Water Heaters
All electric water heaters must be built with a TPR (Temperature Pressure Relief) valve, to prevent them from blowing up if the temperature or pressure reaches an unsafe level. This works to release the excess pressure (in the form of steam or water) through a safe outlet, often piped below the fitting and sometimes even leading outside. The valve should be tested manually on a regular basis, as the effects of the tank exploding can be very dangerous.
Another important feature of a water heater is the drain valve, which allows for any sediment build up to be released. Sediment is one of the main causes of water heaters failing, and it is recommended that the drain valve be flushed at least every six months, to prevent any blockages and damage to the tank.
The anode is another key aspect to a water heater, preventing electrolysis from eating away at the tank itself. Instead, the anode (often magnesium of aluminium based) will attract the corrosion. It is again necessary to check the anode regularly (most modern tanks will have an easily accessible ‘port’ where the anode is held), because once it has worn away completely the corrosion will start to eat at the tank.
The inner tank that holds the actual water has to be insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss, and often the surrounding pipes are also layered to ensure no heat is lost when the water is travelling to its destination.
There is a big emphasis on environmentally friendly water heaters and energy saving appliances, as up to 20% of your heated water is wasted through poor insulation or poor management of your heater. Not only does this have a negative effect on the environment but it also means your household bills will be more expensive.
All electric water heaters must be built with a TPR (Temperature Pressure Relief) valve, to prevent them from blowing up if the temperature or pressure reaches an unsafe level. This works to release the excess pressure (in the form of steam or water) through a safe outlet, often piped below the fitting and sometimes even leading outside. The valve should be tested manually on a regular basis, as the effects of the tank exploding can be very dangerous.
Another important feature of a water heater is the drain valve, which allows for any sediment build up to be released. Sediment is one of the main causes of water heaters failing, and it is recommended that the drain valve be flushed at least every six months, to prevent any blockages and damage to the tank.
The anode is another key aspect to a water heater, preventing electrolysis from eating away at the tank itself. Instead, the anode (often magnesium of aluminium based) will attract the corrosion. It is again necessary to check the anode regularly (most modern tanks will have an easily accessible ‘port’ where the anode is held), because once it has worn away completely the corrosion will start to eat at the tank.
The inner tank that holds the actual water has to be insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss, and often the surrounding pipes are also layered to ensure no heat is lost when the water is travelling to its destination.
There is a big emphasis on environmentally friendly water heaters and energy saving appliances, as up to 20% of your heated water is wasted through poor insulation or poor management of your heater. Not only does this have a negative effect on the environment but it also means your household bills will be more expensive.
<< Home