Bottom connection of heating radiators - options, diagrams, installation instructions

Thanks to the correctly selected connection scheme for heating radiators, water is supplied more efficiently with minimal losses in their power. For this reason, your own connection diagram must be selected for each specific situation. For example, the bottom connection of heating radiators provides for hidden pipe routing, and therefore such a system will harmoniously combine with the interior of the room.

Bottom connection of heating radiators

About battery connection methods

Let's start with the fact that the connection diagram is:

• one-sided;
• cross;
• bottom.

Connection diagrams for heating radiators
According to the one-way option, the connection is made, as a rule, in city apartments where central heating is used. Here the pipes are connected only on one side of the battery. The advantage of the scheme is that the system can operate at maximum rated power, but how efficient the heat transfer is depends on the number of battery sections. In this case, water cannot reach areas remote from the connection point, which negatively affects the efficiency of the entire heating system. This effect is especially noticeable when using a battery consisting of 15 sections, therefore, when connecting multi-section radiators, it is better to give preference to a different circuit.

Adapter for bottom one-sided radiator connection

In recent years, bimetallic radiators have become increasingly popular; they can be connected in a diagonal (also called cross) pattern. The essence of this scheme is that the liner is connected from above, and the branch is connected from below, but on the other side. With this installation, the liquid is more evenly distributed throughout the battery, which means the loss of its power is minimized.

Diagonal connection of heating radiators

On a note! When using a diagonal scheme, it is necessary to take into account how the outlet/supply pipes are located. After all, if the inlet is made from below and the outlet from above, then the radiator can lose over 50% of its power.

Diagonal diagram for connecting heating radiators with a two-pipe and one-pipe system
Sometimes the diagrams described above are not used indoors for one reason or another. Then only the bottom connection , which creates a through passage of the coolant; It is obvious that in this case the liquid does not reach the upper sections of the radiator, which is why heat transfer can decrease by 15%. However, this scheme is often used in private houses with individual heating. And heat transfer can be replenished through distribution pipes.

Heating radiator design

Single-pipe scheme (apartment version)

This connection scheme is very common in apartment buildings (from 9 floors and above).

One pipe (riser) descends from the technical floor, passes through all floors and enters the basement, where it enters the return pipe. In such a connection system, there will be heat in the upper apartments, since, having passed through all the floors and given off the heat to the bottom, the water in the pipe will cool down.

And if there is no technical floor (5-story buildings and below), then such a system is “ringed”. One pipe (riser) rises from the basement, passes through all floors, goes through the apartment on the top floor to the next room and descends, also through all floors, to the basement. In this case, it is not known who is lucky. On the ground floor, in one room, it may be warm where the pipe rises, but in the next room it is cold, where the same pipe descends, giving off heat to all apartments.

Key Points of Bottom Connection

So, we found out that this scheme allows you to hide pipes from prominent places and is used mainly in private homes. The pipes connected to the radiator go to the floor, which frees up some space, and the room itself looks more neat and noble. Today you can buy 2 types of batteries with this connection - these are panel and steel devices.

Bottom radiator connection

They can have either 1 or 3 heating panels. The more of them, the warmer the room will be, and therefore when choosing devices it is necessary to take into account the area that needs heating.

Important! Steel radiators, when compared with analogues, are easy to install and take up little space. Ideal for any room. Panel models have already installed thermostatic fittings, as well as a connection point.

Bottom connection node

Two-pipe heating system diagram

In two-pipe schemes, the supply of hot coolant to the radiator and the removal of cooled coolant from the radiator are carried out through two different pipelines of the heating systems.

There are several options for two-pipe schemes: classic or standard, associated, fan or beam.

Two-pipe classic wiring

Classic two-pipe heating system wiring diagram.

In the classical scheme, the direction of movement of the coolant in the supply pipeline is opposite to the movement in the return pipeline. This scheme is most common in modern heating systems, both in multi-storey buildings and in private individual ones. The two-pipe circuit allows you to evenly distribute the coolant between radiators without loss of temperature and effectively regulate heat transfer in each room, including automatically through the use of thermostatic valves with installed thermal heads.

Such a device has a two-pipe heating system in a multi-story building.

Associated scheme or “Tichelman loop”

Associated heating wiring diagram.

The associated scheme is a variation of the classical scheme with the difference that the direction of movement of the coolant in the supply and return is the same. This scheme is used in heating systems with long and remote branches. Using a passing circuit allows you to reduce the hydraulic resistance of the branch and distribute the coolant evenly across all radiators.

