WEST AUCKLAND PLUMBER – Mains Water Pressure Hot Water Cylinder
If you’re shopping around for a new hot water cylinder, there are a few different things to research and understand in order to make an informed decision:
- The size of the hot water cylinder
The size indicates how much water the hot water cylinder can store. Hot water cylinder sizes usually range from about 30L to 300L. Which size is right for you depends on a few factors, including how many people are in your household, and how much hot water you req uire.
- Gas or electric hot water cylinder
An electric hot water cylinder uses an electric element in an insulated tank to heat the water to a temperature set by a thermostat. A gas hot water cylinder, on the other hand, converts gas energy into heat and then transfers that heat to your water.
- Low pressure or mains pressure hot water
There are two types of hot water cylinders when comparing water pressure: low pressure hot water cylinders and mains pressure hot water cylinders. In this article we’ll explain the differences between them and some reasons why you might consider upgrading from a low pressure hot water cylinder to a mains pressure hot water cylinder.
What is the difference between a low pressure hot water cylinder and a mains pressure hot water cylinder?
The most obvious difference is the pressure or force that your water flows through your pipes and comes out of your taps and shower head at. Water pressure is measured in kilopascals, abbreviated to kPa.
Why would you switch from a low pressure hot water cylinder to a mains pressure hot water cylinder?
There are a number of benefits that a mains pressure hot water cylinder provides:
- Better showers
With mains pressure, your hot and cold water come out at the same pressure, which ultimately makes for a much more pleasant shower. On a low pressure system, your cold water comes out with greater force than your hot. For some people, this difference in water pressure between hot and cold is noticeable and uncomfortable. A mains pressure system will also provide you with greater water pressure when you have multiple taps or showers in use. On low pressure, if you’re having a shower and someone turns on a tap or turns on a second shower, your water pressure will immediately reduce. It’s difficult to have good, strong water pressure in more than one shower at the same time when you’re on low pressure water.
- Savings on water bills
Because you’ve got adequate water pressure in the shower when you’re on mains pressure water, you should be able to reduce your shower time. Rinsing soap and shampoo takes less time with good water pressure, so even if two showers are in use at the same time, you should be able to stick to shorter showers with good pressure. (On the flip side, your showers may be so comfortable and relaxing that you want to stay in there forever – while that’s a nice treat once in a while, it’s not a habit we encourage as Auckland is trying to reduce our water use.)
- Helping with Auckland’s water shortage
As we’ve just mentioned, Auckland residents need to monitor how much water we use and do our part to reduce unnecessary water usage. Being on mains water pressure gives you greater water pressure, which in turn helps with short, sharp water use. There’s no need to keep a tap or shower running for ages to wash or rinse things.
- Compatibility with modern mixers and taps
If you’re thinking of updating or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to note that most modern tapware will only work properly with mains pressure water. A renovation is a great time to review the hot water cylinder you have to make sure it’s right for your current household size and stage of life.
- Increasing the value of your home
One of the first things people do when they’re going through an open home or checking out a house for sale is turn on the taps and/or shower. We love to check the water pressure of a home that we’re interested in. Having great water pressure definitely makes a home more desirable.
Rest assured that a mains pressure hot water cylinder can be used on either gas or electric power, and they come in a large range of sizes. If you’re considering replacing your current hot water cylinder and want to get the most out of your hot water system, read more about Hot Water Cylinder Upgrade options here. Then give the friendly team at Sumich Plumbing & Drainage a call – we’re here to help and answer any questions you may have.
THE SUMICH DIFFERENCE
There are a number of plumbing and drainage companies in Auckland, so why choose Sumich?
Founded by owner-operator Chris Sumich in 1991, Sumich Plumbing & Drainage has one of the most experienced teams operating in Auckland. Our team has a combined experience of over 100 years and we’ve seen a comprehensive range of scenarios and solutions over the years. Clients trust us to give honest, transparent advice and service.
As registered members of the New Zealand Plumbers, Drainlayers & Gasfitters Association, we are professional, licensed Auckland plumbers for all of your plumbing, drain laying, gasfitting and heating needs. Give us a call to see how we can help.