The problem of hot water in the kitchen is very relevant, especially when it is not possible to install a water heater or boiler. We are not living in prehistoric times! Don't bother with cold water, heat the basins, and simply get used to uncomfortable living conditions, when humanity has already figured out how to help poor housewives.

A water heater is a device that provides constant access to hot water.

Standard water heating device

A water heater under the sink, like a life-saving mechanism, enters the familiar and bustling life in the kitchen. A small box that can be quickly and easily installed under the sink and provides round-the-clock access to warm and hot water. It’s especially nice when there are off-season hot water supply shutdowns in apartments, and you enjoy the constant benefits.

A water heater is a compact box with which water flowing through pipes is instantly heated. Its size allows you to hide the device directly under the sink, under the washbasin, in a niche, no one will even guess about its existence. There is also no additional need to allocate a separate area, which makes the device attractive. Installation, like dismantling, does not require special preparation or construction skills and takes little time.

Types of water heaters

Devices for heating water are not only small in size, there are also large representatives with the same operating scheme. The devices we are interested in differ from large copies only in the size and volume of the capacitive tank. Therefore, when choosing a water heater for the kitchen or sink, initially decide on the volume of liquid that you consume so that the device meets all the specified parameters and satisfies your needs fully.

The principle of operation involves heating water passing through the heating elements of the device. The heating temperature will depend on the power of the device itself. The higher the power, the hotter the water will be at the outlet, but in parallel with the temperature, the level of electricity consumption increases.

The water heater consists of:

• heating device (heating element);
• two pieces of pipe (pipe) for connecting the device to the water supply.

According to the principle of operation, water heaters are divided into 2 types:

• devices of flow principle of operation;
• devices based on the accumulative principle of operation.

When it comes to choosing storage heater In terms of its volume, the market offers three varieties of this technology.

1. Reservoir for 10 liters of liquid. This type The device is perfect for a family with a small number of inhabitants, preferably 1-2 people.
2. Tank with a volume of 15 liters. It will help to cope with the problem of water heating in a family with three inhabitants.
3. 20 liter water heater. The best option for large families. This technique will allow you to take a shower even without problems; it will also help in the kitchen if you have to wash a large amount of dishes.

The even larger volume of a storage water heater classifies this type of equipment as non-standard. But it should be noted that a 25-liter tank is unlikely to cope with the volume of water heating required of it in the kitchen.

In this case, it would be preferable to choose an instantaneous water heater, with which you will have the opportunity to receive hot water.

A water heater consumes a lot of energy. And this is an unpleasant fact

The most unpleasant factor in its use is the high energy consumption. And this does not depend on the operating principle of the heater, because intensive operation of the storage device will also significantly affect your financial condition.

Flow-through water heater

If you decide to install an electric instantaneous water heater in your kitchen, then the necessary criterion will be the use gas stove so that the electrical wiring can withstand the voltage in the network. Consulting an electrician will also not be superfluous if you do not want to encounter the problem of an electrical short circuit.

It works according to the following scheme:

• water enters the cylinder;
• it is heated inside using a special heating element;
• water is supplied to the tap.

Heating occurs in a matter of minutes, even seconds. They do not have a tank for accumulating liquid. The temperature can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the water pressure.

Instantaneous water heaters are classified according to power consumption.

1. 3.5 kW models. They do not heat the liquid to a hot state, with it you will get water room temperature. These heaters are best used for summer buildings, when the water in the tap already has a temperature of about 15-18 degrees.
2. 5 kW models are considered the most popular and are labeled “standard”. Allows you to cope with water heating even in winter. This option is quite suitable for the kitchen and will satisfy all your requirements.
3. Models from 7 kW. More powerful representatives of water heaters that require a serious separate branch of electrical wiring.

A water heater is a high-power device that requires a separate electrical cable.

The water heater must be grounded

Equipment must be grounded in order to prevent possible negative consequences associated with the electrical panel or a short circuit in the electrical system.

Manufacturers have thought through consumer protection in advance and therefore heater models with a power of 5 kW or more are simply not equipped with a power cord and plug. To connect the device, use your own separate network cable and be sure to ground it.

Installing an electric water heater

In total, all devices of this type, intended for heating liquids, regardless of size, are installed according to the same scheme. Having carefully analyzed the installation process, you can repeat it with reasonable ease with your own hands. We will analyze in detail the entire process of installing a water heater under the sink.

