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June 30, 2006
NEW HEATING SYSTEM W/BACKFLOW PROBLEM
Just had a new heating system installed with a bypass valve to keep some water from entering boiler therby creating slower, more consistent heating of radiators. When the bypass valve is opened, hot water backs into the system and heats radiators-not a good thing in the summer. Installer wants to install a flow valve to eliminate the problem. Is there something wrong with the piping setup, and will the installation of a flow valve cause a reduction of system efficiency by restricting flow in system.
Comments
It sounds like the unwanted flow you're getting is piping related, although I'm not quite following your description.
Typically, a flow (or flow/check) valve is used to prevent what is sometimes called "gravity circulation", which is probably what you have.
Backflow is a very different issue. I'd be interested in knowing how your bypass is set up.
Can photos be posted here?
Posted by: Master Plvmber at June 30, 2006 1:59 PM
Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, I do not have a digital camera to send pictures. I could fax a drawn diagram of how the lines are set up. You are correct; I was told that it is a gravity flow problem. Prior to the new installation, the thermostat for the zone on this run to the main part of the house was satisfied before all the radiators would heat. The installation of a new boiler with a bypass valve on the return line of this particular zone to allow for adjustment of the amount of water returned to the furnace to be heated was to have rectified the problem. I also had an indirect water heater installed to allow for a more ample flow of domestic hot water. When the newly-installed bypass valve is opened, the radiators in one part of the run heat. When the bypass valve is closed, the heating of the radiators does not occur. The proposed fix is to install a flow/check valve on this line. Will this introduce drag on this run that will interfere with the flow of water through that run? You suggest that it could be a piping problem. How could the piping be changed? I have been plagued with unheated radiators for the past 15 years, and this new installation was to have fixed the problem. In a sense it has; unfortunately, now I'm getting heat in the summer.
Posted by: Anonymous at June 30, 2006 4:11 PM
I had the same problem and installed flow check valves...the problem went away. it was a cheap solution (paid 300. to install 2).
Posted by: anon at June 30, 2006 5:30 PM
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