Methods for self-balancing water heating in a private house

Law of Hydraulics: Any flowing fluid chooses the path of least resistance. In the heating network of a private house, the rule works like this: the coolant pushed by the pump tends to pass through the first radiator or the shortest circuit of heated floors. As a result, remote rooms of the building warm up much less well. To ensure uniform distribution of flows, hydraulic balancing of the heating system is necessary. We'll tell you how to adjust radiators and underfloor heating hinges with your own hands.

What is the essence of balancing?

Hydraulic heating systems are rightfully considered the most complex.
Their effective operation is possible only if there is a deep understanding of physical processes hidden from visual observation. The joint operation of all devices should ensure that the maximum amount of heat is absorbed by the coolant and distributed evenly across all heating devices of each circuit. The operating mode of each hydraulic system is based on the relationship of two inversely proportional quantities: hydraulic resistance and throughput. It is they who determine the coolant flow in each node and part of the system, and therefore the amount of thermal energy supplied to the radiators. In general, the calculation of flow rate for each individual radiator reflects a high degree of unevenness: the further the heating device is removed from the heating unit, the higher the influence of the hydrodynamic resistance of pipes and branches; accordingly, the coolant circulates at a lower speed.

The task of balancing a heating system is to ensure that the flow in each part of the system will have approximately the same intensity, even with temporary changes in operating modes. Careful balancing allows us to achieve a state where individual adjustment of the thermostatic heads does not significantly affect other elements of the system. At the same time, the possibility of balancing itself should be provided for at the design and installation stage, because to set up the system, both special fittings and technical data for the boiler room equipment are required. In particular, it is mandatory to install shut-off valves, commonly called throttles, on each radiator.

Adjustment methods

When balancing the heating system in a private home, you can use temperature readings or coolant flow data as a basis. Each of them has its pros and cons.

First way

The installation implies that all necessary calculations for coolant flow have been previously carried out for the project. It is necessary not only to have control valves, but also measuring devices. Here it is possible to control the volume of coolant pumped through the system and make the necessary settings if necessary.

The advantage of using this method is the high quality of heat control in various rooms. The disadvantage of this approach is the relatively high cost of installing such a system.

Heat distribution in a room Source thebridgestudio.ru

Second way

It is suitable in situations where no preliminary calculations were made when installing the heating system. Then the heating system is adjusted as follows. In such cases, thermometer readings are used for adjustment. At the same time, they try to make the heat consumption approximately equal for each radiator. If the battery is installed in a large room, then it is adjusted so that the heating is proportionally higher.

The simplicity of the procedure is the main advantage of the process. The disadvantages include: insufficiently precise adjustment of heat consumption, the duration of the balancing procedure.

System with collector distribution Source gidrotermika.ru

Symptoms of problems

It’s worth saying right away that you don’t need to go to the valves just for the love of art. Many technical specialists have a favorite phrase: “If it works, don’t touch it.” It can also be applied here. If you do not notice any negative signs in the operation of the heating system, then let it operate in the current mode. If you turn the taps at random, you can, on the contrary, unbalance everything, and then you will have to correct it.

Let's look at those phenomena that are clear signs of lack of balancing:

• temperature difference in rooms. As mentioned above, if balancing is poor or completely absent, some rooms will be much colder than others. The rooms closest to the boiler will torment you with suffocating heat, and in the furthest ones you will freeze;
• One of the radiators is constantly humming. Such noise indicates a problem in the coolant flow;
• a warm floor filled with concrete screed heats the surface unevenly.

If you have just installed a new heating system, then it a priori needs balancing, regardless of the presence of any signs.

It should be noted that not every problem in the operation of the heating system is related to its balancing. On the contrary, there are cases when performing this operation is absolutely pointless:

• airiness of the system;
• leak;
• clogging;
• malfunction of the expansion tank.

All these factors can lead to uneven heating of rooms. Balancing won't help here. It is necessary to eliminate the reason why the system is malfunctioning. For example, to deal with airiness, use Mayevsky taps, which are usually installed on radiators. With their help, you can easily and quickly expel air from a place where it is not supposed to be. As soon as you deal with the airlock, the coolant current will immediately be restored. You can learn more about how to use the Mayevsky crane from the articles on our website.

