Experience Winter Bliss with a Reliable Hot Water Cylinder!

Especially in the colder month of the year, we appreciate a reliable hot water cylinder. But what if there is no hot water? Or you are frequently running out of hot water? What to do when your hot water cylinder is overflowing…

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Stay warm and cozy this winter with a high-performing, reliable Hot Water Cylinder!

In our lives, hot water is one of the most essential goods in our households, whether for a shower in the morning or a relaxing bath at the weekend: For most people, well-tempered and well-pressurised water available throughout the house is more than just a basic need; it is a feature of high quality of life and wealth.

Hot water cylinders are the most common and convenient hot water heating systems throughout the Rodney district and New Zealand. Ultimately, they can last a long time if properly maintained. However, there comes a time when your existing unit starts to give you problems, and you suddenly find yourself without hot water thus, a hot shower or bath.

What if you run out of hot water or the water pressure is too low? Is your hot water smelly? Is the water temperature fluctuating? Do you have a high power bill? When your existing hot water cylinder breaks down, it can be for several reasons. The cylinder may start leaking due to a faulty valve or overflow as the pressure-reducing valve no longer works. Alternatively, it could also be that a fuse has blown or the thermostat is defective.

Accordingly, replacing or upgrading your exciting hot water cylinder might be time. At Aqua Works, we will give you honest advice to choose according to your needs and budget. Hot water cylinders’ future lies in new stainless steel technologies that make them specifically suitable and safe for storing drinking water. Additionally, they are very efficient, giving you significant savings on your energy bills and reducing your home’s carbon footprint by a substantial amount.

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues

However, hot water cylinders can experience various issues over time and can spoil your hot water fun. What are the common hot water cylinder problems and what can you do about it!

• Hot Water Cylinder is Leaking» read more

• Hot Water Cylinder Overflowing » read more

• Running Out of Hot Water » read more

• Low Water Pressure » read more

• No Hot Water» read more

• 5 Great Reasons For a Reliable Hot Water Cylinder » read more

We recommend talking to our professional plumbers or hot water experts if you encounter any common issues with your hot water cylinder. They can diagnose the problem, provide appropriate repairs or replacements, and ensure your hot water system operates efficiently and reliably. Get in touch on 0800 AQUA WORKS.

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues: Hot Water Cylinder is Leaking

A leaking hot water cylinder is not fun, posing severe problems to smooth operations and a guaranteed hot water supply. What are the potential reasons?

Corrosion: Over time, the cylinder’s internal components, e.g., the water tank, can corrode. It leads to tiny holes or cracks that allow water to leak. Corrosion often results from chemical reactions within the cylinder due to constant exposure to water and minerals.

Pressure-related issues: High water pressure within the cylinder or the associated plumbing system can cause leaks. Excessive pressure can be due to a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, a faulty temperature or a pressure relief valve.

Faulty valves or fittings: The valves and fittings connected to the hot water cylinder can degrade or become faulty over time. Thus, it can result in leaks around the connections, joints, or pressure relief valves.

Age and wear: Hot water Cylinders have a limited lifespan. The materials deteriorate over time, making them more prone to developing leaks. Wear and tear from regular usage can also contribute to the degradation of seals and components.

Faulty element washers: These silicone washers are essential for preventing water leaks around the heating elements. However, they deteriorate over time, leading to leaks around the heating elements. Thus, water seeps out from the connection points, causing water damage, reducing the efficiency of the HWC. Ultimately, it poses safety risks.

Thermal expansion or contraction: Hot water expands when heated. If there is no room for expansion within the cylinder or the associated plumbing, it can lead to increased pressure and potential leaks.

Incorrect installation: Improper hot water cylinder installation or inadequate sealing can result in leaks. Ensuring the cylinder is installed correctly, with proper insulation and secure connections, you minimise the risk of leaks.

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues: Hot Water Cylinder is Leaking

But what are you gonna do when your hot water cylinder leaks?

1.Turn off the water tap

Turn off the inlet from which the water flows into the hot water cylinder. If you are unsure which is the right tap, turn off the whole water supply to the household. This tap and the water meter are usually at the front of your property.

2. Switch off the power

Go to your switchboard and turn off the switch labelled “hot water cylinder”, “water heater”, or just “cylinder”. This will ensure that the hot water cylinder elements do not burn out when it starts draining.

3. Empty the cylinder

The hot water cylinder stops leaking as soon as the cylinder is drained. This may mean you have to turn on the hot water taps in your house to drain the water.

4. Call Aqua Works

A leaking hot water cylinder is a job for an expert. Call us at 0800 AQUA WORKS for a trustworthy and safe repair or replacement service to stop the leak. Our Emergency Hot Water Cylinder Service will help you immediately.

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues: Hot water cylinder overflowing

There are various reasons why your hot water cylinder might overflow.

