKS!