How to place the boiler in a small bathroom

handy solutions for a small bathroom

In most of the typical apartments where we live, very small bathrooms. And yet we want them to be comfortable and cozy, they were placed all the necessary and we ourselves were pleased to be there. There are many design tricks and devices that can be used to make a small bathroom comfortable. Today we’re going to name ten of them.

The shallower the tiles and the more variegated their pattern, the more cramped the space seems. For a small bathroom, large-format tiles in natural monochrome shades or wall panels are ideal. The fewer the seams, the better: they visually divide an already small bathroom into many tiny sections.

With a small bathroom the main problem is the lack of windows and natural light. A glass door or door with a glass inlay will give you the feeling of being in both. You will no longer feel like you are walled up in a well.

The fewer objects and partitions that break up the room, the better. Today, instead of shower stalls and trays, one partition or wall and a drain in the floor are used. There is no more minimalist solution that takes up less space than a shower like this. And it looks a lot nicer than white plastic and glass.

It’s all about saving hot water and heating it up during the traditional summer blackout period. Many people turn down water heaters because they think they don’t heat water evenly, are too massive, and ruin the look of the bathroom.

If you’ve got at least ten centimetres of hollow space in your bathroom, or just a bit of space above the sink, you can go ahead and buy one. Modern models are equipped with electrical outlets, convenient lighting around the perimeter, antifog function, sliding drawers and other innovations. Now you’re sure you’re using your space wisely!

When there is absolutely no space for a household cabinet neither on the walls, nor under the sink, you can think about the space under the ceiling. As a rule, the space above the door in bathrooms is empty, and there you can arrange a hinged shelf to store detergent, cosmetics and hygiene products. Make the shelf closed and in tone with the walls. and you won’t even notice it.

Forget about the stereotype: sinks in the middle of the wall, with drawers at the bottom, or on legs. There are lots of solutions for small bathrooms: mini-square and round sinks, long elongated models, corner models. They all solve problems with the use of space, and there may be nothing underneath at all. The faucets to such sinks are chosen small, even wall-mounted, in order to support the spirit of minimalism.

For some reason we often forget about this space on the wall, imagining only a large hinged cabinet there. But even seven or ten centimeters can serve you well! And it can be shelves, but also, for example, a worktop shelf. an extension of the countertop at the sink. Shampoos and creams will suffice for such a tiny area.

Do not always have an extra half-meter on the wall to hang the towel rail or hooks. But the rails are perfectly fixed to the doors, so why waste useful space? Towels will always be in sight, and here can hang sponges, cosmetics bags and other necessary items.

There are sliding or hinged screens under the bathtub, which can easily fit all the household chemicals. Behind the wall can hide special shelves and fixtures for bottles. You will save a lot of space outside and will not spoil the interior with the ugly appearance of different containers.

Where to install the boiler, depending on its shape

A decade ago there was only one place for a water heater. the bathroom. This was due to the design features of the models and the high heat loss when laying long pipe connections. Modern technology has stepped forward and does not limit the imagination of the designer.

Let’s consider popular forms of heating devices and where it is better to install a boiler of the selected type. To begin, let’s classify these units by type of installation. Four types can be distinguished:

. This is a classic version, which is attached with special bolts to the wall. Such boilers can have different form-factors, but are limited to relatively small volumes to withstand fixtures. Suitable for apartments in multi-storey apartments and can be installed in any room, from the bathtub to the corridor These models are distinguished by a large water volume and high power heating elements. mounted, respectively, on the floor, since.к. The total weight of the unit and liquid can even reach 500 kg. They are chosen by owners of private houses, summer houses or cottages, and are installed most often in basements so as not to occupy the living space of rooms One of the subtypes of wall-mounted devices, represented by the widest model range, with different volumes, materials of manufacture and functionality. Deciding where to put a boiler of vertical design, you need to remember that it is best suited for the bathroom or kitchen. In other rooms it is difficult to choose a good place due to lack of space or design features The second subtype of wall-mounted boilers, designed for installation in a horizontal position. specifically for this purpose has a different location of the heating elements inside the tank. Such a unit is often installed under the ceiling in corridors or hallways. In principle, the horizontal boiler is well suited to any room, significantly saving useful space. The only thing you need to think about is the water supply to such an unusual place like the ceiling.

