How to install a storage water heater with your own hands. Do-it-yourself water heater installation: tips and videos. Types of electric water heaters

Cutting off hot water is a fairly common occurrence these days. This happens in connection with repair work or for preventive purposes. However, this brings a number of inconveniences to residents. In order to have a constant supply of hot water, many people install water heaters. They become an indispensable assistant in an apartment, house or country house, and you can choose them to suit every taste.

Peculiarities

Water heaters come in several varieties, each with its own characteristics. When choosing, you should take into account the requirements for a device of one type or another, and also carefully study the installation diagram in the room. Water heaters can be of several types depending on the method of their placement - vertical, horizontal, built-in.

High-quality water heaters should have a number of features:

must have the possibility of protective shutdown;
have an overheating protection function;
manufacturing materials must be of high quality;
the heating element must be coated with an anti-corrosion compound;
there must be good thermal insulation;
the presence of an energy-saving function.

The manufacturer must provide a guarantee for the product, so that if problems arise, you can contact the service center.

Kinds

The entire variety of modern water heaters is divided into two subtypes:

electrical;
gas.

Each of them, in turn, has its own varieties.

Electric water heaters can be:

accumulative;
flow-through;
flow-storage;
liquid

Gas devices are divided into:

accumulative;
flow-through.

But there is also a new type of water heater - indirect, which is also worth mentioning. In order to decide on the choice of a suitable water heater, you need to understand all its options. Electric water heaters have differences in the design of the system, as well as operating principles.

Electric storage water heaters also have a second name - boiler. They come in cylindrical or rectangular shapes. Their volume can range from 30 to 200 liters. Water is heated thanks to special heating elements, the number of which can also vary. They can be turned on either simultaneously or separately to save energy.

Thermometers are used to control the water heating temperature, and thermostats are used to maintain it. A storage water heater always contains a certain amount of water.

It is heated using one of two elements.

heating element (tubular electric heater). It is inexpensive and easy to operate and repair. They can be purchased at any store. Heating elements have the only drawback - a long time for heating water.
Spiral heating element. They are expensive and more difficult to repair and replace. But they are able to quickly heat a large amount of water, as well as maintain the required temperature.

The operating principle of this type of water heater does not depend on the installed heat element. As soon as a certain temperature is reached, the heating turns off. The temperature is maintained automatically. But after cooling has occurred, or a new batch of cold water has been added, the heating element turns on. Water heaters of this type most often have two modes: automatic heating or manual.

To maintain water temperature for a long time, insulation is often used. It fits between the body and the tank. The case itself does not heat up, and the water inside will be hot even during the day.

The advantages of storage electric water heaters include:

simultaneous supply of water to several water supply points;
low energy consumption;
slight cooling of water;
stability of the supplied water temperature;
ease of use;
large selection of devices.

There are also several disadvantages:

large dimensions of the devices;
long heating time.

There is also the simplest option - manual water heaters without a thermostat. But they are extremely inconvenient and can quickly fail if you do not turn off the device in time.

Water heaters with separate activation of several heating elements are very convenient. Two or more of them can be installed. Therefore, it becomes possible to use heating in several modes. The most powerful is the inclusion of all heating elements. This allows you to quickly heat large quantities of water. To maintain the temperature, as well as for slight heating, you can use one or two heating elements. This mode results in significant energy savings.

Instantaneous water heaters are smaller in size. They are a small box that is placed on the wall. It also has a spiral-shaped heating element installed, as well as a small tank. This version of the water heater has a flow sensor. It turns on the heating element when the tap opens. After closing it, the sensor turns off the heating element. There is also a thermostat with which you can set the required water temperature. It can be in the form of a lever, a button, or located on a touch screen.

Instantaneous water heaters, in turn, are divided into:

pressure;
non-pressure.

Pressure water heaters are distinguished by the fact that they are connected to a centralized water supply system. They can supply hot water directly to the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The power of such devices varies from 8 to 32 kW. More powerful ones must be powered from a 380 W outlet.

Non-pressure water heaters must be connected to cold water. They have a hose or tap. Such devices are well suited for the garden.

It is necessary to take into account that when installing pressure and non-pressure water heaters, a grounding device is required. It is better to supply power separately due to the high power of the devices. They must be used carefully, as water can get into the electrical device, which can lead to a short circuit and even a fire. Therefore, it is better to connect directly to an electrical panel with a separate circuit breaker and the presence of an RCD.

Instantaneous water heaters can be controlled in two ways.

Hydraulic - using a flow sensor. It turns the heating element on or off. May have several power modes that can be changed manually.
Electronic - using a microprocessor. It is able to maintain the desired temperature using special sensors.

Hydraulic control can heat the water slightly - by 20-25 degrees. Therefore, in summer the water will be hotter, and in winter it will be quite cool.

The advantages of this type of water heater:

continuous supply of hot water;
electricity is saved, as it is used only when supplying water;
small sizes;
easy installation;
ease of use of the device.

the need for a separate power supply line;
The resulting water temperature depends on the incoming water.

Electronic control helps to heat the water more strongly, as they have high power. But their price is much higher. Their advantage is to obtain the desired water temperature at any time of the year.

There are also specific models of instantaneous water heaters. These include a faucet equipped with a water heater. This option is perfect for a cottage or country house. It looks like an ordinary mixer, only it is larger. It contains a heating element and is connected to the mains.

This device has several operating modes:

off state, at this time it is de-energized;
cold water - heating is turned off;
hot water - the heating turns on, the water heats up in five to ten seconds.

