Posted By lisa6801 on 08/20/2009 7:15 AM
As I understand, each trench pipe ends at a single header. but from there does each trench pipe/tube(s) run through the basement wall to the main system? Or does the header absorb all the pipes/tubes and then a single larger one runs to and from inside? I plan on 3" sleeves. Also Planning 2 runs per trench at 5ft and 3 feet and will have 2 trenches. So a total of 4 lines running at 300ft to header.[/quote]


Lisa,

We start building our systems when the footings are poured. Depending on how many tons you need, a 1 1/4" or 2" supply and return header is set under the footings. The pipes under the slab are insulated and the ends are staked up outside the structure. When the loops are dug in, a trench is dug to the headers and hooked to the manifolds.

We are not a fan of doubling up loops in a trench. Think of it like this...
A loopfield 5' deep and 4' apart has 5' above, 2' to each side(unless it's the end loops) and all the way to China to draw , or reject heat. With a stacked loop, the top loop only has 1 1/2 ' below and 3' above. The lower loop also only has 1 1/2' above. The top loop will also be affected by the climate much more. If you have a hot dry summer your loop temps will rise, if you have a cold winter the temps will be colder.

The black pipes, upper right, are the geo headers

Bergy