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[flashpnt]

For a hot water heater any difference from a side arm ex changer and a water to water plate ex changer.

[CountryBoyJohn]

http://outdoorwoodfurnaceinfo.com/forum/index.php?topic=6792.0

[userdk]

Side arms are slow, easily plugged, and altogether a pain. Go with a plate exchanger. We've never yet had a problem with them.

[Marktk]

if you run a hot water return pump the side arm is great I  have had no problems and limitless hot water

[Jwood]

Side arms are slow, easily plugged, and altogether a pain. Go with a plate exchanger. We've never yet had a problem with them.

Can you explain how a side arm plugs easier than a plate exchanger?

[userdk]

OK, I take that back. I've never seen a plugged plate exchanger though and I have seen a plugged side arm.

[Jwood]

No problem I was just curious cause I've heard of plugged plate exchangers but haven't heard of a plugged side arm but that doesn't mean they don't get plugged 

[Chas]

I have a sidearm and had a plugging issue when I fired up this fall. The sidearm itself wasn't plugged but the 3/4" brass nipples that thread into the water heater on both ends of the sidearm were. It was really hard black stuff and I had to use a hammer and chisel to clean it out. Working great now. I'm thinking a small circulater pump might keep it from plugging again and it would also give me quicker recovery time.