2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54
- How the safety valve works, its functions
- The importance of proper valve operation
- How to choose a safety valve for a boiler
- Features of installing a valve on a boiler
Installing a water heater in a private house or apartment is quite common today. Such a plumbing fixture is capable of heating water regardless of its pressure, and storage types of boilers are designed to provide warm water even when it is turned off. In order for the water heater to work correctly and safely, a special safety valve is installed on it.
How the safety valve works, its functions
A safety valve is a device that can protect a water heater from pressure surges in the water supply system. Its second name is a check valve, due to the fact that its function also includes preventing water from flowing out of the container in the event of an emergency breakdown. Thus, when you turn off the water, you do not need to worry that the heating element of the device will burn out.
Externally, the safety valve has a brass plated body, inside which there are 2 springs with locking elements. The first spring is located inside the flow channel and is a check valve - it prevents water from flowing back into the pipeline that supplies it.
As soon as the pressure of water increases, the spring moves away and the element that closes the hole allows water to enter the container. As soon as the tank is full, the pressure on both sides becomes equal and the shut-off elements close the hole. If it happens that the water is turned off or its pressure decreases, the boiler will still be full, since the check valve will not allow it to pour out.
The second spring is located on the outlet and its function is to release water in the event of an increase in pressure. This action takes place as follows: the pressure that arises in the pipes overcomes the stiffness of the spring, it is compressed, and the shut-off element opens the hole for the liquid to pass to discharge. The pressure limit at which the spring is compressed is set during the manufacture of the valve and the water heater.
In fact, this device contains 2 elements: a fuse and a check valve. Its main functions are:
- tank rupture protection;
- do not allow water heated in the boiler to enter the water supply system;
- smooth out the pressure jumps of cold water when it enters the heating tank;
- discharge of water from the tank at the moment of exceeding the critical pressure and temperature;
- draining water from the boiler tank during service or repair of the water heater.
In addition, pressure gauges and valves may be included with the safety valve. It depends on the manufacturer.
The importance of proper valve operation
If a safety valve is not installed in the water heating system, this can lead to dire consequences, up to the arbitrary spontaneous combustion of the boiler. Let's consider several situations:
The appliance will not function properly even if there is constant pressure in the water supply system. This is due to the fact that when heated, water is able to expand the container in which it is located, therefore, the pressure in the device will increase
At some point, the pressure will exceed the norm and in the absence of a valve, the heated water will start to discharge into the pipes. This will lead to malfunctions and possible breakdown in the plumbing system.
- A situation may also arise in which the pressure in the pipes drops sharply, and the water disappears altogether. In this case, in the absence of a valve, the heating elements will heat the empty boiler, which will lead to their rapid burnout. Some masters in such a situation pin their hopes on the boiler automation, however, the automation can fail.
- And one more example of a critical situation. If the thermostat breaks down on the boiler, irreparable damage may occur. The water will gradually heat up, and without getting out of the container, it will reach the maximum boiling limit of 100 degrees. A large amount of steam will be generated instantly, resulting in an explosion.
Therefore, you should not neglect the installation of a safety valve so that critical situations do not arise in the operation of the water heater.
How to choose a safety valve for a boiler
It is necessary to take into account certain criteria when choosing the correct safety valve for the boiler:
- Device price. Today the safety element market is represented by low-level models, which are usually equipped with boilers, as well as higher-class samples with improved quality. You shouldn't skimp on such an important element.
- For ease of installation, choose a model with water direction marks on the body.
- Modern safety valves are equipped with special nozzles for connecting a water drain hose. Choose those models that are convenient for connecting and fixing the drain hose.
- Select valves that can be disassembled and cleaned. This way, you can eliminate blockages caused by poor quality tap water.
When buying, pay attention to the weight of the product. Sometimes, instead of brass, the manufacturer reduces the cost of production and releases a safety valve from silumin. The quality of such a product leaves much to be desired.
Features of installing a valve on a boiler
As soon as the boiler is installed and secured, you can proceed to the installation of the safety valve. The valve is installed as follows:
- Turn off the device and drain all the water from it;
- The valve is installed at the cold water inlet to the boiler. The valve is tightened with a wrench, while using additional materials for sealing - sanitary tape, fum tape, and on the other side, the valve is connected to a cold water pipe. At this stage, follow the direction of the arrow on the valve body and install it as recommended.
As you can see, the installation of a safety valve is not difficult, however, if you are in doubt and do not have the skills to work with the installation of plumbing fixtures and plumbing systems, it is better to call a specialist. This service will not take much time and will not entail high costs.
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