Handyman Guide > Hot Water System

Here, we find two kinds of systems, both of them operating on the principle that water, when heated, expands, and in expanding becomes lighter and rises.

The "Open" System. The simplest kind of hot water system is called the "open" system. In this arrangement, the increase in volume due to the expansion of the heated water is taken up by an expansion tank located above the highest point in the system, usually in the attic floor.



This tank is open, with an overflow pipe at the top, so that if the tank becomes too full of water, it will flow out through the pipe and not over the side of the tank to the attic floor.

The U Closed System. The other kind of system is called the "closed" system, and here the expansion tank is located at the base of the system, together with the boiler. The expansion tank has no overflow pipe but is completely airtight. When the water in the system expands, it compresses the air in the tank and puts the water in the entire system under pressure, making possible the maintenance of a higher water temperature.

In the "closed" or pressure hot water system, the purpose is to force the temperature of the water as high as possible without forming steam. Needless to say, there is a limit to the amount of pressure that the system can'stand, and a relief valve must be installed somewhere in the line to relieve excess pressure, should it be necessary.

While the normal water temperature in an open system will be approximately 180 degrees, in a closed system it may be well over 200 degrees.

Another advantage of the closed system is that smaller pipes can be used than are required for the open system.

Hot water systems have two sets of pipes to each radiator. One carries hot water from the boiler, and the other returns the cool water from the radiator to the boiler.

INEFFICIENT OPERATION

Difficulties in hot water heating can usually be attributed to air in the lines and radiators, the water level too low in the system, or pipes and fittings that are too small or have been incorrectly installed.

Radiator Air Valve. Each radiator is equipped with an air valve that can be opened to allow air inside the radiator to escape and water to fill the radiator. This valve should be kept open until water begins to flow out, indicating that all the air has been displaced by water. If air is left inside the radiator, it will not heat properly.

The Water Level. A hot water system will work well only when the entire system is full of water. The water level can be checked in several ways. In open systems, where the expansion tank is located in the attic or some high point above the highest radiator, the amount of water in the tank is indicated by a glass gauge on the side of the tank. Or you may look into the tank itself. Most systems require the expansion tank to be about one-third full when the water is cold. If the tank has a gauge, it should be marked off for the proper water level.

Continue to Altitude Gauge and Pipes and Fittings





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