Faulty pressure relief valve

The pressure relief valve is designed to release excess pressure from the hot water cylinder. If the valve becomes defective or fails to operate correctly, it may not relieve the built-up pressure adequately. As a result, the pressure inside the cylinder can exceed its capacity, causing it to overflow.

Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) releases excessive temperature and pressure from the hot water cylinder. If the T&P valve is defective or improperly adjusted, it may not function as intended, leading to an overflow of the hot water cylinder.

High water pressure

If the incoming water pressure to the hot water cylinder is too high, it can overwhelm the cylinder’s capacity to hold the water. This can lead to overflow. Issues with the main water supply, a faulty pressure-reducing valve, or an incorrect installation can cause high water pressure.

Sediment buildup

Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of the hot water cylinder. This sediment can restrict the proper flow of water and disrupt the regular operation of the cylinder, leading to increased pressure and potential overflow.

But what do you do about hot water overflows?

There is only little you can do about an overflowing HWC. If your relief valve is constantly running, you need to contact us. It is dangerous for an unqualified person to search for the reason themselves. However, to verify whether the overflowing is due to normal expansion or a faulty valve, you can consider doing the following:

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues: Running out of hot water

If you are constantly running out of hot water in your home, it might be due to one of the following reasons.

Insufficient hot water tank capacity: If your hot water tank is undersized for the water demand of your household, it may need more hot water to meet your needs. This can result in running out of hot water quickly, especially during periods of high usage.

Multiple simultaneous hot water demands: If you use numerous taps or appliances requiring hot water (such as showers, washing machines, or dishwashers) simultaneously, it leads to a division of the hot water supply, leading to a reduced flow and faster depletion of hot water.

Sediment buildup: Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank. This can reduce the adequate capacity of the tank and make it harder for it to heat and deliver sufficient hot water.

Faulty or ageing heating element: If the heating element in the hot water tank is defective or nearing the end of its lifespan, it may not be able to heat the water efficiently, resulting in an inadequate hot water supply.

Plumbing issues: Problems with the plumbing system, such as leaks or blockages, can affect the flow and delivery of hot water, reducing the amount available.

What can I do if I am running out of hot water?

If you suddenly run out of hot water when you take your morning shower, it not only feels cold and uncomfortable but could also frighten you. But don’t worry! Constantly running out of hot water can be caused by several issues. You might want to consider and check the following reasons:

1.Check size of the tank: Evaluate if your hot water tank has the adequate size for the water demand of your household. If it is undersized, consider upgrading to a larger capacity tank or exploring alternative hot water systems like tankless water heaters that provide hot water on demand.

2. Insulate hot water pipes: Insulating the hot water pipes can help retain the heat and minimize heat loss during transportation. This can improve the efficiency of your hot water system and reduce the time it takes to deliver hot water to your fixtures.

3. Check for leaks: Inspect your plumbing system for leaks, as they can lead to hot water loss and decrease the available supply. Fixing leaks ASAP will help conserve hot water and ensure it reaches the intended outlets.

4. The age and regular maintenance: Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your hot water system. This may include flushing the tank to remove the sediment buildup, inspecting and replacing faulty components, and ensuring the system operates optimally.

5. Contact our certified plumbers: Your hot water system consists of various components that must work together perfectly to provide your entire household with hot water. If any part of your hot water cylinder is not working correctly, this will affect the amount of hot water available. Call us at 0800 AQUA WORKS to ensure that you will not run out of hot water in the near future.

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues: Low Water Pressure

If you are constantly running out of hot water in your home, it might be due to one of the following reasons.

Plumbing issues: One of the common causes of low water pressure is plumbing problems within your home. Clogged or partially blocked pipes, corroded pipes, or leaking pipes can restrict water flow and result in lower pressure at your fixtures.

Incoming pressure fluctuations: Problems with the main water supply can cause low water pressure. Issues like a water line break or leaks in the municipal water system, water supply maintenance activities, or high-demand periods strain the system.

Faulty pressure-reducing valve: This valve helps regulate and maintain the water pressure in your home. If it is defective or improperly functioning, it can lead to low water pressure issues. 

An older model of hot water cylinder: If there are numerous fixtures or appliances using water simultaneously, such as showers, washing machines, or sprinkler systems, the water demand may exceed the supply capacity, resulting in lower pressure at each fixture.

Sediment or mineral buildup: Over time, sediment or mineral deposits can accumulate in pipes, faucets, or showerheads. The exceeded debris or sludge clogs the outlet, restricts the water flow, and contributes to low water pressure.

What can I do about Low Water Pressure?

Low-pressure hot water cylinders from the 1970s can still be found in many houses in New Zealand. However, these older water heating systems often have problems when several hot water taps are used simultaneously in different home areas.