As for other reasons, everything is obvious. The leak needs to be sealed (or the damaged element replaced with a new one), the blockage removed, the expansion tank repaired (as a rule, the problem is a ruptured membrane). Only after this, if problems with coolant distribution still persist, can balancing be carried out.

If you live in an apartment building, then the question of how to balance the system is not worth it. On the contrary, you shouldn’t go there with your own hands at all, since any wrong actions will negatively affect not only your apartment, but also those of your neighbors. If you notice problems with heating in such a home, then contact the management company - solving such situations is solely within their competence.

As for a private house with an autonomous heating system, some owners believe that they can simply regulate the flow of coolant in the radiators using conventional shut-off ball valves. In fact, this is not true.

That is, if you open such a tap only halfway, the volume of incoming liquid will, of course, decrease, thereby changing the temperature in the room. But problems will soon arise with the locking equipment. The ball valve is not intended for such manipulations; its life principles are simple: it needs to be either completely open or completely closed. Any half-measures worsen its performance, and then completely disable it.

Therefore, balancing must be done, as they say, wisely. And now we’ll tell you in detail how to do this.

When to balance the system

Theoretically, adjustment of heating radiators is necessary in any case. The design engineer, when developing and calculating the water system, sets the coolant flow rate for each battery and underfloor heating circuit. After installation, filling and pressure testing of the pipeline network, the contractor is obliged to adjust the heat supply, focusing on the design parameters in the project.

Since the average homeowner only cares about warmth and comfort inside the home, it is recommended to take on the balancing yourself in the following cases:

1. The radiators closest to the boiler heat up noticeably more than the radiators further away, respectively, the rooms are hot or cool (the temperature difference is too large).
2. One of the radiators makes a distinct noise - the murmur of flowing water.
3. Pipes embedded in the screed heat the floors unevenly.
4. In the process of setting up a new heating circuit, assembled with your own hands.

If, with properly installed heating, the temperature in the distant rooms is significantly lower, the system needs to be balanced

When you should not regulate the distribution of coolant to batteries:

1. If the radiator network and heated floors work flawlessly. It’s not worth turning the valves over and over again - due to inexperience, you can make things worse.
2. When various problems are detected - air in the batteries, leakage, clogged radiator or balancing valves, rupture of the expansion tank membrane, etc. First, fix the problem and check the heating is working properly. No adjustment may be needed.
3. It is strictly not recommended to interfere with the operation of the central heating of an apartment building, or to install additional taps and valves into common risers. The exception is multi-storey new buildings with individual thermal inputs to each apartment.

It is also not recommended to “press” the flow through the battery using a conventional ball valve. The normal position of the stem is completely open or closed; in an intermediate position, the valve will not last long.

Water flow is regulated exclusively by balance valves, ball valves are 100% open

Working with radiant wiring and heated floors

As mentioned above, a slightly different procedure is used for collector wiring. It is suitable for both radiators and underfloor heating - in general, for balancing the entire system connected to one node.

Setup can be done in two different ways. For the first of them, there must be rotameters on the collector. These elements are transparent flasks and are flow meters. To balance, you will need to do some calculations. The following formula is used:

The letter G in this case denotes the mass flow rate of the heated coolant that flows along the circuit. Unit of measurement - kg/h. The letter Q indicates the amount of thermal energy that must be released by the heating circuit, it is measured in W. As for Δt, this is the difference in temperature obtained at the entrance to the circuit loop and at the exit from it. The calculated value of this parameter is 10 degrees.

Thus, you can calculate how many liters of heated coolant should pass through a certain section of the circuit per minute. The required amount of heat generated can be calculated based on standard values. According to them, 100 W are needed for every square meter of area.

Let's give an example of a calculation. Let's say the area of ​​your room is 20 m2. This means that heating it requires 2 kW of thermal energy. We substitute the resulting value into the formula above and get the following result:

On flow meters, values ​​are indicated in l/min, so you need to convert the value by dividing the resulting figure by 60. It turns out to be approximately 2.87 l/min.

