I went with PEX too, but only for the return lines where it stays cooler.
- That’s smart. I’ve heard PEX can get sketchy if it sees collector temps for long—some guys at work mentioned it gets soft or even starts to sag.
- Black-painted steel is a cool budget move, though. How’s it holding up with the rust? I’m always paranoid about leaks showing up months later.
- Those pool heater mats are a neat idea. Did you have to rig up any special fittings to connect them, or did standard hose stuff work?
Curious if anyone’s tried running glycol in their DIY setups for freeze protection? Seems like a hassle but maybe worth it in cold spots...
I’ve seen PEX get weirdly soft near the collector, too—almost gummy if it’s a really hot day. I’d be nervous running it for supply lines unless there’s a heat dump somewhere. As for black steel, I’ve patched up more than a few leaks after one season, usually at the joints where rust sneaks in. Seems like you either baby those lines with paint or just accept you’ll be redoing them eventually.
On glycol: honestly, it’s a pain to flush and refill, but I’ve seen setups survive brutal winters because of it. Just gotta watch out for leaks—glycol stinks when it gets old and sticky. Ever try using flexible copper instead? Pricey, but less drama long-term.
I’ve seen PEX get weirdly soft near the collector, too—almost gummy if it’s a really hot day.
Yeah, PEX and high heat don’t mix. I’ve had to replace sections where it basically turned into licorice. If you’re set on plastic, at least use PEX-AL-PEX for the collector loop—it holds up better, but still not perfect. Black steel is a pain for leaks, you’re right, and painting every joint is tedious. Flexible copper’s expensive, but it’s the only thing I’ve seen last more than a decade without drama. For glycol, I always recommend adding a pressure gauge and a sight glass to the loop—makes spotting leaks and topping off way less of a headache.
Flexible copper is like the unicorn of plumbing—everyone talks about it, but my wallet screams every time I look at the prices. Is there a trick to finding it cheaper, or do you just have to bite the bullet? I tried PEX once (not the AL kind) and it literally sagged so much near the collector, I thought it was going to drip off the roof. I’m tempted by black steel just because it’s sturdy, but painting all those joints sounds like a chore I’d keep putting off… and then regret later. Has anyone tried mixing materials for different sections, or is that just asking for trouble?
I tried PEX once (not the AL kind) and it literally sagged so much near the collector, I thought it was going to drip off the roof. I’m tempted by black steel just because it’s sturdy, but pain...
Mixing materials is a bit of a gamble, honestly. I’ve done copper to PEX transitions in a couple rentals—bite the bullet on copper for the collector and first few feet, then switch to PEX where it’s out of sight and not getting roasted by the sun. Haven’t had leaks, but I keep wondering about long-term durability. Black steel’s solid, but like you said, painting is tedious, and rust creeps in if you slack. Curious—has anyone tried that flexible stainless stuff? Wondering if it’s worth the price or just another “unicorn.”