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The Importance of Pressure Reducing Valves

Hot water cylinders are utilised in many New Zealand homes. A series of pipes are responsible for the transport of water to your property’s plumbing.  Whether you rely on public water supply or use pumps, water travelling to your property should be regulated to protect your existing fixtures and hot water system. This includes the regulation of water pressure and quality.  

The video above shows just how bad a leak can be when things go wrong. This is an old pressure reducing valve on a low-pressure hot water cylinder that could no longer cope with the incoming pressure. 

Why Are Pressure Reducing Valves So Important ?

In the city, most homes are supplied with a public water main feed. This feed is not pressure regulated, nor is it guaranteed to supply debris free water. This ultimately means that you need to take measures to protect your fixtures and hot water system from the incoming quality and pressure of your public water supply. 

How Does a Pressure Limiting (Reducing) Valve Work?

This Diagram of an Ajax type pressure reducing valve nicely explains what happens to incoming pressure. 

Hot Water Systems

If you have low pressure you will most likely know that there is potential for more pressure. Knowing this, it becomes pretty obvious that there is a device which limits the incoming pressure. This device is a pressure reducing valve and is rated in meters. A common rating is 7.5 meters which in other words means that the pressure is regulated to 7.5 meters of atmospheric pressure. 

 

Those of us that enjoy mains pressure are less concerned about regulating pressure, we may believe that the more pressure the better or that it does not need to be regulated, but is that entirely true?   

Appliance and Fixture Ratings

Your hot water system, your appliances, your taps and even your toilets are all pressure rated and should be regulated. This means that they will only cope with a certain amount of pressure before there is potential for failure. This may include a scenario such as in the above video where there is a high risk for flooding when failure happens. 

Please ask Hot Water Cylinders NZ if you are unsure about how to rate any of your plumbing related fixtures and hot water system. 

Where Do I Install the Pressure Reducing Valve?

Pressure reducing or limiting valves will protect your home and everything connected to your plumbing within. So it makes sense to install this valve as upstream as possible within the plumbing system. Typically this would be directly after the water meter on your public supply. 

Often, with low pressure systems this is not desirable at all because one may still want to enjoy “mains pressure” on the cold but continue to accommodate the low pressure hot water cylinder on the hot side in which case the low pressure reducing valve will only be installed on the cold water inlet of the hot water cylinder. These systems are well known as “unbalanced hot water systems”. Another issue with low pressure valves is that they are large and “bulky” making it difficult to install within a meter box where they are prone to damage and sensitive to pressure fluctuation. 

Every home should be protected from the effects of incoming pressure which can majorly increase without notice. 

If you need advice or are unsure about which valve suits your circumstances best, give us a ring and we can help. Hot Water Cylinders NZ also offer valve replacement and repairs. 

Here a list of valves which we may recommend.

RMC Products

RMC has a variety of pressure reducing valves that cater to your needs. Not only do they have pressure-relieving valves, but they also have a variety of products that go with, or have more features that will make it multifunctional.

Here are some of RMC’s pressure reducing valves:

RMC 4 in 1 Hot Inlet Control Valve c/w Adj Limiting 20mm CV75

 Manufacturer: RMC

 Product Specs:

 The Filling-Group type 2128 is designed to automatically fill and refill central heating installations. The Filling-Group is permanently connected to the heating installation. The connection to the potable water system is made with a hose. When the supply pressure falls below the pressure of the heating installation during the filling operation, the water goes into the potable water system. 

 

RMC Cold Water Expansion Valve 700kpa CE75H-700-KPA

Manufacturer: RMC

This product comes in 2 variations, the RMC Cold Water Expansion Valve 700kpa CE75H- 700-KPA and the RMC Cold Water Expansion Valve 800kpa CE75H- 800-KPA.

RMC Hot Water Cylinder Valve Package

 Manufacturer: RMC

 This pack includes 4 in 1 Control Valve, Pressure Limiting Valve, Tempering Valve, Cold Water Expansion Valve, and Male/Female Ball Valve.

RMC HT575 Pressure & Temp Relief Valve 20mm 850kpa HT705

 Manufacturer: RMC

RMC’s Pressure and Temperature Relief (P & T Relief) Valves are safety controls that ensure that the temperature of the water in a pressurized unvented water heater cannot exceed 99° C in the event that the normal thermostatic controls fail.

These valves may be used to guard against over temperature and over-pressure hazards wherever water is stored in unvented containers. This is a requirement of Australian Standard AS 3500-4. RMC P & T Relief Valves are available in 15 mm and 20 mm configurations.

RMC Low Pressure Reducing Feed Valve 7.6m 76kpa D505NZ

 Manufacturer: RMC

This comes in two variations, RMC Low Pressure Reducing Feed Valve 7.6m 76kpa D505NZ and the RMC Low Pressure Reducing Feed Valve 3.7m 37kpa D503NZ.

