Plumbers NZ is New Zealand's largest online plumbing, gas and drainage resource. Plumbing exam help, plumbing news, directory and free quotes.

Author Topic: HWC and Valve questions  (Read 2955 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline blitzn

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Im new @ Plumbers NZ!
HWC and Valve questions
« on: October 15, 2019, 06:30:37 PM »
Hi All

I have a 135ltr 7.6mtr head, low pressure Reeem hot water cylinder in my house. I currently have a 3.6 KPA nefa pressure regulating valve under the house? I have a 4 mtr high (from the floor) copper line running out through the roof with a pressure relief valve attached. there are no markings or stickers on the pressure relief valve and is 15 years old im assuming it is a 3.6kpa one? This is not dripping or leaking water.  I have attached a pressure gauge to my hot water line and it is only reading 4psi with outlets off (28kpa)

Questions are...

1 should i have a 7.6kpa Pressure Regulating Valve to match for this cylinder?
2 If i should have a 7.6kpa valve can i increase the 3.6kpa nefa valve to around 8-9psi (62kpa to be safe) on the hotwater side? 
3 is it worth me replacing my relief valve on the rood to ensure it is a 3.6kpa valve?

Any help here would be appreciated
Cheers
Alan



Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/q-and-a-hot-water-cylinders/44/hwc-and-valve-questions/2476/

Offline Plumber

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 736
  • Karma: +52/-2
  • ***#1 Plumber***
Re: HWC and Valve questions
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2019, 09:38:07 AM »
Hi Alan,

Obviously any recommendation and information provided cannot be taken as an absolute and will depend on various onsite conditions and knowledge which are not available to me. As such, before you endeavour to be "hands on" please get a registered plumber to have a look and confirm, even carry out any plumbing changes.

To answer your questions:

1) No, if you add 7.6 and the relief valve is rated below this it will start leaking (relieving pressure). You need someone to calculate total possible pressure in the system VS total achievable pressure and both valves (incoming and relief) need to match. Where the fixtures are within that available head also plays a role.

2) No, As per #1 you risk the overflow running or even exceeding the total system pressure which worse case scenario will result in your hot water cylinder bursting.

3) relief valves are not installed at the road, you may have this wrong and may be referring to the limiting valve? In any case this reinforces that you should  get someone to look at your conditions and provide professional advice.

Another thing you may want to consider if you are looking for higher pressure is to simply replace the cylinder with a mains pressure tank. They are as cheap as 1900 installed these days. Any money you spend on valves etc could be going towards a new system.

I hope this helps.
Please note that the advice I am giving is only my opinion and not necessarily a fact.  Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Offline blitzn

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Im new @ Plumbers NZ!
Re: HWC and Valve questions
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2019, 06:32:46 PM »
Hi, Thanks for the prompt reply on this. Will leave the system as is for now. Currently hunting around to go mains pressure as you said. Think this will be the best option over all. Cheers


Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via twitter

Similar Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies / Views Last post
xx
Hwc valve low preesure valve vented

Started by benson

4 Replies
7987 Views
Last post June 27, 2010, 05:32:45 AM
by whosyourplumber
clip
Valve identification

Started by hutchwilco

2 Replies
2993 Views
Last post August 16, 2012, 10:36:26 PM
by hutchwilco
xx
Tempering Valve question

Started by aucklander

4 Replies
6997 Views
Last post June 07, 2010, 07:12:35 PM
by spud
xx
Ineffective NEFA valve

Started by stevekingtaupo

3 Replies
7331 Views
Last post March 28, 2011, 10:09:47 PM
by stevekingtaupo
 
Share this topic...
In a forum
(BBCode)
In a site/blog
(HTML)