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Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank

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Can I install an electric heater in a Vaillant VIH R 150/6 B storage tank by using the drain valve port?

Yes, but only if the heater physically clears the internal coil; the top connections are a bad idea because they have plastic inserts and water-guide tubes, so the drain valve port is the proper place to try [#19977708][#19977796] The fit is not universal: the exact coil position and tank version vary, so before buying it is worth opening the drain, probing the opening with a rod of the heater’s length, and checking whether anything blocks it [#20401317][#21846475] If it fits, the best solution is to screw the heater directly into the tank connector; later notes say not to use a tee or extension because that can create an overheating section on the heater body [#20388828][#20715446] People reported successful installs in VIH R 150/6 B with a 900 W heater, and in similar tanks with 1.2 kW, but mainly as auxiliary heating rather than the only DHW source [#20935498][#20961672]
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  • #91 21918458
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    I finally managed to sort out the problem with my failed attempt to screw in the drain plug, as the coil inside was getting in the way.
    In November, I fitted a 1000 W heater to the DHW tank along with a Smart Life thermostat, and the heater activates the circulation pump to allow the heater to cool down. It works well with this vertical reverse screw-in fitting in the return pipe of the water circuit to the tap

    Copper pipes and valves on a tank, with a white Smart Plug controller and a coiled white cable
    [url=https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/5816275600_1781069481.png]Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank
    [/url] App screenshot of energy statistics with a monthly bar chart for the year 2026
    App screenshot “Grzałka CWU” showing 49.3°C current temp, 54°C target, and schedule 06:01–08:00

    Added after 7 [minutes]:

    >>21916949 Nice idea with that screw – mine went in, but at an angle to the thread.
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  • #92 21918465
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    How does the circulation pump connect to this pipe? How long will it take for a 1000 W pump to heat the water?
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  • #93 21918470
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    >>21918465
    Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank
    Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank
    All controlled by https://allegro.pl/produkt/licznik-energii-tu...f2-4860-992c-6bd299d443f0?offerId=17523512788 I bought a smart meter like this on AliExpress for 180 PLN.

    6️⃣ Automatic response to energy export (e.g. from PV)

    Condition: dp_reverse_energy_total is increasing (or exceeds the threshold)
    Action: Switch on power bank charging, water heater, etc.
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  • #94 21918472
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    >>21918470
    10 hours?
  • #95 21918478
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank
    >>21918472 From 9:00 to 12:00, when the sun is shining, it reaches over 48°C.
  • #96 21918484
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    In that case, I’d like to do the same at my place, because the heater at the bottom is getting in the way of the coil.
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  • #97 21918487
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    >>21918484
    Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank
    I ordered one of these, but the white casing with the cable is from a faulty heater element, which broke when I was screwing it into the drain plug.
  • #98 21918489
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    >>21918487

    The fact that it is screwed in at the hot water outlet does not block the flow?
  • #99 21918490
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    >>21918487 https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007929069651.html such a meter it controls depending on how the PV works - I unfortunately have on the monthly price billing, because I didn't have time for net metering before 1 April 2022

    Added after 1 [minute]:

    >>21918489 This is screwed into the return from the circuit - the heater at 1.5cm diameter, and the return pipe at 3/4 inch in the boiler.
  • #100 21918495
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    >>21918490
    But it takes the temperature from the heater, the one you pasted, or do you have an extra thermometer in the tank? I will connect this to the HA>>21918490 .
  • #101 21918499
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    >>21918490 Also, thanks to the heater, my gas usage this year has put me into the W2.1 tariff (the total estimated amount is 3,763 PLN for 1,109 m³ of gas) because my annual consumption was 1,167 m³ of gas, and instead of PLN 5,200 with an annual consumption of 1,202 m³ in 2024, I then moved into the W3 tariff.6 because I exceeded the limit by literally 2 m³ per year, and on top of that, from March to mid-May and then from September to November, I use this to heat the house when there is PV production, and everything is controlled via scenes in Smart Life from the meter https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007929069651.html
    Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank

    Added after 1 [minute]:

    >>21918499 I have as many as 5 of these at home in the rooms

    Added after 31 [seconds]:

    >>21918499 https://allegro.pl/produkt/piec-piecyk-handy-...859-4e40-839d-ebee35603608?offerId=9837950377

    Added after 1 [minute]:

    >>21918499 https://allegro.pl/oferta/grzejnik-elektryczn..._unit_id=020b9a64-6168-4b6f-a69f-efe433e0bedc and two of these for the living room
    Allegro screenshot: 400 W mini plug-in heater with red LED fireplace effect

    Added after 7 [minutes]:

    https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006867490692.html a controller like this.
  • #102 21918503
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    Also a good solution, I don't donate Danube electricity, but I do have PV and storage, so I reheat with air conditioning during these periods and an infrared cooker, but I'll take that into consideration too.