RMC Pressure Limiting Valve Adj 15mm 155-550kpa 80deg PRV015

 Manufacturer: RMC

The RMC Pressure Reducing Valve is used in water systems to limit the downstream pressure to the pre-set maximum. It compensates for fluctuating upstream pressure to maintain constant maximum outlet pressure.

This is suitable for demanding commercial and industrial applications and multi-unit dwellings and can be used to reduce pressure upstream of commercial and industrial devices such as dosing apparatuses, high-pressure cleaners, and laboratory equipment.

The RMC Pressure Reducing Valve can deliver high flow rates with minimal head loss. This is available in 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, and 50 mm configurations with female BSP thread connections.

RMC Pressure Limiting Valve Adj 20mm 155-550kpa SYR-310620

 Manufacturer: RMC

A range of economy domestic/light commercial quality pressure reducing valves, suitable for various applications at temperatures up to 40°C (60°C for 1 hour max.) The valves are designed for a low-pressure drop, so minimizing noise levels.

The pressure-balanced diaphragm construction and drop-tight design also ensure constant outlet pressure is maintained across all flow rates and no-flow conditions.

All models feature cartridge construction, fully serviceable strainer and female BSP connections for ease of installation and maintenance and are suitable for use with warm water, fuel oil, compressed air, neutral gases and neutral non-sticking liquids.

Why Choose Hot Water Cylinders NZ?

Here at Hot Water Cylinders NZ, we give you the best quality service and the assurance of world-class products and customer service. We not only provide pressure controllers, but also main pressure cylinders, low-pressure cylinders, gas water heating, and many more. We aim to serve you because you are our priority. That is the type of service you can get with New Zealand’s #1 hot water heating and plumbing specialist.

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Introducing Bosch Electronic Highflow Continuous Flow Hot Water Heater

Bosch is undoubtedly one of the leading brands of water heaters in the market today and boasts excellent energy efficiency ratings. This enables Bosch water heaters to provide significant savings on running costs daily and preserves the environment too.

In the past, most New Zealand homes have chosen storage tanks as their hot water system. Today, Bosch is changing the way households use hot water – offering the widest range of continuous flow hot water systems.

Why Choose Bosch?

The recent influx of continuous flow hot water systems provides an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional gas and electric storage units. If you’re building a new home, renovating, or merely replacing your existing hot water system, Bosch is the right brand for the job. When it comes to hot water systems, Bosch offers a gas continuous flow water heater to suit your every need.

Bosch continuous flow systems only heat enough water for your every need, so you’ll never run out of hot water. Your entire household can shower at the same time and enjoy hot water instead of enduring a cold shower!

Continuous flow hot water systems occupy less space as compared with traditional storage hot water units. They can easily be mounted outside or, if you want, you can conveniently install internal systems in a cupboard (flueing required).

Electronic continuous flow systems can also provide you with a precise temperature adjustment feature using a temperature controller.

Here are the advantages you will enjoy when you choose to install a Bosch continuous flow hot water system:

  • Heat water only as required
  • Never run out of hot water
  • Save money on energy costs
  • Space-saving, compact design
  • Precise temperature control* giving parents added peace of mind for their children’s safety
  • Extensive range of accessories to add to the appearance of your home

Here are the disadvantages of installing a Bosch continuous flow hot water system:

  • There is some delay before the water is sufficiently heated to the right temperature
  • More water is wasted
  • It is not suitable for households with high hot water needs

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right hot water system for your home:

How many bathrooms does your home have?

Bosch continuous flow gas hot water systems provide hot water at the turn of a tap. However, we recognise that there are times where heavy usage occurs. For example, in busy morning times, there may be more than one shower operating at the same time. It is important to select a hot water unit with a capacity to suit your household’s needs.

A two- or three-bathroom home will require a larger system, such as a Bosch 26e.

What type of Bosch Hot Water unit is right for you?

If your home has one bathroom, a Bosch 17e or 21e may be suitable. For 2-3-bathroom homes in colder climates, Bosch recommend a larger hot water system, such as a 26e.

Is there a spa bath* or large bath installed in the home?

Bosch recommends the 26e or 32 litre unit be installed in homes with a spa bath* or large bath in order to manage the larger volume of hot water required to fill the baths.

What is the distance to the bathroom and other hot water outlets in the home?

It is most efficient to have the hot water system installed in a location closer to the outlets used most frequently such as the shower or kitchen. This helps to reduce the time it takes for the hot water to reach the outlets.

Other Accessories

When installing an Electronic Highflow system in your new home, accessories to consider include a fully enclosed recess box or a pipe cover.

Bosch Electronic Highflow 26e

The Bosch Electronic Highflow 26e unit is compact, space-saving and easy to install. It delivers 26 L/min at a 25°C rise, has a 5.53 energy efficiency rating, is suitable for 2-3-bathroom homes and is available in Natural or LP Gas.

