Table Of Contents
Different Varieties of Hot Water Systems
Below you will find details on the different varieties of hot water systems that exist in the market. Read on for more information, including the benefits and drawbacks of each type of hot water system.
1. Electric Hot Water System
Benefits
- An electric hot water system heats and conserves water so that it is available whenever you need it.
- It has the extra benefit of providing full mains force to showers, washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, and basins all at once.
Drawbacks
- An electric hot water system is the least expensive water heater to install, but it is more costly to run.
- It is large in size to prevent this system from running out of water when it is not in use. As a result of the large size, more water than is needed is heated daily, resulting in excessive energy use.
2. Gas Hot Water System
Benefits
- This system provides various benefits, the most important of which is it only heats water when you need hot water. Therefore, if you opt for this system in your house, you will be unaffected by peak and off-peak charges.
- A gas hot water system is less expensive to operate than an electric system.
Drawbacks
- If you opt for a gas hot water system, you need storage for your gas cylinders or bottles if you do not have access to natural gas.
- If you run out of gas and neglect to purchase it, your gas water heater won’t work. This means that your house will not have a supply of hot water until you refill the gas.
3. Solar Hot Water System
Benefits
- If you opt for a solar hot water system, you will have lower electricity bills because solar energy is used to heat water.
- These systems are eco-friendly, emitting fewer greenhouse gases than previous designs.
Drawbacks
- Before investing in a solar hot water system, there are a few practical considerations to make, and these arrangements can be pricey.
- A solar hot water system has low maintenance costs and comes with at least a 10-year warranty. However, in certain instances when the solar water heater develops problems, the guarantee falls short of expectations.
4. Instant Hot Water System
- In most situations, an instant hot water system will need to be large enough to allow multiple outlets to be utilised simultaneously, if necessary.
- Installing this system may be difficult at times. The number of outlets must be considered when developing a new instant hot water system so that the unit can keep up with your household’s demand.
5. Heat Pump Hot Water System
Benefits
- Roof panels are not required.
- A heat pump hot water system does not require the constant presence of sunlight in order to function.
Drawbacks
- The intended effect of a heat pump hot water system cannot be realised in cold temperatures. This hot water system operates best in warm temperatures.
- You need to consider numerous factors before installing a heat pump water system in your house that might prove troublesome to you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Suitable Hot Water System
There are several variables to consider when purchasing new hot water systems. You must first pick the best hot water systems for your needs before looking at water heater brands. The most significant decisions to make are:
- Where to Install the Hot Water System - When it comes to establishing the location of your hot water system, there are a few options that you can choose from. It could be indoors, outside, or on the roof. The choice is yours!
- What Size of Water Heater you Need - Your household’s hot water requirements must be scaled to have the most suitable sized hot water system installed. The size is usually calculated based on how many showers and baths you and the people in your house take each day.
- Purchase and Installation Costs - The cost of purchasing and installing a hot water system is simply one component of the total cost. You must go for a system that is within your budget.
- Running Costs - The energy consumed by your hot water system will have a long-term influence on your energy cost. Therefore, it is critical to choose a proper hot water system for your home in relation to the running costs.
- Environmental Costs - The environmental cost, or CO2 impact, is the last expense of your new hot water system that you must consider. You should consider the detrimental effect of your hot water system of choice on the environment.
Further Considerations
Each hot water system has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, including installation costs, operating expenses, and overall environmental credentials. Hence, trying to figure out which hot water system is ideal for your requirements may be difficult.
Most consumers consider the initial purchase and installation expenses when selecting a hot water system, but the continuing operating costs generally outweigh these. Therefore, it is crucial to keep this in mind as you make your decision.
Other significant considerations include your living area location (sun/shade), the type of property (house/unit), your water use (light/medium/heavy), and your concern about carbon emissions.
Typical Issues that Need Repair in Hot Water Systems
There are a variety of issues that might obstruct a water heater’s capacity to perform its functions. The type of heater you have informs the issues it can experience, which determines the answer to the issue.