Temperature adjustment occurs by increasing or decreasing water pressure.

This type of water heater has its undeniable advantages:

very fast heating of water, it can cope with large volumes of water and even quickly fill a bathtub;
there are no differences in the temperature of the supplied water;
it is very compact and does not take up additional space in the room;
fits perfectly into the interior;
has a low cost compared to other water heater options - this is the most affordable option.

The disadvantages include:

high energy consumption;
has a lower throughput when compared with a gas water heater.

When choosing such a device, you need to pay attention to its safety.

The water heater must have an RCD that protects against sudden electric shock.
Overheat protection must be installed. The sensor should turn off the heating at a temperature of + 60 degrees Celsius.
Impossibility of “dry” switching. The device will not turn on if there is no water or very low pressure.
Water hammer protection must be installed.
All parts of the water heater must be protected with waterproof materials and be sealed.

Flow-through storage water heaters are a combination of two versions of such devices. They have a boiler, most often small in size (up to 30 liters), as well as a flow-through unit. At low flow rates of hot water, it is supplied from the tank; at large volumes, a heating element is used.

This type of water heater combines several positive aspects, which include:

small dimensions of the device;
constant water temperature;
fast heating;
convenience;
easy installation.

But it is worth considering that such units are found quite rarely on the modern market.

Bulk water heaters are good if there is no running water. They are perfect for the garden. They are a container with a heating element that heats the water. There is a thermostat for setting the water heating temperature. Models are available with and without a pump.

Such devices have the following functions:

setting and maintaining the required temperature;
automatic heating shutdown;
presence of indicators.

Bulk water heaters are produced only in Russia.

The most common manufacturers are:

"Alvin EVBO";
"Fairy tale";
"Success";
"Aquarius".

These devices operate from the electrical network and are connected to a 220 V outlet.

Storage gas water heaters have much in common with electric ones.

They consist of:

tank with insulation;
magnesium anode;
pipes for connecting hot and cold water;
burners;
flue;
hoods;
control unit.

After the boiler is filled with water, the burner is turned on using piezo or electric ignition, the water is heated, which stops as soon as the set temperature is reached. This unit is equipped with a draft sensor and flame controller for safety. The combustion chamber can be open or closed. In the first case, combustion products escape through the chimney, in the second - through a special pipe.

The advantages of such models include:

inexpensive energy costs;
the ability to connect several points simultaneously;
high heating rate;
uniform water temperature;
ease of operation.

Among the disadvantages are:

the need for chimney design with an open chamber;
high installation cost.

Instantaneous gas water heaters are distinguished by the fact that water does not accumulate in them. Once the faucet is turned on, it heats up as it passes through the water heater.

Such devices consist of:

a small case attached to the wall;
burners;
heat exchanger;
pipes;
chimney;
control control unit.

In order to turn on the water heater, you need to open the tap or press the button. The burner is ignited by ignition and heats the water in the heat exchanger. Devices can be of both low and high power (from 11 kW to 30 kW and more).

The advantages of such water heaters include:

uninterrupted supply of hot water;
water supply to several points;
almost instant heating;
ease of use and ease of repair;
compact type of device.

As for the shortcomings, there are much fewer of them:

performance depends on gas and water pressure;
complexity of installation.

If there is no gas in the apartment or house, you can use liquid propane cylinders. Special water heaters are available for sale for this purpose. When using this method, you must carefully adhere to the rules for the safe use of devices.

Indirect water heaters are distinguished by the fact that they operate from the heating system boiler.

They consist of:

insulated tank;
anode;
brass heat exchanger;
inputs for connecting hot and cold water;
control unit.

The operation of this type of water heater is based on connection to the heating circuit. Water is supplied to the radiators, as well as to the boiler, where it is heated and supplied.

Such boilers enjoy a number of advantages, including:

increased productivity;
low cost of hot water:
the water is immediately supplied hot;
cools down quite slowly (up to 4 degrees per day);
ease of use.

Like all devices, indirect water heaters have a number of disadvantages:

high cost of equipment;
bulkiness;
insignificant heat extraction from heating

Material

In storage water heaters, the most important thing is the material of the tank. They can be made of ordinary steel or stainless steel. The usual one is additionally coated with enamel. Naturally, stainless steel tanks are more reliable and durable. Enameled ones deteriorate faster. But, accordingly, stainless steel ones are much more expensive than regular ones. To extend the life of the enamel, magnesium anodes are additionally installed, which must be changed periodically. A sensor monitors their condition.

As for instantaneous water heaters, they can be made from:

copper - it quickly heats water, as it has excellent thermal conductivity properties;
stainless steel - such products are durable, but you need to take into account that the water should not be very hard;
plastic - they are not very durable, but they are low in cost.

The most reliable devices are copper ones. But their price is quite high.

Dimensions

The sizes of water heaters depend on their type. Flow models are always much smaller in size compared to storage models. Flow-through can be in sizes from 190 mm by 150 mm to 300 mm by 200 mm, while storage ones can be from 420 mm by 900 mm to 600 mm by 1200 mm. For the latter, the dimensions depend on the water tank. It can have a capacity from 30 to 200 liters.

DIY selection and installation

Before purchasing and installing a water heater, you need to decide on the choice of a suitable device.

Need to consider:

hot water consumption;
number of points connected to the system;
modes of use;
main characteristics - type, volume, power, performance;
shape and material;
installation method.

Only after all the parameters have been determined can you safely go to the store to make a purchase.

