How to boost your home's hot water capacity using an indirect water heater
In short: If your existing steam boiler isn't providing enough hot water, an indirect water heater might be the solution. By connecting the unit to your boiler via a heat exchanger coil, you can significantly increase your supply. However, the installation requires precise plumbing, specific valves, and careful electrical integration.
To increase hot water availability, an indirect water heater is integrated into an existing steam boiler system. To start, isolate the system by switching off both the boiler's primary power and the main water supply. To prepare the boiler, a hose and water pump are used to drain the water through the boiler's draw off valve, ideally into a utility sink or outdoors.
The mechanical connection relies on a heat exchanger coil. Ideally, the boiler should be tapped just below the water line to prevent sludge from entering the system. The plumbing involves 1-inch copper pipe connections between the boiler and the coil. To ensure system longevity and ease of maintenance, the setup should include a ball valve shut off at the tap point, followed by a Y-Strainer to act as a filter and flush point.
The return run from the heat exchanger coil output to the boiler input requires a specific sequence: a circulator pump, a purge valve, a shut off ball valve, and a second purge valve. Once the copper pipes are soldered using a propane torch and flux, the system must be reconnected to the main water supply and the main hot water feed. A thermostatic mixing valve is essential in the hot water line to manage temperatures.
The final stage involves electrical integration to ensure the boiler responds to the water heater's needs. A temperature sensor is attached to the indirect water heater, which then connects to an electronic relay mounted on the boiler. This relay controls the circulator pump. Once the power and water are restored, the system must be purged of excess air using the purge valves before the tank fills and heats up.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Install an Indirect Water Heater on a Boiler | Ask This Old House
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