Water heaters used in everyday life are used to supply warm water to apartments in multi-storey buildings, as well as private households. They do not have the same power as industrial devices and are designed for a certain number of residents.
To equip your home with a water heating device, minimal experience in installing plumbing will be sufficient.
Design of water heaters and their types
First you should choose the type of heating device that is most suitable for your case. To do this, it is worth analyzing and determining what requirements the product must meet, as well as its parameters and functions.
Water heating devices may vary in type of power supply and functional design. The power source for water heating devices can be natural gas or electricity. According to the type of operation, the units are available for running water and with a storage tank.
Storage water heaters
Water in storage systems is heated in a container connected to the water supply. This type of heating device is especially popular. This can be argued by the affordable cost of the devices, as well as the lack of special conditions for the installation of electrical equipment.
Flow type devices
The functional design of instantaneous water heaters is that the water is heated by passing through a special sleeve equipped with an electric thermoelement. Products of this type are mounted directly on the mixer, which is connected to the water supply.
This system provides water heating within 30 degrees. A significant disadvantage of such devices is that electrical devices have high energy consumption. This is unprofitable from an economic point of view. In addition, not all houses have electrical wiring that allows the operation of such powerful water heaters.
According to the energy consumption class, flow heating systems are divided into two types - single-phase and two-phase. Another difference is what type of heating element is used in the device. This can be a heating coil or a thermoelectric heater. If tap water has a high salt content, the best choice would be to install a instantaneous water heater equipped with a spiral. In addition, devices with heating elements consume 20–30% more electricity. An internal heating system will be the best option for seasonal use, for example, in a country house.
One of the main advantages of flow-type devices is the convenience and ease of installation. This type of work can be performed by a completely untrained person. To do this, you do not need to have any skills in either plumbing or electrical engineering.
Most of these devices are designed to be placed on the wall in close proximity to the faucet in the kitchen area or in the combined bathroom in order to reduce heat loss. Flow-type heating devices have a low weight, and therefore they do not require major fasteners, as is the case when installing a boiler in a bathroom. To do this, you can use simple fasteners and hardware. Depending on the model, heating units may be located above the faucet or under the sink. One of the advantages of such devices is the possibility of hidden installation. For this you can use plastic wall panels.
You can find out how to install a instantaneous water heater in the bathroom by reading the instructions included with the product. It must be equipped with a connection diagram for the instantaneous water heating system.
Heaters operating on this principle have the following disadvantages:
- high energy intensity– from 5 to 30 kilowatts;
- For correct operation of the equipment it is required a certain level of pressure in the water supply system; this excludes the possibility of using instantaneous water heaters on the top floors of apartment buildings.
Flow-type devices are optimal for installation in small rooms with a small number of occupants. In this case, the apartment should be located on the lower floors.
What you will need to install the heater under running water
In order to carry out temporary installation of an instantaneous water heater, you should have the following set of tools and parts available:
- directly the water heating device itself;
- a shower hose with the head removed, which should be connected to the faucet;
- a hammer drill or impact drill designed for punching holes in concrete;
- fasteners – dowels with self-tapping screws;
- Pobedit drill, the diameter corresponding to the size of the dowels;
- three-core copper electrical wire capable of withstanding sufficient load;
- adjustable wrenches - pipe and Swedish;
- pliers;
- winding - tow or fum tape.
If the product is permanently installed, you will need the following plumbing fittings:
- tee for supplying water from the water supply system to the water heater;
- a gate valve that shuts off the water supply to the device;
- a hose with union nuts of the required size to connect water to the device.
Instead of hoses, you can use a kit for installing metal-plastic pipes.
Preliminary work when installing an instantaneous water heater
First of all, you need to decide on the choice of device model. The market offers a fairly wide selection of flow-type heating systems, the installation of which can be done without the help of professionals. You should know that the models of this plumbing equipment have quite strong design differences. The appearance of the devices may also vary. But all modifications have the same operating principle, and the product is installed according to a certain scheme.
Even a beginner can easily install a instantaneous water heater
A flow-type water heating unit consists of a heating element, which is a welded flask with a pair of pipes with a diameter of 12 inches and three electrical terminals. The phase, neutral and ground wires are connected to them. The system design also includes a product body and a switch. In addition, depending on the modification, the product can be equipped with a rheostatic switch for smooth temperature control, an automatic emergency fuse and LED backlight.
Installation of a flow-through water heating system
Installation and assembly of such a structure can be done in two different ways. In the first case, the hot water outlet from the device is connected directly to the mixer using a shower hose with the nozzle removed. With this installation, the hot and cold water supply will be adjusted using the mixer control lever. When the mode knob on the tap is switched to shower mode, hot water is supplied to the mixer. And in tap mode, cold liquid flows from the water supply.
