Adelaide and Australia as a whole are moving into the summer months. The country’s climate is typically severely hot and dry, leaving it a setting for droughts and dangerous weather conditions. Still, the year does bring months when residents experience cold temperatures.
This makes hot water vital for day-to-day living, particularly for a nice warm shower on a brisk winter morning and a host of other purposes. Learn about hot water systems at https://www.energy.gov.au/households/hot-water-systems.
The system generates heated water after the standard tap water runs through a valve into a tank where it’s warmed according to the thermostat setting.
While this system stores water for heating, a tankless system only produces heated water as needed. A flow sensor activates when the hot water is turned on to begin heating the water automatically.
Why Hot Water Is Essential in Adelaide Homes
Hot water is an essential component of a functional household for healthy cleaning like washing laundry and doing dishes as well as taking a warm shower in the cold of winter.
Homeowners have the option of a traditional hot water Adelaide system that stores water to be heated or a tankless model that supplies warm water when it’s needed.
With technological advances, hot water systems have evolved leaving many variables to consider before deciding on the best unit to meet your needs. Here are a few different types.
- The electric system
The storage tank has an element that heats the water, almost like a stovetop. These are cost-efficient and available in varied sizes; however, the system is less energy-efficient than others on the market.
One particular electric choice, the “instantaneous hot water system” or “continuous flow,” will heat water only when needed by turning on the hot tap.
- The gas system
These are comparable to the electric system with the primary difference being the burner is gas instead of an electric element. These typically come with a smaller tank because the water is warmed much quicker.
This system also has the continuous flow option, a favoured choice and among the most commonly placed in new builds since they take up little space and are energy efficient.
- The solar system
This system is growing in favour as an eco-conscious choice. It is also among those installed in new builds since the units use the sun’s energy for heating, free energy, instead of a costly resource.
An array of panels will be arranged on the house’s roof to capture the sun’s energy. However, either gas or electric will be connected in case the sun is a no-show.
- The heat pump
The heat pump is essentially a more energy-efficient electric system but has a higher price point for installation and has a noisy operation. By transferring heat from the air, the heat pump can save considerably on utility costs.
With any of these systems, regular system maintenance is mandatory to ensure an extended lifespan; however, it’s simple enough you as the homeowner can handle the process hassle-free.
The hot water system will last roughly “8 to 12 years” based on care and upkeep. When servicing, turn off the gas supply or power for those particular units. Follow these steps:
- “Mini” Flush: Use a bucket placed under the drain valve, which you’ll open to release the water gently. The hot water can scald making it necessary to take precautions. Contact a qualified plumbing professional if you can’t open the drain.
- Temp/Pressure test: The valve has a small tubing connected to it. The bucket should next be placed here with the lever lifted to open it so it can flow only a couple of seconds and then release it, so the flow stops. The plumber will need to replace the valve if it doesn’t open.
- The temp: Switch the breaker off to the hot water system to pull the thermostat to adjust the temperature to meet your needs. The cover and panel will need to be removed and replaced when finished.
Troubleshooting Common Hot Water Issues in Adelaide
Adelaide residents find their hot water systems vital not only for the greatest household function but also for the best hot showers when temperatures get cold on an Australian winter day. A priority for the unit is keeping up with regular repairs and maintenance.
Numerous things can happen that you may need to troubleshoot including finding leaks, losing hot water, low pressure, or strange sounds coming from the unit. Go here for causes for loss of heat issue in a hot water system and follow for a few common problems.
However, remember that technical problems should be handled by a qualified professional plumber.
- Leaks around the base
When water is leaking around the base, the system will need to be shut down and a plumber will need to be contacted. The indication is that the unit could potentially burst creating flooding in the home. The plumber will need to replace the unit.
With troubleshooting, make sure the leak is coming from the heater and not another source.
- The hot water has gone out
If the water has gone cold, it could be a few issues, including the tank’s element not functioning, a pilot light going out, or the unit being shut off, and on.
An Adelaide plumbing professional will need to be contacted for a complex issue, but something simple like relighting the pilot light or turning the system back on will take minutes.
- A rotten egg odour
Suppose bacteria find their way into the tank. In that case, the sediment will serve as food for it with the bacteria producing hydrogen gas that can lead to a foul odour similar to rotten eggs when combined with the decay of the anode.
The suggestion is to flush the tank followed by a 3 percent peroxide cleanse, sitting for a couple of hours in the tank with no need to rinse. The water lines can benefit from the same solution.
Final Thought
Adelaide residents depend on hot water for overall household functioning including cleaning, washing the laundry and dishes, often with heating the house in the cold months and taking a hot shower when winter comes around.
While the system works, people don’t think much about the unit but when the water turns cold, there’s almost a panic. Fortunately, qualified professional plumbers can make the necessary repairs or help set you up with a replacement once the problem is determined.