Before starting work on installing and connecting the water heater, it is better to prepare all the necessary tools:

roulette;
hammer drill or impact drill;
fasteners;
adjustable and regular wrenches, as well as pliers;
tees for connecting to water supply;
shut-off valves;
sealants;
flexible hoses.

And it is also worth taking into account connection features, such as pipe extensions and piping. In this case, it is also worth purchasing materials in advance. In addition, the connection of the water heater depends on the type of pipeline in the house or apartment.

Polypropylene pipeline. To work with it you will need a soldering device and a pipe cutter. All connecting devices must be purchased from appropriate materials. In the case of an open pipeline, the work will be quite simple, but if the communications are hidden, you will need to open them.
Metal-plastic pipeline. This type is usually not hidden, so the work will be easy. A fitting is used for installation; their selection is very extensive, so there will be no problems with the purchase.
Steel pipeline. To work with this option, you will need a welding machine. But you can also use a special “vampire tee”. This is the same clamp that is put on the pipe and secured with screws. To seal, you need to use a rubber gasket. After its installation, a hole is made in the pipeline. A tap and a hose suitable for the water heater are installed on the outlet.

It’s also better to draw a diagram for connecting the water heater and mark the connection points to the water supply.

Immediately before installation you need:

clear and prepare space for installation;
make sure the wall is strong enough;
make sure the quality of the wiring, as well as select one suitable for installation;
make sure the water pipes are working properly.

For error-free installation, be sure to read the instructions for the water heater. Immediately before installation, it is necessary to turn off the water and also turn off the electricity. To connect high-power devices, you will additionally need a three-core copper wire with a thick wire cross-section, a meter of at least 40 A, a grounded socket, a circuit breaker and electrical tape. It is imperative to pay great attention to the strength of the wall when installing large boilers. When installing it, anchors and especially strong hooks are used. It is more convenient to place devices with a volume of more than 200 liters on the floor.

It is better to carry out installation in pairs with an assistant to facilitate the process. Installation of flow and storage devices is carried out in a similar way.

The first step is installation on the wall.

It marks the bottom line of the boiler installation. Next, measure the distance to the mounting strip. Particular care must be taken when marking the upper boundary so that the top of the water heater does not rest against the ceiling.
Next you need to make holes for the fasteners. For concrete and brick, you will need an electric drill with a Pobedit drill bit. For wood, you can use the usual one. The diameter of the tip should be less than the diameter of the dowel.
Then you need to drive two dowels in parallel, tighten the anchors and hang the water heater.

The second stage is connecting to the water supply. Using flexible hoses or plastic pipes, you need to connect the device to the water supply. Using polypropylene pipes will cost more and the work will be more difficult. Next, you need to insert the pipes into the main water supply. When connecting the boiler, you need to pay attention to which pipe is connected to cold and which to hot water. They are marked with colors - blue for cold water, red for hot water.

You need to install a special check valve on the cold water pipe, which relieves the increased pressure. This happens automatically and prevents damage to the unit. If such a valve is not included in the kit, it is better to purchase it yourself. To install it, you need to wind FUM tape on one of the ends for better insulation and connect it to the valve. The other can be left without sealant and screwed to the pipe.

When installing an instantaneous water heater for infrequent use, it can be connected to a shower hose. And only cold water is connected to the unit itself.

To do this you need:

shut off the water supply;
cut the pipe;
cut threads;
wind the seal;
connect the tee;
install a tap;
connect to the boiler with a flexible hose.

Check the tightness; to do this, you need to let in the water, fill the boiler and leave it for a while. If there are no leaks, you can connect the device to electricity. The third stage of installation is connecting to the electrical network. Usually a cable and plug are included, but if not, you will need to purchase them.

When working with the electrical network, be sure to follow safety regulations.

The first step is to install a grounded outlet. After this, you can connect the boiler to the network.
Once connected, the indicator light will light up. Next, you can configure the water heater: set the temperature, heating time.

The only difference in installing a floor-mounted water heater is that it does not need to be suspended. It is also attached to the wall, connected to water supply and power supply.

Gas

Installing a horizontal gas water heater is more difficult than an electric one. In this matter, it is better to turn to professionals. But in case of self-installation, you must strictly follow the instructions, symbols and rules. The ceiling height must be at least two meters, and the room area must be more than 7.5 square meters. meters. In addition, the room must have a window; in addition, the room must have a door. Most often, such devices are installed in the kitchen, next to the gas pipe.

A very good way to detect gas leaks is to install a gas analyzer. Such a device detects a propane leak and gives a warning signal. But ventilation is also required. For proper operation of a gas water heater, a chimney must be connected to it. It can be included in the overall system or taken separately directly to the street. It should not have more than two right angle bends, and its total length should not exceed three meters. When installing equipment on a wooden wall, the chimney should not come into contact with it. Be sure to lay thermal insulation, for example, from mineral wool.

You need to know that a gas water heater should not be placed on a load-bearing wall. The distance to the opposite wall must be at least one meter. Gas pipes must not be installed in walls. But you also need to take into account that gas equipment cannot be placed above the stove. It is not advisable for the water heater to be constantly exposed to sunlight and overheat. In order to check the tightness of gas pipes, you can use ordinary soap. It needs to be dissolved in a container of water, and then applied to the pipe joints with a brush. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. And it must be urgently eliminated. It is prohibited to check pipes for leaks using fire. This can lead to irreparable consequences.