Of course, it is advisable, if possible, to connect the plumbing equipment in a more serious way than using an unreliable rubber shower hose. To do this, it is necessary to carry out a major installation of the product to the pipeline. A shut-off valve should be installed on the water supply pipe to the heater.
Close the valve at the entrance of the water supply to the apartment. In the selected area, using tow or fum tape, install a coupling - an adapter, with the help of which water will be supplied to the device. Seal connections carefully.
The device should be powered with electricity while complying with the safety requirements for connecting electrical heating equipment. It should be remembered that the energy intensity of the heating elements may exceed the permissible load in the electrical network of your apartment. At best, this will lead to knocking out plugs or automatic fuses, but it is possible that the wiring will catch fire. Before purchasing an electric heater, consider this point carefully. The device is powered by electricity through an outlet, which must be grounded.
The shut-off valve is connected to the inlet pipe of the heating element, and water is supplied to it using a hose or metal-plastic pipes. After this, the device is ready for use.
The next step is to install the faucet or shower mixer included in the delivery of the product. Now you can perform a test run of the equipment. To do this, you need to open the tap and turn on the electrical equipment. After a short period of time, 10–15 seconds, heated water will flow out of the mixer drain hole. Depending on the energy class, it can even be hot. The water pressure and temperature are regulated using a mixer - if you open the tap a little, hot water will flow, and if you open it completely, cooler water will flow.
You should know that using flow-through heaters it is almost impossible to obtain high-temperature water. If you need very hot water, it makes sense to think about how to install a boiler in the bathroom.
In cases where tap water does not meet quality standards, it is advisable to install a filter in front of the water heater inlet pipe. This will extend the life of the product. Use branded pipes and plumbing fittings.
Connecting an instantaneous water heater to the electrical network
The equipment must be reliably grounded. In addition, the system must be equipped with an emergency switch. It should be remembered that the water in a flow-through device heats up within 20 degrees, so the temperature of the liquid may differ in the cold and warm seasons.
Before purchasing an electric water heater, you should accurately calculate the load to which the wiring will be subjected. The cable parameters must correspond to the declared power of the heating unit. Also, different types of heating elements require different types of wiring. In addition, the system should be equipped with an emergency automatic fuse.
We can say that modern instantaneous water heaters will become a reliable source of warm water in your home. Such products will help you easily and quickly solve the problem of hot water supply.
Marking the wall for drilling holes for mounting an instantaneous water heater
Uninterrupted hot water supply is very important for modern life.
Having installed the storage system, you will have to wait until the water heats up to the desired temperature
Instantaneous water heaters are powerful electrical appliances that provide hot water whenever you need it.
Temporary installation of an instantaneous water heater will not require much time
For country houses, a major installation of the device is appropriate
Considering the high power of the device, it is better to install an emergency automatic power shutdown system
Schematic representation of a flow-through water heating device
If hard water is supplied to the system, it is advisable to install a cleaning filter along with the instantaneous water heater.
Check the quality of water supply connections
And flow-through ones. Both are successfully used in the absence of centralized hot water supply.
Storage water heaters are more bulky due to the presence of a tank in which water is heated, and require free space for their installation.
An undoubted advantage of storage water heaters is the ability to plug into a regular electrical outlet without laying an additional electrical cable from the panel on the landing.
The disadvantages include a long water heating time and a limited volume of heated water.
Flow heaters are distinguished by their compactness. Mounted directly on a water tap or shower head, allowing you to shower when there is no hot water.
An instantaneous water heater does not make you wait for the water to heat up and heats it literally on the fly.
The amount of heated water in the case of using a flow-type water heater is not limited - the water is heated as long as the water tap is open.
Electricity consumption occurs only during the use of water, whereas in a storage water heater the thermostat periodically turns on the heating of water to maintain its set temperature in the tank.
Therefore, many, when thinking about which water heater to choose, prefer a flow-type heater.
What types of instantaneous water heaters are there?
Instantaneous water heaters can be non-pressure or pressure.
Non-pressure heaters are placed directly on a water tap or shower and serve only one water tap.
Pressure water heaters are capable of distributing water to several consumers simultaneously and in this case their connection is no different from connecting storage water heaters to the water supply.
Let's look at connecting both types of flow-through heaters in more detail.
How to properly connect an instantaneous heater to a water supply
Connecting a water heater depends on its design.
In the simplest case, an instantaneous water heater is connected to a cold water pipe, as shown in the figure below:
The water is heated immediately after opening the tap.
As you can see, in this case, hot water will only be supplied to the shower head.
