Lingo > Plumbed in Parallel

More Lingo:Click on arrowAnodeAtmospheric-Vent HeaterAutomatic Flue DamperBackflow PreventerBehavioral WasteBoiler, Water HeaterCheaterClean-Out HatchCombustion ChamberCondensing Water HeaterCoverDead LegDecarboniationDemand PumpDezincificationDirt LegDielectric ConnectionsDip TubesDirect-Vent HeaterDirt LegDraft DivertersDrain PanDrain ValvesDrain-Water Heat ExchangerDripEarthquake StrapEnergy Factor, EFExpansion TankFlex ConnectorsFlueFVIR SystemsHalf and HalfHeat-Pump Water HeaterHeat Traps, Heat-Trap NipplesLabelsManifold PlumbingNAECANipplesPEXPlumbed in ParallelPlumbed in SeriesPlumbing/PipingPower-Vent HeaterPressure ReducerRecirculation Line and PumpRecirculation Line ThermostatReducersReducer BushingShellShutoff ValvesSedimentSide-PlumbedSootSpring Check ValveStreet EllStructural WasteStructured PlumbingSwing Check ValveTeeTemperature/Pressure Relief ValveTemperature/Pressure Relief Valve Drain LineThermal ExpansionThermocoupleThermostats, Temperature ControlsTop-PlumbedVentsWater AlarmWater Pressure Gauge

 

 

In parallel means that two or more water heaters are plumbed so that each heats water and the combined quantity passes to a building for use.

It's very important to make sure that the tanks are "balanced." That can be done in several ways, but it's fairly easy for the tanks to become unbalanced. Even corrosion in the plumbing can throw off what was a well-balanced system.

When a system is unbalanced, one will do all the work -- and wear out faster -- while the other just sits there.