Electric

An electric water heater is most often installed in the bathroom. In order to save space, it is better to place it above the toilet, because there is free space above it. It is not recommended to install the device above a sink or sink to avoid water getting on the electrics. To install and connect the unit to the electrical network, it is necessary to install a grounded socket in the toilet.

In order to quickly, reliably and correctly install a water heater with your own hands, as well as use it safely, It is better to follow these tips:

It is best to place the device closer to the point of connection to the water supply;
when installing, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the unit - whether it is vertical or horizontal, the location of the communications connection;
it can be installed at any height, as long as there is space up to the ceiling;
if the water pressure in the apartment or house is low, it is better not to install the water heater high, the water will flow poorly;
there should be an approach to the boiler mounting location for more convenient use and repair;
to connect an electric water heater, be sure to use a grounded power line;

you cannot turn on the device if there is no water in the tank, this can lead to breakdown of the heating elements;
It is recommended to turn on the device at maximum power for several hours once or twice a month to destroy bacteria appearing in the tank;
on cold water you need to install a mesh filter, and if the water is too hard, then it is better to install additional purification;
every few years it is necessary to clean the tank from any scale that appears and replace the magnesium anode;
if you use the boiler constantly, then it will be more economical not to disconnect it from the network, since it takes less energy to maintain the temperature, but if it is needed several times a day, then it is better to turn it off;
When using an instantaneous water heater, it is better not to allow a constant flow of water, as this will consume more electricity, but if you close the tap and open the water only as needed, you will be able to save money.

If rusty water starts flowing from the boiler, it means that the copper pipe to which it is connected is rusting. It is better to replace it with metal-plastic or polypropylene. If the pressure of the supplied water drops, then in this case the problem may not even be in the water heater itself, but in the tap. The aerator there could be clogged; it needs to be removed and cleaned.

Successful examples and options

You can install a water heater anywhere, where it is really needed - in an apartment in a multi-storey building, in a private house, or in a country house. For any room you can choose the most suitable option. You can choose large storage boilers or compact flow-through ones. The choice of water heaters is very large. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately determine which company is better. Each manufacturer is good in its own way, and you need to choose the appropriate option based on personal preferences and individual features of installation and use.

Among storage water heaters, the following are especially distinguished:

Thermex is the most affordable water heater with a stainless steel tank;
Real - boilers of good quality, the only negative is that it is difficult to find consumables;
OSO are very high quality units, but are very expensive;
Electrolux (AEG) is a popular company, good quality.

But also manufacturers that produce quality products include: Timberk, Baxi, Bosch and Gorenje.

Of course, for the modern buyer, along with the quality of the product, its cost is also important.

If we talk about inexpensive but high-quality models suitable for different placement options, we can highlight the following:

for a summer residence - Timberk WHEL-3 OSC electric flow-through version, has a spout and shower head, its cost is up to 3 thousand rubles;
for an apartment - Bosch 13-2G instantaneous gas water heater costs up to 16,500 rubles; Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6 storage electric boiler, has two heating elements, costs up to 15,300 rubles;
for a private home - Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active instantaneous electric water heater, has electronic control, costs up to 14,700 rubles; Baxi Premier plus 200 indirect water heater, has the ability to install a heating element, costs up to 52,200 rubles.

A good example of the economical use of boilers is the insulation of its tank. For this you can use foam propylene or isolon. The insulation can be secured with glue or tied to the tank. It helps the water cool down more slowly, thus saving energy. But another method of insulation is also possible - install a smaller tank inside a larger tank. As for the installation of water heaters, the choice of option depends primarily on safety factors.

Wall mounting option is the most common. It is also not very safe if the toilet and bathroom are combined. It is better not to hang it where it will get in the way, as you can hit it. If the room has a niche or recess in the wall, then the water heater can be installed there. But such installation will be more problematic, costly and time-consuming.

It is possible to install a water heater under the bathtub, but only if it is dry and water does not get there. And there should also be enough space for ventilation. There is an option to install a boiler in the hallway, pantry or kitchen, if the layout allows. Thus, these days, solving the problem of having hot water in an apartment or house is affordable. A water heater of any type is the best option for using hot water at any time of the year.

Modern manufacturers offer customers a wide range of products to suit every taste, and there is also the opportunity to choose a device in a comfortable price category. You can install an electric water heater yourself at home. It is necessary to carefully study the instructions for the device, prepare all the tools and the place for installation. Particular attention should be paid to electrical wiring, since it is this that poses the greatest danger.

With gas equipment the situation is more complicated. To install a geyser, it is better to contact specialists; in addition, you must obtain permission to install it. The choice of model and version of the water heater depends only on the characteristics of the home and personal preferences. By installing a water heater, you can forget about problems during periods when hot water is turned off. You can also purchase special models that can be installed in your dacha, even if there is no centralized water supply there.

To learn how to select and install a water heater with your own hands, see the following video.

Installing a boiler in a private house, apartment or country house is a reasonable solution for providing hot water to the required premises. Installation of the device can be entrusted to specialists, and also, if you have the necessary skills, installing a water heater with your own hands will not cause any difficulties.

There are several types of boilers, and how the water heater is installed depends on the design and type of unit.

General rules

If the issue of choosing a water heater has already been resolved, and a wall-mounted version of the electric unit has been purchased, you can proceed directly to its installation. But before that, you should consider some nuances.

