Reversing the flow of an old loop system

Nick W

When replacing a boiler, can the flow be reversed in an old copper loop baseboard system without causing problems? Is this apt to loosen scale and screw up a circulator or cause leaks down the road?



I have one loop that heats the entire basement. Now, the bathroom is last on the loop, and the coldest room in the house is next to last.

Big Ed_4

Reverse Flow

Depends on the system , With a base board loop it looses btus as it travels ... You will change the balance of the system ... some times for the better ... The bath should be the warmest room in the house and should be heated first , living area and then bedrooms.… Seems to be the normal for most people ... You need to watch out for add on like kicker heaters , you don't want to reverse the flow through these units .… The fan will kick in before it's fully warmed up ... Its best not to reverse the flow on a base board loop unless the customer requested a change in balance ... Or you may be back to repipe it ... Seems like you received that call ?

Scale and leaks will not be an issue...

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Switching Flow

I remember Dan mentioning a German radiator installation.  It was in a commercial building and for some reason, they circulated the water one direction for a few hours and then the other direction for a few hours to even out the heat.