Do-it-yourself methods for installing an instantaneous water heater in a bathroom

Here you will learn:

Tools and materials
Mounting and connection
Connection diagrams

An instantaneous water heater allows you to quickly solve the problem of organizing hot water supply. It instantly heats the water, making it possible to take a shower or wash dishes. Is it possible to install an instantaneous water heater on a faucet with your own hands and what is needed for this? Anyone who knows how to hold tools in their hands can cope with this task.

There is no need to register the installation of a water heater - consumers decide on their own when it comes to installing water equipment. Therefore, nothing prevents us from choosing a suitable model and installing it in the bathroom or kitchen. You don’t need any special tools for this, nor do you need the help of a professional plumber.

Operating principle

Instantaneous electric water heaters are devices that look like small heating boilers. Heating is carried out by heating elements - copper tubes with a spiral inside.

They can only be turned on if there is water, otherwise the heating element will burn out. To prevent breakdown, a protection mechanism is installed, consisting of a thermostat and a shutdown sensor. The water passing through the heating element comes out of the device already hot . In addition, the device is equipped with filters that protect against the entry of solid particles.

Depending on the connection method, water heaters can be pressure or non-pressure.

Pressure-type devices can be used to supply hot water to both the bathroom and the kitchen. Gravity heaters are designed to supply hot water to a specific location (usually the kitchen). Such devices are more compact and consume less electricity .

Varieties

To make the right choice, you need to carefully study each type of electric water heater, taking into account all the positive and negative aspects. Let's look at them in more detail.

There are two types of water heaters: instantaneous and storage.

In flow-through systems, water enters the heat exchanger and is heated there. It takes no more than 30 seconds. They are distinguished by high power consumption, which is not always convenient and profitable. In cheap models, the outlet temperature directly depends on the inlet temperature. If you choose an electronically controlled water heater, the temperature will be adjusted automatically.

If it is necessary to use a large amount of water, the most optimal would be a storage-type EWH with a water supply of at least 50 liters . This is the average daily water consumption per person, which includes a quick shower, washing dishes and light laundry.

Instantaneous water heaters and small storage heaters are often electric; gas ones are less common. As a rule, all household models have a wall mount.

Advantages and disadvantages

Flow heaters have the following advantages:

simpler installation and lower cost compared to storage boilers;
compactness;
fast heating of water.

The negative aspects of such devices include:

high energy consumption;
the need for sufficiently high pressure in the water supply;
inability to accurately adjust the water heating temperature.

The correct choice of water heater is of great importance. These devices differ from each other in many characteristics : power, minimum operating pressure, control methods (for example, stepwise or smooth temperature control) and other parameters.

After purchasing a water heater, you need to choose a place to install it.

Cumulative models

In most cases, a storage-type water heater with all its advantages can be called a universal choice:

ease of installation;
low power consumption, maximum power up to 2.5 kW;
there is always hot water with the possibility of precise temperature control;
fast heating (with a small volume of the water heater tank);
thermally insulated tank;
the ability to provide multiple distribution points.

The disadvantages include the fact that capacitive EWHs take up a lot of usable space. The choice of an electric boiler depends on the amount of space allocated for installation. If it is not enough, then flat wide water heaters are suitable.

Otherwise, this is an excellent choice for home and apartment.

Selecting a location

Almost any room can be chosen to install an instantaneous electric water heater: bathroom, kitchen, toilet or even shower . The main thing is that the installation location meets certain criteria:

protection from moisture (for example, splashes from a shower);
ease of turning the water heater on and off;
ease of use of the tap or shower to which the device is connected;
ease of connection to the water supply;
proximity to the mixer to avoid unnecessary heat loss.

There are no special requirements for the wall itself due to the light weight of the device.

Principle of operation

The water in the tank accumulates and is heated. Upon reaching the set temperature, the water heater turns off the heating element, but periodically turns it on again to maintain heat.

Basic design.

External casing for protection from external factors.
Thermal insulation to maintain temperature and save energy. In large-volume water heaters, the insulation is usually supplied separately from the tank to reduce the size of the latter.

A good insulator made of rigid polyurethane foam or foam rubber can store warm water for up to 2 days.

Heating container. It is made from several types of material, but steel remains the most reliable.
The cold water inlet is made in the form of a fitting for connecting the water supply. Part of the pipe sticks out, and part of it sticks inside the tank. A divider installed on top of the pipe prevents mixing of water and ensures uniform temperature while using the boiler.
The magnesium anode prevents scale from settling on the metal parts of the tank, and makes the resulting scale loose.
Heating element (regular or dry heating element).
Sensor immersion tube.
The hot water outlet is a threaded fitting for connecting the water supply. The tube goes to the top of the tank, from where it takes hot water.

Tools and materials

Before installing an electric instantaneous water heater on a shower, tap or pipes, you should stock up on the following set of materials and tools:

instantaneous water heater;
impact electric drill;
Victory drill;
screws with dowels;
screwdriver;
gas key;
FUM tape;
pliers.