1. It all starts with preparing the heater itself for installation. It is necessary to attach it to the pipes, and there are two of them, in the storage tank. shut-off valves. On the pipe for cold water put on check valve, and both are equipped with the necessary element so that in the future it will be possible to connect them to a metal-plastic water pipe. You may ask, why a metal-plastic pipe? This is because this material is the best and most optimal for connecting a heater to an already operating water supply system, and it does not matter what the water pipe itself is made of. This connection option, using a piece of metal-plastic tube, is much better and more durable than a flexible hose. Corrugated metal sleeve costs a little more, but is also quite often used for connections. When you have decided on the connection method, you can proceed to the sequential installation of the device. It all starts with the cold water pipe; it is marked with a blue ring on the tank. A check valve is screwed onto it. It is equipped with different threads on different sides: internal and external, so you don’t have to worry about connecting it incorrectly. The faucet is being prepared; one side needs to be screwed to the valve, and an adapter for the metal-plastic pipe must be installed on the other side. A tap and a limit switch are connected to the hot water pipe in order to then connect the pipe.
2. Next comes the preparation of the water supply for the installation of the tank. To do this, you need to find the connection points of the mixer to the cold and hot water supply and unscrew the soft hoses. If you don’t find any of these, then you can immediately install a shut-off valve at each end of the water supply, or you can use those that already exist near the tie-in into the riser. You can screw tees onto the faucets if you decide not to connect them directly to the water pipes. It is important, when choosing a tee, to make sure that it has an internal and external thread; do not pay much attention to the third, it can always be connected to the end piece. It is possible to connect the tank in the water pipe in other ways, but this will be visible directly on site.
3. The next step preparations are underway electrical wiring. The best option There will be a new separate wire laid from the electrical panel and an independent circuit breaker installed under it, since the heating tank itself requires sufficient power. If you can’t do it yourself or you don’t have enough skills, then it would be better to turn to an experienced electrician.
4. The last stage is connecting the tank to water pipes. First of all, we restore the connection of the mixer; to do this, you need to connect the upper holes of the tees with flexible hoses using nuts. When tightening, it is advisable to use a wrench, because you will not be able to tighten the connections tightly with your hands. Try not to squeeze the inner gasket to avoid leaks later. Tow in in this case not required. The final point is to connect the water heater to the cold pipe and the hot one. Make connections very carefully, it is important not to mix up the taps. Take it step by step. It doesn't matter which flow comes first, hot or cold.

That's the whole mechanism that will help you connect the water heater under the sink. Now you need to check that the heater is operating correctly and whether there is any water leakage. If everything is in order, there are no leaks anywhere, you can safely fill the tank and connect the mechanism to the power supply.

And voila, you have a sink with a water heater and constant access to the luxury of hot water.

Tricks of a instantaneous water heater

Advantages and disadvantages electric water heaters The flow principle of operation should be known to everyone who is going to operate it.

1. The water begins to heat up immediately after opening the water tap. The temperature of the outgoing water depends on the power of the equipment and the pressure in the tap. Instantaneous type water heater, unlike heaters cumulative type, will not be able to serve several target positions at the same time; it can only be installed locally, for the kitchen. All the taps in the house will not produce warm water.
2. The water heater comes with special nozzles that can be used to regulate the flow of water and additionally increase the resistance of the water at the outlet, which causes the liquid to move more slowly along the heating element and increase the temperature. The watering can and faucet, which are sold as a set, allow you to further regulate the pressure or heating mode.
3. If you encounter a problem that the heater does not heat the water, the device has a protective shutdown against overheating of the heating element. In this case, check the pressure - there is no need to try to increase the temperature, just open the tap so that more liquid enters the tank. Wait a couple of minutes for the water to reach the desired condition and enjoy the splashing.
4. This type of heater will provide you with not hot, but only warm water, but this will be enough for washing dishes and taking baths.
5. Houses with old electrical wiring and single-phase meters simply will not support powerful equipment.
6. An electric instantaneous water heater does not have a reservoir for storing water, so with each new use, be prepared for considerable energy consumption.

An instantaneous electric water heater also consumes a lot of electricity.

It is very easy to claim that modern water heaters are unreliable, of poor quality and often fail for unknown reasons, but is this true?! Any technique requires a careful, careful attitude towards it, proper care and use for its intended purpose.

Of course, nothing lasts forever and cannot work constantly, without interruptions and breakdowns. Improper operation, neglect significantly reduces life cycle your equipment.

If you want your electric water heater to serve you faithfully for as long as possible, then follow some rules when using it.

1. Never set the temperature control to the maximum temperature setting in the tank. This is fraught with damage to the heating element; it will simply burn out in literally six months of continuous operation. Or you could put yourself at risk of getting scalded by the boiling water.
2. If your device has two heating elements installed, then try to turn them on one at a time, do not overload the equipment, so that in case of combustion, you have a spare working element and you are not left without hot water at all.
3. During the familiarization stage, it is important to read the instructions supplied with the water heater. A significant point will be Maintenance which must be carried out periodically. And it strongly recommends performing a preventive inspection of the heating element at least once every six months for the presence of a magnesium anode. Should be cleaned limescale that is formed from water and make sure to replace the dissolved anode with a new one in time.
4. Replace the check valve promptly. Its breakdown is easily diagnosed: when the cold water in the tank is turned off, gurgling begins. This is a signal that the valve does not retain water in the tank, and it goes back into the system; the heating element operates without liquid and may also burn out.

