Higher pressure with new heater

[LearningCurve]

I recently installed a Hayward HP21404T heat pump. Since then my pressure is running about 9psi higer (with a clean filter) than it did before. With a freshly cleaned filter, I use to run at 12psi. Now it is at 21psi. I always cleaned the filter if it got to 26. Allthough the heater has 2" inlet and outlet, I plumbed with 1-1/2" since that is what was existing. The installation added about seven 90 degree fittings and I used ball valves for a bypass from the local farm supply. I just realized that the ball valves are not full flow. Bypassing the heater is still 15psi having to go through one ball valves.

I have almost everything I need to change to 2" plumbing from the filter to the return including pharer 2" full flow valves. The return actually has 2" fittings plumbed like a manifold that is fed with 1-1/2" and breaks back out to 1-1/2 inch to two seperate return lines.

Do you think I will drop the pressure any re-plumbing or is higher pressure common from a heater?

Thanks!

[mas985]

A heater can add quite a bit of head loss depending on the design. On average, they will add about 4-5 PSI @ 70 GPM.

[LearningCurve]

A heater can add quite a bit of head loss depending on the design. On average, they will add about 4-5 PSI @ 70 GPM.

So do you think it is a gamble and I MAY drop the pressure a few PSI?
If the added pressure is known to be the result of head loss from the heater, would a guy just add the extra pressure to the standard of which you backwash/clean the filter? For example, since I use to backwash at 26 I now backwash at 35? Would that shorten the life of the pump? I ususlly just take the de filter apart and clean it instead of backwashing.

[mas985]

You really shouldn't wait so long to clean a filter. The manufacture recommendation of 8-10 PSI results in additional head loss of 23' of head which can severely restrict the flow of most any pump so I don't recommend doing that although it doesn't really hurt the pump. It is just really inefficient.

I would recommend cleaning the filter when the pressure rises 25% above the clean filter pressure. So if your normal pressure is now 21 PSI, clean the filter at 26 PSI.

As for changing out your plumbing, it probably isn't worth your effort.

[LearningCurve]

OK I appreciate your help.
Thanks!