Radiators with bottom connection - the features of this

17-01-2018

Heating

As you know, the most popular and widely used design option in heating systems is the side pipe liner, but this option may not always work. Previously, the only alternative was panel steel radiators with a bottom connection, but nowadays you can find similar aluminum structures, as well as bimetallic products. They have a number of characteristic features, which we will discuss in this article.

In the photo: steel products are great for implementing the design of the bottom connection.

Features of this type of products

First of all, we will consider the main pros and cons of the lower radiator connection, so that you understand the features of such systems in more detail.

Let's start with the benefits:

Aesthetics	The lower connection of heating radiators implies the absence of pipes running along the walls, which is very important in some design projects. In addition, you can put the furniture close to the walls, which allows to increase the area of useful space. The battery will look as neat as possible, because only two pipes go to it
Simplicity	Due to the fact that the design is much less bends and joints, it is much more reliable than traditional options, and it is much easier to assemble with your own hands. To avoid problems, we recommend stretching a continuous pipe of metal-plastic from the comb to the radiator, then in this section any gaps will be excluded.
Good heat dissipation	There is an opinion that steel heating radiators with bottom connection are less effective, but in reality this is far from the case. About 60% of the heat of the battery is due to convection, so a lesser degree of heating is not so terrible. Judge for yourself - cast-iron options due to convection give only 20% of heat, so they are not done with the bottom connection, because they would actually be less effective.

Tip! To maximize the efficiency of the heating system, we recommend the use of circulating pumps. Only a good flow rate allows you to extract maximum benefit from the coolant, in addition, good circulation increases the heating rate of the premises.

Some developers do not hide the pipes under the floor, and lay them along the surface, after they can be closed box

As for the shortcomings, they are as follows:

A steel radiator with a bottom connection, like any other similar option, will cost a bit more than standard designs with side connections. But the price is not so high as to consider this factor a significant disadvantage.
Regarding the lower heat transfer, we figured out below - radiation can be less by 10-15%, but due to convection the difference is almost imperceptible. In order to eliminate the influence of this factor, it is necessary to put elements with a reserve of power, on our portal there is an article on the correct performance of design work, read it.
In case of problems, it is very difficult to reach the pipes and you have to tear the floor coverings. But if you use the above recommendation and put the metal, then the likelihood of such trouble is almost impossible.

There are only two connections in the metal-plastic pipe, it provides excellent reliability

Recommendations for installation work

We will understand how to connect a heating radiator with a bottom connection, the process is quite responsible and requires accuracy. But if everything is done in accordance with the technology, then the result of the work will meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Preparatory activities

Instructions for conducting this stage is as follows:

First of all, it is necessary to lay pipes to the place of their connection, it is important that the length is enough for comfortable work, because cutting off the excess part is much easier than trying to attach a short branch. The choice of material depends on your preferences, but as noted above, the option with metal-based laminate is much preferable.
It is also necessary to carefully fix the radiator on the surface of the wall, it is important that it is located exactly and be fixed as firmly as possible, so if the radiator falls, the integrity of the system can be broken. For work, it is better to use durable brackets, which will be sufficient in length, their configuration should match the type of equipment used.

Before fixing the brackets, it is important to carefully mark up with a building level.

You will also need fittings for heating radiators with a bottom connection, this is a special kit that is designed specifically for this type of system. The presence of such a kit is very convenient, since you do not need to assemble the system in parts - you immediately get everything you need to work.

A set of lower connection radiators greatly simplifies the process of acquiring the necessary components

From the tool we recommend to have an adjustable wrench on hand, this is quite enough for work. We also recommend that you wear gloves, as you can scratch your hands on the protruding elements and the surface of the walls.

Main stage

Before you start work, check the correct location of radiators:

The distance from the bottom to the level of the final floor should be at least 100 mm, in our case it is especially important, because in order to attach fasteners, you need at least 7 centimeters of free space.
From the top of the battery to the windowsill there should not be less than all the same 100 mm.
The distance from the wall surface to the heating element should be at least 3, and preferably 5 cm.

Tip! To increase the efficiency of heating, it is recommended to attach a special heat-reflecting material behind the radiator. It can be purchased at any hardware store.

A special reflector is mounted under the brackets.

Works are performed in the following order:

First of all, figure out which of the supply and supply, and which is the reverse, if you mix up these elements in places, the heating efficiency will be much lower. In order to eliminate errors, read the instructions, which must necessarily be included in the package.
Hang the radiator on the brackets, However, we do not recommend removing the protective packaging from the product, as in the process of work you may accidentally scratch the surface. Remove it after completion of work.
The nodes of the lower radiator connection can be located either on one side or on different sides.. Understand in advance which option you have, because the pipes are laid in such a way as to be as close as possible to the point of connection.

For structures in which the findings are located nearby, the connection node may represent a single product.

The connection of steel radiators with bottom connection is made as follows: first, the elements are screwed to the radiator, do not forget to put special washers that seal the connection. It is necessary to tighten all the knots very strongly, but you should not be too zealous, because you can break the union nut.
Next you need to tighten the connection points to the pipes, the process is similar, so we will not dwell on it in detail, it is important to observe accuracy.

The unit for the lower radiator connection may have different lengths.

After work, be sure to check the integrity of the system, for this it is necessary to fill it with water and carefully review all the connections. We recommend installing a thermostatic head for each radiator, it will maintain the temperature at a certain level and reduce energy costs.

Conclusion

Deal with the connection on the forces of any developer, the main thing - to buy high-quality radiators and connecting nodes. The video in this article will show the workflow in detail.