An installed water heater will give you comfort and joy in using hot water, will relieve you of everyday problems, but you do not need to handle it carelessly.

Timely maintenance measures will save you money and time. Do not be afraid of the time and effort spent, because in the end they will be worth it.

A water heater under the sink is a household heating device used to heat water used for household needs and is installed under the kitchen sink.

Water heaters that can be located under the sink are devices of small geometric dimensions. Their dimensions are limited by the size of the sink, which in turn is located in the kitchen.

The location of such household appliances in the kitchen space also determines their purpose - heating water used for technical purposes (washing dishes, connecting the dishwasher and washing machine etc.).

There are several reasons for installing small water heaters, these are:

• The need to create autonomous system hot water supply due to the lack of a centralized one.
• Security hot water for technical purposes during the period of annual shutdowns of centralized hot water supply associated with the planned repair of these networks.
• Providing hot water supply on a temporary basis during the period of repair work in a separate apartment, country house or dacha.

Water heater for sink: types and which one to choose

There are two types of water heaters used for hot water supply: gas and electric.

Gas appliances require permission for their installation, project development and approval. In addition, they cannot be placed under the sink, so this type of heating device is not suitable for this type of placement.

Electrical devices do not require approval and the only condition determining the possibility of their connection to power supply networks is that their power corresponds to the technical parameters of electrical networks (cross-section of wires and cables, setting of protection devices, presence of a grounding loop and grounding conductors).

Electric water heaters are available in two types: instantaneous and storage.

They are classified:

• by tank volume - storage models;
• by electrical power;
• shape – round, flat, square;
• by type of placement - horizontal and vertical, mounted on the wall and on the floor;
• by type of control - mechanical and electronic.

Flow-through

Instantaneous water heaters are technical devices, allowing you to heat the water supplied to the tap in a short time (10.0 - 15.0 seconds), which can be done with significant power heating element.

This is, as a rule, from 3 to 6 kW for appliances installed in the kitchen, and up to 12.0 kW - installed in the shower or bathroom.

The operating principle of this type of heaters is based on heating the water entering the chamber small size where the heating element is installed. The heating element comes into operation only at the moment when there is a flow of water; in a state of rest (the tap is closed) it is disconnected from the electrical network.

As a heating element in instantaneous water heaters, heating elements and spirals made of a special metal alloy are used.

Depending on the method of connecting to the electrical network, devices of this type are single-phase and three-phase, which is also reflected in the installed power of each device. Single-phase are less powerful devices, three-phase are devices of greater electrical power.

These water heaters are available in pressure and non-pressure types. Non-pressure ones are installed to serve one point (faucet) and operate using natural pressure in the pipeline network - this is an outdoor shower, washbasin or sink in the country in the summer.

Pressure ones are installed in a cold water supply system, and due to their small overall dimensions, they can be easily installed in a limited space - under a sink, sink or other limited space in auxiliary rooms.

The advantages of water heaters of this type are:

• possibility of long-term use, depending on the need for hot water supply;
• compactness;
• efficiency;
• no need for periodic maintenance.

• significant electrical power;
• in case of pressure instability in water supply network When using pressure devices, it is necessary to install additional pumps that provide the required pressure parameters.

Cumulative

Storage models have a container that serves to store a certain supply of water, and therefore the overall dimensions of such devices are larger than those of flow-through analogues.

The water in the storage tank is heated by an installed heating element and after the entire volume of water is heated to the specified values, the automation system disconnects the heating element from the electrical network.

Storage capacity (tank) different models different, it can be 10/15/30/50/60 or more liters, depending on technical characteristics models. This indicator is directly related to the electrical power of the unit.

The electrical power of storage water heaters is less than that of instant-type analogues, because Heating of water occurs for some time and rapid supply is not expected warm water from the moment the water heater is put into operation.

The heating time of the tank depends on the power of the installed heating elements. Depending on the model, these heaters are connected to a single-phase or three-phase network.

Advantages of water heaters of this type:

• the ability to accumulate a large volume of hot water;
• connection to several water points (taps) simultaneously;
• lack of dependence on pressure in the cold water supply network;
• possibility of heating water in the storage tank up to high temperature(up to 85*C);
• the ability to maintain the temperature of heated water for a long time.

• it takes a certain time to heat the water;
• when water consumption is low and the water heater is connected to the electrical network, the device operates in temperature maintenance mode, which causes excessive consumption of electrical energy;
• significant overall dimensions, especially for models with a large storage tank volume, which requires free space to accommodate them;
• higher cost than flow-type analogues.

How to choose the size of the boiler for the sink

When choosing a water heater that can be placed under a sink, the main selection criteria will be:

• electric power;
• dimensions.

The electrical power of the device will determine its type, because If it is impossible to connect a significant load, the option of using a flow-type water heater will no longer be available. If the permitted power and the condition of the electrical networks allow it, then a pressure-type instantaneous water heater will successfully cope with the tasks assigned to it.

