Direction of flow on old hot water system

Rob T

I am in the process of converting a single zone system (American Standard boiler) in an 1800 sqft 2 story 100 yr old farmhouse into a 4 zone system.

My main question is the proper flow direction through the boiler. Right now it feeds from the bottom and returns through the top. All of the diagrams I have seen show the flow to be opposit this.

Also is it critical as to where I locate the valves? (ie on the feed or return?)

Thanks

Rob

Steamhead

Doesn't sound right

some newer boilers are piped this way but I've never seen one that old with that arrangement.

What model American-Standard is it?

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Unknown

Most boilers

are configured for flow from the bottom return to the top supply. The location of the high limit control on the majority of boilers is near the top supply tapping. Piping the boiler with the return in the top supply tapping will wash the high limit with cooler return water and cause an override of the desired high limit temperature. As far as I recall, most of the American Standard boilers were configured with the high limit in a tee on the supply (top) outlet of the boiler. Hope this helps.

Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

Unknown

Is this a GPH model?

If it is some of those used a thermodisc type hi limit. if you give me the model and serial number I can give you some information.

R Troughton

Follow up

Hey thanks for the quick replies!

It is an American Standard Model G29 DG 169k BTU, approximately 1965 era build and install.

Has a B&G 1/6hp circulating motor with a Teel IR241 pump.

It has the High Limit in the upper left hand corner of the boiler with a low limit/pump switch in the lower left corner of the boiler.

These switches were set to 215 F and 100 F respectively, I have since re-set them to 190F and 125 F per a maintenance friend's recommendation.

I am going to re-do the lines to reverse the flow and run the supply off the top of the boiler.

Thanks again, I'm sure that I'm going to have some more questions as I get further into the system...

[Deleted User]

i know this may sound stupid, but

what was the determining factors you used to determine if the top was return vice supply...the location of the radiator valve would not matter on an old system.

R Troughton

Hi Gerry,

I know it is plumbed with the top as a return due to the flow direction stamped on the pump. Right now the pump (Mounted on the low side of the boiler) is pulling through the boiler.

I have mapped out what I need to change the flow and will do it tomorrow after work. I can't just reverse the pump (Although I am going to do that also) due to the placement of the zone valve manifold I built and installed.

I am trying to keep things neat and as professional looking as possibe also.

Thanks!

Rob