how to make the boiler work below the minimum flow...

PasturesNew

mymedi wrote: »

To give an example, when washing up in the kitchen sink I don't want water splashing all over, so I run the tap just enough for it not to be too strong. At this rate, the flow (as measured by the flow cup, hot water only) is just under 2 l/min...
So, it's not above the minimum flow rate and the boiler does cut out.

I do this, have the tap at a lesser flow because when it's flowing enough to kick the gas in it sprays everywhere and I get a right royal soaking.

What I do is turn it on, then turn the tap down .... and not worry that the boiler's not firing; it will fire up randomly still on mine.

It is a nuisance.

I do my washing up "in running water", so not filling a bowl, then turning it off.... so loads of splashing would go on as I washed/rinsed/turned every item under the running water.

mymedi

gmgmgm wrote: »

You could wash your hands in cold water?

What's the point of having a boiler then?
Let's all wash up in a creek then...

And it's not so much splashing that I mind rather that I just want a slow flow which doesn't equate half-shower capacity.

Anyway, why do the boilers with secondary exchangers (where the domestic hot water is heated via a heat store tank rather than directly by the burner in the primary exchanger) even have a minimum required flow - it's not like they can overheat from a slow flow through them...?

lstar337

mymedi wrote: »

What's the point of having a boiler then?

For things that require hot water. Bath, shower, washing up. Washing hands is fine with cold water.

mymedi

lstar337 wrote: »

For things that require hot water. Bath, shower, washing up. Washing hands is fine with cold water.

That is a matter of opinion. I might think that a cold shower is actually really good for you, but I'm not advocating everybody do that.

The point of a boiler is to heat water. Always, for any reason, whenever there is a demand. Simple.
Which is what I'm trying to achieve.

lstar337

mymedi wrote: »

That is a matter of opinion. I might think that a cold shower is actually really good for you, but I'm not advocating everybody do that.

Very true.

I just see it as a waste of gas and water, so I don't personally do it. I'm trying to stop the family doing it. I wouldn't usually expect to stand a hope in hell, but I did recently train them to brush teeth without the tap running, so I'm quietly optimistic!

BTW, had a lovely cold shower last night! Not something I do often, but when it's so hot and muggy it's bliss.

mymedi

lstar337 wrote: »

but I did recently train them to brush teeth without the tap running, so I'm quietly optimistic!

Good luck!
:T

lstar337

mymedi wrote: »

Good luck!
:T

I'm going to use a positive reinforcement technique with verbal rewards. Mainly because the OH objects to me using the trigger spray against her. Funny, since she is happy to use it on the cat!

WestonDave

Might depend a bit on the boiler model but mine seems to have a lower "shut down" flow rate than the "fire" flow rate - that being the case and I want a lower flow for some reason (or hotter water off the combi!) I tend to run the water hot and then ease it back. I can readily get a pretty low flow that way but in the nature of a combi that water will be hotter because it is passing through slower. Maybe try starting with it on full enough to fire and working it back to see at what point the heating drops out - might require someone working the tap and someone near the boiler to listen for it shutting off.

Ruski

As an excercise I just measured our flow rate to the kitchen tap at the lowest rate that the boiler would be kept firing: Approx 2.5 to 3 l/m was the measurement, and it was definately nowhere near the sort of flow that would have water 'splashing about all over the place'.

I would suggest that if you have problems with 'splashy water' then your boiler needs to be investigated.

HTH

Russ