Best models

Based on the above recommendations, choosing the best water heater correctly is not difficult. Fortunately, there are plenty of models in the online store. Let's look at the most popular products from leading companies. Models of different displacements are specially highlighted:

Electrolux EWH 10 Rival O is a Swedish 10-liter heater with a maximum heating temperature of 75 degrees and a bottom water supply.
UNIPUMP compact 15 under. small size, volume 15 liters. Made of high quality steel with anti-corrosion coating. The pipes “look” upward; you can install a water heater under the sink.
Ariston ABS VLS PW 30 is a 30-liter storage EWH with a narrow flat body. Equipped with two heating elements for fast heating. The control is electronic, all information is displayed on the display.
THERMEX ER 50 V is a 50-liter vertical wall-mounted water heater with a durable tank coating. Power 1500 W, open heating element.
Zanussi ZWH/S 80 Splendore XP. The stainless steel tank combined with the possibility of vertical and horizontal installation makes this model practical and durable.

Installation and connection to the water supply

At the first stage, marks are made on the wall in places corresponding to the fastenings. Here they drill holes and drive dowels into them or install brackets (if they are included in the kit). The water heater is attached to them.

Connecting an electric instantaneous water heater to water can be done according to several schemes . In the first case, you will need 4 valves and two outlet adapters - “tees”. One valve is inserted into the pipes with hot and cold water. Tees are installed between them and the mixer.

A water heater is connected to them: the inlet is connected to a pipe with cold water, the outlet is connected to hot water. Valves are also installed on the pipes between the water supply and the water heater. If the water heater is turned off, then the valves leading to it are in the closed position , and those on the pipes are in the open position.

When turning off hot water, a number of manipulations must be performed. You need to close the valve on the hot water pipe, open the valves leading to the heater, and turn it on. When hot water appears, reverse the steps.

There is also a simpler option for installing a flowing electric water heater - on a shower , in which the device itself is not connected to the hot water supply pipe. In this case, its outlet remains free. When the hot water is turned off, a shower hose is connected to it, from which the watering can is pre-twisted.

After this, the valve located at the inlet opens . Now, when you turn the mixer switch to the “shower” position, hot water will flow, and when you turn the mixer switch to the “faucet” position, cold water will flow.

In approximately the same way, an electric water heater is connected in those buildings where hot water supply is not provided for by the design (for example, in country houses). The only difference is that instead of a shower hose, a stationary pipe is used. It can be made of almost any material: metal, plastic, etc.

This video shows how to install an instantaneous electric water heater on a shower:

How to install an electric boiler with a storage tank? And what are such devices good for? Find out for yourself. There are also compact water heater faucets that are great for the kitchen sink. Find out more about these models and their selection.

Special taps with sensors will allow you to use the water you consume more economically; here https://sansovet.com/kvartira/vannaya-komnata/krany-s-ik-datchikom.html you can find out all about them.

The best instantaneous electric water heaters for showers

Thermex Surf 3500

A small, lightweight water heater with a wide range of installation options . Installation can be done above or below the sink, so the device can easily find its place even in a small bathroom or kitchen.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
White color;
control - hydraulic;
power - 3.5 kW;
dimensions - 13*18*6.8 cm.

Advantages:

low price;
compactness;
overheat protection.

Flaws:

lack of a switch;
weak pressure.

Timberk WHEL-6 OSC

A instantaneous water heater will allow you to use hot water every day . Increased power allows you to produce 4 liters of heated water per minute.

The maximum heating temperature is 85 degrees.

The modest dimensions of the device allow it to take up a minimum of free space.

The device is equipped with a special valve to automatically disconnect from the network when not in use. The delivery set includes a faucet, hose and shower head.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
White color;
control - mechanical;
power - 5.5 kW;
dimensions - 27*15.5*10.5 cm.

Advantages:

overheat protection;
heating indication;
faucet and shower head included;
compactness;
stable work.

Flaws:

Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-UI057/S

The device has an elegant appearance that will decorate any interior . There is an indication of the operation of the device. The heating element is made of copper, which not only conducts heat well, but also purifies water.

Maximum heating level - 85 degrees.

The case is reliably protected from moisture. Faucet and shower head included.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
color - white/gray;
control - mechanical;
power - 3.5 kW;
dimensions - 25*15.5*9.5 cm.

Advantages:

compactness;
affordable price;
simple controls.

Flaws:

short power cord;
The shower hose is not flexible enough.

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 6.5 TS

Compact device for hot water supply to one water intake point . The heating system is hydraulic, productivity is about 3.7 l/min.

Heating temperature - up to 80 degrees.

When you close the tap, the water heater will disconnect from the network automatically. The package includes a hose and shower head.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
White color;
control - hydraulic;
power - 6.5 kW;
dimensions - 27*13.5*10 cm.

Advantages:

compactness;
low price;
high power;
good build quality.

Flaws:

requires a separate connection to the electrical panel.

Stiebel Eltron IS 60 E

The temperature can be regulated both by pressure force and using a special regulator . The equipment is equipped with overheating protection and a built-in RCD to ensure safety. The housing is equipped with protection against jets of water.

