Hot water radiant floor User

Illinois_Paul

I am preparing to install some taco 219 Swetchek valves in a system I built and designed 10 years ago. (I didn't think I needed check valves at the time) I have 3 and have had them sitting for all this time. For the most part, the system works OK without them, but it isn't totally up to my standard.



My questions: Why would I need a thumb-knobbed adjustable check valve? I see  this type is commonly installed in hydronic heating systems.



Why not just a simple non-adjustable check valve without a manual/open option?



What does "open" mean as opposed to "normal"? Is "open" allow flow either way thus negating check valve effect? Explain why a check valve would have an "open" option? Explain "normal". Taco box instruction indicated, "normal" = "automatic". So, why shouldn't this always be the proper position?



Thanks.

Jean-David Beyer

taco 219 Swetchek valves

If I understand the Taco description, the #219 Flow Check valve is not adjustable. The knob on the top can be used to open the valve completely to allow gravity flow in case a circulator fails, allowing some heat to be delivered. Since I am not a professional, I do not know how useful that feature is The normal position is to enable the flow-check operation. The Open position allows flow in either direction. The Flow Check , in normal use, prevents flow not only in the reverse direction, but also gravity flow (within limits) in the forward direction.