Piping the Returns on an EFM

northernmainecoal wrote:Here's what we did

That fine - most often done like that - but it creates a 1/2 deep dam the hold back fluid in the vessel

Using that fitting and drain tap, I would have turned it on clocking the reducing branch down

If you would have used a straight TEE there with the branch pointed up - then you could have added a nipple and a reducing elbow = that would have allowed complete drain to hose and a spot to wash out the boiler

NOTHING WRONG with what you picture - Nice work but if we are [attempting to] teaching a better way you posted a nice example

Thanks Sting, that was my intention after reading your post about pooling behind the bushing. It works for me, but now I know there is a better way

northernmainecoal wrote:Here's what we did

I assume that center pipe is offset enough to allow future install (and removal) of a tankless coil? Nice EFM by the way, it looks pretty new.

Yes, it is offset for just that reason. Thanks! We bought it new last January and it's been running ever since (minus shutting it down to clean a couple times)

Rob R. wrote:

windyhill4.2 wrote:How come the EFM folks didn't do their install that EXACT way?

Something else that I haven't seen brought up is the difference in expansion rates of copper and steel. If you pipe it as Scott pictured there is some forgiveness via the threaded joints. In a system that experiences a lot of temperature swings the copper sandwiched between the two return ports will have repeated stress on the soldered joints. I have no idea if that matters or not, but I've already had to cut out one piece of copper between the return ports due a failed joint.

I agree with that, I've come across two other coal boilers that had copper straight between the T's and ended up having bad sweat joints.

Scott
Who in their right mind would use a pipe wrench to remove a bushing or nipple. That why we have cutting torches. pipe wrenches are for putting pipe together not taking it apart. Come on man?

That's a fantastic idea Phil

Lets drag the torch into a tinderbox basement and light that candle!

God hates a coward Sting.

This thread is getting interesting

This is how I piped mine, followed the examples I found here.

Revisiting this thread. There has been some inquiries as to the correct way to fit up the returns on an EFM. I do advise to include the info from Sting if there is enough room to install it.