H & C Water systems

[cagey]

I have water system just pump and calorifier.
Should I have expansion tank and accumulator, could this be the source of very wet bilges.
Would also like to fit themostatic valve as water gets very hot.
Any one know of usefull sites with fitting diagrams etc
Thanks
Keith

 

[pvb]

Yes, you ought to have an expansion tank. The thermostatic mixer fits on the hot outlet of the calorifier, with a pipe connected to the cold inlet. This diagram is from the SureCal website.

 

[Danny]

This might help. Similar to pvb's method but the cal had a built in PRV and this diagram shows were I put the hw accumulator/expansion vessel.

 

[TrueBlue]

It all depends,
The accumulator is there to smooth out the water flow (useful if you have a shower...)
Some more modern pumps have a mechanism that makes an accumulator unnecessary.

It could be that the wet bilges are due to your over pressure valve on the calorifier - you do have one don't you - leaks or weeps copiously. This is most likely after the boat has not been used for a while. Some have a click turn valve on the top which helps to clean the valve seat.

 

[Danny]

[ QUOTE ]
It all depends,
The accumulator is there to smooth out the water flow (useful if you have a shower...)
Some more modern pumps have a mechanism that makes an accumulator unnecessary.

[/ QUOTE ]True - but if you have a hot water supply with an NRV installed then an <extra> accumulator or expansion vessel, installed <u>after</u> the NRV, can prevent leaks from the PRV as the cal heats up.

 

[narooma]

If you have a pressure relief valve you might check that for leaks when hot. (wrap tissue round it)