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we are installing a second water heater which is substantially s

mike jones
mike jones Member Posts: 32
in THE MAIN WALL
we are installing a second water heater which is substantially smaller than the 4 year old existing one since we added jacuuzzi tubs for tenants. we were told that reverse return piping is not ok with different sizes. is the same problem an issue with paralell piping or must we go in series which we know is less ideal? thanks for any help.

Comments

  • Timco
    Timco Member Posts: 3,040


    I would install a tankless to take over after the 40 gal is out of hot water. More economical for repeated fills.

    Tim
    Just a guy running some pipes.
  • mike jones
    mike jones Member Posts: 32
    twin water heaters

    i know a tankless was already ruled out by the coop board, don't recall why, maybe it had something to do with the large jaccuzzis, or boiler or venting, or ability to add supplemental heat some day in the future in cellar rec room, dont't recall, but either way ruled out.

    therefore trying to focus in on proper piping of these different size units
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,599
    From this perspective...

    ... the problem with series piping is only if there is flow restriction. If the heaters are installed with shut-offs on hot and cold and a bypass valve is added between those two, you get good hot water and the ability to valve off a tank for work or replacement without being completely out of hot water. As long as a high flow rate is not necessary, series piping performs well.

    Yours, Larry
  • mike jones
    mike jones Member Posts: 32
    2 water heaters - not twins

    thank you for the clarification. it seems that series is our only real option. unfortunately, the 2nd water heater just won't be a twin, so paralell won't work.

    should we still be concerned however with the complaints people point out that series destines the primary heater to working harder than it would if it were the only one and premature death.

    i've also read that it impacts on the primary's efficiency and makes it harder for it to maintain a fairly steady recovery to around 130 degrees.

    are there cures for these series isssues or are we just stuck with them?
  • jp_2
    jp_2 Member Posts: 1,935
    pressure loss?

    what is the pressure lose from a water heater? I can;t see it as much?
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