Loops in central heating pipes

[Allan29]

I am proposing to upgrade my existing radiator circuit to something like modern standards (something I feel I can do myself) as part of a long term plan to replace the boiler as well (something I will need a plumber for). For the radiator circuit, I am thinking of using Honeywell 'S' Plan so will need to add 2 motorised valves and a pump, let us assume these are mounted together as a 'control group'.

I would prefer this 'control group' to be accessible in the kitchen (for maintenace) rather than under the upstairs floor (the logical place would be an access nightmare), say near the ceiling above and to the side of the existing floor mounted boiler. It would be logical for the outlet pipes from the boiler to enter the 'control group' from below as this fits in well with the existing 4 pipes coming out of the boiler.

However, there seem to be very few modest sized (18kW) floor mounted condensing boilers, almost all are wall mounted. If I later have a wall mounted boiler fitted, in the conventional position on the wall, the top exiting water pipes from the new boiler will likely be well above the inlet connections to my 'control group'.

Is it permissible to think about looping the outlet pipes from the new boiler down and then up again, so. It seems to be to go against good practice but would it work?

Allan

 

[ChrisR]

You can do most things, if it's a sealed system.

 

[Allan29]

My system will still be conventional vented?

Allan

 

[sturharv]

Careful about creating 'air locks'.

Why not change the boiler at the same time? Would make more sense

 

[Allan29]

Careful about creating 'air locks'.

Why not change the boiler at the same time? Would make more sense

Yes, but it would make it more difficult to split the work between myself for the radiator network (I work slowly) and the installation of a new boiler. I particularly want to spend time thoroghly cleaning and repainting radiators before re-installation, as well as fitiing new valves etc. I also understand that the BSP steel piping may not appeal to many plumbers these days; hence tackling that bit myself?

Allan