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Firstly – All plumbing and electrical work should only be completed by licensed tradespeople, and be done in compliance with the relevant Australian industry standards.
The most common electric hot water units are storage units (larger cylinders). Another type is an instantaneous unit, although these units are only good for one tap unless three-phase power is available.
Consider the Unit Location
If this is a new installation, the location of the unit needs to be considered so it is as close to the outlets as possible. If it is the replacement of an existing unit, then it needs to be considered if the replacement unit will fit where the old one was located, for example into a cupboard.
If the hot water system is to go inside the building, then it may need a safe tray under it and timber slats will need to be installed between the unit and the safe tray. A drain to the outside or a Mildred Valve will also need to be fitted, The valve will shut off the water in the event of a water leak on the unit. If the hot water unit is installed outside, then it is installed on a concrete slab.
Connecting the Electric Hot Water Unit
The hot and cold water pipes are connected to the unit. Depending on the type of unit, either a duo valve or a ball type isolation valve is fitted.
The cold water pressure needs to be tested and a limit valve may need to be fitted (a pressure reduction valve fitted at the outlet of the water meter is best). A cold water expansion valve fitted to the inlet side of a mains pressure unit can extend the life of your building’s pipes, taps and appliances as it will reduce the pressure inside the cylinder.
A drain is run off the PTR valve to the outside, in compliance with the relevant standards. There are clauses as to how far the drain can run in certain sizes, depending on the number of bends, where and how the drain is to terminate, etc. Again, an experienced plumber will be able to complete work in accordance with these standards
A tempering valve may also need to be fitted, which stops the temperature of the hot water from exceeding 50°C to any ablution fixtures, like the bathroom for example.
As you can see installing an Electric Hot Water unit is quite complex and requires a trained professional. O’Shea’s plumbers are ready to help you with all of your hot water unit installations, repairs or replacements. Call the plumber Melbourne locals trust – call us on (03) 9888 2887.