Are You Having Issues With Your Hot Water System?
Often there are many causes of issues with your hot water system. If you notice there is water on the floor around your system with no evidence of a leak, it could be a sign that there is a problem with your temperature and pressure relief valve. Before you attempt to make this repair yourself, you should consider hiring a professional hot water installer / repairer. Call the Hot Water experts on 1800 633 920 or send us a message and we’ll send someone over quickly to help repair your hot water system.How to test a hot water unit temperature and pressure relief valve
Every hot water unit should be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve. This is a crucial safety device that is mandated by all plumbing codes and it should never be removed or disabled. In this article we will discuss problems that sometimes occur with the temperature and pressure relief valves on the water heaters.Hot water unit temperature and pressure relief valve
Relief valves discharge for usually two reasons: one, there’s excessive pressure building up inside the system that has exceeded 150 pounds of pressure or two, the temperature inside the tank has exceeded 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Both of these situations can be very dangerous and the temperature and pressure relief valve will open to prevent an explosion. If you notice water on the floor around the water heater and there’s no evidence of a tank or plumbing leak, it is probably a sign that the water heater’s temperature and pressure relief valve has recently opened and relieved itself. First, you should test the water pressure in the house by using a pressure gauge that you will screw right onto a hose bib or a faucet. You could pick up one of these gauges at any home centre. Most plumbing codes state that the maximum water pressure coming into the house should be 80 PSI or less. If the water pressure exceeds this amount, a pressure reducing valve will need to be installed on the water main. Note that the ideal water pressure is between 50 and 60 PSI. You want to make sure that the thermostat is not set too high. If the thermostat is set too high or if it’s faulty, the T&P valve will discharge to relieve the pressure inside the tank. Remember, for a standard water heater the temperature should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You could try flushing the T&P valve to make sure it didn’t become filled with sediment. And it’s a good idea to test the T&P valve at least once a year to make sure it’s operating properly. Simply place a bucket beneath the discharge tube. You just want to flip open the relief valve and let it run for about five seconds to make sure it opens fully. Stand back and don’t do this if you’re barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes or sandals. If that hot water splashes out, you could be burned. Remember, the T&P valve is the only thing that prevents your water heater from becoming a bomb. Once the valve snaps back, make sure it doesn’t leak. If it does, you’ll need to replace the valve. Next, check to make sure the expansion tank above the water heater hasn’t failed. You can do this by removing the cap. It’s located on top of the tank and press in the Schrader valve. This is the same type of air valve that you’ll find on tires. To see if air or water comes out of it. If water is expelled from the valve, then the tank needs to be replaced. If you have any issues with your hot water system, call the Hot Water experts on 1800 633 920 or send us a message and we’ll send someone over quickly to help repair your hot water system.Rinnai‘s range of single and twin element electric storage tanks, gas hot water storage systems and heat pumps are ideal solutions for replacing existing installations. The complete range of sizing options ensure there is a hot water tank right for your application.
Types of Hot Water Storage Systems
A. Gas Storage
• 4+ Star energy rating
• 135 & 170 Litre models available
• Class leading 8 Year cylinder warranty
• Ideal for fast change-over
Our HOTFLO 4 star gas storage hot water systems ensure you always have plenty of hot water when you need it most.
Designed to be a quick and easy replacement for your existing gas storage tank, the Rinnai Hotflo range offers you a choice of 135 or 170 litre storage capacities and delivers mains pressure hot water to multiple taps at once.
We have optimised gas consumption to reduce energy usage without compromising on product performance, allowing sufficient first hour delivery capability whilst maintaining the life expectancy of the water heater.
Different Gas Storage
1. Medium Capacity – 135 Litres
• 4.7 Star energy rating
• First hour delivery capacity – 209 litres
• Vitreous Enamel lined steel tank
• 8 year cylinder warranty
Our 135 litre HOTFLO Gas system, for all your hot water needs, delivers hot water to multiple outlets without loss of pressure. And with the ability to deliver up to 209 litres in the first hour, you’ll always have plenty of hot water on hand.
