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gravity vs hot water etc.

it's undoubtedly forced circulation. To be sure, look at the piping near the boiler- you should see small pumps in the lines.

Your water pressure problem might be due to obstructions in the house piping, such as choked-up steel piping. Have a pro look it over.

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Comments

  • Jim_109
    Jim_109 Member Posts: 45
    gravity vs forced hot water

    As a homeowner how can I tell if I have a gravity or forced hot water heating sytem? I have cast iron baseboards and radiators on the first floor and slant fin basboards on the second floor.

    I am considering purchasing a new boiler and indirect, as well as possibly adding a full bath to the second floor. Currently I have only have one bathroom on the main floor.

    How much does it matter which type of heating, forced or gravity when considering a new boiler and indirect.

    Also any comments about pressure boosters? I have low water pressure in the kitchen and bathroom. The water company says the pressure is on the low side, but "normal"

    I would like to increase the pressure to the fixtures, plus I am concerned about the low pressure if I add the full bath to the second floor.

    THANKS!!!

  • Jim_65
    Jim_65 Member Posts: 184
    Gravity

    I have actually inherited numerous orphan systems that did not have a circulator when the heat emitters were a mixture of CI rads and HWBB. A couple of the project were where the existing CI rads were directly replaced with HWBB. The difference in pressure drop between the two emitters was never taken into consideration prior to the change.

    The owners were quite displeased with their systems for lack of heat and areas of inconsistency. Most were owners who just purchased the home and the sellers never mentioned this prior.

    Of course most everything could be corrected with a proper design. I agree with Steamhead and check to see what is existing before you make assumptions. :)
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