Also, where to place the boiler, can affect the additional functionality, such as the possibility of remote control, or design features of the body. there are models that fit perfectly into the kitchen, others look better in the bathroom, and some are designed specifically for bathrooms.

It is also necessary to consider the allowable length of pipes, which for each model is different, and is specified by the manufacturer, and the distance to the power grid. Not everyone is willing to go to the trouble of laying a new wire just for the sake of the boiler, so they try to place the unit near the existing socket.

Installation peculiarities: What to pay attention to when mounting

An important question in the process of installing the boiler. to determine the place that is the most suitable from a technical and aesthetic point of view. So, where you can install the boiler?

• the unit should not be exposed to low temperatures t.е. The boiler must be installed indoors;
• The distance between the water heater and the point of entry of water should be minimal;
• the boiler should be placed near the hot and cold water pipes in order to organize its connection to the system;
• to improve access to the device to perform maintenance work. it is necessary to leave free space around it;
• The wall to which the boiler will be installed must be bearing.

It should be remembered that the water heater will be quite a heavy object, and the wall must withstand the weight. And the inner walls that form partitions between the rooms can be made of materials that are not designed to weigh about 100 kg. Now, knowing where to place the boiler, we should focus on some other features.

What to do with the toilet?

This is the most uncomfortable, although easily accessible place to hang the boiler. Important connections are concentrated here: hot and cold water risers, water meters, shut-off valves, sometimes there are filters. The box is designed solely for the soundproofing of risers. In a typical apartment, the boiler can hardly fit inside the box behind the toilet bowl.

Location depends on whether it is a shared or separate toilet. If separate, the usual position of the boiler over the cistern. No other options due to limited space. It is also impossible to hide the water heater except for metal or plastic louvers.

How to install a water heater in the bathroom: the disadvantages of wall installation of the boiler

Before you make drastic decisions and depart from the accepted in society, you first need to make sure that this approach is correct. And what better way to make sure of this than by examining the disadvantages that a wall-mounted water heater installation in the bathroom is endowed with? We’ll study them first, and then we’ll look for ways out of this situation. So, to the disadvantages of the wall boiler installation can include the following points.

• How do you think it feels to shower, wash, or defecate with a barrel weighing over 100kg over your head?? Doesn’t that give you anything to think about?? Perhaps this is the most significant disadvantage of the wall installation of the boiler, and needless to say that the manufacturer calculates everything and the probability that the tank will fall is negligible. Let’s start with the fact that it is possible, and the tanks are made by people like us. the human factor can never be excluded. And even if you install a super high quality water heater in the bathroom, there is still a risk of errors in installation.
• Now for the less paranoid disadvantages. In small bathrooms wall-mounted heating tank occupies almost 0.5 square.m space. it creates inconveniences when moving. When you move around the bathroom, it every now and then tries to hit you on the shoulder or head. such behavior of the tank is especially noticeable when it is installed over the toilet or washbasin. Yes, in principle, over the bathtub, too.
• The proximity of the water tank to the water leads to a rapid failure of the heater. is that about the water heater, installed over the bathroom.
• And, of course, the aesthetic characteristics of the bathroom, which are by no means high with a wall-mounted water heater tank.

How to install a water heater in the bathroom

Now judge for yourself and compare this method with the following options for installing the water heater tank.

How to install, hide and connect the water heater in the bathroom

The task to hide the water heater in the bathroom arises when installing an autonomous DHW line, allowing you to not depend on preventive shutdowns of hot water. In addition to the bathroom, the boiler can be placed in the kitchen, hallway, toilet, hallway. Furniture, frame systems, architectural elements or design techniques are used for masking.