The first step is to determine the installation location of the device. The location of the unit must be such that it is easy to carry out preventive and, if necessary, repair work.
Before installing a water heater, it is necessary to assess the condition of the water pipes. If old pipes, it is recommended to replace them completely or at least the insertion section.
In the vast majority of cases, the device is mounted on the wall (an exception may be the installation of an indirect heating boiler, which can be both floor-mounted and wall-mounted), so the wall must withstand a load 2 times greater than the tank capacity. For example, with a tank volume of 100 liters, the wall must support a mass of 200 kg. Of course, drywall is not suitable for these purposes.
If you are installing a water heater in a country house on a wooden wall, make sure it is strong.
In addition, since the unit uses powerful heating elements, before hanging the water heater, you need to take into account that the wiring must withstand a certain load. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out separate line from the meter with the installation of a circuit breaker in front of the device. The wire cross-section should be 2.5 mm.

Water heater on a fortified wall of a country house

Water heater installation

After all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installing the storage water heater on the wall.

The next important point in installing a water heating tank is connecting it to water pipes. There are a lot of video lessons on this topic on the Internet. But you can also use these instructions. The figure shows the installation diagram of the water heater.

The liner is done as follows:

Red arrows show the movement of hot water, and green arrows show cold water when installing an electric unit. On the outlet from the risers (2 and 3) it is necessary to install shut-off valves(4 and 5).
The valve (4) is used to shut off the water supply to the boiler, for example, if repairs to the unit or preventative descaling are required.
Tap number 5 shuts off the main hot water supply if heated water from the device is used.
Next, continuing to install the boiler, you need to cut into the pipes going to the apartment tees(6 and 7), from which the wiring will go to the device.
It is recommended to install valves (8 and 9) on the outlet to the device. They will be useful during preventative maintenance of the unit, so as not to disconnect the main wiring. Also, from these taps the supply of pipes (10 and 11) to the nozzles of the device begins. You can use metal-plastic pipes, flexible hoses or polypropylene pipes.
Installation required on cold water supply safety valve(12). This element protects the unit from exposure to excess pressure. If excess pressure forms in the tank of the device, with the help of the opened safety valve, the water will be discharged into the sewer or a special container through the drain tube (13).
Another tee is installed above the safety valve, and a valve (14) is connected to it. Using this tap, you can drain the water from the device if necessary. It is recommended to install the same tee with a valve on the hot water pipe, in front of the boiler pipe. It serves as an air suction for quickly draining liquid from the device. Must be closed in working order.

How to install a water heater with your own hands in a dacha if there is no centralized water supply? To ensure normal operation of an electric water heater, you will need to install a water storage tank. Usually it is located on the roof, but this is not important. The main thing is that the height of the storage tank above the unit is at least 2 meters.

Electrical connection

To connect the unit to electricity, it is advisable to do for it separate distribution board with a circuit breaker, and do not place it in a damp area. Then stretch the cable to the boiler and connect it to the contacts of the device. The cable must be three-core (with a cross-section of 2.5 mm), with a grounding conductor. The automatic switch will protect the device from power surges that can damage the heating elements. The machine must be designed for a current of 16 A. It is also recommended application of RCD(residual current device), which will protect a person from electric shock.

Below is a diagram of connecting the device to the network.

If you are not well versed in electrical installation, it is better not to tempt fate, but to contact a specialist who will make the correct connection of the electrical appliance.

How to install a boiler correctly was discussed above. But there are recommendations on what to do during installation and use of the unit:

turn on the installed unit, not filled with water;
connect a pipe from the water main to the water heater if the pressure in it is more than 6 atmospheres;
remove the protective cover of the unit and drain the liquid from it without disconnecting it from the power supply;
engage in installation if you do not know how to install a boiler with your own hands;
the use of “left” components different from those recommended by the manufacturer;
When installing the unit, ignore the installation of the safety valve;
do not follow installation and safety rules.

To choose a boiler for your home, you should be guided by your needs, and also take into account its size and suitability to the interior. You can entrust the installation to a specialist or do it yourself, especially since this is not such a difficult task if everything is done correctly, following the recommendations described above.

Hot water supply in a modern apartment or private housing construction has long been considered the norm. But the majority of private and suburban houses still remain not connected to the central hot water supply. It is for this reason that many homeowners seek to install autonomous water heating in their homes. In this case, the simplest solution is to install a boiler, which you can do yourself. Today it is difficult to find a building in which there is no electricity, and therefore installing a water heater with your own hands is quite simple.

Experts distinguish two main types of boilers - flow-through and storage type. The main difference between these models is the operating principle of the device and, as a consequence, the electrical energy consumed by the water heater. Therefore, before you make your final choice, it won’t hurt get acquainted with some installation nuances and features of the components water heating device. In instantaneous boilers, water is heated by passing a constant flow through heating elements. In turn, in a storage type device, the liquid is heated in a special tank in which heating elements are installed.

In order to save money in the process of purchasing a suitable model of water heating device, it should be taken into account that a small 20 liter boiler is quite enough to provide hot water supply to a small country house where there is no shower or bath. In a country cottage or state apartment with a shower, a storage water heater model with a volume of 60-80 liters is quite suitable. In turn, if the residents of the house like to relax in a hot bath, then it is better to give preference to boilers with a tank of 100 liters or more. But with an increase in the volume of the water heater, you need to understand that you will need more space for installation, which you also should not forget about when choosing the appropriate unit model.

Before connecting an electric storage boiler to a water supply or electrical network It is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements, which apply to the safety of operation of a water heating device.