After the calculations, the balancing procedure is carried out as follows.

1. Fill and pressurize the heating circuit. The heating boiler does not need to be turned on. But the circulation pump must be started.
2. Close the thermostatic valves on the second part of the manifold; this is done manually using special caps.
3. Now open the first valve. Adjust the rotameter that corresponds to it using the lower ring - it needs to be rotated. Thus, set a certain level of coolant flow.
4. After you deal with the first group of valve + flow meter, close this valve and move on to the second pair.
5. Thus, adjust each rotameter in turn. Finally, open them all and check if each device shows the coolant flow correctly.

If there are no rotameters, then the process is carried out based on the results of measuring the temperature in the loops of the circuit. The procedure in this case will be quite tedious and long.

If you need to balance not a heated floor, but radiators connected using radial wiring, then everything is done in exactly the same way. For greater confidence, you can rely on both collector rotameters and temperature measurements. We are sure that after reading today’s article you will not have any problems with balancing. Good luck!

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Recommended radiator thermostat settings for different rooms.

The comfortable temperature for different rooms differs; the table shows the recommended thermostatic head settings for each of them.

Why do you carry out hydraulic adjustment of CO?

The main goal of balancing the heating system is the correct distribution of the amount of coolant to the radiators (batteries) per unit of time, directing the required amount of heat to places where there is a shortage.

For a more complete understanding of the picture, imagine that in a certain area of ​​the CO it is divided into two circuits, each of which leads to different rooms. Since the volume of the rooms is different, the length of the contour may vary. A circuit with a longer length (or more heating devices) has more hydraulic resistance. As you know, water (coolant) always follows the path of least resistance. In other words, according to physical laws, more heat will enter a shorter circuit than distant radiators. The figure clearly shows the distribution of thermal energy in two identical systems.

We should not forget that in an untuned CO the heat generator operates at maximum, which negatively affects all structural elements.

Summarizing the above, CO balancing is carried out for:

• Uniform heating of batteries, regardless of their location in the heating system.
• Economical operation of the boiler installation.

Advice! Balancing a two-pipe heating system (carried out with preliminary hydraulic calculations), of small length (no more than 4 heating devices) is optional

.
In all other cases, for efficient and economical operation of the CO, hydraulic adjustment is necessary!

What problems does hydraulic system adjustment solve?

The hydraulic adjustment of the space heating system makes it possible to:

1. Achieve uniform heating of each thermal energy consumer.
2. Achieve fuel economy and ensure operation of the heating unit in economical mode.
3. Eliminate the appearance of noise when operating in radiators closest to the heating installation by reducing the volume of coolant passing through them.

NOTE. According to practice, if an autonomous heating system built using two-pipe technology includes 4-6 thermal energy consumers, then in most cases there is no need for hydraulic balancing. But this statement is true only for heating systems installed according to a project prepared by a heating engineer.

Balancing the heating system in a private house

After installation is complete, the heating system needs to be adjusted or balanced. This allows you to identify, correct, and eliminate inconsistencies in the operation of the boiler unit and other devices, ensuring high efficiency of operation and heat transfer.

Contrary to popular belief, the heating system of not only a large multi-storey building, but also a small private house, up to a small-sized country house, needs balancing. Imbalance is the cause of improper heat distribution, when some rooms are very hot and others are not warm enough.

In this regard, it is recommended to carry out balancing before the start of each heating season.

Balancing Tools

These include a balancing valve and a special measuring device.

A balancing valve is a type of shut-off valve for adjusting hydraulic resistance in heating systems. The device solves the problem by changing the cross-sectional diameter of the pipe.

Modern Y-type models are distinguished by the possibility of presetting, which limits the flow rate marked on the handle with a scale. The design provides for the presence of two nipples for measuring pressure, temperature, and coolant flow differential. The name is due to the shape of the body, where the cones are placed at an optimal angle to each other. This minimizes the influence of coolant flow on measurements and increases the accuracy of adjustment.

