"Storage Water Heater/Geyser" with long lasting tank & element

[SachinOnTop]

Just had a word with Venus Branch Manager, Noida.
He suggested me to pick the MAGMA Model, with least frills to give any problem and being metal body it is more sturdier than the ABS/Plastic bodied ones.

For a 10L Vertical unit, he gave a suggested price of 5600 (over a MRP of 6400). But I'm getting an even better price of 5300 for a freshly manufactured piece.

Since hardwater usage is a main concern here, can any of you suggest a better option?

 

[anupmathur]

What exactly is the problem you have been facing?
Is it the tank that goes or just the heating element?

As a rule, heating elements with low wattage density will last the longest with hard water. That means it could be worthwhile to order an element that has considerably larger length, larger surface area, physically, than the standard elements sold ex-stock. The heating wires inside (nichrome) should be evenly stretched inside the tube. These can be made to order. The geyser manufacturer is in the best position to source it.

 

[SachinOnTop]

SirJi,
In our Delhi home, we never faced any major issues coz the water quality is much better than what we are getting in Noida home.
I'm more apprehensive of elements going kaput every season!

I understand that a low wattage element with larger surface area should last longer. But no manufacturer gives such a detailed description.
Most of them are now providing some sort of coating on their heating elemen, to make it survive for some more time!

Venus seems to be a famous brand in Noida region!

Nobody recommends AO Smith for obvious reasons of high price, expensive maintenance and poor A.S.S.

 

[anupmathur]

... But no manufacturer gives such a detailed description.
....

I know this, which is why I wrote:

.... These can be made to order. The geyser manufacturer is in the best position to source it.

No coatings will prevent the element from self destructing if the energy density issue is not addressed.
The element tube is usually copper with nickel plating. Hard water will not erode these materials. Giving enamel coatings, or whatever, will not prolong their life if it is scaling that is causing failure. Scale build-up makes an element fail due to very high temperature local hot spots.

If only there was a feature allowing regular de-scaling of the geyser inner container, these problems could be handled quite easily! But it would still require a certain amount of expertise to be able to do the procedure.

 

[SachinOnTop]

So, which geyser would you recommend apart from Venus Myst (coz it's pretty expensive to own)?

 

[anupmathur]

So, which geyser would you recommend apart from Venus Myst (coz it's pretty expensive to own)?

There is nothing ex-stock that you can go out and buy.
Get in touch with a manufacturer, as you have already done, and negotiate a good purchase. All you are asking for is an element that is 'custom' built; and that does not cost an arm and a leg in Delhi. There are many element makers that you could deal with, if you are up to it.
One trip to the electrical market at Bhagirath Palace will probably help resolve the issue.

If none of the above is acceptable, ...well, you have to learn to live with the annual element renewal syndrome!

However, I do see that Venus gives a two or three year warranty on the heating elements.

 

[SachinOnTop]

...
One trip to the electrical market at Bhagirath Palace will probably help resolve the issue.

If none of the above is acceptable, ...well, you have to learn to live with the annual element renewal syndrome!

However, I do see that Venus gives a two or three year warranty on the heating elements.

There is absolutely no issue in contacting Bhagirath Palace shops, but then most probably they'll not give you any warranty on it.
It looks like that there is no cure for the syndrome.

In such a situation, Venus seems to be the final solace with its 2-3 years of warranty on element alone, and the plus thing is that they have a decent presence in Noida.

 

[turbohead]

I guess we discussed the same topic some time back.
Anyways I discussed your concern with my brother in law who is in the business, he instantaneously suggested A.O. Smith, as per him the product is worth every penny and certainly justify the premium. No doubt he has a list of many satisfied customers who were previously facing similar problem as they were using hard ground water in their farmhouses.

 

[anupmathur]

.... he instantaneously suggested A.O. Smith, as per him the product is worth every penny and certainly justify the premium. ...

I'd only be willing to go with this after confirming two things:
1) Replacement cost of heating element.
2) Mounting arrangement of heating element; whether it can accept non-OEM heating elements as available in standard sizes in our market.

 

[SachinOnTop]

I guess we discussed the same topic some time back.
Anyways I discussed your concern with my brother in law who is in the business, he instantaneously suggested A.O. Smith, as per him the product is worth every penny and certainly justify the premium. No doubt he has a list of many satisfied customers who were previously facing similar problem as they were using hard ground water in their farmhouses.

I remember it, but could not locate the discussion, so started a new thread.

AO Smith is good, and couple of stores in Noida keep it stashed in a corner! The only reason for its low sale is the high cost of ownership & maintenance.