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[DaveWertz]

Well its getting closer to shut down time CANT WAIT. But just want some insight what you guys do as in shutting pump(s) off and cleaning of the fire box. Do you drain your system? This will be my first shut down since I moved here. I have a taco circulating pump and a Wilo pump? Now I am assuming the taco is the pump that draws and delivers water to and from the stove correct? And the Wilo, well I can't understand what that does? I want to install a electric water heater but not sure if both pumps need to run or just one or none. I'd like to hear all of your shut down procedures. And as far as draining the system it just don't sound like a good idea IMO. Just curious before I takle this big project.

[Scott7m]

I'm not sure why your wanting to shut it down?  Can you elaborate?

There is no need to drain it, if I wanted to work on plumbing I'd close some valves "if they were installed" turn the pumps off and go to work

[Scott7m]

Your hardy has separate lines for the hot water heater most likely....  It's hard to give straight forward answers on this situation

[DaveWertz]

Shutting down for warmer weather. Yeah its not that close but close enough for me. I just see some people wanting to drain there system. Wouldn't that make it harder to prime again? I guess my question what pump would I shut off if any? I need a electric water heater I don't want to deal with a fire all spring and summer. Plus the system hasn't been shut down for 2yrs so its indeed time for a cleaning.

[DaveWertz]

Not sure where I need to tie in the water heater.

[Scott7m]

So you don't have a water water heater now? 

Yea you'll need to shut your pumps off when warm weather arrives, but you'll have no need to drain your stove, just shut it down and clean as much creosote in it out as you can and cover the chimney for the summer

[DaveWertz]

No the OWB is my hot water source now. I have backup oil heat but not really interested in buying oil and it hasnt been ran in awhile. Do you let your pumps run all yr? And whats this I read about using motor oil on the inside of the firebox? Doesn't make sense and I see it completly no needed. I could be wrong.

[Scott7m]

There is no need to run your pumps in the summer.... 

Yea, many folks clean there stove out completely, then take used motor oil and kinda coat the insides, it's not a bad idea at all.  It can just help protect firebox walls and grates, and it sure can't hurt anything

[DaveWertz]

I didn't think I would need to run the pumps all summer but wasn't really sure. I guess anything to preserve the firebox I will try. I want this thing to last me 30yrs. Still debating on ordering PEX pipe from you, don't think I forgot I just got sick this weekend. I think my biggest problem with the heat was there was air in the lines so it wasn't circulating properly. I think I got that figured out now. Once I get money saved Im going to determine whether or not I want to go to 1" pipe.

[Scott7m]

If you had air in your lines that was causing major restrictions, if we get really cold again, you can find out more about it.  You may not need 1" depending on your heat load, but the uninsulated underground lines are a concern

[DaveWertz]

Well I'm not running corrigated pipe its PVC and they are wrapped (foam wrap) but I do plan on insulating them a little bit better. Just need to find time to pull all the lines out. Learning this stuff as you go is a real PITA!

[Scott7m]

Well I'm not running corrigated pipe its PVC and they are wrapped (foam wrap) but I do plan on insulating them a little bit better. Just need to find time to pull all the lines out. Learning this stuff as you go is a real PITA!

Yea there hard to insulate by yourself, they are wrapped by machine to get them nice n tight.  If I just wanted to redo that section, I'd order the underground line, jerk the corrugated pipe off of it, and slide the insulation and pex pipes through together

[d conover]

I'm in no hurry to shut my H-4 down.  I know my wife isn't. last months electric bill was $67.00.  We are heating 3500 square feet of house plus a 50 x30 shop.  And all the hot water we can use.

It is a major improvement over last year when we were using a H-2 on our old house.  I bought some good insulated 1" pipe and tried to do everything as right as I am capable on this new house...

[woodman]

I can't believe your thinking about shutting down all ready! Its not even the 1st of Feb yet lol! Around here Feb 1st is MAYBE the half way point in the heating season. Where do you live? When it is time to shut down just clean out the firebox and turn off your pumps, throw a five gallon pail on the stack and your done.

[DaveWertz]

I live in North East PA. I hope to have it shut down sometime in March. I don't want to burn longer than I have to. I think March will be a good time as it starts to get a little warmer out. This firebox really needs some attention. For one the shaker grates need replaced. HD5, does your H4 have shaker grates?