zone valve installation

I want to feed a new loop on my hot water heating system. This will be 16' of baseboard in the celler. I presently have 4 zones in the house now, each with its own circulater. One zone for hot water, one for the 2nd floor, and two on the 1st floor. Instead of installing a fifth circulator, I would like to put zone valves in one of the downstairs zones. I am not sure if I can put the zone valves on the return side or do they have to be on the feed side. Could you show me a typical zone valve installation that will answer this question.

Thank You
mesantor

 

Returns tend to be the preferred location. What kind of velocity could you see going through this cellar zone if it is the only zone valve that is open for this circulator? That's something that should be calculated.

Why not just add a small pump for this zone as well? Cheaper than 2 zones valves and may save you messing the balance on an existing zone.

 

I doubt the extra circulator would be cheaper once you also buy another switching relay but Who does bring up a good point about velocity.

 

Grady, I figured the OP would need a relay either way, unless the pump controller is for 5 zones, then even better... ;-)

 

Thank you for your reply answering my question on what side of the aystem to put the zone valves. I might just take your advice and add another pump instead.

Thanks again
mesantor

 

You won't need much of one... try and snag a Grundfos 15-10 on ebay... it's like 33 watts or 25... really low.

 

Modern pumps and zones valves will tolerate either side of the boiler. Taco, Grundfos and others manufacuter multi-speed pumps.

 

Wouldn't a zone valve on the return side lead to migration in the piping? I have always been told to prevent migration install a positive shutoff zone valve on the supply side. Just a thought.

 

A positive shut off, such as a zone valve, can be installed on either the supply or return. If there is something there stopping the flow thru that loop, you will not get migration. Even an air pocket will do it.