Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   GrahamB
   Member

   Figuring out how to retrofit evacuated tubes to my electric off peak HW system. Existing electric off peak tank is in the garage and I need 55 metres for the return loop to the roof. Copper pipe is very expensive but I appreciate the return water can get super hot . . . .

   Pipes will have thick solar rated insulation and then both pipes will be encased in 90mm storm water pipe for a neat look plus additional insulation.

   Any alternatives to use plastic pipe rather than copper? Or anyone know of an economical supplier of copper pipe in Melbourne?

   I plan to install as much as possible myself then have lumber do the final connection. Use a 12 volt pump to avoid electrician cost.

   My budgeted cost is below. Does it look in the ball park or any obvious omissions?

   Description Supplier Unit Price Each Qty Price
   24 tube kit Ultimate Each $1080 1 $1,080
   1/2" Copper pipe Reece Per 6m $43.00 9 $387
   Pipe Insulation Ultimate Per 2 m $4.40 27 $119
   PTR valve Ultimate Each $35.00 1 $35
   Figure 8 wire Jaycar Per m $1.00 25 $25
   90 mm pipe Reece Per 6m $13.00 2 $26
   Non return valve eBay Each $10.00 1 $10
   Misc fittings ?????? Each $5.00 10 $50
   Flow meter eBay Each $19.00 1 $19
   Plumber $200
   TOTAL COST $1,951

   Thank you, Graham

   Posted Saturday 9 Nov 2013 @ 11:14:06 pm from IP #
2. 

   Adamc73
   Member

   If you've got the space then ground mounting closer to the tank will save you a lot of money. The plumbers on the big commercial jobs use a plastic pipe called sharkbite but its only rated to 82c .i was lucky in that my tank was on the north side of the house and I'm on acreage so I ground mounted mine plus my roof needs redoing soon so it saves me having to move it later on if it had been placed on the roof.

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 3:22:50 am from IP #
3. 

   GrahamB
   Member

   No, I have a warehouse conversion, no ground space at all and not much choice re configuration. Was hoping I could make life easier and less expensive by using plastic pipe rather than copper. The usual plastic pipe with "Sharkbite" fittings won't handle the potential temperatures but I was hoping there is some other high temperature plastic pipe. perhaps I am out of luck.

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 4:23:18 am from IP #
4. 

   Morbo
   Member

   you make the mistake most people do. Don't see that the materials are maybe 10% of the cost, 90% is labour. Plumbing even more I am afraid. Subsequently use cheap rubbish which makes the job obsolete quite fast. Then wonder why they have to shell out big money to fix it over and over again.
   Its not about the UV since its all insulated, its about the heat. And worst case you can have more than 100°C in there, so no plastic on that one. The plastic comes in after the anti scalding valve which reduces it to 55°C. And its not much cheaper, just the fitting is as you just push it together, the sharkbite and the Bunnings equivalent.

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 4:25:09 am from IP #
5. 

   Adamc73
   Member

   Mine was ultimate 30 tube retrofit only trouble I had was I snapped the pump when tightening the fittings.

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 5:19:42 am from IP #
6. 

   Morbo
   Member

   are you a man or a machine? The body is cast brass.

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 6:19:51 am from IP #
7. 

   Adamc73
   Member

   The pumps are made of a plastic called Ryton ifs a high temp plastic but not very strong it's a topsflo 12v can run direct off a solar panel

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 6:57:13 am from IP #
8. 

   David
   Member

   Adamc73 said:
   The pumps are made of a plastic called Ryton ifs a high temp plastic but not very strong it's a topsflo 12v can run direct off a solar panel

   Interesting my 12v pump is brass, for the retrofit system I have.

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 7:35:15 am from IP #
9. 

   GrahamB
   Member

   Thanks to everyone for their assistance.

   In respect to the labour cost I plan to hold labour cost to an absolute minimum by doing as much as possible myself. I don't believe there is anything in the regs to prevent me installing the frame, bending and running all the pipes clipping them as needed etc.

   Basically I will do everything except connecting it to the existing HWS. My plan is to get a plumber in for a couple of hours to do the water connections and vent the air out of the pipes.

   Will no doubt have to be a friendly plumber but I reckon I can find someone who will play ball as it is not breaking any regulations that I'm aware of.

   I have the tools to complete the job myself but I want to remain legal. Anyone else done this or similar? Any plumber looking for a couple of hours work in Melbourne PM me please.

   Thank you,
   Graham

   Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 8:05:58 am from IP #
10. 

    Morbo
    Member

    reg plumber signing off and not making money, good luck, you need it.

    Posted Sunday 10 Nov 2013 @ 8:33:09 am from IP #
11. 

    bazzle
    Member

    What flow meter are you intending to use? A lot of them have large fittings but a very restricted water path.

    Posted Wednesday 13 Nov 2013 @ 10:32:26 pm from IP #

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