2. Large Capacity – 170 Litres
• 4 Star energy rating
• First hour delivery capacity – 257 litres
• Vitreous Enamel lined steel tank
• 8 year cylinder warranty
The Rinnai 170 litre HOTFLO Gas unit can deliver generous amounts of hot water to multiple showers and taps without loss of pressure. And thanks to its fast recovery system, it can deliver up to 257 litres in the first hour. Perfect for Australia’s biggest households.
B. Electric – Hot Water For Every Need
• Available in various capacities up to 400 Litres
• A complete range of element sizes minimises change-over costs
• Designed to suit the changing water usage patterns of Australian families
Our hardworking range of HOTFLO Electric hot water storage systems are available in various capacities. From our super compact 25 litre unit, through to our super sized 400 litre storage cylinder, there’s a tank for every household and application. Thanks to our extensive range if you’re replacing an existing unit you can easily update to a Rinnai.
Rinnai Hotflo – the preferred choice for the trade.
Our hardworking range of single and twin element HOTFLO Electric hot water storage systems are available in various capacities. From our super compact 25 litre unit, through to our super sized 400 litre storage cylinder, there’s a tank for every household and application. Thanks to our extensive range if you’re replacing an existing unit you can easily upgrade to a Rinnai HOTFLO.
• Available in various capacities up to 400 Litres
• A complete range of element sizes minimises change-over costs
• Designed to suit the changing water usage patterns of Australian families
C. Heat Pump – Save up to 25% on your hot water bills.(1)
• Great upgrade from electric storage
• No solar panels
• Perfect for shaded blocks
(1) Based on 37% hot water energy contribution. Source: Department of Environmental & Climate Change NSW.
Our HOTFLO Electric Heat Pump hot water storage systems use heat found in the air outside the unit to heat water, without the need for solar panels. And best of all, savings can be obtained night or day.
Using approximately one third less power than the equivalent standard electric hot water service, they can reduce your environmental impact, whilst also reducing your hot water bill by up to 25%*.
D. Split Heat Pump – Generate Up To 700 Litres of Hot Water a Day
• Commercial grade stainless steel tank
• Durable compact compressor, heat exchanger and control system
• 10 Year Warranty
Working like an air conditioner in reverse, our HOTFLO Split Heat Pump transfers heat found in the air outside the unit to the water stored inside it. Offering similar benefits as an electric boosted solar hot water system, it’s perfect for situations where a roof-mounted solar system is not practical.
The Cost Of Hot Water Systems
If there is something that inflates the energy bills in an average home, it must be the hot water systems. While the hot water system installation cost is a minor consideration, there are other factors homeowners consider. What is the size of your household and the location are some of the determining factors?
The question homeowners should ask is how much the hot water system will cost them in the long run.
Questions to ask before installing hot water systems
What systems are available?
There are two types of hot water systems. The storage systems heat the water for later use. They are the most common ones.
The continuous flow or instantaneous system release hot water on demand. This system is common in Asia but is gaining ground in Australia.
Energy type
What are you using to heat the water? Electricity is common, but natural gas is another alternative. Natural gas is cheaper compared to electricity. Currently, most people are adopting the use of solar energy. It supplements gas or electricity and greatly reduces energy consumption.
Choosing The Right Water System
How many people are using the hot water system? How often do they use the water? What are the climatic conditions in your area?
Most of the Australian households have storage systems since they use hot water for various purposes. Washing clothes, dishes, and bathing requires a lot of hot water. The rate of water usage equates to energy consumption, and people are trying to minimise such costs.
Thanks to heat pump system that draws heat from the surrounding as opposed to the source producing the heat, it helps save a quarter of the energy used by conventional systems.
Solar energy is another alternative. Although the installation cost is a bit high, it pays itself over time, and it reduces the energy consumption. However, the payback depends on the climate of a place. Places with sunny climates have a short payback time.
For a small household, the instantaneous system is economical. Let all your hot water installation systems be done by a licensed professional. Get the quote for the installation and the selected system before the work begins.
Homeowners are advised to make comparisons while getting the quotes. There is no need to pay $100 and end up spending thousands of dollars in an efficient system.
Look out for the energy efficiency in the products before installation. The suppliers and manufacturers of the system should readily share such information which enables the client to make the best and long term solution.
