Plumbing - Inline filter

[gregmcateer]

Not a tool question, but;

At the kids' judo club I'm installing a Zip Hydroboil water heater and although they do have an own-brand inline walter filter to inhibit scale build-up, I wondered if any of you folk have experience of them or an alternative that is recommended or to be avoided?

TIA

Greg

 

[sunnybob]

It would depend on your local water quality as to whether you needed a filter or not.
If the mains water is obviously soiled, then its the water boards job to sort it.
If the area's water is heavily scaled a pre filter would be useful.

And remember, you are boiling the water that is going to be used, so that would kill just about any bacteria. If there is a thermostat on the boiler, set it to 97c. If not, set the simmer stat so that water inside is just bubbling, and place an obvious sign on it stating that it is VERY HOT.

The most dangerous water bacteria wise is when its kept around 70 or 80.

 

[sunnybob]

OK, just googled the zip. Should have done that before replying. I havent seen that one before. looks like its fine the way it comes.

 

[Wuffles]

The most dangerous water bacteria wise is when its kept around 70 or 80.

I thought it was the 50 degrees centigrade range?

My system is setup out of the box to heat the water in the tank to 75c once a week to kill the bacteria that can chug along in the lower range quite happily.

This is from memory, so could be wrong.

 

[MikeJhn]

The 50 degrees range is to prevent propagation of the Legionnaire bacteria, it is now quite normal to keep water at a much hotter storage range and have a thermostatic cold water mixing valve on the hot supply, now becoming almost mandatory on new installations in France.

Mike

 

[Wuffles]

Impossible in heat pump installations. Temp generation is in the 50-55 degree range, computer initiates a 75-80 degree override once a week. And yes, it was legionnaires now you mention it.

More common in France?

Ba-da-bum...tsh.


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[MikeJhn]

Heat pump installation in normal circumstances are used in sealed systems for heat stores, heat exchangers or for under floor heating, so human contact is not normal, ah just got the drum symbol thing. LOL

Mike

 

[Wuffles]

Not when it produces domestic hot water too.


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[sunnybob]

Temps in sealed systems can be lower without danger.
Storage temps for washing and drinking / cooking should be higher. You shouldnt be making hot drinks with water below 85 minimum.

Most (thats only MOST) bacteria are killed after 65 c, but the ones that survive that are the ones that are really out to get you.

Something that many people dont realise is that the average thermostat has a plus or minus 5 degree switching point. If you set an un calibrated stat for 85 (say), it might well only reach 80 before switching off, and will go down to 70 before switching back on. And thats a normal response. Our oven is 25c lower than the stat says it is. Imagine that difference on a water boiler.
A burco type water boiler for drinks really should be in the high 90's. If you can see into any water heater for drinks the water should be bubbling.

 

[MikeJhn]

Not when it produces domestic hot water too.


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Wuffles

Always willing to learn, can you post a link to a direct hot water system using a heat pump, I have only ever seen indirect systems?

Mike

 

[Wuffles]

I didn't say it was direct. Still only gets temps to 50-55c though.

Huge Gledhill tank has a coil which is used as a heat exchanger.

System runs loaded with antifreeze so the water would taste a bit poisony otherwise, which you are probably aware.


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[MikeJhn]

My previous post: Heat pump installation in normal circumstances are used in sealed systems for heat stores, heat exchangers or for under floor heating, so human contact is not normal

Not when it produces domestic hot water too.


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So even when producing domestic hot water human contact is not normal due to the sealed system, therefore your reply to my previous post was Waffle, Wuffles. :lol:

Mike

 

[Wuffles]

Remember my first post? Read it again.

I questioned the temp ranges as our DHW is in that range and is computer controlled to heat up to kill bacteria.

Heat exchanger or not, how is there no human contact with DHW?


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[gregmcateer]

Errm,

Any hoo, thanks for the advice and actually interesting discussion - We had been considering heat pump on a different project, so good to know.

Regarding the water boiler for drinking, my thinking was to install an inline filter to reduce scale build up in the heater - which would be harder (and more expensive) to maintain than a filter. I probably didn't word it quiet clearly enough, but assuming I intend to install a filter, has anyone had experience (good or bad) of any particualr brand or type?

TIA

Greg

 

[Wuffles]

They used to fit the "Salamander" (brand name) type in-line scale inhibitors, is that what you're talking about?

They don't have any moving parts and no maintenance. Pretty sure Screwfix started supplying their own "No Nonsense" version of that too.

 

[sunnybob]

Before we got sidetracked (lol). What is the water quality in your area?
i lived in Somerset for 30 years, and our kettle looked brand new inside when we finally got rid of it. Down the road in Bath, the water is milky white and every heater scales up beyond use in a matter of months.
In London the water was so hard it was almost impossible to get a lather on a shaving brush.

Only a local plumber to you would know if you needed a pre filter or not.

 

[gregmcateer]

Ta, Mr Wuffles.
That's what I meant
Greg