When there is not enough electrical power, or the electrical networks cannot withstand a significant increase in installed power, it is necessary to consider the option of using storage-type water heaters.

In this case, the main criterion will be the overall dimensions, which in turn determine the volume of the storage tank.

The boiler installed under the sink can have the following volume:

• For 10 liters.

This water heater is suitable for a small family. The dimensions of a device of this standard size range from 450*200*250 mm and weight from 5.0 kg.

• For 15 liters.

These are the most popular models of storage water heaters installed under the sink. Such a boiler will provide a full-fledged family with hot water for washing dishes and other household needs in accordance with the needs of 4 - 5 people. The dimensions of such a boiler are from 350*300*320 mm, weight – from 7.0 kg.

• For 25 liters.

Water heaters of this standard size are usually the maximum possible when installed under a sink. They are able to provide hot water to a family of 5-7 people. The dimensions of boilers in this group are from 600*450*250 mm, weight – from 17.0 kg.

Installing a water heater under the sink

To ensure trouble-free operation of storage type boilers, when installed, they are equipped with safety devices, these are:

• Pressure regulator – protects the unit from water hammer in the water supply network.
• Non-return valve - prevents water from flowing into the water supply system if there is no pressure in it, thereby the heating element is always in an aqueous environment.

Safety devices may come with the water heater, otherwise you will need to purchase them separately.

Work on installing a water heater under a sink is carried out in the following sequence:

• At the intended installation location, installation of bends or tees is carried out in the cold water supply network (point of insertion into the water supply) and sewerage;
• A three-wire electrical line is laid (phase, neutral and grounding conductors) and a socket with a grounding contact is installed. The line is laid from the apartment panel, lighting panel or main distribution panel (input distribution device).
• The boiler, depending on the design, is either attached to the wall (under the sink) or installed on the floor, in the case of this type of design.
• Shut-off valves (valves) are installed on the inlet and outlet pipes of the boiler.
• A pressure regulator and a check valve are mounted on the inlet pipe.
• The input and output channels of the water heater are connected to the cold water pipeline and hot water pipes, respectively.
• If it is necessary to install adapters from metal conductors to plastic ones, these are installed.
• The connection can be made with flexible connections that meet the requirements for this type of pipeline (hot and cold water).
• The joints are sealed using fum tape, special threads or technical flax.
• To prevent moisture from getting from the drainage pipe onto the floor or furniture (sink), it is necessary to connect it to the sewer system or install a special container for this purpose.
• When the pipeline connection is completed, open the shut-off valves and connect the boiler to the electrical network.
• Check the functionality of the installed product.

The emergence of water heaters various types and standard sizes, made it possible to create absolutely independent systems hot water supply for residential buildings and industrial facilities in places where there is no central hot water supply and heating. Thus, it became possible to live comfortably even in the most remote corners of our country.

Water heater installed under kitchen sink or a sink in the bathroom, helps save space in small apartments and does not violate the aesthetics of the room. Let's look at the types of boilers that you can install with your own hands, let's look at the fittings and installation steps to avoid common mistakes.

A water heater installed under the sink can serve as a permanent or backup source of hot water in the kitchen - there is always a place there, and it does not interfere with anything. Which boiler to choose and how to install it correctly?

Types of water heaters for installation under the sink

Since the space under the sink is still limited, you can install there either a storage small-capacity water heater with a volume of 10-25 liters or a flow-through one. Heating in them is carried out by open-type electric heaters or heating elements. Gas boilers are usually larger in capacity and are manufactured for standard wall mounting only.

Heaters for installation under the sink differ in the location of the pipe supply - top. When purchasing a heater, you must pay attention to this, otherwise the device for installation above the sink, installed under the sink, will work poorly and not for long.

So which water heater is better - storage (capacitive) or flow-through (pressure)

Storage heaters take up more space and are more expensive, but their power consumption is lower than instantaneous heaters (up to 3 kW), and they can provide a larger volume of hot water per minute.

Storage water heater

Since the instantaneous water heater has a relatively high power for domestic consumption - up to 8 kW, you need to make sure that electrical network in an apartment or house is able to provide it without constantly “knocking out” the machines. If the heater is intended only for the period of pressure testing by the heating network, when hot water is turned off for 2 weeks in the summer, then heating 2 l/min will require a power of no more than 3.6 kW. Cold “winter” water cannot be heated in such a volume even to 30 °C. For year-round consumption, either a capacitive water heater or a high-power instantaneous water heater is more suitable.

When initially turned on, the storage device will take some time to heat the water; flow-through ones can immediately heat from 1.8 to 4 liters per minute. They heat the entire flow of water at once, while the storage ones heat the incoming cold water, which mixes in the tank with hot water when it is consumed, and after some time the temperature of the water in the tap begins to decrease.

Instantaneous water heater

That is, both types of water heaters have both advantages and disadvantages, and the choice in favor of one of them is only a matter of consumer preference.