Depending on the need, the heater can be installed to provide hot water in the washbasin tap, in the shower, or in both the tap and the shower:
An instantaneous water heater that provides hot water both in the tap and in the shower head at the same time is shown in the photo below:
These connection methods involve installing one water heater at one water point:
There are more complex solutions when, using a special piping, you can use one non-pressure instantaneous water heater for two water points, as shown in the diagram below:
The numbers in the figure indicate:
1 – instantaneous water heater;
2 – mixer with an open hot water tap;
3 – hot water valve;
4 – valve for draining water from the heater;
5 – tee;
6 – cold water flow switch;
7 – comb;
8 – spout;
9 – hot water tap in the “open” position;
10 – hot water pipe from the heater;
11 – cold water pipe from the water supply.
As you can see for yourself, the design is bulky and not very convenient to use.
In this case, it is easier to install a storage water heater or use a flow-type pressure heater.
The pressure instantaneous water heater is connected as shown in the diagram below:
At the same time, it is possible to select hot water at all water supply points - in the kitchen sink, washbasin and shower at the same time.
During centralized hot water supply, tap No. 1 is open, and taps No. 3 and No. 4 are closed. Hot water is supplied to the system from the hot water riser.
If hot water is turned off in the house, then tap No. 1 must be closed, and taps No. 3 and No. 4 must be opened so that cold water enters the instantaneous water heater for heating.
The diagram does not show filters for rough mechanical purification of water from sand and other contaminants. Typically, such filters are installed in front of apartment water meters (water meters) and there is no need to install additional filters in front of the heater.
Burnt out wiring. Yes Yes. This is the most favorable outcome, which is possible if you unknowingly try to plug in a powerful instantaneous water heater (say 10 kW) into a regular outlet, for example, into which you usually plug in a washing machine. What comes with the burned out wiring? Right. Fire.
To avoid such serious troubles, you need to stock up in advance with the correct information on how to connect the flow pipe. After all, there are dozens of little things and big problems that need to be solved. So, let's begin?
Where to install an instantaneous water heater
Installation of an instantaneous water heater in the kitchen under the sink- Think ahead - Will it be convenient for you to supply water to the device?.
- There are no special complaints about the wall - the weight of the devices is quite small (even the most powerful 24 kW models weigh only 4 kg). Therefore, any wall can withstand such a load. Of course, if the surface is completely curved, then it will be quite difficult to hang it on.
- See that in the place of your choice splashes and drops of water did not reach the device. After all, the degree of protection of the case is different for all models - some will withstand even a stream of water, while others will be short-circuited by even a couple of drops. Therefore, it is better to think about this moment in advance.
- Consider the ease of use of the water heater. Will it be comfortable for you to use it: turn it on and off, select different modes, if available, and also use the shower/faucet.
Equipment installation tools
The entire installation process can be divided into 3 stages and you will need the following equipment.
For mounting the water heater on the wall:
- Copper wire with 3 cores and double insulation. It is desirable that its cross-sectional area be greater than 2.5 sq. mm.
Many manufacturers indicate the parameters of a suitable wire in the instructions. If you do not find such data, be sure to consult an electrician. He will provide an accurate calculation of the suitable cable.
- Crimp terminals, as well as a variety of screwdrivers.
To connect to the water supply:
- Metal-plastic pipes, tees, valves, Mayevsky tap, etc.
- Gas and open-end wrench 22, pliers
- FUM tape.
Installing a water heater on a wall
Having chosen a place, you need to secure the device. For this we just need a level with a pencil.
First, remove the top cover from the water heater and place it level against the wall. Use a pencil to mark the places where the holes will be later. On average, the distance between these holes is 180 mm. Next, they need to be drilled using a hammer drill or screwdriver. Install the dowels and complete the installation of the device.
How to connect an instantaneous water heater to a water supply
There are 2 options for how you can connect the device to water.
1 – elementary
Used as a temporary measure during interruptions in the supply of hot water.
In this case, everything is outrageously simple. You simply unscrew the shower head from the hose and this hose is connected to the cold water inlet of the unit. In general, the connection is complete.
So, if you switch the faucet to “shower”, then you activate the water heater and can use its hot water. If you chose “faucet”, then cold water will flow out of it, bypassing the heater.
Once the hot water supply has been restored, you can screw the watering can back on and restore everything as it was.
2 – correct, but difficult
Installation diagram of instantaneous water heater In this case we will use a washing machine outlet. For this we need a tee and FUM tape. After installing the tee, you need to install a tap in the line. It is necessary to control the water pressure, as well as its temperature.
The new water supply from the tap to the water heater can be made either from a flexible line, which will be easier and faster, but less reliable, or from metal-plastic or PVC.
Install the faucet so that it can be easily reached, as you will need to use it often in the future..
