Hot Water Not Working?
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Gas
Hot Water
When I try to relight the pilot flame and I release the button
the pilot flame goes out.
Quite possibly the thermocouple has failed and needs replacing by a
qualified plumber. The thermocouple provides a safety feature for a gas hot
water system. When the pilot is not on, the valve will not allow any gas to
be delivered. Is the gas on? Ring (08) 8444 7320 for immediate assistance.
I have a gas hot water service and have tried to relight the
pilot flame but it will not light at all.
Either the pilot jet valve is blocked or the main gas thermostat has failed
or the gas line to the pilot is full of air and requires purging or maybe
repair. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for immediate
assistance.
See How to relight Bosch Gas Hot Water Systems
How to relight Rheem Hot
Water Systems
Not Enough Hot Water
A clogged flue or vent could be the problem or a defective thermostat. Ring
(08) 8444 7320 for immediate assistance.
I have an instant gas continuous flow hot water service and only
luke warm water is coming out of my taps.
The diaphragm or thermostat has more than likely failed and requires
renewing. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate
response.
Hot water cuts out or goes hot and cold when
showering.
The type of shower head installed and the type of hot water system in use
may not be compatible. Certain types of hot water systems cannot deliver
consistent temperature with water saving shower roses as they need a certain
flow rate per minute of hot water to function. This is common with
continuous flow gas hot water systems. See here.
It is a good idea to call (08) 8444 7320 and have one of our plumbers visit
to check if the shower head is compatible and if not either remove the
restrictor or install a high flow shower head to see if this removes the
problem.
My hot water is too hot, how do I adjust the temperature?
If your systems is fitted with temperature control try adjusting it. For
other units Call (08) 8444 7320 and we’ll send around a hot water plumber.
Hot water systems need to be adjusted by a qualified plumber experienced
with hot water, to avoid the possibility of burns occurring. There may well
be an issue with the thermostat.
I have an electronic ignition continuous flow gas hot water
system and the flow is reduced and water is cold .
Problem may be either the thermostat or a blocked strainer valve on the cold
water inlet to the hot water unit. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate
response.
I have water leaking from the tank or from the pipes, what do I
do?
Turn off the water to the property. This is probably located on the verge at
the front of the premises. Then call (08) 8444 7320. This is a job for a
qualified plumber.
I have water leaking down through my ceiling, what do I do?
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water. Go to the main water
meter for your property as above, and close the tap so no more water flows.
Call our emergency hotline on (08) 8444 7320.
Electric Hot Water
This is an Emergency. I have no hot water. My electric hot water
unit has died. How long will it take to install a heat pump or solar hot
water unit, if I order it today?
If you call today and want to replace a broken electric hot water service
with a new heat pump or solar hot water unit, we can have it installed
within 24 hours and we can claim all the rebates for you, simple as that.
Just call (08) 8444 7320
The circuit breaker on my electric hot water system keeps
tripping, how do I fix it?
You need to be careful that there is not a short circuit in your hot water
service. Especially if the circuit breaker clicks off immediately. The most
likely cause is the thermostat, limit switch or element. Call (08) 8444 7320
and we can fix the problem promptly.
If your hot water unit is over 10 years old you may expect ongoing problems.
This may be the ideal time to take advantage of the new rebates and get a
heat pump or solar hot water system. There are government RECS and rebates
available.
No hot water.
Either the thermostat or element has probably failed and requires
replacement. Isolate the power to the hot water unit. Ring (08) 8444 7320
for an immediate response.
My electric hot water tank smells of burning rubber and is
smoking by the electrical connection to the tank.
There is electrical short. Switch off the power at the circuit breaker or
fuse box for HWS. Ring (08) 8444 7320 immediately.
My ceiling unit hot water tank is leaking water from the
overflow pipe by the eaves.
Either the hot water tank is ruptures or the float valve is jammed open.
These types of systems are end-of-life now and require replacement Ring (08)
8444 7320 to discuss your options.
My hot water unit is leaking water.
The hot water cylinder has most likely burst. Isolate the water at the stop
valve near the hot water unit or turn off the water at the front of the
property at the water meter. If the hot water system is gas turn off the gas
at the isolating valve near the hot water unit or turn off the gas at the
gas meter. If the system is an electric unit, isolate the power supply at
the main power board at the circuit breaker or fuse switch for the hot water
service marked as HWS. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response.
Water is running from the safety valve into the drain and won’t
stop..
Either the hot pressure temperature relief valve or cold expansion relief
valve has failed. Turn off the water at the stop valve near the hot water
system or at the water meter. These valves need be replacing every 5 years
for safety reasons and for the protection of your hot water system. Ring
(08) 8444 7320 for help.
Water is only running at a trickle from the hot
taps.
Either the non return valve on the cold water inlet to the hot water unit
has collapsed or in the case of a gravity feed ceiling hot water unit the
float valve has seized. Either way the valve in question requires replacing.