But for country house, in the absence of main water supply, is indispensable gravity water heater, which is equipped with a special small-diameter mixer to obtain a stronger jet. To create pressure, it is equipped with a hydraulic pressure switch. If the dacha is not used in winter, it can even be removed and installed again in the spring - its installation is so simple.

Pipe fittings for installing a water heater

Let's dwell a little on the pipe fittings that will be required when piping the boiler.

Security group

To protect the water heater from hydraulic network overloads, manufacturers recommend installing special fittings - a safety group that has a pressure limiter. If the pressure in the network exceeds 4.5 atm, a pressure reducer or pressure reducing valve must be installed in front of the safety group.

Safety group for water heater

For small capacitive water heaters, this element is desirable, but not required.

Non-return safety valve

The safety check valve is designed to ensure that the tank is completely filled with water, otherwise the heaters may become exposed and burn out. Draining water from the tank is possible when the pressure in the line begins to drop, and the valve will hold the water in the tank. The second function of this valve is to drain water from the tank, for example, to repair it. The third function is protection against tank rupture. Sometimes thermostats fail, the water continues to heat up, and the pressure in the tank increases. If water is not withdrawn during this period, the tank may depressurize under the influence of boiling water and steam. Fortunately, this rarely happens, but it is better to take safety measures, especially since the price of this valve is not comparable to the possible consequences of an accident.

Safety valve

If the valve is not installed or has become unusable, you will immediately know about it - hot water will flow from a cold tap. There will also be hot water in the toilet cistern, and you will pay for the electricity consumed for this heating. It is installed at the cold water inlet of a tank-type water heater.

Advice! The arrow on the body shows the direction of water flow. When installing a boiler under a sink, the direction of cold water flow is downward, which means that the drainage outlet will be directed upward. To prevent water from dripping onto the floor, install a drip funnel underneath it with drainage into the sewer or put a tube of a suitable diameter on the nipple and lower it into a container.

Other valves are designed to shut off cold and hot water at each branch of the water supply system.

Attention! The water heater installed under the sink is hidden from view, and the leak may not be immediately noticed. Therefore, all water connections must be properly sealed, sealed, for example, with linen tape, FUM tape, or special paste.

Installing a water heater under a sink

Installation different types heaters are slightly different. Let's look at the connection diagrams and installation procedures for various water heating structures.

Installation of a non-pressure water heater

The easiest way to install non-pressure boilers. They cannot be connected to a regular mixer or connected directly to the main pipeline, since the device is not designed for network pressure - it can break.

A special mixer for such a boiler has two valves - one regulates the temperature (by mixing with cold), the other regulates the flow. In this system, the mixer performs the function of a safety group: it shuts off cold water at the inlet to the heater and discharges excess water resulting from its expansion as a result of heating.

Mixer for non-pressure storage heater

Typically, when purchasing such a heater, the kit includes tubes and shut-off valves that are installed at the inlet and outlet of the tank. In this case, the non-return safety valve can be omitted (due to the absence of a risk of pressure surge) or simply replaced with a non-return valve. A floor heater is simply installed on the floor, while a wall heater needs to be secured to the included brackets or other fasteners. Then the tubes are connected according to the diagram.

A non-pressure instantaneous water heater is installed according to the same principle. We connect the heater to the power supply only after filling the water heater with water.

Installation of pressure storage water heater

Make sure in advance that there is an outlet with a grounding circuit near the heater. If the heater is wall-mounted, mark the mounting points on the wall, drill holes for fasteners, secure the bracket and hang the heater. The floor heater does not need to be attached to the wall.

We begin preparing the water heater. To do this we do the following:

1. We install a non-return safety valve on the cold water supply (blue mark on the tank fitting). The direction of water on the valve is indicated by an arrow.
2. We screw shut-off valves onto both tank fittings. For cold water, the shut-off valve is installed directly on the valve.

Attention! There is no need to over-tighten the thread during installation, it can be torn off!

1. We connect flexible hoses to the valves (may be included) or through adapters metal-plastic (polypropylene) tubes with a diameter of 16-20 mm for connection to the water supply. The latter method is preferable, since it is more reliable and, in addition, the larger diameter of the pipes provides less hydraulic resistance and best serve water.

• on cold water - for supply to the water heater;
• on hot water to switch from the main hot water supply to the backup one.

We connect the hoses (tubes) coming from the tank with the corresponding hot and cold water pipes. Check that the cold is connected to the cold, and the hot to the hot.

1 - hot water supply; 2 - safety valve; 3 - eyeliner; 4 - cold water supply

Connect a dropper or siphon to the drain pipe of the safety valve to drain into the sewer or a thin tube to drain into a separate container.

Before turning on the water heater, turn off the hot water tap on the main line. Connect electricity only after filling the tank with water.

Installation of a pressure flow heater

The installation of an instantaneous water heater is similar to the installation of a storage heater. The difference is the absence of a non-return safety valve due to the absence of a tank. For some models, it is recommended to install a coarse or filter on the cold water supply. fine cleaning and even a water softener. The device is attached to the wall, pipes with shut-off valves are inserted into the hot and cold water supply mains after the network valves and connected to the electrical network.