When to install

:

• The maximum load on the system does not provide a comfortable temperature.
• Under constant load, significant temperature changes are observed in the room.
• Normal heating power cannot be achieved.

The advantages of installing this device are as follows:

:

• Reducing fuel consumption and heating costs.
• Increasing the efficiency of the heating system and increasing comfort due to the ability to regulate the air temperature in each individual room.
• Makes it easier to start.

Modern balancing valve
Installation of a balancing valve involves the use of special fittings and adapters

It is important to pay attention to the presence of an arrow stamped on the body of the device and its direction. Some devices are mounted strictly in a certain direction of water circulation. Violating this manufacturer's recommendation will cause valve failure and system failure.

Once installation is complete, measurements should be taken to determine the level of adjustment.

Violating this manufacturer's recommendation will cause valve failure and system failure. Once installation is complete, measurements should be taken to determine the level of adjustment.

Pressure and temperature differences, as well as coolant flow across the balancing valve can be measured using a special device.

The multifunctional computer device is equipped with precise sensors, and in addition to the measurement function, it is capable of eliminating detected errors and carrying out balancing. This device greatly simplifies and speeds up the process of fine-tuning the heating system.

Manufacturers of modern devices provide the ability to connect them to a computer. Installing a special program allows you to transfer data to a PC for further work with them.

It is important not only to buy modern equipment, but also to know how to use it. Otherwise, the setup process will be ineffective, which will lead to improper heating operation, lack of a comfortable microclimate, excessive consumption of thermal and electrical energy

• Using partner valves, the hydraulic system is divided into modules.
• Next, all parts are balanced, from risers and collectors to heating points. This makes it possible to achieve the design flow rates of all modules and valves with minimal pressure losses on the devices themselves.
• After balancing, the pump switches to the power that provides the calculated rate of water circulation in the system. This will allow you to adjust the flow rate on the main module located at the pump.

The result of adjusting the balancing valves is the data obtained about what values ​​are required and achieved. This information allows you to check the quality of the work performed and is its guarantee.

Regulator with temperature control sensor for heating balancing

As a result of correctly performed balancing, the pumping equipment begins to consume a minimum of electricity, and the consumption of thermal energy is carried out rationally.

Another problem that one has to face in the absence of special devices is the inability to determine the quality of the heat supply when it is in operation. Y-type balancing valves with measuring nipples have a system self-diagnosis function, which consists of the following:

:

• Determining the malfunction while the heating system continues to operate.
• Checking the technical condition and operating parameters of equipment.
• Making decisions when identifying faults.

Thus, errors are found and quickly eliminated.

How does a hot water circulation pump work?

Every person needs hot water in everyday life; it is used to maintain personal hygiene, wash dishes, do laundry, and for sanitary purposes. Thanks to the functioning of a centralized hot water supply system and the existence of a variety of autonomous individual water heating devices, hot water today is present in almost every house and apartment, however, many people face a number of problems: low pressure, cooling of the riser, prolonged flow of cold water from the tap. In such cases, using hot water can hardly be called comfortable, and the most optimal solution would be to install a special circulation pump.

Why install a circulation pump

In hot water supply systems, circulation pumps perform the following functions:

• Provide sufficient hot water pressure;
• Provides fast supply of hot water.

Thanks to constant circulation, cooled water is mixed with hot water, so you don’t have to wait long when opening the tap, which in turn can significantly reduce water consumption and save on utility bills.

Design and principle of operation

In its design, such a pump resembles a drainage installation:

• Housing made of corrosion-resistant materials;
• Rotor with shaft;
• Impeller;
• Electrical engine.

The engine drives a rotor shaft with an impeller. Water enters the center of the wheel and, under the influence of centrifugal force, is thrown along the blades and pumped into the pipeline under a certain pressure.

Features of the DHW system with a pump

The principle of operation of the circulation pump in the hot water system is absolutely simple and consists in arranging a closed circuit through which hot water will constantly circulate. For an autonomous hot water supply system, the entire diagram will look like this:

• A closed pipeline is connected to the storage water heater;
• Special tubes are led from the pipeline to the water intake points;
• The pump creates the required pressure for constant circulation of heated water through the pipeline;
• Unused water goes back to the water heater;
• When the tap is opened, the consumer instantly receives hot water, and the water heater is automatically replenished with cold water from the external network.

