Call 07 3829 0274

How HOT is your Hot Water System?

Our hot water unit is one of the behind the scenes items that keeps our homes running. As long as hot water continues to come out of the tap we often don’t give it a second thought.

It’s only when the water comes out cold that the humble hot water unit is given a check over, and then it’s sometimes too late.

Floworks Plumbing Drainage and Gas Fitting – HWU MaintenanceWe recommend you do a quick check of your hot water unit every quarter (say when you electricity bill arrives) to make sure everything is running smoothly. Listen for strange sounds, check for drips and leaks and if you have a Saxon Heat Exchange it is also a good idea to top up the tank by turning on the Pressure Relief Valve (see picture) until water comes out of the valve.

If during this quarterly check you notice that the hot water unit is out of shape, is making funny sounds or has water dripping from a valve or pipe then you may need to have a plumber repair or replace it.

If any of the below items is occurring in your home, it may be worthwhile having your hot water unit looked at:

u

Is the water coming from the tap rusty or brown in colour?

u

Does the hot water have a strange smell or metallic taste?

u

Is water leaking out of the unit?

u

Are you running out of hot water?

u

Is the hot water system making strange sounds?

Some noise from the water heating up is normal, but if you notice cracking or popping noises these should be checked by a plumber

u

Is the water muddy or does it have sediment in it?

u

Are you getting less hot water?

u

Do you often experience fluctuations in temperature?

u

Does the water pressure or flow rate vary?

These are a real pictures of a hot water unit we replaced recently. This unit was in a very bad and dangerous condition. The owner did not regularly check the unit so was surprised one day as he was walking past to see it in this condition. He contacted us and we immediately replaced the unit for him. There was so much pressure built up in this unit that if it hadn’t been replaced when it was it really could have exploded.