1 - hot water supply; 2 - shut-off valve; 3 - filter rough cleaning; 4 - eyeliner; 5 — cold water supply; 6 - RCD

Most instantaneous heaters, especially high-power ones, are not equipped with an electric plug. It is assumed that the equipment connection should go through a dedicated line directly to a separate circuit breaker in the electrical panel. The line must be grounded, with a protection device against short circuit. The cable cross-section is selected depending on the power of the instantaneous boiler.

A small water heater installed under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom allows you to save space in small spaces. It’s hard to imagine that even in the last century, people living in private houses needed to manually heat water in order to wash dishes and solve basic household problems. Today, the ability to install a water heater under the sink makes life much more comfortable. Such equipment is installed not only in private houses where there is no hot water supply at all, but also in comfortable apartments where there are interruptions in the water supply.

There are several reasons for installing such equipment, and the choice of a suitable model largely depends on them.

1. In case of complete lack of hot water supply. In such rooms, not only a water heater under a small sink can be installed, but also a large-volume storage boiler for a bath.
2. For use V summer season . Every year, in many cities in the summer, hot water is regularly turned off for diagnostics and repair of water mains. In order not to experience difficulties with constant heating of water for domestic needs, many install this type of equipment in their apartments.
3. In case of sudden emergency shutdown hot water when construction work or pipe replacement may be carried out in the house. In this case, it is recommended to use small volume devices. A ten-liter water heater can easily fit both under the sink and on the wall and will not cause any trouble. In addition, it is worth noting that most often they are produced in classic colors, which will not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the space.

Types of water heaters for installation under the sink

In fact, in order to make a choice that you won’t regret in the future, you need to decide for what purpose the water heater will be used. The type of device purchased largely depends on this. Each water heater consists of two pipes and heating element, which turns cold water into hot.

Electrical equipment is more popular because gas-burners In many rooms it is impossible to install due to design features.

Depending on the principles of operation, electric water heaters are divided into two types:

• flow-through;
• cumulative.

Flow-through

In a flow-through device, water passes through a powerful heating element and immediately enters the tap. Accordingly, the power of the heating element in such a device is high and amounts to 3 - 27 kW. Not every wiring can withstand such a load: in old houses the machine switches off even at 5 kW. New and serviceable electrical networks can support a device rated for no more than 12 kW. More powerful equipment requires three-phase connection.

Instantaneous water heater

Cumulative

The accumulative version, unlike the flow-through one, has small capacity for storing water reserves, so they take up more space under the sink and are more expensive. But they outperform flow-type ones in terms of performance, since the water is in storage tank first it is heated for some time, and only then it is supplied to the tap.

In addition, the power of their heating element is lower. For example, in 15-liter capacitive devices from leading manufacturers Thermex and Gorenje, heating elements are installed, the rated power of which ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kW. Accordingly, such equipment is suitable for connection to a regular power supply.

If a flow-through device heats the entire flow of water at once and, depending on the power of the heating element, can heat up to 30-40 degrees (depending on the time of year) from 1.8 to 4 liters, then the storage boiler will take some time. When water is consumed, cold water enters the tank, where it mixes with the already heated water. If the heating element is not given some time, the outlet water temperature will gradually decrease.

Storage type water heater

How to choose the size of the boiler for the sink

For installation under a sink, both a small-capacity storage water heater, for example the Thermex Hit series for 10 or 15 liters, or a device with a flow-through operating principle are suitable. Of course, if you install the second option, there will be more free space, but not every wiring will withstand its powerful heating element, and the use of such a device will have a greater impact on electricity bills.

As for boilers that can be installed under a sink, they differ in the volume of the water storage tank.

1. Ten liter This option is suitable for a small family of no more than two people. For one person, such a supply of water may even seem excessive, but in this case you can save money on wasting electricity. It is worth noting that if the tank is not turned off after each use, you will see a noticeable difference in the bills. If you plan to install a tank for one person, then how best option, flow-through may be suitable.
2. Fifteen liter This option is perfect for a private house or apartment where there is one middle-aged child in the family. If the baby is still small, then caring for him will require more water, and in this case the tank may not be able to cope with the heavy load.
3. Twenty liter The model today is considered one of the most optimal and in demand. If you use water supplies carefully, you can special labor Even two adults can take a shower, which is extremely important if the family lives in a private house. In this kitchen you can safely do all the necessary things, since there will be enough water at any cost, even the most impressive. According to experts, this volume is enough to wash all the dishes after a large feast for five people.

If the water heater is actively used for large quantity person, and there is no way to install capacitive apparatus, then it is better to install a flow-through option under the sink. It can heat water in the required volume without restrictions. However, in this case, it is worth understanding that energy consumption can increase several times. It all depends on how effectively it will be used.

Why are safety and check valves needed?

