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gravity hot water conversion

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Brian Maffioli_2
Brian Maffioli_2 Member Posts: 13
in THE MAIN WALL
I have been reading and trying to educate myself about a gravity hot water system conversion I just looked at today. I am pretty confident about the whole process except for the reducing of the near boiler piping.

What constitutes near boiler piping? There is what appears to be a 3 inch supply main that travels at least 10-15 feet from the boiler with some parts hiding inside of a soffit of a finished basement.

How near is near boiler piping?

Thanks in advance.

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  • Mark Eatherton
    Mark Eatherton Member Posts: 5,875
    That piping which is connected TO the boiler...

    is NEAR boiler piping.



    Rule of thumb, 1/2 of that piping, then one pipe size less, so in your case, 1-1/4" new near boiler piping.



    ME
  • Brian Maffioli_2
    Brian Maffioli_2 Member Posts: 13
    gravity

    Hi Mark,

    So if I understand this right, if my 3 inch supply main starts at the boiler and continues 10-15 feet away from the boiler, that whole length is considered "near boiler piping?"
  • Mark Eatherton
    Mark Eatherton Member Posts: 5,875
    edited February 2010
    Correct

    If you wanted to break the pipe back to the first branch, and install a 3" X 1-1/4" bushing, that would be acceptable.



    ME
  • TonyS
    TonyS Member Posts: 849
    Gravity conversion

    Remember, your gravity system is a 2 pipe direct return. When you add a pump the water is going to take the path of least resistance. Reverse the returns or add TRV,s to retain some balance in the system.
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