- The flexible hose is disconnected from the outlet through which water is supplied to the mixer. Instead of it (the hose), a tee is mounted using FUM tape. Shut-off valves are mounted on its outlets, to which flexible hoses from the water heater and mixer are connected.
- An overhead coupling is mounted on the iron pipe (in the free space) (it must be tightened until it stops). You need to drill holes in the pipe wall using a rubber gasket. The shut-off valve is also connected to the outlet of the coupling using a tape, and a flexible hose of the flow meter is connected to it, in turn.
- In a convenient place for you, a part is cut out in the pipes for supplying cold and hot water, which is necessary for installing a splitter with a tap to control the water flow. The required sequence of parts is formed on the FUM tape: fitting - tap - tee - fitting. You can assemble the parts that are mounted on the side of the water heater (faucet and fitting) at any time convenient for you - immediately or later. The fittings are installed from the ends of the pipe and tightened until they stop using 2 wrenches (one is used to tighten the nut, and the second is used to secure it from turning).
- Next, the flexible hoses are simply connected to the water heater. For greater convenience, we recommend fixing the eyeliner by attaching it to the wall using staples or other fasteners.
When connecting the flow duct, use only the attachments included in the kit. Using third-party faucets is strictly prohibited! Only attachments supplied by the manufacturer provide absolute electrical safety, unlike conventional taps. Believe me, among the current assortment you will certainly find a model with the necessary attachments.
Connecting an instantaneous water heater to the network
The first thing you need to do is look at the rated current of the circuit breaker mounted at the entrance to your apartment or house. For example, you have a single-phase 220V network and a 16A meter. The maximum permissible power can be 16*220=3.52 kW. This means that the total power of all appliances in the house cannot exceed this figure. Simply put, the machine will simply “cut out”.
As a result, it turns out that the power of the instantaneous water heater that your set will withstand cannot exceed 2-3 kW. That is, it is only enough to barely wash your hands. And that's only in the summer.
What to do in this case? The answer is quite simple: you should make new wiring in the apartment. You will need:
— install a new power cable at the entrance to the house;
— replace the circuit breakers on the input and output lines with circuit breakers with a rating of at least 50 A.
Be sure to install an RCD! Your safety when using this electrical appliance depends on this. So, for a single-phase water heater with a power of no more than 6 kW, a 32A RCD with a shutdown current of 30 mA is suitable.
Selecting a wire for connecting an instantaneous water heater
In this table we provide data for a single-phase copper cable with 2 cores:
Instantaneous water heater power, kW | |||||||||||
Current strength, A | |||||||||||
Rated current value of the circuit breaker, A | |||||||||||
Smallest core cross-section, sq.mm. |
The data in the table is valid for copper cable! If you choose aluminum, then all parameters need to be increased by 1.3-1.5 times!
As we already said at the beginning of the article: it is forbidden to plug the instantaneous water heater into a regular outlet, as it will not ensure proper grounding of the device.
Simply open the water heater and you will see the terminal block: it is to this that you need to connect the cores of the selected wire.
Be sure to follow the connection by phase: L, A or P1 is a phase.
N, B or P2 is zero.
To make it easier for you to understand, we will explain with an example. For a 220V instantaneous water heater with a power of up to 6 kW, the current should not exceed 27A. Therefore, we choose a PVS 3x4 wire, three-core, with a cross-sectional area of 4 sq. mm.
When connecting to the phase, connect a cable with a white sheath, to the working zero - a wire in a blue sheath, and to ground - a wire in a yellow-green sheath.
What else to consider when connecting an instantaneous water heater
- Categorically It is forbidden to turn on the device without water- it will just burn out. Be sure to first provide water supply and only then test the device.
- Take care of installation of a safety valve. It is he who is responsible for relieving excess pressure (removing excess water from the system, thereby reducing pressure) and preventing the water heater and water supply from collapsing.
- Additional protection against leakage of the device will be ensured by the presence of a protective pan with drainage to the sewer. Simply connect one end of the tube to the safety valve and the other to the sewer drain. Excess water will be discharged directly there.
- We advise you additionally purchase and install water purification filters, especially if its quality does not meet the standard. A service specialist will help you select the one you need.
It is strictly prohibited to block the access of cold water to the water heater! This can lead to it boiling inside the device, which, in turn, will lead to its failure.
For greater clarity, we suggest you watch the video on installation of the “flow pipe”:
In any case, if you are not sure that you can cope with this work, then it is better to use the services of professionals.
Not all apartments and houses have uninterrupted hot water supply. Their residents sometimes find it impossible to take a shower or bath. An instantaneous water heater will help them cope with this problem. You can install it in the bathroom yourself.