A reliable water heater for a sink must be equipped with security team, which includes a pressure regulator - it protects devices from water hammer. If the network pressure exceeds 4.5 atm, then for devices with a small tank in front safety valve It is better to additionally install a pressure reducer. To collect excess water, an expansion tank can be installed between the valve and the main tank. Its formation occurs when water is heated, since it expands under the influence of the heating element.

The storage boiler performs several tasks.

1. Prevents water from flowing back into the main line. It guarantees that the tank is completely filled. Otherwise, the heating element, which is not completely in the water, will fail during operation.
2. Emergency option for draining water from the tank. For example, for dismantling or repair.
3. Protects the inner tank from rupture. This situation is possible when the thermostat does not work due to a malfunction, and the heating element continues to heat the water until it boils. Under the influence of high temperature and steam, the seal of the tank may be broken.

It is installed when installing a water heater at the cold water inlet to the boiler. If it malfunctions, the user will notice that hot water will flow from a cold tap. If such a situation is detected, urgent repair of the protective device should be carried out. Otherwise, the consumer will pay for heating unnecessary water.

Safety valve

Manufacturers of under-sink water heaters

When purchasing, it is recommended to pay attention to the country of origin. As a rule, the most economical option is Chinese production , but after a short amount of time the main parts will need to be replaced, which will lead to additional costs. Such manufacturing companies include Polaris and Ballu. However, these economical options are the most in demand today. Models of German, Swiss or domestic production, for example Thermex, Electrolux, AEG, Gorenje, turn out to be more reliable.

How to properly install a water heater under a sink

In most cases, all materials necessary for installing and connecting such equipment are included in the kit. If necessary, missing items should be purchased before starting installation work. For example, in many budget models there is no check valve.

The installation process looks like this.

1. The water heater pipes are equipped with shut-off valves.
2. A protective check valve is installed on the cold water pipe, a faucet is installed on it, then an adapter is installed on a metal-plastic pipe.
3. Only a faucet and an adapter for a metal-plastic pipe are installed on the hot water pipe. Instead of polypropylene tubes, you can use flexible liner, which is most often included in the kit, but the first option is more reliable. Besides metal-plastic pipes have a larger diameter, which reduces pressure and improves water supply.
4. The flexible mixer hoses are dismantled and tees are installed at the water intake point after the shut-off valves on the water supply. From the cold water supply pipe - for supply to the boiler, hot - for switching when the hot water is turned off.
5. Connecting the tank with appropriate connections. During operation, it is necessary to seal all connections.
6. To prevent puddles on the floor from the safety valve, it is best to install an outlet from the drainage pipe with an outlet into the sewer or any container.
7. Since this is electrical equipment, an outlet must be installed to the water heater. To protect the equipment, the shield should provide local machine.

You can set the desired water temperature and connect the heating elements of the water heater only when the tank is completely filled.

An under-sink water heater is the best option for small spaces. The type of equipment, capacitive or flow-through, is selected in accordance with the purpose of the device and the number of consumers. Installation is not difficult, but if a person has never dealt with plumbing equipment, it is better to entrust the work to qualified craftsmen.

Warm water constantly in the tap is required condition modern comfortable life. The problem of a lack of warm water is not so difficult to solve; you just need to install a water heater of a certain capacity under the sink. You can find a wide range of this type of equipment on the market, and the consumer can only decide which water heater to choose.

Peculiarities

A water heater under the sink may be extremely necessary in a number of cases.

1. When complete absence hot water. It will be possible to install not only a water heater under the sink in the premises without any problems suitable size, but also to install a larger storage boiler nearby for a bath.
2. For active use during the summer season. In many cities, it is in the summer that hot water is most often turned off for diagnostics, construction or repair of water networks. In order not to experience difficulties with constant heating of water for various kinds household needs, many ordinary people install this kind of equipment in their homes.
3. In case of unexpected emergency shutdown supply of heated water when repair work may be carried out in the house or pipes are changed. Then you can choose a small device. An ordinary household water heater can easily be placed both under the sink and on the walls, and it will not cause any trouble.

Kinds

All under-sink water heaters can be divided into 2 main types according to their operating principle.

• Products with storage type containers– this is the most popular equipment, which is characterized by fairly economical energy consumption and is very easy to operate. Storage boilers have compact dimensions and operate on electrical energy.

Among the positive features storage boilers you can note:

1. compactness;
2. no scale;
3. fast water heating;
4. high power, which can increase energy costs for the operation of the device.

• Devices with flow heater – are less in demand due to higher energy consumption. In addition, the cost of such products is much higher than the price of analogues with storage type capacity.

Flow units have a slightly different structure than storage products. Storage capacity in devices of this type is generally absent.

Most water heaters have parts such as:

1. protection housing - its production requires metal or very durable plastic, the housing part will have compact parameters, perfectly suitable for placement under any sink;
2. Heating element - in direct dependence on power, this device is equipped with one or several devices for heating water;
3. liquid flow sensors - characterized by the presence of a heating element, which, if necessary, will prevent combustion of the heating element if there is a lack of water flow;
4. power relay - guarantees both turning on and off the working heating element;
5. Temperature control sensors will prevent the unit from overheating.