The use of a circulation pump is absolutely necessary in those systems where there are many water intake points, as it helps prevent a drop in pressure in the case of simultaneous use of several taps. Modern pumps are able to adapt to the current situation, automatically turn on and off, and also change their power

Online store of engineering equipment. Lamborghini boilers, burners, Wilo pumps, Siemens automation.

What homeowners need to know about balancing heating systems

At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated in setting it up. The temperature in the rooms can be adjusted without special measuring instruments, independently, guided by subjective sensations: make it warmer in some places, cooler in others. But often the result does not live up to expectations, since the average user does not take into account the laws of hydraulics: an increase in the flow area of ​​the balancing valve of one radiator will lead to a decrease in flow on another radiator

And here it is important to catch that same balance

“In an unbalanced heating system, in order to warm all the rooms in the house, the circulation pump has to work with increased load, which accelerates its wear and sometimes causes noise in the pipes. In such cases, you will have to forget about thermal comfort, as well as savings, says Maxim Nemkov, head of the installation department, which provides services for the design, installation and maintenance of utility networks. — As practice shows, it is undesirable to install a heating system yourself - the likelihood of errors is too high. These, for example, include the selection of boilers and pumps with unreasonable reserves due to the unaccounted heat capacity of the rooms. Professionals do not allow such inaccuracies in their work.”

To minimize risks, the homeowner must have the necessary information and constantly monitor the work of the installers. So, if the master assures that designing the heating system and setting up the equipment in accordance with the engineer’s calculations is quite enough, then it is better to contact another company. Real conditions always differ from theoretical ones: for example, methods for calculating heat losses do not take into account the specific features of the building, which results in deviations of the required coolant temperature from the design values. This is an ordinary situation, but if left unattended, the system will not work correctly.

The balancing itself can be done in two ways. “Classic” implies the presence of a heating system design, according to which, by tightening the balancing valves, the required design flow through each radiator is adjusted. But having a project completed without errors is not a common occurrence these days. And the real system may differ from the calculated one. If there is no project documentation, they resort to the “emergency” method. In such cases, an electronic thermometer is used that measures the temperature on any surface. With its help, the same temperature at the outlet of all heating devices is adjusted through balancing valves. “The general disadvantages of existing methods include the lack of a universal approach and large time costs. On average, balancing takes about one working day, it is carried out by at least two people,” Anatoly Korsun, a professional installer, shares his experience. It is clear that such time expenditure is not profitable for a team of specialists, therefore, in an effort to work on as many objects as possible, they make ridiculous mistakes. And as a result, the balancing accuracy suffers, which eliminates the savings, for the sake of which, in fact, everything was started.

The most popular manufacturers of thermal heads

The market offers a wide range of thermal heads of various designs. These are liquid and gas thermal heads with a built-in thermoelement; they perfectly perform the main task of regulating the temperature in rooms. They also have an attractive design and original complement to the interior of the room.

Danfoss

The Danish company produces a large range of gas condenser and liquid thermal heads. Gas thermoelements are produced in series from RA 2000 to RA 2991, also available with a remote sensor RA 2992, anti-vandal - RA 2920. The range of temperature settings for these devices is 5-26 ℃, the waiting time is a maximum of 12 minutes. There is a function to protect the coolant from freezing, the ability to limit or block changes in the set temperature scale.

Danfoss RA 2920

Liquid thermoelements from this manufacturer are produced in the following series:

• RAE;
• RAW;
• RAS-C;
• RAS-C2.

Danfoss produces a series of premium thermostats, living eco and living connect, with a backlit display and powered by AA batteries. These thermostats have settings programs that allow you to reduce the room temperature to 17 ℃ at night and during working hours.

Living connect series thermostats are often used as part of intelligent smart home systems. Both series allow you to control the thermostat from your mobile phone via Bluetooth.

