When it comes to hot water cylinders, many homeowners may not give it much thought until an issue arises or a replacement is needed. At Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas, we specialize in installing hot water cylinders in Papamoa, Tauranga, and Mt Maunganui, and we understand the importance of choosing the right system for your home. In this article, we'll explore what a low pressure hot water cylinder is, how it differs from other types, and considerations for whether to stay with low pressure or switch to mains pressure.
A low pressure hot water cylinder is a system that delivers water to your property at a lower pressure. The pressure in a water system is what pushes water through the pipes. In a low pressure system, water is typically delivered at around 75 kpa, compared to mains pressure systems that can deliver water at up to 500 kpa.
Historically, all houses in New Zealand were equipped with low pressure systems, but most new homes today are built with mains pressure systems.
To determine if you’re on a low pressure system, you can:
• Check the sticker on your hot water cylinder, which should indicate “low” or “high” pressure.
• Consider the age of your house. Pre-1990s homes are likely on low pressure.
• Look for a copper pipe protruding from your roof, which is a sign of a low pressure system.
• Compare the pressure of your hot and cold water. If the cold water has more pressure, you’re likely on a low pressure system.
Low pressure cylinders have several distinct features:
• Size: They range from small underbench models (15 to 40 litres) up to 250 litres, whereas high pressure cylinders can hold up to 350 litres. Low pressure cylinders typically require more room due to larger associated pipework.
• Storage: Most low pressure cylinders are lined with copper or enamel and are suitable for indoor storage only. Stainless steel mains pressure cylinders can be located outside.
• Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve: Unlike mains pressure cylinders, low pressure cylinders do not have a temperature/pressure relief (TPR) valve.
When considering whether to stay with a low pressure system or switch to mains pressure, there are a few factors to consider:
• Property Type: Low pressure might be suitable for rentals or vacation homes, and could potentially help save on water and power bills.
• Upgrade Opportunities: Replacing your cylinder is a good time to consider upgrading to a mains pressure system, which can add value to your property and reduce water and power bills.
• Water Pressure Needs: If you desire stronger hot water pressure, upgrading to mains pressure will be noticeable, increasing pressure from around 75kpa to up to 500kpa.
• Renovations: If you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen, switching to mains pressure is almost essential, as modern tapware and mixers require higher pressure to function properly.
At Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas, we offer a variety of mains pressure cylinders from trusted brands like Rheem and Rinnai, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your home’s needs.
Understanding the type of hot water system in your home is crucial for efficiency and comfort. Whether you decide to stick with a low pressure system or upgrade to a mains pressure system, our team at Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas is here to provide expert advice and installation services in Papamoa, Tauranga, and Mt Maunganui. We're dedicated to helping you make the best choice for your home's hot water needs.
Mount Maunganui Plumbing and Gas is a local, family run business, servicing customers in the Mount, Papamoa, Tauranga , Te Puke and wider Bay of Plenty.