Low pressure hot water cylinders still enjoy great popularity. Especially in rural areas, they are a standard option for a like-for-like replacement. However, the sustained trend here is to upgrade them to mains pressure, although it is still possible to pump bore/ tank water to mains pressure.

There are many ways to heat water at constant pressure throughout the house. Replacing your low pressure hot water cylinder with a modern model will meet your needs and desires for smarter, more pleasant water flow in the home. Get in touch to talk with us about mains pressure reliable hot water cylinder installation at your place.

Call us on 0800 AQUA UV, and we upgrade you to full flow.

Common Hot Water Cylinder Issues: No Hot Water

For many people, nothing beats a hot shower in the morning. But what if it suddenly turns cold without your intervention?

Power or gas supply issues: If you have an electric hot water system, a disruption in the power supply or a tripped circuit breaker may prevent the heating element from functioning, resulting in no hot water. 

Faulty heating element: Over time, the heating element in a hot water system can degrade or fail, leading to a loss of hot water. A defective heating element will not be able to heat the water adequately, resulting in no hot water or only lukewarm water.

Thermostat issues: The thermostat controls the hot water temperature in the tank. If the thermostat malfunctions or is incorrectly set, it can prevent the heating element from activating and producing hot water.

Blown water heater fuse: This indicates a problem with the electrical system or the water heater itself. Often, a blown fuse is a symptom of an electrical fault or an overloaded circuit.

Sediment buildup: Sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank over time. This buildup can insulate the heating element, reducing its efficiency and preventing it from adequately heating the water.

Faulty tempering valve (only on modern hot water cylinders): It is responsible for controlling and maintaining the water temperature in a hot water system. A faulty tempering valve may completely block hot water flow, preventing hot water from reaching the fixtures. This can leave you with only cold water or lukewarm water.

Ageing hot water system: Hot water systems have a limited lifespan, and as they age, their efficiency and performance may decline. If your hot water cylinder is old and experiencing multiple issues, it may be time to consider a replacement.

No hot Water? No Water at all?

There are simple reasons for the loss of hot water in your household that do not indicate a fault with your hot water cylinder. However, before calling the Aqua Works service team, you could verify the following points:

1.Check the power or gas supply: If you have an electric water heater, ensure that the power supply is functioning correctly. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped, or a fuse hasn’t blown. For gas water heaters, ensure the gas supply is turned on and functioning properly.

2. Thermostat settings: Verify that the thermostat on the water heater is set to an appropriate temperature. The water may not heat up sufficiently if it is too low. Adjust the thermostat if necessary.

3. Reset the high-temperature cutoff: Some water heaters have a high-temperature cutoff switch that can trip due to overheating. Locate the reset button (usually red) on the water heater and press it to reset the switch. Refer to the water heater’s manual for specific instructions.

4. Call a professional: If you have tried the above steps and still have no hot water, it’s best to call our certified MASTER plumbers or technicians at 0800 AQUA WORKS. They can assess the issue, diagnose potential problems, and provide necessary repairs or replacements.

Embrace Winter Comfort: Elevate Your Experience with a reliable Hot Water Cylinder!

A reliable hot water cylinder offers numerous advantages. Especially in Winter, it contributes to a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle. It enhances your daily routines by enabling comfortable showers, relaxing baths, and efficient completion of household chores that require hot water, such as laundry or dishwashing. Therefore, you can enjoy these activities without the frustration of inadequate or unreliable hot water supply.

Secondly, energy efficiency is another significant advantage. A reliable hot water cylinder is designed to operate efficiently, maximising energy usage while minimising wastage. Therefore, modern cylinders often have insulation and energy-saving features that help retain heat and reduce energy consumption. By having a reliable cylinder, you save on energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Furthermore, a hot water cylinder is vital for maintaining proper hygiene. Hot water is essential for washing away dirt, grease, and bacteria from dishes, clothes, and your body. With a reliable cylinder, you can always have hot water readily available, promoting good hygiene standards in your home and ensuring cleanliness in your daily activities.

Last but not least, having a reliable hot water cylinder also provides peace of mind. You can be confident in the performance and reliability of your hot water system, alleviating worries about sudden breakdowns, lack of hot water, or the inconvenience of repairs. This peace of mind lets you focus on other aspects of your life without concerns about hot water availability, making your daily routine more enjoyable and stress-free.

In summary, investing in a reliable hot water cylinder offers a range of benefits, including a consistent hot water supply, enhanced comfort and convenience, energy efficiency, improved hygiene, and peace of mind. It is a worthwhile investment that significantly enhances your daily living experience and adds value to your home.

Talk to our hot water experts about your options for a great hot water experience!

Specific hot water cylinders models & brands we service, maintain and repair

We design, install and service all leading brands, makes and models of hot water cylinders. If you cannot find your model below, please call us on 0800 AQUA WORKS to find out how we can help you anyway.

Eco Spring

Triumph

Dux