Pipe Routing in Drain back System

notruck

Is there a suggested or preferred method for pipe routing in a drain back system? Hot water return first into the drain back tank or first into the store?

My system matches example2 (with the drainback tank actually on top) but I'm about to replace some of the piping and if it ever needed changed, now would be the time. I would leave the drainback tank on top and just change the piping.

example1.jpg

example2.jpg

hot_rod

the db tank needs to be lower than the collectors and any piping that could freeze, and that needs to be drained back.

The higher up you can mount the tank, assuming the above explanation, the less lift head for the pump.

If the lift from the water level in the drainback tank to the very top of the collector is over about 20 feet. You will need a high head version of circulator or two small circs in series.

What is your lift difference?

notruck

@hot_rod, sorry for the confusion. Current configuration is pump mounted at bottom of store and pulling from the store. Water from collector goes to drainback first and then to store. The pump is currently 18' from this mounting location to top of collector. There have been no issues for 10+ years although I'm wondering whether water from the collector should go the store first as opposed to the drainback tank first.

And that brings up another question, is it more efficient to push to the collector at the top or bottom. I've seen both configurations.

hot_rod

when the pump shuts off, water drains back both pipes until it seeks a level in the drainback tank This is why you never want check valves in the piping

Push into the bottom of the collector that pushes the air up through the collector and the air bubble gets pushed back into the drainback tank

Think of filling a pail by pushing water into a bottom opening

IMG_9205.jpeg

notruck

I think that's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much.