Selecting a location
First of all, an instantaneous water heater requires sufficient power to operate. They range from 1 to 27 kW and usually require a new network installation and connection to the electrical panel. In apartments, single-phase non-pressure flow devices are most often used, the power of which is up to 4-6 kW.
If you constantly do not have warm water in your apartment, then you should choose a more powerful model, preferably a pressure type, or consider purchasing a storage tank.
It should be said that low-power instantaneous water heaters usually have one phase, and devices with a power of 11 kW or more are three-phase. If your home has only one phase, then you can only install a single-phase device.
The choice of the place where the instantaneous water heater will be installed depends on its type: free-flow or pressure. Most often, in order to ensure washing in the shower during water outages, non-pressure models are installed in bathrooms. Of course, they are not capable of providing the same pressure of hot water that a centralized hot water supply or a pressure water heater provides. But the flow of heated water that the free-flowing look will provide you with is quite enough to wash yourself.
Important! You should use exactly the shower head that comes with the non-pressure water heater - it has fewer holes. A regular shower head may barely produce water.
The non-pressure model is installed near the place of consumption of the water heated by it. Usually this is a place above or below the washbasin, on the side. The following aspects are taken into account:- it should not be exposed to splashes from the shower. Devices marked IP 24 and IP 25 are protected from water ingress, but it is not advisable to install them in flooded areas;
- access to control, regulation;
- ease of use of the shower (faucet) to which there is a connection;
- ease of connection to central water supply;
- the strength of the wall to which the device will be attached. Typically, the weight of such water heaters is small, but the wall must ensure its reliable fastening. Brick, concrete, and wooden walls are usually not in doubt, but drywall may not be suitable;
- evenness of the wall. On very curved surfaces it is sometimes difficult to install the device correctly.
A pressure water heater is capable of serving several water consumption points at once. Its installation is carried out next to the riser or water collection point. Such a device has more power than a non-pressure device. It can have both upper and lower connections, but to install and connect such a model, it is better to contact specialists. Instantaneous water heaters are gas and electric. Electrical appliances are mainly used, since for gas it is necessary that the design includes a gas water heater and the presence of a gas pipeline, and the installation must be agreed upon with the city gas service.
Did you know? One of the first methods of heating water was stones heated over a fire, which were immersed in a container of water.
Installation of fasteners
Having chosen where the suitable place is, you should perform the following steps:
- Determine the mounting locations using a level and make marks. Be sure to check them with the mounting plate included in the kit (if there is one);
- using a drill, drill holes in the wall at the previously designated locations;
- dowels are inserted into the holes;
- screws are screwed into the dowels;
- Our water heater is attached to the screws.
Water heater installation
To connect a single-phase instantaneous water heater to electricity, you will need to measure the required cable length from the electrical panel to the place where the device is used. Typically, for such purposes, a three-core copper cable with a cross-section of 3x2.5 mm is used, but the power of the water heater itself should also be taken into account. Approximate cross-section values depending on power are provided in the table. 
For safe operation of the device (after all, it will be used in a room with high humidity), you will also need automatic protection for this connection (RCD). For the same reason, there must be grounding.
You should choose a socket that is not cheap, waterproof, and can withstand a current of 25A. If there is no plug, you must install it yourself. The plug must be selected with a grounding pin.
- First, connect the cable to the switched off device through the special hole and hang the device on the wall.
- Strip the ends of the wires and connect to the terminal box according to the instructions. It is very important to connect all three wires (phase, working zero and ground) to their designated socket. Tighten them with the machine screws.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the terminals of the electrical panel through the RCD in the same way as in the device - phase to phase, zero to zero, ground to ground.
Important! The operation of such a heater places a large load on the network, and it is undesirable to turn it on simultaneously with other devices that have high power consumption.
All work on connecting to the electrical network is carried out in the absence of voltage in the network.
If you have a washing machine with an outlet in your bathroom that has a separate connection to the panel via an RCD, then you just need to connect a cable with a plug to the device to this outlet.
Video: how to install an instantaneous water heater
Connection technology
Before work related to cutting into water pipes, the water should be turned off.
There are two ways to connect a non-pressure model:
- using a shower hose. The nozzle is removed from the hose and attached to the inlet of the device. This method is good for occasional outages of hot water;
- through a tee. The tee fits into the water pipe or is attached to the outlet for the washing machine. A valve or ball valve is attached to the tee (if there is a washing machine, two valves or valves). A plastic pipe or a special hose stretches from it to the inlet of the water heater. A hose with a shower head is installed at the outlet. If you want to use the water heater constantly, then such a tee with a valve is cut into the hot water pipe at the outlet.