Some of the typical issues with an electric hot water system include:
- Blown fuse
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Malfunctioning heating element
- Hot and cold connections improperly crossed
Gas fitters are qualified to operate on gas systems as they are licensed, insured, and trained to do so. Your gas fitter will handle tasks, including the common problems associated with gas hot water systems. The typical requests for water heater repair in a gas hot water system include issues with the following parts of a gas heater:
- Gas supply
- Gas valve
- Thermocouple
- Pilot light
Things to Check if your Hot Water System is Not Operating Properly
To completely understand and find out if your hot water system is not operating appropriately, read on.
No Hot Water
- If you do not have any hot water flowing out of your taps, the first thing you should do is double-check that you have cold water coming out.
- Make sure that the isolation valve is working correctly.
- Check the fuse box labelled “hot water” and identify it is working if you have an electric hot water system.
- Check that the hot water powerline is connected and that the power point is on.
- Check to see if you have gas in your gas bottle or an issue with your gas line if you have a gas hot water system.
No Hot Water and Cold Water
- If you do not have any hot or cold water, check other taps in your house to see if they are functioning.
- If you find that no water is coming out of any taps, inspect your main meter to verify if the valve is on.
- If the issue is just impacting one individual water fixture, ensure the isolation valve is not off.
Water Leakage
- Check where the water is originating from if you see it leaking from your hot water system.
Inadequate Hot Water
- Check the temperature settings on your hot water system if the water coming out of your taps is not hot enough.
Some Basic Troubleshooting Tips Before Reaching Out to a Professional
The first step in determining whether to call a plumber or electrician is to establish whether it is a plumbing or electrical issue affecting your hot water system. It is advisable to go through these two procedures before making a phone call to a professional as it can save you some time and money if it is an issue that you can fix.
- Inspect your Circuit Breaker - Check to see whether your switch box’s circuit breaker has been tripped. If you find that a switch has tripped, turn it back on and verify if the issue persists.
- Inspect your Hot Water System’s Pressure Relief Valve - To do this, you should always check the pressure relief valve. Pull a little lever at the system’s top to allow water to flow into the overflow pipe. Each day, a valve that is functioning correctly will only let out around a cup of water. Your tank needs to be filled, which can be a frequent problem.
Hot Water System Repairs that Require the Services of a Plumber
Contact a plumber if the water tank is split and leaking. There are a variety of factors that might lead to this issue. Below are some of the most prevalent causes of hot water system malfunctions that require a plumber.
- Your Water Tank is Older than Ten Years - If your water tank is more than ten years old, you need to reach out to a plumber to repair your hot water system.
- Rusted Base - If your water tank’s foundation is corroded, you should contact a plumber. Rust frequently occurs at the base of a hot water system. As a result, the inner tank is likely to have corroded as well, necessitating the replacement of your entire hot water system.
- Water Leakage - Water leaks will be noticeable right away, signalling the need to contact a plumber.
- No Hot Water - If you do not have any water flowing out of the taps in your house, it is a sign that you require a hot water repair.
- Pressure Relief Overflow -If water continues to flow out of your pressure relief valve after you lift the lever, you will need to lift the lever again to verify if the overflow has stopped. Contact a plumber if this is not the case.
- Split Water Tank - A split water tank indicates a plumbing problem that needs the services of a plumber ASAP.
- Discolouration of Water - A plumber is needed if the water coming out of your hot water taps is discoloured or contaminated.
Hot Water System Repairs that Require the Services of an Electrician
When an electrician is called to fix a hot water heater, the problems are frequently concealed. Your local electrician is an emergency electrician who can handle any electrical problems associated with your hot water system.
When it comes to the issues listed below, you should contact an electrician.
- Faulty Circuit Breaker - If your circuit breaker has been tripped and you have tried to reset it, but it has not worked, you probably have a blown fuse. With this issue, you might need to upgrade your switchboard as well.
- Broken Thermostat - If the water running through your taps is heated but not frigid, you need to have the thermostat checked. This is because your thermostat, booster, and off-peak relay switch are most likely broken and need repair.
- Replacement of Cylinders - If you need your cylinder replaced and the wiring unplugged and reconnected, you need to contact an electrician. Although some plumbers are licensed to perform rewiring, this is a job best left to an electrician.
Now that you have read this article, you know about hot water systems and their issues. You also know who to contact in the event that you experience any of the issues mentioned above. You can start by trying to fix any minor issues yourself but if the issue is above your skill set, contact a reliable plumber or electrician near you.