Such mechanisms, depending on the type of fuel they consume, can be of two types: electric products and gas (boilers).

Gas devices are used only in those houses that have a connection to the gas distribution main. Before purchasing an electric heater, you need to make sure that the condition of the wiring in your home allows you to use equipment with a power higher than 2 kW/hour.

Flow products

• Gas instantaneous water heater in modern form is a compact and quite aesthetic speaker that connects to the main line. Will fit perfectly in kitchen space under the sink, as you can find different colors in the assortment. Significant disadvantage Buyers of this type of device believe that the supply of heated water stops as soon as the gas is turned off. Such products will save you during regular hot water outages and can be an excellent solution for your summer cottage.
• Electrical A flow-through device for heating water for the kitchen most often looks like a small box with a faucet coming out of it, from which water will flow to the desired degree of heating. This device is connected to the water supply. Running water, passing through the heating element, it acquires heat and is actively used for domestic needs. This device is extremely convenient for arranging in an oversized kitchen where there is no need for large volumes of hot water.

Cumulative

• These water heaters attract consumers with the design of their thermos tank, which is able to store heated water for a long time. This type of boiler variation is extremely economical, since the device is turned on only to bring the required volume of water to desired temperature, and then immediately turns off. Gas units are not as compact as their flow-type counterparts, but have a wide range of sizes and stylish decor to be located under the sink within the kitchen itself.
• A large number of electric storage water heaters are a full-fledged automatic boiler, which independently, according to a pre-set program, will perform all basic functions: it will turn on itself, heat the water to the required temperature, and turn itself off. This device must be connected to the network at all times.

Instrument performance

In order for storage water heaters to fully meet consumer expectations, you must immediately decide on the average volume of warm water that you will need and install the boiler, choosing the most suitable tank from the available line.

• Tank 5 or 10 liters. This is the most good option for a family of one, maximum two people. For one person, this tank will even be too much, but the supply will not hurt anyone - if you use the tank correctly and do not turn it off, then there will be no excess consumption of electricity. As an option for one consumer, you can choose a flow-type water heater under the bedside table, which can be called the most universal solution even for a family with a large number of household members.
• Tank 15 liters. Perfectly suitable for apartments or houses inhabited by 3-4 people. But if one of these four - Small child, then the device of such a volume may not be able to cope with heating the required volume of water.
• Tank 20 liters. This storage unit for a sink is considered the most popular option today: with the most careful consumption of liquid, it is able to provide the ability to take a shower for two people. In the kitchen, it will be able to cope with any volume of consumption - however, if you do not waste water, then it will be enough to wash dishes in a family of four or even five people.
• Volumes 25 or 30 liters you can also find them, but they will most likely disappoint you with their low efficiency, for this reason, for the kitchen of a house where a large family lives, it is better to opt for instantaneous water heaters, which are not limited by the dimensions of the tanks.

How to choose?

If you have long wanted to purchase a heater to use it exclusively during hot water supply repairs, then it makes no sense to spend money on an expensive model. In the summer, you can easily get by with a flow-through boiler with low power and a small volume of heated liquid.

If you want to install a boiler for the kitchen to use it all year round, or you need a country model of a product for washing dishes, consider models of storage water heaters with a small volume - up to 15 liters.

Because tap water in winter it is quite cold (about 5 degrees), the flow device may not be able to cope with the declared difference in temperature conditions.

Boiler power is perhaps the main characteristic. And it’s not even a matter of heating speed and energy efficiency class. The importance of this issue lies in the fact that in many apartment buildings it is not possible to install high-power units due to weak electrical wiring.

You can independently connect devices with a power of up to 5 kW, then you will have to connect to the panel using a separate thick wire or use a three-phase network. Storage boilers are considered the most low-power.

You can choose oversized models with power starting from 0.8 kW.

Heaters for kitchen taps, instantaneous boilers will consume approximately 7 kW.

There is no need to install high-power electrical appliances in the kitchen. But if the heated water will be used not only for washing dishes in the kitchen, but also for taking a shower in the bathroom, then they will be quite appropriate.

Since an electrically powered water heater can combine two rather dangerous things: water and electricity, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account everything that may concern safe use. A good boiler will be equipped with a residual current device (RCD), which is necessary during power outages. There should also be protection against overheating of the liquid and automatic shutdown during a “dry” start. And don't forget about grounding.

When choosing a water heater for a sink, you need to consider the following factors:

1. the power of the unit, which can affect the amount of electricity consumed;
2. the thickness of the thermal insulation material will determine the degree of cooling of the liquid;
3. type of specific device;
4. installation location - in this case, it will be under the sink;
5. type of premises for installation and housing – dacha, separately standing house or apartment;
6. volume of water used.