The condition of the water supply in the apartment plays an important role - if it is in doubt, then it is advisable to replace old rusted metal pipes with new metal-plastic analogues before installing the water heater.

What might you need to install a boiler yourself?

Before you begin the actual installation of a storage-type water heater with your own hands, you need to watch a video of the installation process, and also stock up on a minimum set of tools and consumables:

If it is necessary to replace old electrical wiring or lay new cables, you will need the following materials:

three-core copper or aluminum cables and corrugation;
a powerful machine or a high-quality socket.

Only after preparing everything you need can you proceed to directly inserting the storage boiler into the pipeline and connecting it to the electrical network yourself.

Cold water connection and hot pipe output

So, the water heating device has been selected, the components are prepared, the tool is at hand. Installing a storage boiler with your own hands does not imply obtaining any permits or drawing up a project and other nuances associated with gas equipment. In turn, the installation diagram of the water heater itself is simple, especially if you watch the video of installing the boiler into the water supply and follow the recommendations of experts.

You need to install a water heating device only after the water meter and only with pipes of the appropriate diameter.
Inserting fittings and tees into hot and cold water pipes should only occur after the water supply in the house is shut off.
The tow or sealing tape is wound strictly clockwise. At the same time, you should not overdo it; 5 to 10 turns of material will be enough, the excess of which will be squeezed out during twisting.
A check valve, supplied with the water heater, is mounted on the inlet fitting of the boiler to connect the cold water supply. The valve is screwed onto the coupling, and onto it is a fitting for connecting the inlet pipe. By analogy, an adapter is mounted at the outlet of the water heater.
When all fittings and adapters are in place, you can install the water heater on the wall and connect the hot and cold pipes.
Metal-plastic pipes must be inserted into the fittings until they stop, having previously flared the cut ends. While tightening the nuts don't put in too much effort so as not to damage them.

It is better to tighten the nuts later, during the process of checking the water supply system when supplying water if a leak is detected. You also need to remember that shut-off valves must be installed at the outlet and inlet pipes of the boiler.

Connecting the boiler to the electrical network

To connect a storage boiler with your own hands, you first need to familiarize yourself with the video of electrical installation work. After which you will have to go to the store to purchase a copper cable with a cross-section of 2.5 mm. A cable with this cross-section can withstand loads of up to 20 amperes. Moreover, if the power indicators of the boiler are 2 kW, then the current loads will not exceed 10 amperes.

After the tank is filled and water flows from the mixer, it is shut off. A boiler filled with water creates a certain pressure in the pipeline, so after waiting several hours you need check all pipe joints for the presence of a leak. If the latter is detected, you need to tighten the nuts.

Features of using a flow-type water heater

Thanks to their compact size, instantaneous water heaters can be installed not only permanently, but also used as a portable device. A standard shower hose is suitable for temporarily connecting the device. A tee is mounted into the cold water pipe, into which a shut-off valve is screwed and a hose is installed behind it, connecting the cold water to the instantaneous boiler.

In the case of a stationary installation of an instantaneous water heater, a scheme of simultaneous supply and intake of water is used. Installation is carried out in parallel to the water supply system of a private house or apartment. This method involves installing tees together with valves on each pipe. Thanks to this, if necessary the flow-type heater can be completely excluded from the system indoor water supply.

The cold water pipe is connected to the boiler inlet, and from the outlet of the device is connected to the hot pipe using a reinforced hose. When installing a water heater in an apartment building, it is important to close the hot water valve on the central riser to prevent the heated liquid from entering the water supply of the neighboring apartment.

As you can see, installing a boiler of both flow-through and storage type is quite simple and, quite possible, with your own hands. And if anyone still has questions, the article provides a detailed video on inserting a water heater into a water supply system and connecting it to the AC network.

The lack of centralized hot water supply today is a problem not only in small settlements, but also in large cities. Sometimes the water can be turned off, or it has different temperatures at different times of the day, or it is too rusty. Naturally, not everyone is ready to pay for hot water, which is often turned off or supplied in poor quality. That is why installing a boiler is the best solution to provide yourself and your family with hot water supply when needed.

Today’s material will be devoted to how to install a water heater in an apartment or country house. The material also contains a training video regarding the features of installing boilers with your own hands.

Boiler installation: video

Manufacturers of water heaters offer customers of their products various modifications of their products, which are designed for installation both in a house and in an apartment, both in the bathroom and in other rooms. Depending on the needs, boilers have different tank volumes.

Most common types electric water heaters in everyday life are:

accumulative;
flow-through.

Both types of boilers have their own operating characteristics, but each of them, if connected correctly, will provide hot water to both the tap and the shower at the same time. Thus, if you install the water heater in the right way, you can get hot water both in the bathroom and in the kitchen from one device.

Regardless of the type of design, an electric water heater operates on the principle of converting current energy into thermal energy. Therefore, both types of boilers are equipped with a heating element. If you have a connection diagram, tools and consumables, you can easily install a boiler in your apartment or country house with your own hands.

Below we attach a training video on how to install a water heater with your own hands, and what you will need for this.

DIY installation features

Naturally, in order to install any type of water heater in a house or apartment with your own hands, you need to understand at least at a minimum level features of working with plumbing and understand how the boiler works.

When installing a water heater, you should not overlook even the smallest details of the operation, otherwise you can disrupt the entire connection diagram with your wrong actions and the device will not work correctly.

Of course, installing a water heater yourself will save money on the work of a craftsman, but you will still have to buy accessories for installing the structure. Also remember that depending on the type of boiler, it should be installed in accordance with safety regulations.

