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Where Should A Balancing Valve Be Installed

Time: 8-August 2025 | Source: I-FLOW| Share

Balancing valves play a critical role in maintaining system efficiency and comfort in HVAC, chilled water, and domestic hot water systems. But to achieve their purpose—ensuring flow balance and system stability—correct installation location is crucial.So, where should a balancing valve be installed?

1. Installed on the Return Pipe (Typical Practice)

In most hydronic systems, balancing valves are installed on the return side of terminal units (e.g., fan coil units, air handling units, radiators).
Why?
  • Return-side placement provides stable and lower temperature readings, making it easier to accurately measure flow rates.
  • Less thermal fluctuation improves the performance of manual and automatic balancing valves.
  • Prevents false readings caused by supply-side pump pressure surges.

2. Exceptions: Supply Side Installation

In some domestic hot water circulation systems, a balancing valve may be placed on the supply side—especially when the temperature control of the hot water loop is critical.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and project design documents.

3. Key Placement Considerations

  • Before control valves or isolation valves: Ensures balancing accuracy without interference.
  • Away from turbulent flow zones like elbows or T-junctions: At least 5x the pipe diameter upstream, 2x downstream clearance is ideal.
  • Accessible location: So maintenance and flow measurement can be easily carried out.

Conclusion

For effective flow control and system balancing, return-side installation is the standard best practice, especially in chilled and hot water systems.
Correct installation guarantees efficient commissioning, energy savings, and long-term reliability.
Need help selecting or installing the right balancing valve for your project?
Qingdao I-Flow offers manual, automatic, and pressure-independent balancing valves for all system types.
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