Danfoss Living Eco

Oventrop

The German manufacturer positions itself on the market as a manufacturer of high-quality engineering fittings. Exclusive products from Oventrop create special accents in the room. The design and color scheme match the interior, as well as the shape and color of the elegant radiators.

The thermostat for heating batteries "Pinox" not only attracts attention with its design, but also impresses with its functionality. The thermostat is supplied with M 30 x 1.5 thread and clamp connection. It allows you to easily and accurately adjust the temperature in the building. Thanks to its one-piece design, the regulator is impervious to dirt and easy to clean. Works without a power source.

Oventrop Pinox thermostat

The "Uni SH" thermostat with liquid element and threaded connection M 30 x 1.5 is easy to operate and has a clear scale. The thermostat has a raised mark for the visually impaired. The selected setting value can be marked using a memo puck.

Oventrop Thermostat Uni SH

Heimier

Also a well-known German brand, it produces more than 12 types of thermal heads. These are mainly liquid regulators with connection type M30*1.5, M28*1.5, which is most often used in our country.

Liquid thermal head HEIMEIER D

Among them you will find different thermal heads by design:

• with remote sensor;
• with a remote control mechanism;
• anti-vandal for installation in public places.

Heimeier F thermostat with remote adjustment

Required Tools

If you ask a plumbing professional what equipment is needed to perform a balancing operation, you will most likely hear about a thermal imager. It is used to determine the heating level of all elements of the heating system. But the cost of such a “machine” is quite high. There is no point in buying a device for one operation. In principle, you can try to rent it if you find it. But let's still try to make do with simpler and more accessible means.

For example, the following things will be enough for you:

• electronic contact thermometer. Necessary for measuring the heating temperature of heating equipment;
• screwdriver;
• hex key, which is used to rotate the balancing valve rod;
• paper and marker or pencil.

Ideally, you would need to stock up on the wiring diagram according to which the heating system was assembled. But often design documentation is simply missing, because the assembly was carried out according to temporary sketches and almost “on the knee”.

In this case, you will have to fill in what is missing. You need to make at least a rough sketch on paper of how all the elements of the heating system are located. On this plan it is necessary to indicate in what sequence the radiators are connected to the circuit and how far they are from the boiler room.

The second stage of preparation is washing the mud trap located at the entrance to the heating boiler. Then heat the heater to maximum power. As a rule, the coolant temperature should be approximately 80 degrees. This process does not depend on what the weather is like outside - you still need to warm it up.

Wiring of simple heating systems

A heating system can be called simple if it contains one direct circuit. A direct circuit means a line into which coolant is supplied from the boiler without changing the initial temperature. Some radiator heating systems are simple. They can be single-pipe, double-pipe or mixed. The most practical type of simple radiator heating is a two-pipe system based on a supply and return line.

And if its balancing is done correctly, such a system will ensure uniform heating of the radiators along the entire heating perimeter.

Let's consider the main elements of the system and their functions.

Radiator network adjustment

The balancing method practiced by our expert is equally suitable for closed single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems of country cottages. Manifold wiring and heated floors are regulated in a different way, which we will discuss in the next section.

The essence of the technique is to measure the surface temperature of all radiators and eliminate the difference by limiting the coolant flow with balancing valves. How to adjust radiators using a thermometer:

1. Warm up the coolant to 70-80 °C, fully open all control valves. If the boiler does not show the actual supply water temperature, determine it yourself by placing a meter on the metal outlet pipe.

   
   Initially, the valve preset ring is adjusted to maximum flow

2. Measure the surface temperature of the first radiator supply in two places - near the supply and return connections. If the difference is within 10 degrees, the battery warms up normally.
3. Repeat the operation on all heating devices, recording the readings. Move along each heating branch, one by one recording the temperature of the batteries up to the last one.
4. If the temperature difference between the supply of the first and last radiator does not exceed 2 °C, close the valves of the first two batteries by 0.5-1 turn and repeat the measurements.