Did you know? In the ancient Roman baths there was a centralized heating system using a stove, water and air, which then circulated in the voids of the walls and floor. This system came to the Romans from the Hellenes, but was improved by Roman engineers.
System check
Before starting the system for the first time, you should check:
- strength of fastenings;
- cable connection is correct. If there are testers, check that the electrical connection is correct;
- tightness of connections. Pay special attention to the tightness of the cover over the terminal box of the water heater;
- water pressure.
Trial run
- Before starting the pressure model, you should shut off the hot water supply pipe to the apartment. Open the cold and hot water valves on the water heater.
- Open the valve on a non-pressure model with a shower head. Before any start-up, the water heater must be filled with water.
- When turned on, the faucet turns on first, and then the water heater. And when you turn it off, first turn off the device and then turn off the water.
- Select the required power for heating water.
- Turn on the water and then the water heater and wait a few minutes for the water to heat up. Make sure the device is operating normally and there are no leaks in the connections.
- Turn off the device and turn off the water.
An electric instantaneous water heater for tap will help solve your problem with hot water both in apartments and in country houses or cottages. We will tell you what instantaneous water heaters are available and how to choose such a device in this publication.
Without hot water supply, it is difficult to provide comfortable living conditions in an apartment or private house. This problem can affect both residents of cities where scheduled hot water supply shutdowns are periodically carried out or emergencies occur in the communications system, as well as happy owners of dachas where centralized networks are not laid. The solution can be found in an installation, of which there are many types offered today.
Types of water heaters
To be able to constantly use hot water, you can use various equipment to heat it. Moreover, doing this, as a rule, is not at all difficult. All devices are classified into a number of categories depending on two factors.
Water heating method
Manufacturers produce several types of devices.
Gas units
Consumers whose homes are equipped with gas communications often install heaters () that run on this energy source. They are popular because of their efficiency and cost-effectiveness: the unit itself is not that expensive and gas costs the population much less than electricity.
Important! When installing devices of this type, it is necessary to provide for the removal of gas combustion products to the outside of the building.
Electric water heaters
Units belonging to this category are equipped with tubular electric heating elements (TEHs), which heat the water. The rate of its heating is determined by the power of this device. You can install such models yourself; you do not need to obtain any permits for this. But compared to gas analogues, their operation costs the consumer much more.
The two types of devices discussed above are among the most common. However, other types of heaters can also be used.
Indirect heating water heaters
In houses where heating equipment is installed in the form of boilers running on gas, solid fuel or electricity, there is no need to install additional devices that heat water. In this case, they are used that do not have an energy source, but receive heat from the heating system. Such units are usually characterized by high power.
Prices for instantaneous water heater
instantaneous water heater
Important! The power of the installed boiler must be sufficient to heat the building and heat the water.
Solid fuel equipment
The most primitive units for producing hot water are devices that use the energy released when burning solid fuel (coal, firewood, etc.) as a power source. In this case, the consumer does not depend on gasification of housing and the availability of electricity. Solid fuel devices are among the simplest and most economical types of equipment. If desired, you can design them yourself.
In addition to those listed, heaters that use other sources, such as solar energy, can also be used.
Operation method
Important! The big advantage of water heaters is the purity of the supplied liquid. In a centralized hot water system, water sometimes contains additives that are not safe for humans, which can cause health problems (they are especially harmful to the skin).
The vast majority of devices used for heating water are of two types.
Cumulative
Devices of this type are a reservoir with a heating element, which makes it possible to provide the consumer (and simultaneously several points from which water is drawn) with a sufficiently large volume of hot water. However, its initial heating takes time (usually a quarter of an hour). Subsequently, the water is constantly heated to the required value. The container volume can range from 5 to 300 liters. It is possible to select a suitable unit depending on the design. They can be hung on walls or installed on the floor, they are vertical and horizontal, and have a flat or cylindrical shape.
When operating this type of equipment, it is necessary to take into account some nuances:
- space is required to place the tank;
- if water stagnates for a long time in the tank, such water cannot be used for cooking, much less drunk, as bacteria may appear there (it is recommended to periodically heat the liquid to maximum temperature values, and also choose models that have a special coating that protects against the growth of bacteria);
- if the device is not used for a long time, the water has to be drained (especially if the owners leave for the winter).
It is more expedient to install storage-type equipment where there is no centralized hot water supply.
Flow-through
Installing devices of this type is the most effective and simple way to provide consumers with hot water. Their power varies between 2...15 kW.
Pressure models can be installed in a riser, which allows you to provide heated water to all water intake points in the house. Non-pressure devices, which are among the simplest and most popular, are mounted directly on the tap and put into operation after it is opened.
Flow devices consume more energy, and they are also dependent on its availability at the time of switching on. However, they are compact, easy to manage and cost less than their storage counterparts. Some energy savings are provided by the lack of energy consumption at rest.
