[Stoots]

Just wondered if you guys felt that a compromise might be better?

Benefits of hot in that hoses and frost is kept at bay, but benefits of cold in that it would be pretty cheap to run (was thinking an aquarium heater).

Thoughts?

[Splash & dash]

Just wondered if you guys felt that a compromise might be better?

Benefits of hot in that hoses and frost is kept at bay, but benefits of cold in that it would be pretty cheap to run (was thinking an aquarium heater).

Thoughts?

Cold will do the job I used cold for best part of 10 years now use hot all year round , if you just want the hose to be more manageable and less stiff warm would do the job fine , don’t think an aquarium heater would give you warm water though , I would consider the immersion route if I didn’t have the boiler

[andyM]

In below zero temps overnight an aquarium heater is usually only enough to keep your water temperature above freezing.
So there won't be much noticeable warmth in the water to the touch.

[paul alan]

I run mine to about 40 degrees in the tank and the hoses are nice and warm, when it comes out the jets its barely warm.

its much better than freezing cold stuff.

I also don't stress over frosts now, when I go in the back of the van in the morning its ALL toasty. Last year the frosts were a real pain, would take an hour in the morning to defrost and sort leaks.

[PHILIP HARDY]

I know its a jokey thread but if the only thing hot water improves is the flexibiity of the hose then its money wasted,  keeping the van frost free is not difficult or very expensive, (I use a £20  80W tubular heater from Ebay), I also find I get the days run done about an hour quicker in winter,due to windows been cleaner/lack of snail trails/bird poo/etc.added to the fact custies are less likely to want a chat, so I could see some may find that they are cleaning faster with hot but I am also cleaning faster with cold!!(in winter).
Surely the ability to start a couple of hours earlier on the few days when its sub zero,does not earn the £5K + running cost outlay.

[Slash]

I was thinking of getting the L5 type gas water heater,much cheaper.

[AuRavelling79]

I know its a jokey thread but if the only thing hot water improves is the flexibiity of the hose then its money wasted,  keeping the van frost free is not difficult or very expensive, (I use a £20  80W tubular heater from Ebay), I also find I get the days run done about an hour quicker in winter,due to windows been cleaner/lack of snail trails/bird poo/etc.added to the fact custies are less likely to want a chat, so I could see some may find that they are cleaning faster with hot but I am also cleaning faster with cold!!(in winter).
Surely the ability to start a couple of hours earlier on the few days when its sub zero,does not earn the £5K + running cost outlay.

Those bits in red ...

Not a jokey thread at all. Flexibility of hoses is a real time saver. Being able to start a couple of hours earlier comes with luke warm water.

Where do you get 5K from? The bits for an immersion at 2K are about £50. Maybe add a couple of hundred if you want 3KW and 16 amp fittings.

[paul alan]

Did my 3kw setup for around £100 ish, although the element was already in the used 650ltr tank I bought with frame for £100 .

I have only used it a few times though, don't really feel the need unless its frosty and the fact it cost peanuts doesn't make me feel the need to use it.

[P @ F]

Am i right in saying that a 2kw immersion does NOT require any electrical upgrading ?
As i have a heater in conny thats 2kw that runs off normal ring main .

[AuRavelling79]

Am i right in saying that a 2kw immersion does NOT require any electrical upgrading ?
As i have a heater in conny thats 2kw that runs off normal ring main .

On the basis that you can buy a 2kw fan heater for about £15 at BandQ and plug it in to any 13 amp socket I'd say  you have no worries.

I ran my  3kw immersion on a 13 amp extension lead the first two years I had it 'til my bro said that plug looks scorched you need 16 amp sockets.

[nathankaye]

Am i right in saying that a 2kw immersion does NOT require any electrical upgrading ?
As i have a heater in conny thats 2kw that runs off normal ring main .

On the basis that you can buy a 2kw fan heater for about £15 at BandQ and plug it in to any 13 amp socket I'd say  you have no worries.

I ran my  3kw immersion on a 13 amp extension lead the first two years I had it 'til my bro said that plug looks scorched you need 16 amp sockets.

I enquired with a qualified electrician about 2kw immersions running from a normal plug socket and was told all is good!

[dazmond]

Just wondered if you guys felt that a compromise might be better?

Benefits of hot in that hoses and frost is kept at bay, but benefits of cold in that it would be pretty cheap to run (was thinking an aquarium heater).

Thoughts?

i used 2 aquarium heater years ago adam and they didnt even get the water in the tank luke warm(left on for 12 hours).mind you i think they were only 300w each.

[Stoots]

I've ordered a 500w aquarium heater.

Was going to order to another but I think ive changed my mind now and will just fit a 2kw immersion and run it off 13amp...sod it.

[slap bash]

Just wondered if you guys felt that a compromise might be better?

Benefits of hot in that hoses and frost is kept at bay, but benefits of cold in that it would be pretty cheap to run (was thinking an aquarium heater).

Thoughts?

 have had two gas water heaters and besides the risk and boiler bursting have found no benefit in cleaning with hot water. Its promoted by guys who recommend it, to save face on the investment. Very few who have it will say its risky. I have been there and paid the price. The hoses bursting and fitting failing and the risk of gas is not worth the investment.
What I needed was water that did not freeze up and prevent me working. I fixed two 300 watt aquarium heater at the ends of my 350 lit tank and it works well. Keeping the rear of the van warm and all the hoses soft. These two heaters, if left on for 12 hours will produce 30 degrees.
I have it on a timer which comes at midnight and heats the water to 15/20 degrees which all I need. it is often still warm at lunchtime. I am not one for gimmicks, it`s cost too high. I don`t buy everything that comes along. Its has a dramatic effect on the bottom line.  My USP is." I do a good job" through persistent effort.

[jonny thompson]

I’ve had a gas heater for 5 years and don’t need to save face, best £200 pounds I’ve spent, trouble with people is if you don’t have what they have they knock it, have what suits you and don’t listen to anyone else including me

[NWH]

What you are  using is not fit for purpose and is downright dangerous,I could almost break an L5 heater in a bear hug like grip they are toys fit for outside washing off your wellies and dog after a muddy walk.

[P @ F]

What you are  using is not fit for purpose and is downright dangerous,I could almost break an L5 heater in a bear hug like grip they are toys fit for outside washing off your wellies and dog after a muddy walk.

Weird that , because my L5 has been fit for purpose for the last 7 years , i would like a reason as to what makes these units so dangerous ?
If them blowing up was common place then im sure they would no longer be CE marked .

[CleanClear]

What you are  using is not fit for purpose and is downright dangerous,I could almost break an L5 heater in a bear hug like grip they are toys fit for outside washing off your wellies and dog after a muddy walk.

Weird that , because my L5 has been fit for purpose for the last 7 years , i would like a reason as to what makes these units so dangerous ?
If them blowing up was common place then im sure they would no longer be CE marked .

I'm sure the L5's are fine so i aint arguing against them..regards the CE mark ? We all know what its supposed to mean, but its only applicable to Countries that use it..... CE on many Chinese  Exports means exactly that... "China Export"......




http://www.ce-marking.org/what-is-ce-marking.html

[nathankaye]

I remember the many cold winters working with cold water in a bucket and holding cold ladders. Warming uo with a coffee and sticking hands under armpits to warm them up! I never wore gloves as my hands would just sweat within minutes.   OHHH how I dont miss them days! To the point where I feel like chatting to the trad shiners I see regularly on my rounds and filling their buckets with  ice hot water but something tells me it would not be appreciated