Fan (radial)

A fan or radial scheme is used in multi-storey construction for apartment heating with the possibility of installing a heat meter (heat meter) in each apartment and in private housing construction in systems with floor-to-floor piping. With a fan-shaped scheme in a multi-storey building, a collector is installed on each floor with exits to all apartments of a separate pipeline and an installed heat meter. This allows each apartment owner to account for and pay only for the heat they consume.

Fan or radiant heating system.

In a private house, a fan diagram is used for floor-to-floor distribution of pipelines and for radial connection of each radiator to a common collector, i.e., each radiator has a separate supply and return pipe from the collector. This connection method allows you to distribute the coolant as evenly as possible across the radiators and reduce hydraulic losses of all elements of the heating system.

Note! When distributing pipelines in a fan pattern within one floor, installation is carried out in solid (without breaks or branches) sections of pipes. When using polymer multilayer or copper pipes, all pipelines can be poured into a concrete screed, thereby reducing the likelihood of rupture or leakage at the junction of network elements

Types of panel radiators

Such batteries are:

• hygienic;
• smooth;
• profile.

Dimensions of steel panel radiators of various types.
The first two types are intended for hospitals, schools and kindergartens. The most popular manufacturers of such models are Purmo and Kermi.

Steel panel radiators PURMO COMPACT

As for profile batteries, they are made of sheet steel and coated on the outside with a special powder coating. They are also coated with neutral anti-corrosion varnish, and therefore can last for many years. Note that such radiators can be of any color.

Bimetallic heating radiators

Tubular steel batteries are better than panel ones, because they can be turned over on either side (in this case, panel models are purchased with a specific connection). The coolant in tubular models is supplied directly to the outer section, which is very good if you need to replace old batteries with new ones.

Steel tubular radiator

What materials is the harness made of?

At the moment, there are several popular materials that are used for strapping.

This list includes:

• Polypropylene pipes.
• Reinforced polypropylene pipes.
• Steel pipes.
• Other materials.

It should be understood that in addition to the basic materials, additional ones are also used, which include:

• Ball valves.
• Tees.
• Sgony.
• FUM tape.
• Linen windings.
• Packaging pastes.

Advantages of this connection scheme

This type of connection allows for easy concealment of pipes, and the loss of efficiency will be insignificant. The radiator will heat up faster and stronger from below than from above, which is explained by the rapid flow of coolant through it.

Bottom connection

Sometimes efficiency may be reduced due to air accumulation or blockages. Warming up with the lower connection, as noted earlier, is uneven, but it is still no worse than the upper one.

Note! When installing batteries - regardless of the circuit used - you must comply with all installation requirements. First of all, this refers to the proportions between the width of the battery and the window.

Video - What are the benefits of batteries with bottom connections?

Nuances of installing radiators

The most important thing during installation is to do everything in the original packaging so as not to damage the external coating of the radiators. In addition, it is important not to confuse the supply and return. If the entrance and exit are located at different ends, then you cannot make a mistake - to do this, just study the markings. But if they are on one side, you need to act carefully and carefully! An error may result in an incorrect connection, which could result in a power reduction of up to 60% (the exact value will vary depending on the model selected).

Bottom connection unit with bypass

On a note! Each model with a bottom connection has a thermostatic insert that allows you to easily regulate the temperature of the device. This feature affected the cost - it is, on average, 10% higher than other batteries.

Calculator for calculating the number of heating radiator sections

Go to calculations

Not everyone will like this “web of pipes” created for the most efficient connection of the battery

What radiators are suitable

Manufacturers produce batteries for bottom connections with outlet and inlet pipes at the bottom. Universal models have 4 gaps for lines, so they fit in any way. Heating pipes are installed at two entrances, the rest are hidden with plugs. It is allowed to connect radiators using the bottom method under the side insert. You will need a special installation kit to attach the pipes to, into, or under the floor.

Fixation is carried out from below on brackets. The element should be slightly inclined towards the reverse movement of the coolant. In this way, air pockets are quickly removed from the system.

The lower method of connecting radiators is suitable for single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems. Using special fittings and devices, the technology is implemented in apartments and private houses.

Bottom liner options

There are only two of these, let’s get acquainted with the features of each of them.

Table. Bottom pipe options.

Bottom connection methods

Next, we will consider exactly how radiators can be connected to the heating system.

Bottom connection in a two-pipe system

Method No1. With side outlets

The connection is easy to make; the pipes in this case are located below - in the floor or under it. The radiator can be removed without stopping the entire heating process, but for this, shut-off valves are mounted on both sides. And an air vent is placed on top (on either side).

