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  1. #1
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    Default Radiant floor from water heater

    Interesting system, Water heater is heating the floor of the mud room and one rear second floor bedroom.
    Everything looked Kosher to me but I haven't seen this application before for floor radiant.
    Any thoughts and have any of you dealt with this before.

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  2. #2
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    I have seen it before but I never liked the idea. As I understand it the water obviously recirculates back into the water heater. What if they water lies stagnant in those lines for a very long period of time. Does bacteria grow in a closed system like that. I was always curios about what ramifications there might be. Probably none but just a thought.

    Also, I don't thing I am seeing that entire vent at the angle the picture shows but if I am, what's up with that. Does it go anywhere. I guess the damper is on the tilted down end and the flue to the exterior is on the other side, or not. Just another curiosity.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    "As I understand it the water obviously recirculates back into the water heater."

    Seeing as I am in middle Georgia and have never seen one (radiant heat) and most likely never will. I could be way off, but, I think that tank has a heat exchanger in it. Keeps the radiant heat water separate from the drinking water, or at least thats what I think.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    There is a separate loop in the water heater which allows for the radiant system's heating water to NOT mix with the potable water.

    When doing this, you are only allowed to do so with water heaters designed and intended for the purpose.

    I see a lot of smoked up paint down by the burner access - from flame roll out?

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Purpose of the Expansion Tank on the Hot Side ?
    .

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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Thermal expansion of the potable water.

    What it is always installed for.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post

    Thermal expansion of the potable water.

    What it is always installed for.
    .
    Not if it's made by Watt's.
    .

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  8. #8
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    This is what the flooring would look like under an Infrared camera.

    Best

    Ron



  9. #9
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    "Not if it's made by Watt's."

    Use only with potable water system. Do not operate in a
    setting with freezing temperatures or where the temperature
    can exceed 200°F and do not exceed the maximum working pressure specified for this Product in the Manual. Mount vertically only.

    However that does bring up a question. Radiant heat, being a closed system, does need an expansion tank. But the water in the radient heat system is not Potable water.


    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    .
    Not if it's made by Watt's.
    .
    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell View Post
    "Not if it's made by Watt's."

    Use only with potable water system. Do not operate in a
    setting with freezing temperatures or where the temperature
    can exceed 200°F and do not exceed the maximum working pressure specified for this Product in the Manual. Mount vertically only.

    However that does bring up a question. Radiant heat, being a closed system, does need an expansion tank. But the water in the radient heat system is not Potable water.
    .
    Watts Shows expansion tank installed supply side as well.
    File correct Watts Installation Instructions.
    .

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  11. #11
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    .
    Not if it's made by Watt's.
    .
    Got it, I did not catch the "on the Hot Side" ... my mind was already at "on the potable water side" ... shame on me.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  12. #12
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post

    Got it, I did not catch the "on the Hot Side" ... my mind was already at "on the potable water side" ... shame on me.
    .
    Mr Peck,

    Maybe one of them Plumbing Guys can enlighten us as to the ins & outs of this added Equipment.
    .
    .

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  13. #13
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    Flue is good, Barometric damper stuck. No good. Closed system. backflow preventer installed. Expansion tank should be on the hot side for this as that's where the expansion is occurring. Domestic side of water heater does not require the expansion tank here( Ct) unless water pressure is too high and in most areas here it's not.
    Still an odd ball.
    Recommended installer service.
    And, the house is heated with 2 furnaces. 13-15 yrs
    Recommended conversion to hydro at time of furnace implosion
    Thanks for the input


  14. #14
    Ken Corwin's Avatar
    Ken Corwin Guest

    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    I have seen these systems. There is flat plate heat exchanger being utilized to protect the potable water from the hydronic system. On a call for heat one of the circulation pumps is energized passing water through the flat plate and heating the infloor tubing. There is an expansion tank and relief valve. These systems do work if sized correctly but they still are utilizing an inefficient appliance whether it's this oil fired water heater or a standard gas water heater, either way the appliance must be listed of use for both potable and hot water heating.


  15. #15
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    Default Re: Radiant floor from water heater

    There are a number of this type around here. They are not necessarily lower efficiency. AO Smith makes a 96% efficiency dual use water heater, as do some others. The system can also work really well with a solar collector and storage tank.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

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