Radiators flow and return loop Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[Davediywhitwell]

I recently moved into a 1960 s built house. Preparing the floor of the smallest bedroom for carpet, I lifted a loose floorboard and was surprised to see the radiator flow and return connected together. The radiator is working ok with no problems. Radiators in the other bedrooms also work ok. Any heating engineers know why the radiator was installed this way? I haven’t had any other flooring up to inspect how the rest of the pipework is run.

[stoneyboy]

Hi davediywhitwell,
Most likely that you have a single loop heating system where radiator tapping are taken consecutively off one pipe. There is no flow and return as such.l
If it's working ok don't mess with it.
Regards S

[ericmark]

In the 50's that was a standard method, most schools and collages piped that way, there are both plus and minus points, but if it works, leave it.

[Davediywhitwell]

Many thanks for your replies. I’ve done a bit of research and understand how this system works. My previous homes had flow and return hence my puzzlement! Thank you.