Double-sided bottom connection

Method No2. Using an adapter

If it is not possible to connect pipes to the radiator on both sides, then the problem can be solved by using an adapter. It is screwed into the lower hole, and a stainless steel tube is passed to the upper hole. The heating pipes are connected to the adapter itself from below.

Installation of the radiator bottom connection unit

On a note! You can learn more about this method from the video below.

Video - How to connect a sectional radiator from below

Method No3. With flow extender

The extension cord must be screwed into the lower hole without any bends to the upper one. The coolant circulates due to the fact that, passing through the middle of the device, it comes out at its end and rises, thereby squeezing out the cold liquid through the outlet located in the device.

Radiator guide or duct extension

Important! This connection option is not suitable for a gravity heating system.

Operating principle of a flow extender for a heating radiator

What else do you need to know

Side connecting holes (also called inlets, pipes and manifolds) can have different diameters. The most common:

• G1” – one inch (2.54 cm);
• G3/4” - three quarters of an inch (1.91 cm);
• G1/2” – half an inch (1.27 cm).

This is important to know when choosing shut-off and control valves: you need to know whether it will be possible to connect the device to the radiator directly or whether adapters will be required. When connecting sectional radiators of any type, you cannot do without adapters (footers): here in some collectors the thread is left-handed, and in others - right-handed

Therefore, special installation kits are produced for sectional radiators with side connections. They are available for different diameters of collectors and supply pipes. Their configuration varies, but most often there are seven elements: four adapter fittings, a Mayevsky valve (air vent) with a key and a plug (for an unused manifold)

When connecting sectional radiators of any type, you cannot do without adapters (footers): here in some collectors the thread is left-handed, and in others - right-handed. Therefore, special installation kits are produced for sectional radiators with side connections. They are available for different diameters of collectors and supply pipes. Their configuration varies, but most often there are seven elements: four adapter fittings, a Mayevsky valve (air vent) with a key and a plug (for an unused manifold).

https://youtube.com/watch?v=nnQz2VA7C_M

With a bottom connection, all you need is a radiator connection unit, which is also called “multiflex”. Two shut-off ball valves are built inside it, which serve to cut off the coolant. If necessary, simply turn the miniature taps and the radiator is turned off: it can be removed.

He can be:

• straight - pipes are supplied from below;
• corner - pipes come out of the wall.

When choosing it, it is important to know the distance between the centers of the pipes (center distance). This value is indicated in the technical data and is usually 80 or 50 mm. There is a set of adapters for any type of pipes for the bottom connection of radiators

For more information about these fittings, watch the video.

There is a set of adapters for any type of pipes for the bottom connection of radiators. For more information about these fittings, watch the video.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=otVXrHAX2EE

Using radiators with bottom connections

This method is not only the most effective, but also the most aesthetically acceptable. The advantages of this connection include:

• possibility of installing a flow direction adapter;

Flow direction adapter

• no need to purchase a suitable thermostat - it is already on the radiator;
• the fact that both pipes from the battery go into the wall or floor.

Piping in the wall
However, there are also disadvantages, including:

• the need to install an air vent on each radiator;
• the need for constant use of a circulation pump;
• less uniform heating, lower efficiency;
• impossibility of use for gravity heating systems.

You need to bleed the air from the battery

Battery Location Requirements

Regardless of which connection method is chosen, the radiator should be located:

• 5 cm from the wall;
• 10 cm from the window sill (a distance of at least 5 cm can be allowed);
• 10 cm from the floor surface (a slight deviation is possible - maximum 2 cm).

How to install heating radiators correctly

On a note! When purchasing fasteners, consider the thickness of the foil thermal insulation (if provided). In this case, the length of the locking hooks should be slightly longer.

Radiator location standards are observed

About special radiators designed for the lower connection scheme

As noted earlier, special batteries with bottom connections are sold today. Their design is such that optimal heat transfer is ensured. Radiators consist of a pair of steel plates connected to each other by welding, thereby forming technological channels for the movement of working fluid. The plates are varnished in two layers for high-quality protection against corrosion.

Bimetallic radiators Titan (Marek) 500/96 with bottom connection

To connect the radiator with your own hands, you need to prepare:

• L- or T-shaped tubes;
• building level;
• multiflex nodes;
• FUM tape;
• thermal insulation;
• pipe cutter;
• nuts in the required quantity.

It is advisable that the bottom connection of the batteries be made in the early stages of renovation of the apartment/house, because the pipes in this case are laid inside the floor (or wall). Keep this in mind when planning the installation of a concrete floor screed.