Gravity water heater with high power level, equipped with shower accessories:

watering can;
hose;
soap dish;
barbell.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
color - white/black;
control - electronic;
power - 6 kW;
dimensions - 21*35*9.6 cm.

Advantages:

overheat protection;
protective shutdown function;
convenient control;
The waterproof housing is not afraid of water jets.

Flaws:

the need to arrange a separate power supply;
high price.

Timberk WHEL-3 OSC

The flow-through design of the water heater will allow you not to limit the needs of your household for hot water . The device is wall mounted and takes up little space.

The water heater comes complete with a faucet, hose and shower head..

There is an indication of device operation and a safety shutdown valve

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
White color;
control - hydraulic;
power - 3.5 kW;
dimensions - 27*10.5*5.5 cm.

Advantages:

nozzles included;
compact size;
easy connection.

Flaws:

There is no RCD included, you need to buy it yourself.

Ariston Aures S 3.5 SH PL

This water heater is installed horizontally and can provide residents with the necessary amount of hot water for domestic and household needs.

The maximum heating temperature is 55 degrees, which increases the safety of use. The front panel has indicators of operation and heating level, there is a built-in thermostat and overheat protection.

The delivery set includes elements for fastening and shower accessories + faucet.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
White color;
control - mechanical;
power - 3.5 kW;
dimensions - 29*18.3*9.8 cm.

Advantages:

presence of a built-in thermostat;
reliability;
stable operation from a regular network.

Flaws:

no tap included;
Some buyers complain about weak heating.

Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 5.5 TS

The water heater is equipped with a tap, hose and shower head . The control panel allows you to set the degree of water heating in one of three levels, up to 50 degrees.

The case is equipped with splash protection, the device is protected from overheating and scale formation.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
color - white/gray;
control - hydraulic;
power - 5.5 kW;
dimensions - 27*13.5*10cm.

Advantages:

modest dimensions;
high-quality heating;
convenient control.

Flaws:

Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 TS

A compact instantaneous water heater quickly heats water to the desired temperature when the tap is opened . The device has modest dimensions.

It is possible to work in one of three power modes with high performance.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
White color;
control - mechanical;
power - 3.5 kW;
dimensions - 30*20*12 cm.

Advantages:

cord and plug included;
possibility of simultaneous connection of faucet and shower;
fast heating.

Flaws:

with low pressure, very low heat.

Stiebel Eltron IS 35 E

The non-pressure instantaneous water heater is of the open type . The temperature can be controlled by the water pressure and regulators on the device itself.

The device is equipped with a built-in RCD, which increases the safety of use and protects against overheating, as well as against drops of water..

The water heater is very compact.

Characteristics:

installation - vertically, on the wall;
eyeliner - bottom;
color - white/black;
control - electronic;
power - 3.5 kW;
dimensions - 21*35*9.6 cm.

Advantages:

high quality;
stable heating;
RCD included;
comfortable shower head.

Flaws:

high cost if bought without discounts.

Electrical connection

Connecting to the electrical network should be given no less attention than to the water supply. First of all, it is necessary to calculate the total power of all electrical appliances in the apartment , including the installed water heater. The resulting figure must be compared with the characteristics of the general circuit breaker.

It should be borne in mind that in many old buildings, switching equipment and electrical wiring are not designed for the power that consumers load them with today. Therefore, it is better to replace them if possible.

The power of most single-phase water heaters is up to 9 kW at a current of up to 27A . Considering the high power of such devices, it is advisable to run a separate line from the electrical panel to power them. When connecting, it is recommended to use a three-core PVS 3x4 cable.

At the same time, we must not forget that current in a damp room is most dangerous, so electrical safety considerations should come first. Therefore, it is imperative to install a residual current device in addition to the circuit breaker.

Connecting the wire itself does not seem difficult. As a rule, the connection diagram is given in the instructions. There is a terminal block under the water heater cover. It is necessary to connect three conductors to it: phase, working zero and grounding .

It should be borne in mind that it is strictly forbidden to connect the ground wire to the working zero . Considering the enormous importance of the correct execution of all electrical work, it is recommended to entrust them to a professional electrician.

A instantaneous water heater is one of the most effective devices in case of a short-term outage of hot water supply . It has many advantages over other devices that perform similar functions. Such devices are convenient for use in city apartments and small country houses. Installation of water heaters is not particularly difficult and can easily be done with your own hands.

Power

Different manufacturers produce models with open and closed, “dry” heating elements. The type determines the heating rate and also affects what power of water heater to choose.

Different models have different numbers of heating elements installed. If more than one heating element is installed in the tank, it becomes possible to change the power and, accordingly, the load on the electrical network.

Types of heating elements:

“Wet”, with a power of 1-1.5 kW - open, which is in direct contact with water. Heats water faster, but is prone to scale over time. To avoid this, a magnesium or zinc sacrificial anode is installed. This is a consumable item that must be replaced regularly. To prevent premature failure, manufacturers advise installing a filter at the inlet.

“Dry” - is in the flask and does not come into contact with water. It takes a little longer to heat the water, so increased power is needed, 2-2.5 kW. Therefore, they often install two dry heating elements in 1 boiler with the ability to regulate the load.