Here are the unit’s features:

  • 53-star energy efficiency
  • Continuous flow technology
  • Delivers 26 L/min at a 25°C temperature rise
  • Compact design
  • Install up to 4 optional temperature controllers
  • Suitable for 2-3-bathroom homes
  • 55°C model standard
  • Anti-frost included on all models
  • External installation only
  • Solar compatible without the need for a solar transfer valve
  • Available in Natural or LP Gas
  • Comprehensive warranties

The unit comes with a Domestic Warranty with 3 Years of Parts and Labour and 10 Years of Heat Exchanger (part only).

Bosch Electronic Highflow 21e

The Bosch Electronic Highflow 21e Continuous Flow Hot Water Heater is compact, space-saving and easy to install. It delivers 21 L/min at a 25°C rise, has a 5.56 energy efficiency rating, is suitable for 1-2-bathroom homes and is available in Natural or LP Gas.

Here are the unit’s features:

  • 56-star energy efficiency
  • Continuous flow technology
  • Delivers 21 L/min at a 25°C temperature rise
  • Compact design
  • Install up to 4 optional temperature controllers
  • Suitable for 1-2-bathroom homes
  • 55°C model standard
  • Antifrost included with all models
  • External installation only
  • Solar compatible without the need for a solar transfer valve
  • Available in Natural or LP Gas
  • Comprehensive warranties

The unit comes with a Domestic Warranty with 3 Years of Parts and Labour and 10 Years of Heat Exchanger (part only).

Bosch Electronic Highflow Features

Bosch Electronic Highflow units are compact, space-saving and easy to install. This range is specifically designed for maximum energy efficiency and environmental protection, providing a minimum of 5.5+ star performance rating.

With a Bosch Highflow you are assured continuous hot water, while saving money and caring for the environment. Highflow systems are available in 17, 21 and 26 litre per minute flow rates and are available in Natural or LP gas.

Other Bosch Electronic Highflow Features and Benefits:

  • No need to mix hot and cold water. Simply select the temperature you desire and turn on the hot water tap.
  • Main controller can be set to the maximum temperature of the unit.
  • Bathroom controller and Sub controller have a maximum temperature of 50°C for safety.
  • Volume setting – user can specify the output of water in litres.
  • Assistance Call button allows the user to signal other household members via an audible alarm.
  • Water Saver / Bath Fill function – an audible alarm will sound, and water flow will stop when the predefined volume is reached.
  • Bosch controllers come with a comprehensive 3 years parts and labour warranty.

For generations, Bosch has been dedicated to providing quality products that protect the environment and conserve resources. We’ve got your every need in our minds as we design our products. We only want the best for you, our customers, so you can rest easy in the assurance that we deliver the best quality products to cater to your needs.

 

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5 Successful Northshore (Rodney) Hot Water Cylinder Installations

If you live on the North Shore, contact us today for the best available deals North of Auckland.

Unbeatable prices and service! We will beat any quote you have.

Hot Water Cylinders NZ have completed over 50 hot water installations North of Auckland in the last 3 months.

Here our top 5 favourite picks:

#1 Gas hot water installation in Sunnynook:

Here a classic gas hot water installation in Sunnynook North Shore.

System Spec:

  • Remove old low pressure hot water cylinder and replace with Gas.
  • Rheem 27 LPG
  • Test pressure and commission. 

#2 Gas hot water installation in Takapuna:

Replace Vulcan Freeloader with Rheem Stellar

Takapuna North Shore area.

System Spec:

  • Remove old leaking Vulcan Freeloader and replace with new Rheem Stellar.
  • Maintain existing gas connections.
  • Rearrange plumbing to suit
  • Rheem 27 LPG
  • Test pressure and commission.

#3 Gas Rinnai Infinity installation in Birkdale:

Replace Vulcan Freeloader with Rinnai Infinity

Birkdale North Shore area.

System Spec:

  • Remove old leaking Vulcan Freelaoder and replace with new Rinnai Infinity.
  • Maintain existing gas connections.
  • Rearrange plumbing to suit
  • Rinnai Infinity 27 Natural Gas
  • Test pressure and commission.

#4 Low Pressure Upgrade in Glenfield:

Replace Low Pressure with Rheem Main Pressure Stainless Steel

Glenfield North Shore area.

System Spec:

  • Remove old leaking low pressure hot water cylinder and replace with new mains pressure.
  • Maintain existing plumbing connections.
  • Rearrange plumbing to suit.
  • Rheem mains pressure 180L 3KW electric
  • Test pressure and commission.

#5 Mains pressure gas continuous flow Bosch unit in Albany:

Replace old burst Rheem hot water cylinder with new continuous flow unit.

Albany North Shore area.

System Spec:

  • Remove old burst low pressure hot water cylinder and replace with new mains instant hot water flow unit.
  • Relocate existing plumbing connections to exterior.
  • Rearrange plumbing to suit.
  • Bosch Hydroflow 16L/min
  • Test pressure and commission.

Hot Water Cylinders NZ are the originals and specialists in hot water. Contact us today for your unbeatable quote.