The main purpose of the bypass is to improve or optimize the operation of the heating system. This simple element can be built on your own or purchased at any plumbing store. However, the installation of the bypass requires special rules.
One of the primary tasks of the home owner is to create an efficient heating system. The microclimate in the house should be constant: no one will like the situation when it is cold in the house or vice versa, there is nothing to breathe. The bypass is designed to eliminate these extremes and optimize the heating system.
What is bypass and how to use it
Structurally, the bypass is a piece of pipe with tees installed at the ends and a built-in tap. Simply put, this is a jumper between the "return" and the direct pipeline that supplies the coolant to the system. In functional terms, the bypass returns the excess coolant back to the riser, ie, through this device, parallel transportation of water is carried out without "entering" the control, shut-off valves. This allows repair (replacement) of radiators without shutting down the entire heating system. Another functional feature of the bypass is to facilitate quick filling or emptying of the heating system.
Installation of a "jumper" is relevant for heating systems in which a circulation pump is involved. If it does not work (for example, during a power outage), the efficiency of the heating system will drop dramatically. In such a situation, the bypass comes to the rescue. As soon as the electricity is lost, it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the pump and at the same time open the supply on the main pipe. This operation can be carried out automatically by using a bypass equipped with a special valve. As a result, the entire system will go into natural circulation mode.
Bypass installation
The described additional element is best installed horizontally in order to avoid the formation of air pockets. When installing devices on a jumper, the following sequence must be observed (direction - to the coolant):
- filter;
- non-return valve;
- pump.
One of the features of the bypass is its ability to "revive" an outdated one-pipe heating system. To do this, the "jumper" must be installed as close as possible to the radiator and as far as possible from the riser. The bypass can be made by yourself - you will need, in addition to the pipe section, a pair of tees. If the pipeline is made of plastic, then a soldering iron will be needed. If the pipes are made of metal, you will have to invite a welder or cut the pipe and make a thread at both ends for tees. Separate the inlet to the radiator and the bypass with a control valve (a radiator thermostat can be used).