So, Before installation you should do the following:

clearly think about where the structure will be placed;
there should be free access to the boiler not only during its installation, but also during subsequent use;
the wall where the water heater will be installed must be level and support the weight of the structure;
Pay attention to the condition of the electrical wiring in your home. When installing water heaters, the quality of the wires and their condition are an important condition for safety during their use;
check the condition of all pipes and risers. Replace them if necessary;
Keep with you a connection diagram indicating the piping for the faucet and shower.

Typically, the boiler design includes the following elements:

frame;
power cord;
water outlet pipe;
pressure valve.

Features of choosing a water heater

The choice of water heaters in specialized stores, markets and on the Internet is now huge; they differ from each other in volume, power, type of installation, price and other parameters.

It is quite natural that anyone wants to purchase a model that would combine a reasonable price and decent quality, and at the same time have a number of useful functions.

So, what to consider when buying a boiler, regardless of its type, manufacturer and cost:

the design must be reliable;
It is desirable that the water heater be universal in terms of installation, especially if you are planning to move from your apartment to your country house for the summer;
both storage and instantaneous water heaters must simultaneously supply water to the shower and tap;
it is desirable that the design includes a safety valve as a protective measure against malfunctions;
the boiler must be made only from high-quality materials;
the design must be such that the device can be installed at home with your own hands and online;
the product must be attractive in appearance and be of high quality;
When purchasing a water heater, be sure to ask what conditions exist for its correct operation, so that in the future it does not become unusable ahead of time.

Do-it-yourself boiler installation

You need to install a water heater yourself according to existing rules and requirements depending on its type. Thus, the features of installing a flow device will be somewhat different from installing a storage device. Let's look at both cases one and two.

How to install a instantaneous water heater

One of the key features of instantaneous water heaters is their compactness, which allows you to place them in the kitchen or bathroom right under the sink. The liquid in such devices is heated in a special metal pipe that contains powerful heating elements.

Such design features of the device require that the electrical wiring in the house or apartment works properly and is able to withstand heavy loads. It is advisable to install a separate machine for a flow-type heater and connect it to large gauge wire.

After you finish working with the electricity supply, you can install the boiler itself. It is installed either temporarily or permanently.

The temporary scheme provides for an additional tee to be cut into the cold water pipe, which will be connected to the water heater through a special valve. To do this, you need to apply voltage to the water heater and open the tap that supplies hot water.

But the stationary scheme assumes that the supply and intake of water in the pipes will be carried out in parallel with the general water supply system. To install the structure according to a stationary scheme, tees for hot and cold water are cut into the pipes. Then you need to install shut-off valves and seal them with simple tow or fum tape.

The next steps are:

connect the boiler inlet pipe to the pipe that supplies cold water;
connect the outlet pipe to the hot water tap;
supply water to the pipes and make sure that all connections are tight when turning on the water in the tap and shower;
during normal operation of the system, you can supply electricity to the water heater, then hot water should flow from the desired tap;
To increase the safety level of the entire plumbing system and water heater, immediately install a safety valve along with it.

You can clearly see the installation process of the flow apparatus in the video.

Rules for installing a storage boiler

If you plan to install it yourself storage type device, then the requirements for the condition of the wiring will not be as strict as in the previous case. Storage heaters are also somewhat cheaper than flow heaters. In addition, their popularity can be explained by the fact that very often they are covered by a scheme in which water can be supplied to the tap and shower at the same time.

If you have the tools and materials, you can install such a unit quickly, and the work itself will not seem too difficult, it consists of the following actions:

eliminate faults in the electrical wiring or plumbing system, if any, check their condition;
make markings on the wall for the structure and install the necessary fasteners for its installation;
fix the water heater on the wall and attach the safety valve;
after installing the boiler on the wall, connect it to the water supply;
route the pipes through the valve to the corresponding inlets and outlets on the body;
first install and connect cold water, and the safety valve must be closed at this time;
Also, with the valve closed, install pipes for hot water;
connect the structure to the electrical network and check how it works.

If all steps have been performed correctly, hot water should flow from the appropriate tap. At this time, all pipes and connections of the boiler must be well sealed, and the wires should not overheat.

Of course, if you are not confident in your abilities and even visual training material in video format cannot help you learn the features of step-by-step installation of a boiler with your own hands, then do not take risks, but invite a specialist. Incorrect installation of the heater can cause it to fail prematurely and cause leaks and other problems. Therefore, undertake self-installation only when you are confident in your abilities and know that everything will be done efficiently and correctly.

Taking into account rising utility tariffs, storage water heaters are becoming increasingly relevant in recent years, as they can serve as both the main and additional sources of hot water supply. In today's article we will talk about installing boilers yourself.

Important! Often, boilers are installed in the toilet, bathroom or kitchen - that is, in close proximity to water intake points.

Installing a boiler yourself - is it possible?

Let us immediately note that in the absence of minimal knowledge in the field of plumbing, it is better to entrust the installation to specialists. This applies to apartments to a greater extent, because if errors are made during installation, the neighbors below will be the first to suffer.

Simply put, self-installation is a risky procedure. But if you carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions and act strictly according to the technology, then no problems should arise, especially since this option has its advantages, such as:

Moreover, if repairs begin in the room in which the water heater is installed, then no specialists will be needed to dismantle the device, since everything can be done with your own hands.

What will be required at work

For installation you need to prepare a number of tools:

perforator;
roulette;
mounting level;
Phillips screwdriver;
pliers;
adjustable wrench;
marker.

