For The GSHP Installer

Do

  • Coordinate with other contractors on-site for minimal work disruption. Discuss the implications of the GSHP system installation with the general contractor so it can be included in site operations planning.
  • Ensure that water and electricity are available on-site. Both will be necessary during installation.
  • Check the site for access points for the GHEX installation equipment. A site visit is mandatory.
  • Consider space for the spoils when planning trenches in a given area.
  • Adhere to industry standards regarding pipe material and fitting selection for the buried portion of the GHEX piping system.
    • Use high density polyethylene (HDPE) with the approved material designation for the entire buried portion of the GHEX piping system.
    • Heat fuse all buried joints and connections using an approved method (butt-, socket-, sidewall-, or electro-fusion).
  • Ensure that the GHEX piping is pressure tested according to industry standards before and after it is inserted in the ground and before the header trenches are completely buried.
  • Closely review all documentation including project specifications, design reports, and layout and detail drawings. Ensure that the project scope is completely understood and that the design is reasonable according to past experience and best practice principles.
  • Protect the GHEX piping from damage and clearly mark its location after installation via warning tape and tracer wire in the header trench.
  • Insulate all interior GHEX pipe and fittings with closed-cell pipe insulation to limit the risk of damage caused by condensation.
  • Provide the general contractor and homeowner with a complete set of project documentation, including As-Built drawings, antifreeze type and concentration details, pressure test results, warranty/performance guarantee information, grout thermal conductivity test reports, etc.
  • Follow GSHP start-up instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

Don’t

  • Use mechanical fittings (ball valves, circuit setter valves, etc) on any buried portion of the GHEX piping system.

Contact our engineering department to discuss possible options for your GSHP system and for geothermal design services.