    In my case with connecting a heater like that from the top it should go smoothly.


    Vaillant cylinder with a black top cover and connected pipes with red and blue insulation
  • #103 21918516
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    >>21918503 Well, I have a 5.1 kWh battery, but under the new rules, there was hardly any generation from December 2025 to January 2026, so there was nothing to charge the battery with
    Installation of an electric heater in the Vaillant vih r 150/6 B storage tank

    Added after 6 [minutes]:

    >>21918503 The circulation pump must be switched on at the same time as the heating element.

    Added after 39 [minutes]:

    >>21918516
    Everything is controlled by these Smart Life sockets https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007099955100.html
  • #104 21918556
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    >>21918516

    The pump goes to scrape the hot water off the top?
  • #105 21918902
    damianesqu
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    >>21917670
    Same here, which is why I couldn’t turn the heating element; a half-coupling for the water meter did the trick. Unless, of course, you can see the coils completely once the valve is turned off. Everyone wants to sell these tanks as soon as they’ve installed their PV systems.
  • #106 21919006
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    >>21918902

    There’s no way to fit it in, because the coil is right in the middle of the hole :)
  • #107 21922211
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    >>21918556 Just as the heater works, the circulation system is there to draw hot water from the heater so that it doesn’t overheat, and feeds it into the lower part of the tank; whilst it’s heating up, there’s always hot water coming out of the kitchen tap.
  • #108 21922287
    przemyslawbugaj
    Level 6  
    Posts: 12
    >>21922211

    I’ll try to make a connection between the lower drain valve and the hot water outlet where you’ve fitted the heater, and install a pump on that connection so it draws water from the bottom upwards; the rest is the same as yours, but I’m not sure how to stop the boiler from heating whilst the heater is running heater. I have a Vaillant, so I suppose just a WiFi socket or a WiFi hub for the Vaillant makes absolutely no financial sense
  • #109 21923731
    grzechu82
    Level 13  
    Posts: 26
    Help: 2
    Rate: 20
    przemyslawbugaj wrote:
    >>21922211

    I’ll try to make a connection between the lower drain valve and the hot water outlet where you’ve fitted the heater, and install a pump on that connection so that it draws water from the bottom upwards, and the rest will be the same as yours, though I’m not sure how to stop the boiler from heating whilst the immersion heater is on. I’ve got a Vaillant, so I suppose a Wi-Fi socket is my only option, as a Wi-Fi thermostat for a Vaillant makes absolutely no financial sense.

    I’ve got a Vaillant boiler too, and on the room controller I’ve set the DHW temperature to 39°C, and in the time schedules, water heating runs from 5.50 to 6.00, and then from 13.00 to 22.00, so that there’s hot water even if there’s no sun.
    However, the electric heater heats the water to 55°C when there’s power from the PV system, ensuring there’s a supply of hot water until the morning. Yesterday in Kraków, I was even heating with the PV system until 17:30.
    I run the circulation pump from 6.00 to 22.00 for just 3 minutes, as that’s how long it takes to push the hot water to the return connection on the DHW tank, i.e. towards the heater.

    Added after 6 [minutes]:

    przemyslawbugaj wrote:
    >>21922211

    I’ll try to make a connection between the lower drain valve and the hot water outlet where you’ve fitted the heating element, and install a pump on that connection so that it draws water from the bottom upwards, and the rest will be the same as yours, though I’m not sure how to stop the boiler from heating whilst the immersion heater is on. I’ve got a Vaillant, so I suppose a Wi-Fi socket is my only option, as a Wi-Fi thermostat for a Vaillant makes absolutely no financial sense.
    Do you happen to know how much a room thermostat costs, so I can control the boiler via an app on my phone?
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion addresses the feasibility and methods of installing an electric heater in the Vaillant VIH R 150/6 B hot water storage tank, which originally lacks a dedicated heater mounting option. The common practice involves replacing the water drain valve (1/2" thread) with a custom or radiator-type electric heater, often using a tee fitting to retain the drain valve functionality. Installation challenges include limited internal space due to the coil arrangement, which can obstruct heater insertion, and variations in tank models and vintages affecting fitment. Heaters with lengths up to approximately 37-52 cm have been tested, with shorter heaters (around 20-40 cm) preferred for tanks mounted close to walls. Thermostats on heaters are often unnecessary or problematic; simpler heaters without thermostats are recommended, controlled externally via timers or smart sockets (e.g., Tuya, Sonoff). Installation typically requires draining or isolating water supply to prevent leaks, with some users successfully inserting heaters without full drainage by creating a vacuum in the tank. Power ratings of installed heaters range from 900W to 2000W, with 1000W suitable for smaller tanks (120L) mainly for temperature maintenance, and higher power (up to 2kW or more) recommended for larger tanks or full heating. Users report improved gas savings and integration with photovoltaic systems. Some report issues with heater cycling due to thermostat placement or installation method, suggesting direct tank connection without extensions to avoid overheating. Alternative tanks with built-in heater ports from other manufacturers (Kospel, Drazice Termica, Vasti) are suggested for easier installation. The discussion also covers control strategies for combined gas boiler and electric heater operation to optimize energy use and prevent legionella. Additional practical tips include enlarging the outer casing hole for heater fitment, sealing threads with tow or Teflon tape, and electrical wiring considerations (minimum 1.5 mm² wire). Some users share links to specific heaters and controllers, including Proecosolar and Chinese models, and discuss the pros and cons of anode removal and circulation to improve heat distribution.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A 1 kW screw-in heater lifted 120 L from 30 °C to 42 °C in 98 min [Elektroda, shysheq, post #20666140] “Nobody can do it better than yourself ;-)” [Elektroda, ls_77, post #20391911] Use the ½'' drain port, mind the coil, and seal carefully. Why it matters: a low-cost heater plus PV surplus can cut gas use by ≥ 80 %.