Where to hang the water heater in the bathroom?

Unlike flow-through models, storage water heaters are large because of the presence of the tank. Before you buy a water heater, you need to think about where best to hang the water heater in the bathroom. A common variant can be seen in the photo.

When choosing a future location, it is important to consider several factors:

• The wall to which the water heater is mounted must be load-bearing. Allowed to mount on concrete and brick partitions. It is forbidden to hang boilers on drywall partitions.
• Water connections must be designed for convenience. Choose a location that is as close as possible to the water mains.
• Plan how the wires and electrical outlet will be located. Even if the bathroom already has electricity, it is desirable to run a new copper cable and connect it to a separate circuit breaker. The wire must be grounded. It is forbidden to install outlets over the bathtub and shower.
• There must remain access to the boiler connection point in the future for repairs if necessary. The condition of the heating element must be checked from time to time as a precaution. There must be room to remove it.
• Consider access to drainage system to remove water from the overpressure valve.

When choosing the optimal location, you should strive to ensure that the body does not interfere with movement and occupy a minimum amount of space. To do this, try to hang it as high as possible.

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The most common places for the water heater:

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• Above the toilet bowl. Flat rectangular models will work well here. Even a large-volume boiler will fit here, and will not interfere.
• On top of the washing machine. If there is a washing machine in the bathroom, usually the place above it is not used in any way.
• By the edge of the bath near the faucet and the switch to the shower. The convenience of this option is that the water pipes are very close.
• Niche with sewer pipes. You can hide the water heater here. The advantage will be that part of the heater will be hidden, and it will take up less space. Difficulties will arise with fixing, since in the niche are the pipes, you will need to make your own hands a design that will fasten the boiler. If necessary, you can install additional fasteners on the side walls.
• Under the bathtub. To do this, you need to install it a little higher and leave a small space around the tank. You can deliberately make a recess in the floor to the thickness of the screed. Flat models are best for this place. It is necessary to properly seal all cracks in which water enters, as it will lead to corrosion of the case. /

Compact vertical models can hang just about anywhere. They are very compact and will not get in the way, even if they are mounted on the side of the bathroom.

The easiest way to install a floor standing model. These water heaters take up less space and do not require wall mounting. The water inlet is at the back. These boilers can be placed under the sink or in any free space.

Flow-through water heaters are smaller and usually fit under a bathtub or in a sink vanity.

Flow-through water heater under the sink

Below in the video you can see about the original invisible hatch, which allows you to hide the water heater, if you placed it in a niche, or in the wall with sewer pipes:

Installing an outlet in the bathroom

Requirements for the wiring on which the socket is installed:

• number of conductors:

• 3. for single-phase water heaters;
• 4 (old standard), 5 (recommended). for three-phase boilers. You will need a socket for 380 V;

• Cross section of 2.5 mm²;
• Withstanding 16 amps, this is the lower limit for boilers with heaters up to 3.5 kW. For less powerful models. 10 amps;

Sockets can be installed in a cabinet with a tank for extra protection against moisture.

Houses of new construction are initially equipped with sockets and wiring for 16 A, for apartments in older buildings will have to do grounding in the bathroom and a dedicated wire, pulling it from the switchboard. Sockets designed for 10. 16 amps are different from the old “Soviet”. they have a more spacious housing, thicker walls, there are tendrils for “ground.

Sockets for bathrooms, toilets, damp places should be special, for the peculiarities of the room. waterproof. The recommended distance from the shower head is at least 50 to 60 cm, but violation of this parameter is allowed.

On high-quality sockets should be specified (embossed on the body) for how many amps they are designed. Features:

• 10A products withstand up to 2.2 kW, are used for products with heating elements not exceeding the specified power;
• 16 amp outlets for loads up to 3.5 kW;
• 2.5 mm² wiring cross-section (standard in new MFBs) withstands a maximum of 5.9 kW. If you put a socket (10 A, not 16 A) for a load up to 3.5 kW and a boiler at 5.9 kW, it may not work properly.