Ring (08) 8444 7320 for same day service.
I have an electric or gas hot water unit and only slightly warm
water comes out of my taps.
The problem may be a faulty tempering anti scald valve. Ring (08) 8444 7320
for an immediate response.
Water is squirting from the bottom of the isolating valve to my
hot water unit.
The strainer valve has burst on the cold inlet to the hot water service and
requires replacement. Turn the water off at isolating valve or water meter.
Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response.
What preventative action can I take to stop corrosion to my hot
water system?
Sacrificial anode protection is the way to arrest hot water cylinder
corrosion and this applies only to steel vitreous enamel lined or glass
coated mains pressure hot water cylinders. It does not apply to stainless
steel systems.
When steel cylinders are internally lined under very high heat in the
manufacturing process, very small patches in the cylinder fail to be coated
so anodes are employed to protect the bare steel from corrosion.
A sacrificial anode is a rod made up of differing compounds depending on
specific water conditions. They are immersed into the tank and screwed in
from the top of the unit.
Cylinder corrosion is directly related to the quality of the mains water
which governs the rate an anode sacrifices itself to protect the cylinder.
Obviously the anode will need replacing eventually, normally every 3-4
years.
Regular anode replacement will on average add one third more life to a hot
water cylinder but with the cost of replacements you are paying for that
longevity.
Common Questions
Is a gas hot water system a suitable alternative to solar or
heat pump hot water systems?
Yes. Gas
systems are a viable alternative from a couple of perspectives. The
first is reliability, and the second are the low initial purchase price and
ongoing maintenance costs.
How do I change from an Electric Hot Water System to a Heat Pump
System?
To change an electric hot water system to a heat pump hot water
system please call us for the latest price. We can work it all out for
you over the phone including rebates and RECS. Call one of our local
Adelaide plumbers on (08) 8444 7320 to get a quote for your new Heat Pump
Hot Water System.
How do I change from an Electric Hot Water System to a Solar Hot
Water System?
We can change an electric hot water system to a solar hot water system, just
call us for our latest price including rebates and RECS. Call one of our
local Adelaide plumbers on (08) 8444 7320 to get a quote and get solar hot
water started.
Are heat pump units or solar units cheaper to run?
Generally, solar hot water units can be up to 5-15% cheaper to run than heat
pump units but are not as reliable and are more expensive to install and
maintain.
I need a new hot water system installed. Which is better a 5 star
rated gas mains pressure storage hot water system or an instant flow
continuous gas unit?
It depends. Both systems are 5 star energy rated.
Continuous flow instant gas units take time to detect water running through
the system before the gas burner is activated which can result in as much as
20 litres of water wastage. This water wastage is a concern for those
looking to reduce their water usage. On the other hand, as the name
suggests, continuous flow systems are always available, no more worrying
about if there is enough water in the tank for showering, laundry etc.
Mains pressure storage systems deliver hot water at full mains pressure as
opposed to the restricted flow of the instant gas units which can cause
problems with fluctuating temperatures when showering especially in multi
bathroom homes. If someone is showering and another person decides to do the
washing up the person in the shower will not be too happy – with a
continuous flow system.
On the other hand, new Gas Hot Water Systems from Bosch overcome this issue with
temperature control keypads which the person in the shower would use to
preset the temperature. That way the whole house receives water at this
pre-assigned temperature.
Mains pressure storage tanks also permit water saving shower heads which may
not be possible with continuous flow systems which need a certain flow rate
to enable the water to be heated.
So a mains pressure system may be better from a water saving perspective but
a continuous flow involves no worry as to whether there is enough water in
the tank and also saves on gas. It only heats the amount of water required,
not a whole tank.
Solar Hot Water Questions
What if the sun doesn’t shine, will my shower and hot water
still be hot?
Yes, the solar hot water systems we install have either 5 star gas boosting
or 5 star electric boosting for when the sun isn’t shining.
Which is better, Gas boosted or Electric boosted solar?
Gas boosted is more “set and forget”. Electric boosted requires more manual
intervention. If the water is not hot you need to activate the electric
boost. Due to this inconvenience many owners choose to leave the boost
permanently on, thereby negating any possible savings! Gas boosted is more
expensive to install however. This is offset by being the most energy saving
type of system in the long term.
How does a boosted solar system save me money?
Yes, up to 90% less energy than older storage type electric water heaters.
Less energy consumed= smaller bills.
The solar hot water system is leaking water onto my
roof.
Either the solar panel is burst or the pipe connection to the panel has
burst. Isolate water at isolating valve or at water meter. Ring (08) 8444
7320 for immediate help.
Heat Pump Hot Water Questions
What if the sun doesn’t shine, will I still have hot water?
Yes, the heat pump hot water systems we install work in any weather
conditions, rain, hail or shine. Heat pumps work by drawing heat from the
ambient air temperature and do not require direct sunshine unlike solar
units. Different technology.
Owner’s
Manuals