   
   The measurement is taken at the supply and return pipes, the maximum permissible difference is 10 degrees

5. When the difference reaches 3-7 degrees, the control valves of the first heaters close by 50-70% (calculated by valve rotations), the middle ones - by 30-40%, the last devices remain completely open.
6. Wait 20-30 minutes to allow the batteries to warm up after the new settings, then repeat the measurements. The goal is to achieve a normal difference of 2 °C (3 degrees is allowed for long highways) between the last and first device.
7. Repeat the adjustment procedure, turning the balance valves a quarter or half a turn, until you achieve the same heating of all batteries. “Listen” to each radiator for noise indicating increased coolant consumption.

Important point. Don’t get carried away by excessively tightening the taps; you won’t get any savings this way. Compare the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the heater - if the difference exceeds 10 °C, the valve must be released. Due to too little coolant flow, the room will become cold.

Approximate adjustment of the batteries of a closed two-pipe system is shown using the example of a heating circuit for a two-story house. Why is it approximate: the number of batteries to be closed and the number of turns of the tap are purely individual for each wiring; it is necessary to understand it locally. If you doubt the correctness of your actions, press down the coolant gradually, making half a turn of the valve and repeating the measurements.

As a rule, a single-pipe “Leningrad” of 3-4 batteries does not need balancing; it is enough to lightly “press” the first radiator. In the associated wiring (Tichelman loop), you need to limit the first and last device. An expert will show you the adjustment procedure more clearly in the video:

Expansion tank

A closed expansion tank is a tank equipped with a rubber membrane that divides the device into two parts (the lower half contains the coolant, and the upper half contains inert gas). When the temperature in the heating system increases, part of the coolant enters it, thereby smoothing out the pressure difference in the supply and return lines.

The tank can be installed in close proximity to the heating boiler. Additional shut-off valves (ball valve) installed in front of the tank entrance will make it easy to disconnect the tank from the system if there is a need to repair or replace it.

Features of a single-pipe system

A single-pipe heating system for a private house involves the sequential passage of coolant through all the radiators that are in the system.

In this case, water or other liquid flowing along the line gives off part of its heat to the first radiator, which helps reduce the temperature of the coolant.

One-pipe heating of a private house is bad because the heating temperature of the last one in the radiator circuit is much lower than the first one. This drawback can be eliminated quite easily. To do this, it is necessary to consistently increase the number of sections in the batteries. Moreover, the further the radiator is from the starting point of the line, the more sections it should contain. This is one of the main disadvantages that single-pipe heating has.

Single-pipe connection of heating radiators is a rather complex and time-consuming process, in which it is very important to make correct calculations of the number of sections.

A single-pipe heating system for a two-story house and a single-pipe heating system for a one-story house are quite different in nature. Currently, a horizontal single-pipe heating system and a vertical single-pipe heating system are used. Schemes are also created that take into account forced or natural circulation of fluid through the system. Natural circulation is not suitable for all cases, but sometimes it is better to use it.

Components of a one-pipe system

Components of a one-pipe system
If you implement a one-pipe heating system yourself, then you must always remember that the bypass, as well as all independent elements of the system, must be able to be closed by valves. This is done so that if they fail, subsequent replacement or repairs can be made without any problems.

Horizontal single-pipe heating system

This single-pipe heating scheme for a private house involves use in one-story structures. Only here can it be realized. It is also sometimes called the Leningradka single-pipe heating system. The connection diagram for a single-pipe heating system in this case is very simple.

The line is laid either above the floor or in the structure of the floor itself. In this case, it is imperative to reduce the heat transfer of the line, and for this the system must be insulated. It is better to install all pipes in this system at a certain angle, and radiators can be mounted at the same level.

Sometimes a horizontal single-pipe system is installed in private two-story houses. A single-pipe heating scheme for a two-story house is somewhat more complicated than in a one-story structure. Here, an additional riser is introduced into the system, which supplies liquid to the second floor. If there is such a possibility, then the riser needs to be embedded up to the first radiator, which is located on the first floor.

In this system, temperature control can be done floor by floor. A single-pipe heating system for a multi-storey building can be made according to the same principle, but you must always remember that heat loss in this situation cannot be avoided. The upper floors will always be much colder than the lower floors.