The bottom line: you’ll need a 10A socket (for low-power devices up to 2.2 kW) and above (from 16A), with protection against moisture, grounding, safety switch. Connection of other appliances on the same “branch” is not recommended (power is summed up), but is allowed if the line is reinforced.

Moisture resistance allows you to place the outlet as usual, but with nuances:

• connected to the switchboard through RCD and / or automatic circuit breaker (usually installed in the same place);
• Hidden type wiring. inside the walls, without going out. Open version is allowed, but make sure the quality of insulation, do not use metal hoses. Use special protective cable channels for wiring made of non-flammable plastic;
• Connections must be thoroughly insulated;
• The cable must be intact, without stranding;
• network devices, extension cords are allowed only moisture-proof;
• It is not recommended to place over/under the sink.

Features of sockets with moisture protection:

• rubber gaskets inside the enclosure;
• In most models, a tightly fitting plastic curtain;
• The design is made so that moisture does not penetrate, does not settle on the contacts;
• class: IPX1 is allowed (splash-proof); recommended IPX4 or better with protection against water flows;
• An auxiliary switch will improve safety.

It is possible to use an external RCD. There are water heaters with an integrated circuit breaker in the cable with a plug.

Distances, the height of placement is determined by measuring the room schematically. Recommended minimums: 60 cm or more from floor and water source.

• the higher, the better, but this rule limits the length of cables of water-heating devices;
• put at a convenient height, but 60 cm are defined by experts as the optimum value.

Often 2 outlets are required: the water heater constantly occupies one, it is inconvenient to unplug it every time. If there is only 1 point for the EVH, it is not possible to power other devices (electric shaver, hair dryer, washing machine).

A way out of the situation when you need 2 outlets in the bathroom:

• for the water heater is recommended individual line, but if it is not possible to lay another one, separately for another power point, then pull a single reinforced for 2. 3 outlets. In this case may require copper conductors 4 mm², if the total current is above 16 Ma. Automatic circuit breaker or RCD at 10 mA in this situation can work falsely, so sometimes put on 30 mA, although, judging by user reviews, is enough 10 mA, even if there are 3 consumers;
• for temporarily used devices there are solutions: if the power point is located in the corridor / kitchen. remove the cable and connect the extension cord.

To use low-power devices in dangerous because of the humidity rooms, wiring sockets used to be (sometimes) connected to the switchboard through the transformer for extra-low voltage, but nowadays, if you have RCD (16. 25A 30mA, and preferably 10 mA) and AVDT, it is not required. over, the water heater on such a fishing line can not connect.

Selection of automatic circuit breaker. a separate extensive question, which is to pay attention to:

• instead of RCD can be put RCD, since it includes the functions of the first, but for insurance often put 2 devices at the same time;
• The parameters of the devices must be correlated: the RCD must be equal in nominal value or higher by a step of the circuit breaker (one, several) in its circuit;
• if there are three 30 mA RCDs, then a common 100 mA circuit breaker;
• It is more convenient to put separate devices on each line, as general devices will disconnect all, regardless of where the leak occurred.

What factors to consider when choosing a location

There are a few general rules about where to place the boiler, regardless of its type and type of operation.

• The wall, where to hang the boiler, must be load-bearing or made of brick, concrete (it must not be a partition made of foam block or plasterboard, wood).
• The location should be as close as possible to the central water mains.
• Nearby there must be a socket that the electrical device can work with a direct connection, not through an extension cord (this will protect the room from fire with an extension cord, which is not always safe).
• In the place where you put the boiler, there must be a reserve of free space in order that it can be repaired or serviced in the future without dismantling the entire structure.
• Install a vertical or horizontal water heater is better in a place that will be as close to the drain for the withdrawal of water from valves or storage tank.

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It is also recommended to mount this category of heating equipment as high as possible so that it does not interfere with the passage (e.g. if it is placed in a common room or in a bathroom).