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Water line to a Swamp Cooler

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 10:18 am
by squirt13
I have a swamp cooler on my roof and the water supply line runs up the vent of the hot water heater and across the roof to the cooler. Is there a way of running it in the area between the ceiling and the roof? I live in Utah and I end up replacing it every year because the cold winters and the snow split the tubing on the roof.

My home is a 1995 Brookfield and has asphalt shingled roof it that makes a different. If this is possible I could bring the tubing out in the down shaft and then up into the cooler.

Also if this is possible which type of tubing should I use the old cooper tubing or the newer poly tubing?

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Melinda

RE: Water line to a Swamp Cooler

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 9:22 pm
by JD
Hi Melinda,

I would think it would be better to drain the cooler and line and disconnect it from the valve in the WH compartment. I am not a cold weather guy, but I wouldn't think copper tubing would crack if it has no water to expand.

I would be concerned about 1/4" line of any type running through the ceiling. Leaks could become very costly. The more straight vertical you go with the line the better.

JMO
JD

RE: Water line to a Swamp Cooler

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 1:26 am
by Robert
Hi melinda,

I agree with JD, need to do winter prep on those swamp coolers and lines to prevent freeze ups which cause expansion and burst pipes.



I also would not run any water line through the small attic space due to what JD stated in a mishap situation.



Take care and best wishes,
Robert

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 8:44 am
by Greg
Since I am not versed in swamp coolers (not connon up here in the north) I will throw this one out. How about PEX? Very forgiving when it comes to freeze ups.
I do agree, keep any water lines out of the ceiling space. Greg

RE: Water line to a Swamp Cooler

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 11:38 am
by Robert
Pex is not supposed to be outside in sunlight. I think the copper drained for winter would hold up well for that type application.

IF the pex could be kept away from sunlight, I believe it would work well, but again, I would still drain it for assurance.

Because of that, copper would work also and save the labor.


Take care and best wishes,
Robert

RE: Water line to a Swamp Cooler

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 12:46 pm
by mrfixit1
I currently maintain about 10 coolers in a mobile home park. I used to do more but many have switched to AC. My customers tell me that they used to have to replace those lines annually until I came along.
As someone previously said, draining the line is the answer. I not only drain it but I blow through the line in case there are low spots that are holding the water. I have done this for 3 years and have not had to replace a line since.

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 1:17 pm
by mrfixit1
I forgot to mention that I quit using the poly line because the UV rays forced me to replace the line annually.

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 4:09 pm
by Greg
Ya I forgot about the UV factor, oops! Greg