In addition, you will need to purchase:

polypropylene pipes;
FUM tapes (or, as an option, flax tow).

Installing a water heater on a wall (traditional option)

The device can only be installed on a load-bearing wall, as close as possible to the water intake point, because the temperature of the water moving through the pipes decreases.

Important! The mounting height depends only on ease of use. The user should easily turn on one or another temperature mode, if necessary.

Below is the sequence of actions.

Step 1. First you need to select a location for installation. In this case, you must adhere to certain requirements.

Step 2. The heating elements that water heaters are equipped with are always very powerful, because the water heating speed must be maximum. In this regard, certain requirements are imposed on the wire that will be used for connection. There are quite a lot of them and manufacturers usually indicate them in the data sheet. We only note that the minimum wire diameter should be 5-6 mm.

You should also find out the maximum voltage for which the meter is designed (if it is less than 40 A, then the meter is replaced with a new, more powerful one), and then purchase a switch for a specific number of amperes and an additional 3x6 mm cable.

Step 3. After the preparatory work, you can proceed directly to the installation. Mark on the wall where the lowest point of the heater will be. Next, measure the distance between the mark and the top mounting bar of the device. Holes are made along the marks.

Important! There are no holes in the bar itself. Fastening is carried out using hook-shaped anchors.

In walls made of brick or concrete, a Pobedit drill is used to make holes; if the wall is wooden, then a standard one will do. The diameter of the holes should be several millimeters larger than the diameter of the dowels.

After this, the dowels are driven in and the anchors are screwed in onto which the heater will be hung. The anchors are turned all the way, then the fastening strip is put on them.

Step 4. When connecting to the water supply, flexible hoses or PP pipes are used. There should be two connectors on the case:

red for hot water;
blue for cold intake.

The safety valve that comes with the water heater is installed before the cold water inlet. To do this, the connection point is wrapped with FUM tape, the tap is screwed on, and the hose is screwed onto the valve located below. The second end of the hose is also screwed to the hot water supply pipe.

Video - Do you need a safety valve?

The cold water hose is then screwed onto the water supply and connected to the blue hole. It is advisable to install a ball valve in this place in order to always be able to turn off the water if necessary.

The “plumbing” measures are completed, all that remains is to connect the heater to the network.

Step 5. The safety relay, cord and plug must be included with the boiler. Before connection, a grounded socket is installed next to the heater.

You can go another way - install an automatic switch. This is convenient because all the switch terminals are already marked:

blue wire is neutral;
brown for phase;
yellow (or any other color except the first two) for grounding.

After all contacts are connected, voltage is applied. If everything is done correctly, the indicator on the boiler will light up. All that remains is to fill the tank and set the desired temperature.

Important! It is not permissible to connect the device to sockets whose power exceeds 3 kW. In addition, connecting other electrical appliances to this outlet is prohibited.

Step 6. System check. After filling the tank, the hot water tap opens - this is necessary to remove air. After switching on, the device operates for several hours, then you can begin active use.

Video - Installing and connecting a water heater

Features of installation in an apartment

The main feature of a city apartment is the lack of space. If the walls of the toilet are tiled, then installing a boiler there will be quite difficult. The only option in this case would be installation on the back wall, where there is usually a small cabinet for masking sewer pipes or storing household chemicals.

Step 1. Let us immediately note that a heater with a volume of no more than 10 liters can be placed in the cabinet. First, the cabinet is emptied of all contents - cleaning products, shelves, lid and bottom.

Step 2. Then mark the center-to-center distance of the fasteners, the dimensions of the cabinet and the gap between it and the wall. The latter is marked, the fastening points are indicated. Holes are made in appropriate places, dowels are hammered into which anchors are screwed.

Step 3. The water heater is hung on anchors.

Step 4. The cabinet is put back together (of course, the shelves and bottom are no longer used), and the device is connected in the same way as in the previous paragraph of the article.

Sometimes water heaters are installed under the sink, but only an oversized rectangular device will do for this. In such a place, a boiler will not hurt, and its surface will be protected from water.

Important! When connecting to the electrical network, you need to take care of grounding and separate wiring.

The opinion that compact heaters are inefficient is erroneous. Most of them have sufficient power to heat more than 2 liters of water per minute. Otherwise, installing a heater under a sink does not differ from the traditional installation method.

Features of installing a boiler in the country

Boilers are widely used in private homes. If we are talking about a dacha where people live mainly on weekends, then there is probably no heating boiler there. Therefore, with each visit, certain difficulties arise related to hot water supply. To avoid them, install a boiler.

The operational specificity of water heaters in the country is that the water pressure is almost always inconsistent. This is no longer a city apartment, in which the pressure is always the same, since it is supplied from a centralized water supply network.

In view of this, in dachas, water heating equipment is installed 2 m above the nearest water intake point. Thanks to this, the water will circulate naturally even in the absence of pressure.

Regarding the installation technology, in this case it is the same.

When installing/operating the boiler, it is not recommended:

Video - What to pay attention to during installation

As a conclusion

Scientific progress has already reached a level at which everyone is able to provide themselves with comfortable living conditions (including hot water), regardless of whether they live in the city or outside it. Purchasing a storage water heater provides a number of advantages, and the main one is complete independence from the centralized water supply. With the latter, as is known, planned and unplanned outages occur quite often.

The range of modern boilers is wide enough so that everyone can choose a model that meets all requirements and preferences.