Today, hybrid technology is also produced - flow-storage water heaters. These units are capable of quickly heating water (which characterizes flow-through varieties) and storing it in a tank. However, devices of this type are not so often found on sale due to low consumer interest. This is due to their high cost and design complexity.
When choosing a water heater for an apartment, as a rule, flow-through models are installed An instantaneous water heater, powered by an electrical network and installed on a tap, is one of the very popular devices today. It is especially convenient to use a device that instantly heats water during periods of scheduled outages. This device is the most compact of the line of electric water heaters. The feasibility of its installation is determined by the conditions and intensity of use.
How does a flow-through electric heater mounted on a faucet work?
The design of the device is not complicated. The device is a mixer with a built-in electric heating element, passing through which the water is heated to 40...65 degrees.
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Equipment working with water and electricity must be reliable and safe. For this, the heater has additional elements:
- a residual current device that ensures the user’s electrical safety (protects against electric shock if the integrity of the housing is damaged or the heating element fails), as well as the safety of the device in the event of voltage surges;
- water overheating thermal sensor, which turns off the power when the water temperature exceeds a certain level (for example, 60 degrees);
- dry-running protection relay, which turns off the power in the absence of water supply (protection against operation without water);
- silicone gasket that softens water hammer;
- a mesh filter that prevents the entry of solid particles that can damage the device.
All heater elements are enclosed in a waterproof housing.
Using the control knob, you can select the water pressure, adjust the power, and switch the supply of cold or hot water.
What are the benefits of this type of device?
- The heater is simple to operate: just open the tap and in a few seconds hot water will flow.
- The water heats up within 5...10 seconds;
- The equipment is very compact and aesthetically pleasing.
- You can install the heater yourself, without inviting specialists.
However, the water pressure in a tap equipped with a flow-type heater is limited to 1.5...6 liters per minute. In winter, as a rule, the water warms up to lower values (maximum 30...35 degrees). This is due to the fact that equipment with low power is able to increase the water temperature by only 25 degrees.
To connect the heating device, a separate cable line is required, which is caused by the high load on the electrical network. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to restore the device in the event of a breakdown, since components are not so easy to find.
How to choose the right device
When considering equipment options, there are a few things to keep in mind. Spirals placed inside a copper tube are preferable as a heating element. They are less covered with scale, but repair and replacement of such products are quite expensive.
The most important indicator of the effectiveness of the purchased device is its power. It should be understood that a low-power device does not have the ability to bring a large volume of water to the desired temperature within a short period of time. Therefore, to prevent hot water flowing from the tap in a thin stream, it is better to pay attention to models with a power of 3...3.5 kW. Higher figures should also not be considered, otherwise the costs of electricity and power line maintenance will not allow you to fully experience the joy of your purchase.
It is also important to consider the following points:
- installation method;
- features of device operation control;
- presence of all required protective elements;
- aesthetic characteristics of the equipment (the variety of models offered allows you to choose a suitable electrical device for any style of room design).
The equipment must be reliable and wear-resistant, made of high-quality materials. The purchase price is also important (it is worth noting that the cost of devices of this type is quite low, especially compared to storage heaters) and the brand under which it is released. Today, the most popular models on the market are those produced by domestic manufacturers and Chinese companies.
Table. Comparison of characteristics of flow devices mounted on a tap.
| Name | power, kWt | Maximum water temperature, degrees | Pressure, bar | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | +60 | 0,4...5 | Plastic | |
| 3 | +60 | 0,4...6 | Plastic with metal inserts | |
| 3 | +60 | 0,4...7 | Composite plastic | |
| 3 | +60 | 0,4...6 | Stainless steel | |
| 3 | +85 | 0,4...6 | Plastic |
Important! Heaters should be purchased from trusted suppliers who supply the products complete with installation instructions and a warranty card.
TOP 10 best instantaneous water heaters for taps
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The best instantaneous water heater for a garden tap | ||||||
| #1 |
|
⭐ 99 / 100 |
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| #2 |
|
⭐ 98 / 100 |
||||
| #3 |
|
⭐ 97 / 100 |
||||
| The best instantaneous tap water heater for home | ||||||
| #1 |
|
⭐ 99 / 100 |
||||
| #2 |
|
⭐ 98 / 100 |
||||
| #3 |
|
Timberk WHEL-6 OSC |
⭐ 97 / 100 |
|||
| The best instantaneous tap water heater for the kitchen | ||||||
| #1 |
|
Delimano |
⭐ 99 / 100 |
|||
| #2 |
|
Unipump BEF-012-02 |
⭐ 98 / 100 |
|||
| The best instantaneous water heater for a bathroom faucet | ||||||
| #1 |
|
Supretto water heater tap with shower head |
⭐ 99 / 100 |
|||
| #2 |
|
UNIPUMP BKF-015 |
⭐ 98 / 100 |
|||
Installing a flow device on a faucet yourself
Installation work is not particularly difficult. A slight difference from fixing a conventional tap is the need for power supply. It is important to provide the possibility of installing a grounded socket away from the tap. It should be noted that for most heaters the power cord is 1 m long. To install the device, you will need to purchase a flexible hose (with a nut) for cold water. It is usually not included in the kit (unlike conventional faucets, to which two hoses are supplied: with hot and cold water, in our case only one is used).
