Hello
I’ve been searching online extensively, but I haven’t found anything completely satisfactory yet.
For my geothermal system, there are four pipes running vertically into the ground. As luck would have it, I’m currently building a basement right next to these pipes. The pipes are about 30cm (12 inches) from the exterior basement wall. Now that the pipes are exposed, I want to provide extra protection for them before backfilling the space. My first thought was to use a 30mm (1.2 inch) PVC drain pipe. Filling the PVC pipe with sand would keep the pipes safe for the next 100 years.
Now, here’s my question: I need to cut the PVC pipe lengthwise. I could probably do this myself. I would first try to slit one side and bend it open slightly, slide the pipes in, and then close the PVC pipe again.
Do you think PVC pipes are flexible enough for this? I’d have to bend it open about 3–4cm (1–1.6 inches). Then glue it? What adhesive would you recommend?
And if I have to cut both sides, is there something like hose clamps available in that diameter to hold the PVC pipe in place before gluing?
I’m also open to other suggestions that don’t involve using PVC pipe.
Steven
I’ve been searching online extensively, but I haven’t found anything completely satisfactory yet.
For my geothermal system, there are four pipes running vertically into the ground. As luck would have it, I’m currently building a basement right next to these pipes. The pipes are about 30cm (12 inches) from the exterior basement wall. Now that the pipes are exposed, I want to provide extra protection for them before backfilling the space. My first thought was to use a 30mm (1.2 inch) PVC drain pipe. Filling the PVC pipe with sand would keep the pipes safe for the next 100 years.
Now, here’s my question: I need to cut the PVC pipe lengthwise. I could probably do this myself. I would first try to slit one side and bend it open slightly, slide the pipes in, and then close the PVC pipe again.
Do you think PVC pipes are flexible enough for this? I’d have to bend it open about 3–4cm (1–1.6 inches). Then glue it? What adhesive would you recommend?
And if I have to cut both sides, is there something like hose clamps available in that diameter to hold the PVC pipe in place before gluing?
I’m also open to other suggestions that don’t involve using PVC pipe.
Steven
Hello Bieber,
I haven’t consulted the heating engineer. Why would I? Everything I found while digging up the pipes does not speak well of him.
Half pipes might work for the horizontally laid pipes, but I’m not a fan of half measures. For the vertically installed pipes, a full pipe is mandatory anyway.
Of course, I fill the KG pipes with sand to prevent damage from pressure.
I’m looking for either an alternative to the KG pipes—there might be pipes made of two parts that are suitable for underground installation—
or a tip on how to rejoin the two halves. Tape, adhesive, or something similar.
Steven
I haven’t consulted the heating engineer. Why would I? Everything I found while digging up the pipes does not speak well of him.
Half pipes might work for the horizontally laid pipes, but I’m not a fan of half measures. For the vertically installed pipes, a full pipe is mandatory anyway.
Of course, I fill the KG pipes with sand to prevent damage from pressure.
I’m looking for either an alternative to the KG pipes—there might be pipes made of two parts that are suitable for underground installation—
or a tip on how to rejoin the two halves. Tape, adhesive, or something similar.
Steven
G
Gartenfreund24 Feb 2017 06:36So, you will probably find it very difficult, if not impossible, to bend a 30mm (1.2 inch) pipe wide enough to fit it over the existing pipe, although I’m not sure what the diameter of the existing pipe is. It is possible with a pipe of larger diameter, especially if you heat the pipe. I have personally managed to bend a 110mm (4.3 inch) pipe a few centimeters apart without heating it to protect an existing water pipe.
Since I am not familiar with geothermal energy use, I’m wondering why you want to fill the pipes with sand afterward. Is that necessary, or am I misunderstanding something?
Since I am not familiar with geothermal energy use, I’m wondering why you want to fill the pipes with sand afterward. Is that necessary, or am I misunderstanding something?
Hello gardening enthusiast
The brine pipes are about 30mm (1.2 inches) in diameter. Heating them is a good idea; I will give it a try.
I usually assumed the pipes would be laid in sand, but that was just theory. They partly used construction debris for backfilling. However, the pipes are extremely sturdy, so there is no damage.
I will backfill the PVC pipes with sand to avoid any unwanted cavities.
Steven
The brine pipes are about 30mm (1.2 inches) in diameter. Heating them is a good idea; I will give it a try.
I usually assumed the pipes would be laid in sand, but that was just theory. They partly used construction debris for backfilling. However, the pipes are extremely sturdy, so there is no damage.
I will backfill the PVC pipes with sand to avoid any unwanted cavities.
Steven
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