It is better to connect the radiator in the early stages of repair

Note! Each battery model with a bottom connection can have its own mounting kit or its own unit, thanks to which you can mount the device on the wall.

If for one reason or another the pipes cannot be laid into the floor, then in the future they can be covered with a plinth or plasterboard box.

Skirting for radiator pipes

Pros and cons of technology

The connection method is chosen to ensure uniform heating of the radiators.
The optimal option for using a unit for connecting a heating radiator with a bottom type of connection is a two-pipe system. Communications eliminate heat losses and have several advantages:

• uniform heating of the top and bottom of the batteries;
• ease of serial connection of pipes;
• high-quality heating of rooms, which allows only the two-pipe method to be implemented;
• masking radiator elements in the floor or walls;
• quick dismantling and replacement of elements;
• possibility of installing pipelines made of polypropylene, copper, PEX, bimetal, aluminum, steel.

The disadvantages of the lower supply include the need to equip each battery with air vents and the impossibility of installing it if there is a circulation pump.

Features of installing radiators with bottom connections

The installation process is determined by which scheme is chosen. So, the pipeline can be laid:

• in the wall;
• in the floor;
• between the radiator and the floor.

On a note! The efficiency of the heating system does not depend on the location of the pipes - they are hidden for aesthetic reasons.

The connection is made using special fittings.
First, radiators are installed, having previously calculated their number for each room, after which pipes are supplied to them.

If you follow the advice from this article, you will not encounter any difficulties.

What tools will you need?

The tying process is highly complex, so special tools are required, which include:

• Special keys.
• Seal for each threaded connection.
• Tow and thread pastes.
• Threaded threads.

This list is not exhaustive, because each system requires an individual approach.

Master Class. We connect the radiator from the floor using L-shaped tubes

L-shaped tube
Step 1. Installation begins with the installation of the nipple.

Nipple installation

Step 2. Then the block of ball valves is installed.

Installation of ball valve block

Step 3. Place the threaded clamp onto the L-shaped tube.

Threaded clamp connection is put on

Step 4: Now the L-shaped tube is flared using a tool.

The L-shaped tube is flared using a tool

As a result, the rubber seal no longer slips off the tube into the Eurocone.

Now the seal does not slip off the tube

Step 5. The tubes are installed in the fixing angle.

Installation of tubes in the fixing angle

Step 6. Next, the tubes are inserted into the block of ball valves and baited.

Baiting tubes

Step 7. A hole is marked for attaching the fixing angle, after which the tubes are dismantled.

The future hole is marked. Removing the tubes.

Step 8. A hole is drilled in the floor according to the markings.

A hole is drilled in the floor

The kit with a fixing angle includes a dowel and a self-tapping screw. The dowel is driven into the hole made.

Dowel and screw The dowel is driven into the hole

Step 9. The L-shaped connecting tubes are installed back and fixed to the ceiling.

Fixing L-shaped tubes

Step 10. Take the pipe and connect it to the L-shaped connecting tubes. The thermal insulation on the pipe is moved back at least 2 lengths of the sliding sleeve. Then the sleeve is fixed.

Pipe for the heating system Thermal insulation is moved back by 2 lengths of the sleeve Fixing the sleeve

Step 11: The connection is made. The end of the pipe is flared.

Note! In this example, a metal-polymer pipe is used, which is why the nozzle on the tool is green.

A green nozzle is used Flaring the pipe The pipes are connected
Step 12. The pipes are attached to the ceiling using dowel hooks with a pitch of 50 cm. Thanks to this, the pipes will not float up when pouring the screed.

The pipes are attached to the floor with dowel hooks

Types of fittings for the assembly

Types of fittings that are used to connect pipes and radiators in a heating system.
You can connect communications using the bottom method using three types of fittings:

• Direct. They are used to connect radiator modules to pipes emerging from the floor in a vertical position. The direct fitting scheme involves the presence of fittings with an “American” (flare nut) or compression adapter coupling.
• Angular. The pipes come out of the wall at a minimum height from the floor surface. The corner fitting is connected by an American connector located at the ends of the pipes.
• Taps for closing the system and adjusting the temperature. The fitting is built into the battery housing and provides quick connection to the two-pipe wiring. Using ball or valve valves with recessed tips, you can adjust the return, flow, and turn off radiators.

Parts of the steel pipeline are fixed with a metal-plastic union nut with a Eurocone type connector.