Quick Facts

• Drain-valve thread: ½'' BSPT (female) [Elektroda, mauri_b, post #19977796] • Safe heater length: 360 mm max for VIH 120; ≤ 200 mm needed when wall clearance < 18 cm [Elektroda, VPS, #20801377 & akm97, #21443238]. • Typical power range: 600 W – 2 kW (1 kW raises 120 L by 20 °C in ≈ 3 h) [Elektroda, shysheq, post #20666140] • Price examples: PLN 50 for 1 kW Chinese insert; PLN 300 for branded 2 kW radiator element [Elektroda, marendil, post #20255955] • Edge clearances: leave ≥ 5 mm between element and coil to avoid hotspots [Elektroda, ls_77, post #20129452]

Can I install an electric heater in a Vaillant VIH R 120/150/200 storage tank?

Yes. Users confirmed successful installs in VIH 120, 150 and 200 by replacing the drain-valve with a ½'' screw-in heater [Elektroda, civic9, #20681416; podleckipawel, #20901454; adam salamon, #20961672].

Do I need to drain the tank first?

Not always. Close cold-in and hot-out valves, open a tap until flow stops to create vacuum, then remove the drain valve—only ~200 ml escapes [Elektroda, lary79, post #20714690]

3-step How-To for a leak-free install?

  1. Close inlet/outlet valves and relieve pressure at a tap.
  2. Unscrew drain valve; probe with a rod to confirm clearance.
  3. Wrap heater thread with PTFE or hemp, screw directly into tank, tighten with open-end spanner, earth the element. [Elektroda, lary79, post #20750909]

Why did my heater cycle on/off every 5-10 minutes?

If a tee or extender leaves air around the thermostat, heat concentrates and triggers early cutoff. Screw the element directly into the tank or relocate the thermostat sensor [Elektroda, ls_77, #20388828; jakubowczarek, #21541003].

Will removing the magnesium anode reduce corrosion?

Keep the anode. Vaillant tanks are enamelled steel; a copper-nickel heater alone cannot provide cathodic protection [Elektroda, VPS, #19947717 & #20116484]. Softened water slows anode wear but does not replace it [Elektroda, akm97, post #21443263]

How do I control the heater with photovoltaic surplus?

Many users plug the heater into a Wi-Fi smart socket (e.g., Tuya, Shelly or Gosund) and schedule 2–3 h blocks when PV exports peak. A 1 kW load rarely pushes grid voltage beyond +1 V [Elektroda, vincitore, #20670136; akm97, #21473514].

Is extra earthing required?

Yes. Bond the heater sheath to the tank’s PE terminal or nearby equipotential bar; metal tanks count as Class I appliances [“IEC 60364-4-41”].

What common failure or edge case should I watch for?

Some 2 kW radiator elements jam on the coil; one user lost PLN 300 when the heater could not screw in [Elektroda, marendil, post #20255955] Always test with a dummy rod first.

How will the modification affect my gas boiler operation?

Set boiler DHW to ~40 °C. The heater tops up above that, yet the boiler still fires weekly for anti-Legionella at 65 °C, preventing ignition errors F28/F54 [Elektroda, civic9, #20767375 & lary79, #20767233].

Can I use an upper (anode) port for a high-power element instead?

Possible but not advised. The upper layer heats locally then the thermostat stops; only ≈ 10 % of tank volume reaches setpoint [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, post #19977710] Circulation pumps partly fix this but add complexity.
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