The boiler is very heavy due to the water tank located inside. It is important to know how to hang the boiler on the wall so that the mount can support the heavy unit. Models of water heaters are fixed with the same sequence of actions, the method of mounting is determined by the material of the wall on which the heat exchanger will be located.
Types of water heaters
Boilers are classified based on the type of energy used and the principle of operation. The storage unit contains a tank with a heating element inside, in which a given volume of water is heated. The advantages lie in durability and economical operation, while the disadvantages are manifested in the large weight, dimensions and the need to wait for the heating of the liquid.
Water heaters are:
- electrical;
- gas;
- indirect heating.
Flow models heat water before entering the mixer. Such a model is mounted on a water pipe and works as a heat exchanger that passes liquid in an arbitrary flow. Cold water is heated to boiling water in a few seconds and hot water enters the tap.
Gas
Gas boilers are almost always performed in a flow-through version and contain a heat exchanger made of copper flat elements inside, which give energy to the water tube. The burners are located under the heater and transfer heat to the fins. The collector of used gases is located above the heat exchanger, collects them and directs them to the chimney by means of natural draft or forced ventilation.
In older models, the burner is ignited by a piezoelectric element or a match, the latter options include an electric ignition device. Boilers have a closed or open combustion chamber, depending on the type of air intake.
Electric
A heat source in the form of a heating element is placed inside or under a built-in water tank. The water heating tank is protected by an insulating foam or polyurethane layer and a casing. At the front there is a control panel for adjusting the temperature.
The heated water in the tank is replaced by cold water when disassembled from the tap. If the supply of warm liquid runs out, you need to wait until the device warms up. The sensor coordinates the temperature and turns on the heating element when the indicator drops below the established norm.
Indirectly heated
The equipment operates in winter from energy generated by a gas, electricity or coal heating boiler. The unit supplies hot water to several taps due to its high performance. It is a cylindrical metal tank protected by thermal insulation.
Inside the container there is:
- a heat exchanger in the form of a coil (tube), through which antifreeze or water from the heating system flows;
- magnesium anode to protect the insides from corrosion;
- thermostat for temperature coordination and start-up;
- hazardous pressure protection valve.
There are floor and wall models. The vertical version is used in everyday life, and horizontal units are installed to heat a large amount of water.
Mount options
The heat exchanger is fixed to the wall with L-hooks so that the mounting plate on the back of the unit can be fitted onto the boiler bracket. A gap of 12 - 20 cm is left between the device and the ceiling. An additional frame is made if the water heater is mounted on a wall made of weak materials.
An insert into the water main is made anywhere with the help of pipes made of metal-plastic or propylene. Connection to the mains is carried out using an automatic machine (bag).
How to mount a boiler on walls made of different materials
The fixing of the boiler to the wall is carried out practically according to the same scheme, regardless of the design and dimensions, but there are differences.
- The metal anchor for the boiler is driven into vertical fences using a special pistol - this is a reliable but time-consuming method. Not every owner has the necessary tool and you need to rent, borrow or purchase a new one for a one-time installation.
- Metal dowels are used, which are fixed in plastic lugs. The reliability is somewhat reduced, but this method is easier. Holes are drilled in the wall monolith, plastic covers are inserted and L-shaped dowels are screwed in to hang the unit.
Foam concrete
Spiral nylon dowels are used to attach lightweight water heaters with a capacity of up to 50 liters to a wall of aerated concrete blocks. Heavy units from 80 - 100 liters are secured with a boiler holder with a metal tip.
A steel plate is used, which is fixed with steel studs threaded through the thickness of the wall. On the reverse side of the partition, tighten the nuts, and the dowels for the boiler are attached to the plate. There is an option for installation using chemical or adhesive anchors that are securely held in the wall.
Adobe
It is not enough to drive steel anchors into partitions made of this material. For the hinge, a special metal shield is used, which transfers the load from the water heater evenly to the entire wall. Hooks are welded to the support for mounting the unit.
The carrier is attached to the partition in several places. Through-the-wall threaded pins are used, nuts and washers are screwed on the reverse side. The studs are welded to the shield or fixed with a bolt connection.
Ceramic tile
If the wall is finished with ceramics, the heater can be hung if there is a fence made of durable material under the cladding. The layer on which the tile lies must be a solid mass without voids and be no thicker than 3-4 cm.Metal anchors of the correct length are used so that they capture the ceramics, mortar and wall body by 10-12 cm.The boiler will break if it is only fixed into the tile with mortar, - the layer will separate from the wall.
Plasterboard partitions
You can fix the boiler to drywall if you make a frame support when erecting the partition. The embedded element corresponds in area to the dimensions of the heater. A narrow backing will hold the anchors, but the heavy unit will push the plasterboard wall around the perimeter of the frame element.
If the gypsum board is glued to a solid wall, the boiler is anchored through drywall and an adhesive layer into the thickness of the base. The depth must be sufficient to support the heat exchanger.
Wood
The method of installation into the wall of a wooden house depends on the design of the fence. Solid walls of logs or beams are strong and can withstand the boiler on anchors. Over time, the dowel in the tree loosens, so an additional metal plate is placed. It will serve as a support and a non-combustible gasket for the dimensions of the heater.
In timber panel buildings, the frame is made of timber, between the supports there is a shingle filling with insulation. The support shield must be installed and attached to the frame to which the water heater is mounted.
Lining
The material is used for decorative finishes and is not considered a base for fixing. A non-combustible gasket is required. An asbestos sheet is placed between the boiler and the clapboard, if the finish is on a solid foundation. Otherwise, a durable metal shield is needed, which will provide additional support and fire protection. The shield can be replaced with a frame made of a square tube or other profile.
Gypsum
In such material, the dowels and anchors are pulled out, therefore, the plane of the ceiling and floor is used if the floor is of a solid structure. Vertical racks are fixed on the upper and lower supports, sometimes longitudinal niches are cut out for them in the plaster. For fastening, steel anchors and dowels are used. The hooks for hanging the heater are welded to the support legs.
Brick and cinder block
The water heater is fixed with an anchor screw into a silicate or red brick wall, if the partition is more than 250 cm thick. Metal supports are used if the stones in the wall are hollow, with round or rectangular holes. In cinder block partitions, such gaskets are always used, since the strength of the material is inferior to brick.
The boiler is installed in any convenient place on a straight plane or in a corner. You need to know exactly the material of the base for the mount. Water heaters can have one or two fixing brackets. For example, the Ariston and Atlant models have an adjusting screw as a third support to the wall. With its help, the boiler is leveled in the vertical plane.
DIY tools and installation
Marking of the position of the heater on the fence is done. The distance from the holes on the bracket to the ceiling and the adjacent wall is measured.
Installation is carried out in 3 stages:
- Hitching up the unit.
- Connection to the water main.
- Electricity connection.
The boiler is connected to the water supply with a blue and red branch pipe, through which cold liquid enters and hot liquid is removed. For fastening, connecting fittings are used.
Tools used:
- puncher, construction gun, drill;
- roulette, level;
- welding machine;
- grinder with a circle for metal;
- set of wrenches;
- plumbing welding device.
The electricity connection can be done with your own hands. Sometimes it is better to have an electrician in to ensure that the wiring is correct.
