Rearranging pipework any issues?

[Madrab]

If I didn't want the rad to heat when the hot water is turned on in the summer then I could isolate the kitchen rad (turn down TRV, would I have to turn lockshield off also?) and the flow would be redirected to the hallway rad, therefore keeping the bypass open?

Yes you could do this, it does seem like a bit of a farf though and needs manual intervention. Do remember that if you are keeping one rad as a bypass then it can't have valves that can be turned off by mistake.

The most correct way would be to install an autobypass valve into the system and then take the feeds to those rads from the normal CH system flow and returns, then none would need to be on in the summer.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

Yes you could do this, it does seem like a bit of a farf though and needs manual intervention. Do remember that if you are keeping one rad as a bypass then it can't have valves that can be turned off by mistake.

The most correct way would be to install an autobypass valve into the system and then take the feeds to those rads from the normal CH system flow and returns, then none would need to be on in the summer.

Yes I wouldnt alter the valves on the hallway rad, they would stay the same. It's more of a faff to me to start adding extra parts to the system, having said that it depends on how easy the autobypass valve is to install and how easy it is to get other pipes over to this wall, someone maybe yourself already mentioned a possible issue with the length of the run?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Sorry I haven't had chance to reply sooner. Can you put a photo up of the pump, valves and associated pipework in the airing cupboard? We can then hopefully advise on the practicality of fitting an auto bypass, and you will then hopefully have a system that is more efficient, works better for you and you dont have to keep fiddling with to alter.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

Sorry I haven't had chance to reply sooner. Can you put a photo up of the pump, valves and associated pipework in the airing cupboard? We can then hopefully advise on the practicality of fitting an auto bypass, and you will then hopefully have a system that is more efficient, works better for you and you dont have to keep fiddling with to alter.

No worries!

No pump in the airing cupboard. I believe the pump is in the garage next to the boiler. Need a pic of that??

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

No sign of any Motorised Valves though. Are they elsewhere you know of?

 

[kevinsmbuk]

No sign of any Motorised Valves though. Are they elsewhere you know of?

I think all the pumps and valves are hidden in a cabinet in the garage next to the boiler.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Need to be looking there I think.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

OK will get a pic of that!!

 

[kevinsmbuk]

Really sorry I haven't come back sooner. My house is such a project I have had to do all sorts until now!

So this setup is next to the boiler in the garage. Hope this helps??

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

You've got what is probably a Y plan system. Model number of the valve would settle the issue.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

You've got what is probably a Y plan system. Model number of the valve would settle the issue.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

It's a Y plan.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

OK, where does that put me, can I do the auto bypass?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

OK, where does that put me, can I do the auto bypass?

Y plan will always be open to one port, Hot Water isn't an issue, but if the Valve is open to CH only and the TRV's close down, there can be limited scope for circulation which doesn't do the system any favours. Auto Bypass needs to go from between the pump and the 3 Port Valve to a suitable point on the return.

 

[kevinsmbuk]

Thanks for explaining, so sounds like I need cut between where the pump feeds the three port valve, add a T and then connect to the return on a T?