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Jason Statham thinks Rheem is bullet proof?

I had to giggle when I watched “The One” over the weekend. An action filled story line played on a multi-dimensional level filled with clichés and “classic” acting ability from Jason Statham and Jet Li. Mimicking typical special effects introduced by the Matrix the movie keeps you anticipated right through to the last showdown between Statham and Jet-Li.
Jason_Statham_with_RheemOn a manhunt, half way through the movie, Statham decides to take cover behind a Rheem Hot water cylinder. Now, I dont know about you but knowing what these products are made of, im not sure I would feel safe standing behind one trying to dodge a bullet!

So what model Rheem is this hot water cylinder?

By its height and diameter I would say this Jason_Statham_thinkingcylinder has a minimum capacity of 250L.
Looking closely at the connections at the top one can clearly identify flow and return pipework. In total 4 connections which exclude the pressure relief valve clearly visible on the side. I would categorise this hot water cylinder within the Rheem Premier Solar and Drain-back assortment.

bullet_proof_Rheem

Further down this article you can find a technical view of how the installation setup could look like.

Some obvious Hollywood neglection.

Other than the fact that this cylinder is EMPTY and will not save your life in a fire fight, why is it not connected to look like it? If you look at the top of the tank, you can clearly identify that it’s fully disconnected with a “stubby” for a hot water outlet. Do you think they upgraded to instant gas and the plumber forgot to take it away or did Hollywood reject the plumbers quote (I would hate to know how much they charge stars for plumbing works) to temporarily provide a “working” hot water cylinder which is full of water making the bullet proofing scene more realistic? I will leave the answer to your imagination! I guess you will just have to watch THE ONE.

After writing this article I have decided to take one of these hot water cylinders into the bush and introduce it to my 308 Browning. We will see how bullet proof a hot water cylinder can be. I will be updating you very soon with a video and some results, you never know, one day a Rheem may save your life!

Rheem_drainback_solar_storage

 

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Low pressure after installing mains pressure?

cylinder_blockageHow would you feel if you just had your low pressure hot water cylinder upgraded with a mains pressure to only get the same low pressure you had before? Not happy, right?!

I thought this story was interesting because it tends to happen very often and we from Hot water cylinders ltd end up getting the phone calls to investigate and repair. In this scenario some cylinder guy replaced the hot water cylinder and forgot to remove the transport thread protection, completing the installation with this inserted into the pipe. After the installation was complete this “bung” found its way to the valve blocking any flow of water. the poor home owner was not sure what to think of it for over 4 weeks and put up with the low pressure thinking it may have been normal until he picked up the phone and made the call.. “Uhm.. excuse me.. if I have a mains pressure cylinder should it be dribbling out of my shower head?”  Well.. NO of course not.

Mistakes made by Noobs are fixed by professionals. Want to learn more bout LP cylinders? Click here for information about low pressure hot water cylinders.

OTHER REASONS YOU MAY HAVE LOW PRESSURE AFTER A MAINS PRESSURE INSTALLATION INCLUDE:

  • The non return valve was installed incorrectly (opposite way in reverse)
  • Debris from the installation found its way to the strainer in the tempering valve blocking flow
  • Transport bungs are not removed
  • The incoming diffuser has accidentally been pushed into the tank causing a blockage
  • Pipework is kinked restricting flow
  • Pipework badly brazed restricting flow
  • Pipework badly crimped restricting flow

Not sure what the issue is? Please give us a ring and we will help you get to the bottom of it!

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How many hot water cylinder types is there?

Have you ever wondered about how many types of hot water cylinders there actually is?

We have complied a list of hot water cylinders for you, showing application, benefit and disadvantages helping you make an educated decision before purchasing your next hot water cylinder.

First of all we need to separate the PRESSURE TYPES from the MATERIAL TYPES. In New Zealand one can purchase almost any material type at three different pressures.

Most common pressure types available in New Zealand (Domestic Applications) 

    • Low Pressure, open vented systems where the pressure is provided by a cold water storage tank, open vent or rely on a pressure-reducing valve to reduce the pressure below mains pressure supply.
      Typical Pressure: 30 – 75 KPA, typically 3 – 7.5 metrets Head
    • Medium Pressure, open vented systems where the pressure is provided by a cold water storage tank, open vent or rely on a pressure-reducing valve to reduce the pressure below mains pressure supply.
      Typical Pressure: 75 – 120 KPA typically 7.5 – 12 meters Head
  • Mains Pressure, with a working pressure equal to incoming supply. Pressure can be limited to any requirement but using the appropriate valve work.
    Typical Pressure: Ranging from 120 – 1400 KPA (Domestic Supply is typically 350 – 750 KPA depending on requirement)

Mains pressure water heaters are the predominant type of new installation in Australia and New Zealand.

COMPARISON TABLE OF HOT WATER STORAGE TYPES AT DIFFERING PRESSURES. 

hot_water_cylinders_types

The following hot water cylinder material types are available in New Zealand

   CYLINDER MATERIAL PRESSURE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Enamel Lined Low Pressure
Mains Pressure		 – Supply of mains pressure
– Low cost supply Installation
– Very common in NZ		 Requires sacrificial anode
8 – 20 year life expectancy
Copper Low Pressure
Medium Pressure		 – 15 – 40 year life expectancy
– Large Storage at low cost
– Can be used for high temperature power
sources such as wetbacks and solar.		  

– Not suitable for most  modern tap ware
– Requires sacrificial anode
– Low pressure
Stainless Steel Low Pressure
Mains Pressure		 – 15 – 50 year life expectancy
No sacrificial anode required
– Can be used for high temperature power
sources such as wetbacks and solar.		 – Large storage at high cost
– Higher supply cost
– Come with the longest warranties