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Bypass between supply and return headers / manifolds?

woobagooba
woobagooba Member Posts: 186
I've got a 3/4" copper connection between my supply and return labeled "bypass". It includes a ball valve with the handle at 45 (versus the direction of flow). Hoping someone can explain its purpose. Thanks

Comments

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,022
    got a pic? Some manifolds have pressure bypass valves added on or built in. Sounds like the valve you have is a way to isolate the branches.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • woobagooba
    woobagooba Member Posts: 186
    Here is a pic of the return manifold (supply "manifold is tangle of CI and copper in the ceiling). The bypass valve in question is on the far left end of the return manifold.


  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,506
    It's the cheap and horrible way to do boiler protection.
    steve
  • woobagooba
    woobagooba Member Posts: 186
    Please explain
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,022
    what type of boiler?
    Why a bucket under the BFD vent pipe?
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • woobagooba
    woobagooba Member Posts: 186
    Its me again :)

    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/170834/buderus-gb142-multiple-corrosion-issues#latest

    Pay no attention to the bucket. That was wanna-be-HVAC-guy draining the failing ST120 to pull what I expect to see is a decimated anode.
  • Tinman
    Tinman Member Posts: 2,808
    Looks like a modcon? Nothing to protect.
    Steve Minnich
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,804
    edited August 2019
    It's a Buderus GB-142.
    If its piped directly back to the return without anything else inline, shut off the valve, remove the handle and zip tie it near the valve. A bypass is counter productive on a mod con.
    And whether it was supposed to be a boiler bypass or system bypass, its piped wrong either way.
    Noel
  • woobagooba
    woobagooba Member Posts: 186
    @HVACNUT Roger that and thank you