Master Class. We connect the radiator from the floor using T-shaped tubes

Also, T-shaped connecting tubes can be used to connect the battery from the floor. They are necessary if the line goes under the heating device. Let's look at this process step by step.

T-tube

Step 1. A threaded clamp connection is put on the tube.

Threaded clamp connection is put on

Step 2. After this, the tube is flared.

T-Tube Flaring

Step 3. Next, you can proceed directly to installing the tubes.

Installation of tubes

On a note! In the photo you see that the connecting tubes are installed in different directions.

The tubes are installed in different directions
Step 4. A connection is made using a sliding sleeve. The radiator is connected using T-tubes, and the line goes further to the next heating device.

The heating device is connected using T-tubes

Step 5. The exit of the pipes from the floor can be decorated using overlays in accordance with the finishing floor covering. Overlays can be made for different coatings.

Decorative overlay Example of using decorative overlays

If there are no high aesthetic requirements for the interior of the room, then you can use a budget connection option using a connecting set. This set is used for cross-linked polyethylene pipes without an aluminum layer.

Connection set

Inside this set there are guides and rings for fixing the pipe. This set is necessary to prevent threaded connections from loosening and to compensate for thermal expansion.

Guides Ring for fixing the pipe

First, the ring is put on the pipe. Then the clamp is removed from the guide, the pipe is inserted into it and secured with a ring. The latch is inserted.

The ring is put on the pipe The pipe is fixed using the ring A clamp is inserted

The pipe is cut to the required length, after which a connection is put on it and installation is carried out to the heating device.

Cutting the pipe Putting on the threaded clamping connection Installation to the heating radiator

Decorative overlays are installed, pre-cut to size.

The location of the cut is marked

Installation of decorative overlays

Using this element, the two parts are connected to each other.

This element is necessary to connect two parts Connecting two parts

The connection kit is attached to the ceiling. That's it, the installation can be considered complete.

The kit is attached to the ceiling

Installation work completed

Types of connection nodes

The H-shaped unit located at the bottom facilitates the process of setting up, shutting off the radiators and draining the coolant from them. Depending on the type of contour reinforcement, there are several types of structures.

Monotube

You need to choose a connection system with 1 or 2 pipes based on the area of ​​the room.
The coolant moves along the main line to the heating devices. Due to the drop in water temperature, the battery warms up well only in the first circuit, the latter remain cold. To equalize the temperature difference, bypass wiring is used. The temperature compensation system divides the input flows into two parts. One is sent to the radiator devices and begins to heat the case. The second at this moment moves to the next device.

Double pipe

Radiators heat up evenly without bypass. If there is a lower unit, a “binoculars” design is used in the form of fittings with adjustment and closing taps. One pipe goes to the supply, the second to the return.

Combined

A main line with a bypass channel inside is used in one-pipe and two-pipe distribution. On a heating main from one pipe the bypass opens slightly, from two pipes it closes completely.

The importance of a competent approach to choosing a connection diagram

First of all, always pay attention to the radiator installation diagram. As a rule, it affects the functionality of the heating device and its efficiency. In addition, if the installation is performed incorrectly, thermoregulation will be disrupted and the pressure in the battery will increase, which will inevitably lead to operational problems. If you do the installation yourself, without the appropriate skills, you will encounter many problems and, most likely, ruin the interior of the room.

Radiator bottom connection unit

By giving preference to the lower connection, prepare for a slight decrease in the efficiency of the entire heating system. Although this is a small thing when compared with convenience and hiding the pipes. If you connect radiators correctly, they will save heating costs in the future and will serve you for many years!

Recommendations for installation work

Let's figure out how to connect a heating radiator with a bottom connection; the process is quite responsible and requires care. But if everything is done in accordance with the technology, the result of the work will meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Preparatory activities

Instructions for carrying out this stage are as follows:

First of all, it is necessary to lay the 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 plastic is much preferable. It is also necessary to carefully secure the radiator to the wall surface; it is important that it is positioned level and fixed as firmly as possible, so if the radiator falls, the integrity of the system may be compromised

For work, it is better to use durable brackets that will be of sufficient length; their configuration must match the type of equipment used.

Before attaching the brackets, it is important to carefully mark using a building level

You will also need fittings for heating radiators with bottom connections; 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 purchase everything you need for work.

The lower connection kit for heating radiators greatly simplifies the process of purchasing the necessary components

As for the tool, we recommend having an adjustable wrench on hand; this is quite enough to carry out the work. We also recommend wearing gloves, as you can scratch your hands on protruding elements and the surface of the walls.