jasonnewyork
New Member
I bought my house last summer, 2 story cape (1200sqft), with a gas fired hot water heating system. There are cast iron radiators throughout, with the exception of two rooms that the previous owner repaced with baseboards.
To make a long story short, I hired a family friend (plumber) to convert the system to a 3 zone system (each floor is a zone). At that time, I didn't know anything about these systems and trusted him . He cut out the existing system (x2 1" supply/return pipes) and replaced with 3 zone valves with 1/2" PEX piping.
During the past winter, I noticed a hugh imbalance. The first half of the first floor loop was extremely hot and the second half was cold/warm at best. The second floor, being only about 300sqft was OK and the basement is gutted with no heat so cannot comment.
I'm in the process of finishing the basement and realize I need to address this issue. I had one plumber come out and suggested a I add another zone to the first floor but I don't think that is the right way to fix this. I'm afraid only way to fix this is to restore the old system.
My question is do you think the best system was the original? From what I have been reading, seems like monoflow/2 pipe systems are best for cast iron rads while series loops are for baseboards? Another question is should I restore 2 pipe setup or go with a monoflow setup? My neighbors house is identical and all original from 1941. I went into her basement last night and confirmed the 2 pipe system. It appears she has all regular tees, I found no markings for venturi, monoflow, etc? Is that possible that a 2 pipe system use regular tee fittings?
Any help is appreciated. I'm a bit lost right now and looking for some advice!
To make a long story short, I hired a family friend (plumber) to convert the system to a 3 zone system (each floor is a zone). At that time, I didn't know anything about these systems and trusted him . He cut out the existing system (x2 1" supply/return pipes) and replaced with 3 zone valves with 1/2" PEX piping.
During the past winter, I noticed a hugh imbalance. The first half of the first floor loop was extremely hot and the second half was cold/warm at best. The second floor, being only about 300sqft was OK and the basement is gutted with no heat so cannot comment.
I'm in the process of finishing the basement and realize I need to address this issue. I had one plumber come out and suggested a I add another zone to the first floor but I don't think that is the right way to fix this. I'm afraid only way to fix this is to restore the old system.
My question is do you think the best system was the original? From what I have been reading, seems like monoflow/2 pipe systems are best for cast iron rads while series loops are for baseboards? Another question is should I restore 2 pipe setup or go with a monoflow setup? My neighbors house is identical and all original from 1941. I went into her basement last night and confirmed the 2 pipe system. It appears she has all regular tees, I found no markings for venturi, monoflow, etc? Is that possible that a 2 pipe system use regular tee fittings?
Any help is appreciated. I'm a bit lost right now and looking for some advice!