Notes on combi install -Worcester Bosch - water softener

Our new combi is screwed to the wall and looking cool (because the gas isn't connected yet).

A couple of things I noted from reading the installation manual (which I reckon no self respecting plumber ever does).

(1) If there is a non-return valve anywhere in the cold feed (and one is allegedly often included in a water meter) then there must be a small expansion vessel in the cold feed after the non-return valve and before the boiler to protect against over pressure. I think that water softeners may also include a non-return valve to prevent softened water going back into the main, but I'm not certain.

(2) Softened water must NOT be used in the central heating circuit because it can damage the aluminium heat exchanger. So when filling the system the water softener should be bypassed. I assume a minor re-pressurisation would not cause a problem. I now wonder what the heat exchanger for the hot water is made of.

Cheers

Dave R

Reply to
David WE Roberts
Loading thread data ...

The ones I've seen look like stainless steel.

Reply to
Andrew Gabriel

Huge debate about using soft water in boilers, to date no evidence has been= found to show any form of corrosion. 1000's of modern boilers happily use = softened water. SEE

formatting link
and
formatting link

Reply to
richbisgrove

The NRV is not a part of the softener, but UK softener installations should have a double check valve fitted, as you say, to prevent back-siphonage of brine into the mains. It's in the water Regulations.

Reply to
Onetap

Oh, and if installed in an airing cupboard there must be a barrier between the clothes and the boiler, with a limit to the size of the holes in the barrier. Not sure what risk this is guarding against as the boiler is room sealed and the flue is out the top and twin walled.

Reply to
David WE Roberts

Hadn't come across that; mine is at one end of a fitted wardrobe, with no barrier. Rail arrangement ensures boiler can't get "insulated" although the casing runs very cool anyway.

Reply to
newshound

Possibly it's just to avoid any risk of excessive heat build-up amongst the clothes/whatever. The manufacturer's just covering its own arse, especially as some airing cupboards are a fairly confined space.

Reply to
Frank Erskine

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.