Plumbing Maintenance Hints and Tips

Did you know that you should be checking your temperature pressure relief valve every six months?

It’s important. Correctly operating TPR valves should prevent hot water heater cylinders failing or exploding. Ensuring that the TPR is working correctly takes just a minute or two and it could prolong the life of your hot water system and prevent disaster.

To check the TPR valve (located at the top of the heater – check the side of your hot water heater or user manual for more details), lift the lever for 10 seconds.  Water should flow from the relief pipe at the bottom of the tank. When you release the lever, water flow should stop.  This indicates correct operation of the TPR valve.

During heating cycles, the valve should only release a small amount of water. However, continued leaking water in use indicates a fault with the TPR valve.  You should contact a qualified professional as soon as possible to investigate and resolve the problem to avoid further damage to your heater.

If you are going away from home for more than 2 days we suggest you turn off the power and water to your hot water heater to conserve energy and also to prevent hydrogen gas accumulating in the top of the water heater.  Hydrogen gas is a highly flammable gas which if not vented from the system can cause explosions from any appliance connected to the hot water service (for example, washing machines etc).

Electric water heaters have been identified by both the State and Federal Governments’ as the biggest users of electricity in a home – the NSW State Government indicates that if you own an electric water heater it could be accounting for up to 37% of your household energy consumption.

Upgrading your hot water system currently attracts both federal and state rebates. And there’s especially good news for Sydney residents, our government offers the highest rebates in Australia. But the rebates aren’t the only excellent reason to upgrade your hot water system right now.

Because most electricity in NSW is generated from coal-fired power stations, electric hot water systems also emit the most greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason these electric models will be phased out. They will have to be replaced by energy efficient solar models, heat pump systems or high efficiency gas systems once this becomes law.

You can expect to save 3 tonnes of CO2 per annum by switching from electric to solar water heating which is equivalent to taking a 4 cylinder car off the road. In addition, you could save between $300 and $700 per year off your energy bill. With energy prices continuing to rise this is a great way to save now and in the future.

Gladesville Plumbing Services is a Solahart Select Plumbing Outlet meaning we are a preferred supplier of the number 1 brand in the Australian market. The brand name that you know and trust, and the brand name that offers peace of mind. To find out more about the advantages of solar water heating please take the time to give us a call and arrange an obligation-free, in-home consultation at your convenience. Solahart photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar hot water systems offer the maximum rebates, and with the Solahart warranty, you can be confident that your new water heater will pay for itself over time!

As per manufactures guidelines, all stainless steel, rubber flexible pipe connections need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Some manufacturers recommend replacement of rubber components every 3 years. If you do not maintain your plumbing system, you don’t just risk a flooding disaster, but your insurance company may reject your claim.

These degradable parts are found on basins, toilet cisterns, mixer taps, washing machines, dishwashers, hot water systems, bidets, drinking water systems, gas cook tops, gas ovens, upright gas stoves, and gas room heaters.

Our maintenance plumbing service includes checking and replacing degrading seals and flexible rubber piping. Call us today for an obligation free inspection to prevent a flood or a gas explosion.