Posted by Bob Bulmer on Mon 11th August 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Plumbing
I came across the tubular S trap when I was trying to sort out a plumbing problem recently. I wasn’t sure what it was and I’m sure you might be scratching your head right now - so here’s a quick info point on what it is:
Essentially it’s a two piece trap that’s used with a basin or sink for waste egress. The S connotations are obviously derived from the shape....
Usually problems occur at the connections and can be resolved by new rubber o rings or a tightening of the connector points.
Given environmental considerations, the heat pump offers a genuine green alternative to the conventional boiler.
It works by extracting heat from the ground by circulating a fluid through pipes that are lowered into bore holes of around 100 metres deep. The system almost acts like refrigerator in reverse creating output temperatures in the early 40 degrees centigrade.
The heat pump or heat exchange system is dependant on elevated temperatures below a depth of 2 metres.
A condensing boiler increases efficiency by converting more fuel energy into hot water by salvaging heat from gases that are normally expelled out through the boiler flue.
This technology offers genuine efficiencies of up to 90% in comparison to older boilers running at around 50% efficiency.
The heat extraction from the excess flue gases causes reduction in lost heat of up to 50%.
As opposed to a heat only boiler system - a combination boiler offers heat and hot water on demand. Water is taken from the mains and heated when required. This is hugely beneficial in saving space - given that you don’t need any water storage.
The combination boiler therefore negates the need for a huge reservoir of hot water awaiting use. This in theory makes it a more efficient hot water system.
The one draw back and it’s a big one in my opinion - is that hot water can not be supplied simultaneously to many outlets. So if someone decides to do the dishes while you’re in the shower - you get a cold shower…
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 25th December 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Plumbing
A heat only boiler provides hot water straight to radiators. The system needs a storage cylinder for supplying hot water to taps.
The heat only boiler also requires a cold water cistern and expansion cylinder. The real benefit from this is that hot water can run to many outlets simultaneously.
