Faulty/Leaking Boilers

 Hi

I have recently read some threads regarding leaking boilers in Don Juan - usually the result of calcium build-up.

However, I now cannot find these threads - please can anyone tell me where I read about these?

Many thanks.

JudeH

Hi Jude,

It is on the chit chat thread.....if you scroll down to the 16th - 18th May you can read the comments

Comments about boiler break down.

Don´t know about the design specification on the original boilers at Don Juan but here are some items to think of.

1. Do not set the temperarure to low. A bacteria "Legionella pneumophia" and Pontiac fewer can grow in water causing the bacteria to get into lungs especially when taking a shower. Set temperature >60 degr.

2. Calcium build up will cause the heater not be able to reach temperature as it acts as an insulation on the heating element. I don´t not see calcium beeing the cause for leakage. 

3. If before leaving the apartment one may be temted to turn off incoming water to be safe. If so switch off the water boiler first. And the opposit when coming back. First water then electricity to the boilel.

Does anyone know the dH value on our water? And does anyone have a good reference for a plumber to ask for installation?

The type of boilers we have should maybe not last more than 5-10 years.

Gordon 

 Dear Davmunster and Wilander

Many thanks for the replies.  Will get the other half to look at them.

Jude

Hi Gordon,

I don't know what you mean by the dH value of the water.  Is it the pH value you mean or is it the actual water pressure in bars?

With regard to my earlier comments about an intermittent squealing noise from my electric water heater which in every other respect was working okay,  I received conflicting advice.

One person (builder) said it was the safety pressure relief valve that was causing the squeal, another person ( plumber) said it was unlikely to be the relief valve when no water at all was being emitted, that it was probably the internal "tubes" and therefore repair work would not be economical - he suggested fitting a timer so that the heater would be off at night and to wait until the heater itself fails.

While I was considering these points and also assessing the various heater models available in AKI, Bauhaus etc. the squealing noise stopped and hasn't been heard for the last week!

So it appears that I have a unique model - self repairing perhaps - or maybe I am too optimistic - fingers crossed!

P.S. The water heater is an Ariston model, 80 litres, 1500 watts, max pressure 9 bar.  Bauhaus will deliver, install new model and remove old model for €105 - they also offer a 5 year guarantee.

This message was last edited by Gericom99 on 01/06/2013.

Hi Gericom33.

The dH value is how high level CaCO3 there is in the water. It has nothing to do with pressure. Normal dH degress i think shall be in the area of 5 or 6 which means there is about 100 ppm CO3 in the water.

The higher it gets the more buildup of calcium you get in your water system and you can feel it when you wash yourself in the water and you get a residu on the sink edges. If to low it feels like it´s hard to get rid of the soap your nands feel slippery.

In my expreience without having measured the dH degrees I do not think we have a major problem here but it´s probably abowe 5 or 6 dH. When new water "note I didn´t say cold water as there is no" comes in and fill up the heater and the temperature rices the heater must let som out as the water is expands as it gets warmer and the heater needs to release some.

Fitting a timer on the heater seems to be overkill and for the wrong reason. Only reason in my view would be if you pay less for kWh during night when there is a surplus of electricity there would be a reason to warm up a magasine of warer during night for use next day.

The Bauhaus offer seems to be a good deal when there is a need to replace. Thanks for the tip.

Gordon