Backflip Preheater Installation – Legacy Copper Pipe Method

July 23, 2024

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How to Connect Pipes (Copper Install)

We recommend using "Shark Bite" for plumbing — If you are using a copper Backflip Preheater, “Shark Bite” fittings are handy for making connections. They will allow you to disconnect the pipes after the season. Otherwise, if you were to solder the pipes, it would be very difficult to remove your hood at the end of the season.

Photo from installation project — Here is a close up of the shark bite fittings in action.

1. Top Right Pipe

Top right pipe of the preheater is plumbed to the float box. This pipe will feed hot sap into your float box. The Smoky Lake Float Box has a 3/4″ NPT, female fitting.

2. Lower Right Pipe

Add a valve to the drain in the lower right. This valve should be closed while boiling. Drain the system after each boil. That way the pipes won’t freeze/burst. (This photo shows the pipe before the valve was attached.)

3. Bottom Left Pipe and Top Left Pipe

The bottom left pipe of the preheater is connected to a head tank. The head tank will feed raw sap into the preheater. This particular head tank has a sight glass attached to it so that the operator knows how much sap is in it at all times. The top left pipe from the preheater is a vent. It must extend higher than the head tank.

Backflip Preheater – Installation

Backflip Preheater Installation – Legacy Copper Pipe Method

How to Connect Pipes (Copper Install)

1. Top Right Pipe

2. Lower Right Pipe

3. Bottom Left Pipe and Top Left Pipe

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