two pipe insulation requirements

gerry gill

the return..it would actually help the system energy wise if all the returns were insulated..

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[Deleted User]

two pipe insulation requirements

we opened a wall during remodelling and discovered we had to re-route a supply and return line for a second floor radiator. Should the return line be insulated? I think no, but the contractor has insulated it and before the drywall goes up, I'd like to know if this is necessary. Thanks.

[Deleted User]

insulating

thks.

Fred Mirbach

two pipe insulation

ok,
now that both the supply and return are insulated, the heat in the room is virtually nill. It worked better when the supply and return weren't insulated. I'm considering removing the insulation on the return leg. any thoughts?

Steamhead (in transit)

The insulation shouldn't affect that

I bet something was piped wrong. Is the pipe pitched up from the main to the radiator? Is it the same size as the original piping?

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

I can't think of any way for pipe insulation to reduce the output of a radiator--if anything it would increase it slightly as some of the heat formerly given off by the piping will now be given off by the radiator.

You said the pipes were relocated. Sounds to me like the system was not properly re-filled with water and air in the piping is preventing the flow of water.

If the relocated piping involved the formation of an "air trap" (essentially an inverted "U" of any appreciable depth) it can be VERY hard to remove the air trapped at the top. Typically you have to install isolation valves in such a way that you can force water through either the supply or return--vent the air--then force water through the other and vent again.

Fred Mirbach

two pipe insulation

ok, I'll ask the plumber these questions, thanks. What still strikes me as wierd is how it worked until the insulation went on.... any other questions I should pose?

again, thank you.

Fred Mirbach

two pipe...

ok, Mike T. what is the correct way to add water to the pipes, as I'm certain all that was done was to kick it on and let the system do the rest.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

It's not so much about adding water, it's about replacing all of the air with water...

Systems vary so greatly that it's almost impossible to describe how to do it in mere words--especially when you can't see the system.

As I replied to someone yesterday with a similar problem, there are two main ways to remove the air:

1) Vent the high portions (radiators and/or piping).

2) Force the water in at one end such that it pushes air out the other end. This will entail the proper manipulation of valves installed for the purpose.

Fred Mirbach

two pipe insulation

problem solved, the valve had sediment stuck in it. The plumber opened it and immediately we felt steam. hooked it back up and the room is toasty.

Thanks all.