Affordable Solutions for Plumbing and Gas
ABN: 57 680 657 256
Plumber: PL 6556
Gas Fitter: GF 3461
Hot Water System Maintenance
RMC Plumbing Services are aware that your storage hot water system will make some noise whilst heating this is normal.
But! When your storage hot water system starts popping and banging it is telling you that it really needs servicing.
What needs servicing on a storage hot water system?
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Every 5 years the sacrificial anode inside your hot water system cylinder needs replacing! Unfortunately the water supply in the South West is hard water that is sourced from a bore. When heated it can become corrosive as well as mixed with Chlorine is a harsh combination. (some hot water systems have 2 anodes)
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Checking and replacing if needed, the cold water expansion valve on the water inlet every 5 years (this valve protects the cylinder from over pressure whilst heating).
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Checking and replacing if needed, the hot water temperature relief valve every 5 years. In Australia, the recommended setting for a hot water unit temperature valve is to store water at a minimum of 60°C to prevent bacteria growth, but to deliver water at a maximum of 50°C at the tap using a tempering valve to avoid scalding risks; this is governed by Australian plumbing standards.
NOTE:
When the anode/anodes are replaced the hot water cylinder is drained and the bottom of the hot water cylinder is flushed out with clean water to ensure all residue from the old anodes is cleaned out from the cylinder. The hot water system is fitted with new anode/anodes and re-filled and put back into service.
Electric, Gas or Heat Pump Storage Hot Water Systems
Manufacturer’s recommendations state that the anode/anodes (depending on what unit you have) should be replaced every 5 years and the cold water expansion valve and hot water pressure relief valve be checked and/or replaced at the same time.
Gas Instantaneous or Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems
When these particular hot water systems need servicing you will know as you simply lose hot water temperature. It is recommended for the cold water expansion valve and hot water pressure relief valve be checked and/or replaced if needed.
Tempering Valves
Generally servicing involves replacing the diaphragm rubber and o rings inside the water section and the hot water system is back to where it was.
RMC Plumbing Services wish to advise that all bathrooms must be protected from receiving scalding hot water which can cause severe burns to the elderly or infirm, also the possibility of burns to children.
The temperature protection is achieved through a tempering valve which must be fitted (minimum to any bathroom) . Kitchen and Laundry can receive hot water above 50’ Celsius.
Unfortunately, with our poor water quality some times the tempering valves can seize and not mix hot and cold water effectively therefore you would only receive luke warm water. If this is the case the tempering valve will need to be replaced as they are a consumable item.
Rory, Scott & our friendly plumbing team are just a phone call away 0412 287 673