Service manual
THE SMART SOLUTION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Vertical Stack
Rev.: 11/09/12
15
climatemaster.com
Commercial Water Loop Applications - Commercial 
systems typically include a number of units connected 
to a common piping system. Any unit plumbing 
maintenance work can introduce air into the piping 
system; therefore air elimination equipment is a major 
portion of the mechanical room plumbing. In piping 
systems expected to utilize water temperatures below 
50°F [10°C], 1/2” (13mm) closed cell insulation is 
required on all piping surfaces to eliminate condensation 
(extended range units required). Metal to plastic 
threaded joints should never be used due to their 
tendency to leak over time.
Tefl on tape thread sealant is recommended to minimize 
internal fouling of the heat exchanger. Do not over 
tighten connections and route piping so as not to 
interfere with service or maintenance access. Hose 
kits are available from ClimateMaster in different 
confi gurations for connection between the unit and the 
piping system. Depending upon selection, hose kits 
may include shut off valves, P/T plugs for performance 
measurement, high pressure stainless steel braided hose, 
“Y” type strainer with blow down valve, and/or “J” type 
swivel connection. Balancing valves and an external low 
pressure drop solenoid valve for use in variable speed 
pumping systems may also be included in the hose kit. 
The piping system should be fl ushed to remove dirt, 
piping chips, and other foreign material prior to 
operation (see “Piping System Cleaning and Flushing 
Procedures” in this manual). The fl ow rate is usually set 
between 2.25 and 3.5 gpm per ton [2.9 and 4.5 l/m per 
kW] of cooling capacity. ClimateMaster recommends 3 
gpm per ton [3.9 l/m per kW] for most applications of 
water loop heat pumps. To ensure proper maintenance 
and servicing, P/T ports are imperative for temperature 
and fl ow verifi cation, as well as performance checks.
Water loop heat pump (cooling tower/boiler) systems 
typically utilize a common loop, maintained between 60 
- 90°F [16 - 32°C]. The use of a closed circuit evaporative 
cooling tower with a secondary heat exchanger between 
the tower and the water loop is recommended. If an 
open type cooling tower is used continuously, chemical 
treatment and fi ltering will be necessary.
GROUND-LOOP HEAT PUMP APPLICATIONS
Pre-Installation - Prior to installation, locate and mark all 
existing underground utilities, piping, etc. Install loops 
for new construction before sidewalks, patios, driveways, 
and other construction has begun. During construction, 
accurately mark all ground loop piping on the plot plan 
as an aid in avoiding potential future damage to the 
installation.
CAUTION! The following instructions represent industry 
accepted installation practices for closed loop earth coupled 
heat pump systems. Instructions are provided to assist the 
contractor in installing trouble free ground loops. These 
instructions are recommendations only. State/provincial 
and local codes MUST be followed and installation MUST 
conform to ALL applicable codes. It is the responsibility of 
the installing contractor to determine and comply with ALL 
applicable codes and regulations.
CAUTION! Ground loop applications require extended range 
equipment and optional refrigerant/water circuit insulation.
 CAUTION! 
 CAUTION! 
Water-Loop Heat Pump Applications
Piping Installation - All earth loop piping materials 
should be limited to polyethylene fusion only for in-
ground sections of the loop. Galvanized or steel fi ttings 
should not be used at any time due to their tendency to 
corrode. All plastic to metal threaded fi ttings should be 
avoided due to their potential to leak in earth coupled 
applications. A fl anged fi tting should be substituted. P/T 
plugs should be used so that fl ow can be measured using 
the pressure drop of the unit heat exchanger. 
Earth loop temperatures can range between 25 and 
110°F [-4 to 43°C]. Flow rates between 2.25 and 3 gpm 
per ton [2.41 to 3.23 l/m per kW] of cooling capacity is 
recommended in these applications. 
Test individual horizontal loop circuits before backfi lling. 
Test vertical U-bends and pond loop assemblies prior to 
installation. Pressures of at least 100 psi [689 kPa] should 
be used when testing. Do not exceed the pipe pressure 
rating. Test entire system when all loops are assembled. 










