BajaNomad - water heater ?

water heater ?

Santiago - 2-21-2010 at 03:04 PM

We use a small 39L Cinsa LPG water heater at our camp in Bahia de los Angeles. However, we only use it when we want to take a shower from November to April - the other times the water is plenty warm from the black roof tinaca. While I have plumbed the hot water to the kitchen and vanity, we don't use it to conserve propane. Dish washing is done by heating water on the stove.
Given the above, we notice a rather foul smell coming out of the hot water when we have been gone for a few months. It dawned on us that we should simply open the hot water valve in the kitchen even though the pilot is shut off in order to cycle water through the heater. This seems to solve the problem and we can't think of any reason not to do this but we aren't plumbers, though SWMBO says I play one whenever I bend over to tie my shoes. :cool:

Any reason not to do this?

DENNIS - 2-21-2010 at 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
SWMBO says I play one whenever I bend over to tie my shoes. :cool:

Any reason not to do this?

Some people, especially ladies may find it offensive. Maybe try some suspenders. :lol:

woody with a view - 2-21-2010 at 05:20 PM

i'm just glad that others realize a prerequisite for being a plumber is to have a crack running 1/2 way up your back!

Bajahowodd - 2-21-2010 at 05:28 PM

Mierda de caballo Should be the title of this thread.

MitchMan - 3-7-2010 at 08:24 AM

In La Paz, I use the Cinsa 39L hot water heater also. During May to September, I keep it on pilot only and maybe run it full blast for 20 minutes a day only, then back on pilot. With the weather so warm, that keeps me in plenty of hot water. During colder months, I still only put the heater on a normal setting for 3o minutes a day, just before showering, then pilot the rest of the time. Saves beaucoup propane.

capt. mike - 3-7-2010 at 09:18 AM

anyone here using solar thermal water heaters??

Bob and Susan - 3-8-2010 at 06:12 AM

the smell is from your black water tank
not the heaters

unless you clorinate...THAT water its "ulgy"

we use little water heaters too
they ARE necessary in the winter
but
we turn then off with no side effects in the summer

the stored water in the heaters is actually cooler in the summer than the regular tank water

Martyman - 3-8-2010 at 09:28 AM

Hey Santiago;
How ya doin? Maybe a half cup to a cup of bleach in your tinaco right before you leave should help. Run it through your pipes and leave it. It will have disipated by your next visit.
We're getting a new water heater in Ensenada when we come through in May. Would you recommend the Cinsa? Tahm got a nice facial singe last visit.

Santiago - 3-8-2010 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
Hey Santiago;
How ya doin? Maybe a half cup to a cup of bleach in your tinaco right before you leave should help. Run it through your pipes and leave it. It will have dissipated by your next visit.
We're getting a new water heater in Ensenada when we come through in May. Would you recommend the Cinsa? Tahm got a nice facial singe last visit.

I like the idea of the bleach in the pila and then run the pump until you smell bleach coming out of the faucet. You're smarter than you look. :coolup:

I have no problem with my Cinsa other than the pilot not working and I have to light it each time. I just need to tear the guts out and get it fixed and then I'm going to build an actual water heater closet to NOB standards and actually put in a pressure relief valve, proper venting and combustion air, separate the propane tank from the heater, keep the salt cedars from dripping all over it, etc etc. Instructions are all in spanish so bring along your dictionary.

BajaRat - 3-8-2010 at 02:27 PM

Ola Santiago,
Several things....First I do expose the T.V. repairman when I bend down. Should wear a belt more often. Second.......Chlorination and Algae. Municipal systems that use Chlorination to disinfect water are supposed to be a closed system prior to water storage. Most of our water delivered from wells and enters a system of storage containers that contain Algae. The problem is the toxic byproduct of killing the usually harmless Algae is carcinogenic trihalomethanes. Most likely the smell is either the organic compounds that have stagnated. Third....Depending on the lay out of your system you may not be draining you water heater by opening your faucet. Turn off the valve at the water inlet and open the drain on the water heater to drain it. Make sure the gas valve is closed. Sorry about the bad news on the trihalomehtanes, we drink,batheand wash our food with the water from our well/tank system and it's not worth the potential risk. Hope this helps.

Buenas, Lionel

Bob and Susan - 3-8-2010 at 05:47 PM

forget bleach

just buy some pool clorination tablets
and throw a couple in the water tank

you'll be "smell free" :tumble: