Hot Water

[MotorBoatPete]

Does anyone have experience of hot water systems? I have an insulated tank heated from the Port engine. I.e. Two pipes are connected between front of engine and the side of water tank, very efficient it is too. However, a third pipe is also fitted to the side of water tank which leads to the bilges, presumably this is some sort of pressure release system. I am finding that I lose about 3 to 4 lts of water, via this pipe, even a short trip. I can’t believe this is normal so what can I do about it?
Thanks for any help.

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[stamfordian]

Hi,
sounds like its an expansion problem, is there any sort of valve on the pipe at all,if so it,s aa preassure release system and the valve may have become weakened over time or has kurud on the seat,if no valve then its purly expansion pipe like he one on now older domestic heating systems, i am assuming you have a pump to pump hot water to the taps??.
Does it do this with half a tank or only when full is another pointer(preassurizing from engine heat exchanger split)
cheers not had much to with hot water on boats but hope this helps a little

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/stamfordian>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/stamfordian</A>

 

[adarcy]

Re: Agreed

Never thought about it before but obviously we have a pressure relieving valve which has a pipe leading to the bilge and it sounds like that's where his prob is.

Funny thing is I never wondered what happens to the expansion in the heated water before it blows this valve - maybe it's just taken up by the water pump pressure cylinder thingy because the hot water doesn't back up into the cold water or vent outside anywhere

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[tico]

It's for the pressure relief valve. Sounds like there may be some crud holding it open.
Whatever you do, DO NOT block it up as I did because the water will leak from somewhere else in the system.

Took me ages to diagnose the leak in the back cabin.!!!


<hr width=100% size=1>Been there, done that, got the oily T shirt

 

[MotorBoatPete]

Many thanks for all your help. Well have a good look some time next week. Can't be this weekend as we are going to the RYA do at Cowes. Will let you all know what I find.

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[Johnnygil]

MBP

I am not at all up on boats but have been told this

On my boat I have a calorifier system and a jabsco pump if the pump is left on it can actually pump water thro the release valve so as it is only a small amount it must be due to expansion but another option is that if the pump is switched on it could pump water and the only place for it to go is thro the release valve.

If you understand that you are better than me

Laterssssssssss

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