Before carrying out work, the equipment of the device is checked:
- there must be a protective shutdown device against voltage surges and electric current breakdown;
- the plug must be suitable for European-style sockets (there are models that use Chinese or American plugs);
- The kit should include a heater and a nozzle (spout) for the faucet.
Before starting installation, turn off the hot and cold water supply taps.
Brief instructions for installing a heater tap
Step 1. The old mixer is dismantled (if it was installed).
Step 2. The spout of the faucet is attached to the heater.
Step 3. The lower fastening (clamping plate) is removed from the heater (threaded pipe). The top rubber seal should be left in place.
Step 4. The device is installed in a hole in the sink or sink. In some cases it has to be expanded. The required dimensions of the recess must be indicated in the instructions.
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Step 5. The device is fixed at the bottom of the sink using a pressure plate, which is tightened with a nut.
Step 6. The flexible hose is connected to the cold water pipeline. To do this, a ball valve must first be installed.
Step 7. The shut-off valve opens. It is checked whether there is pressure in the pipeline.
Step 8. The power cord is connected to the outlet. It can be simply secured along the route or placed in a box.
Step 9. To start using hot water, just plug the heater into the outlet and turn the handle on the installed device.
All connections are checked for leaks. Otherwise, you will have to use FUM tape, which is screwed onto the thread.
Having spent very little time, you can provide your home with hot water supply.
Video - Mixer with instantaneous water heater Rapid
A flow-through electric model of a faucet-water heater from the Chinese manufacturer As Seen On TV, with a powerful performance of 3 kW, is intended for installation in the kitchen or bathroom. The device is capable of heating water up to 60 degrees Celsius in 2-3 seconds. By turning the knob you can set the required water temperature. The white color and attractive design of the tap will suit any interior.
- easy installation of the device;
- fast heating of water.
- does not work if the water pressure is weak;
- high energy consumption.
The Aquatherm faucet is designed for installation in closed heated rooms to which cold water mains are connected. The instant water heating device consumes 3000 watts of power. The device operates from a 220 V network, and installation is carried out using a 1/2 inch flexible hose. A powerful heating element heats water up to a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius. The faucet has an aerator with a plastic mesh that protects against lime deposits, a safety shutdown device and an Anti-Calcium function. Operation warranty 1 year.
- there is a thermal switch;
- 360 degree rotary valve;
- presence of the “Anti-Calcium” function;
- The faucet body has several shades.
- not detected.
Instant water heating tap Aquatherm KA-006G
The BEF brand UNIPUMP electric water heating faucet is made like a mixer and is designed for quick heating of cold water for household needs in rooms without hot water supply. The device is equipped with a splash protection system. The model range intended for showers is equipped with an RCD. The tap is connected to a cold water supply with a pressure of at least 0.4 bar and a maximum of 5 bar and to a power source of 220 Volts. Maximum water heating up to plus 60 degrees.
- the device is easy to use and install;
- acceptable price.
- If the pressure is low, the device does not heat the water.
Faucet water heater Unipump BEF-001
The open type instantaneous water heater has 3 water heating modes. The device comes with a faucet and hose. Switching on and off occurs automatically when the valve rotates. The heating element is made of copper. The tap is equipped with an emergency shutdown system and a pressure meter. The water heater heats 2 liters of water per minute, the liquid temperature is from 20 to 40 degrees. Manufacturer's warranty for operation is 2 years.
- three operating modes;
- indication of operating modes;
- efficiency.
- heats weakly with low water pressure;
- The cord with plug for the outlet is very small.
Instantaneous electric water heater Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 T
The device for instant heating of running water Aquatherm KA-001 has a high-strength body made of composite plastic. The maximum temperature of heated water is plus 60 degrees Celsius. The tap is manufactured taking into account all state and standard international regulations and has a short circuit protection system. The productivity of the device is 3 kW, the required pressure is 0.04-0.7 MPa. The device is equipped with a FZO ceramic cartridge and a 360-degree rotating spout.
Aquatherm KA-001