5 Ways to Protect Your Hot Water System

SPK Plumbing • 17 June 2021

Most homeowners will neglect hot water maintenance until they detect a problem with their systems. Routine hot water system repair and maintenance is necessary but can be difficult and costly. A severe defect in the hot water supply system can cause extensive leakages, leading to floods and structural damages to your property.

Therefore, conduct regular hot water system maintenance. Below is a guide with five tips to help protect your hot water system and avoid significant issues such as flooding and mould growth in your home.

1. Insulate your pipes

You have two advantages of insulating pipes. Firstly, you will save money on water heating expenses, and secondly, avoid frozen pipes in your home.

An insulated pipe loses minimal heat when compared to an uninsulated one. As such, you save energy bills since the water heater does not overwork. Additionally, you also save on water bills since the tap does not need to be run for an extended period to allow the water to heat up.

2. Back up your solar heated tank

Solar water heaters are great energy savers. However, sometimes, the sky is cloudy. As such, the photovoltaic device might not convert as much solar light into electric energy as it usually does. Therefore, you will need a backup plan to heat water during cold and cloudy days.

Gas and electric boosters are an ideal solution. Besides, you should ensure solar panels are clean to improve their efficiency.

3. Clean your tank

Water from your well or municipal water system contains debris such as sand, small rocks or silt. This debris settles at the bottom of the tank, thus affecting the functionality of the water heater. The sediments also contaminate your water and reduce the volume of water that the tank can hold.

Besides, they cause rust and clog the drain valve. Avoid these problems by flushing and cleaning the tank at regular intervals. Similarly, you could install a filter to sieve impurities. In this case, remember to clean the filter to prevent clogging that could damage your pipes.

4. Check your flood stop system

At all times, ensure that the flood stop system works correctly. Flood stop systems are hardwired to existing electrical systems with a battery backup near the water heater. The water heater pan has a sensor in it which turns off the unit's power and sounds the alarm if water is detected.

Having your flood stop system in the right working conditions will help prevent flooding and consequential damages.

5. Test the valves of your heater

As a safety feature, both gas and electric water heaters have a pressure relief valve. The valve's purpose is to open and release pressure if the water heater becomes over-pressurized. Test the functionality of the valve by lifting it halfway.

The valve should instantly snap back into place after being released. However, if it does not go back in place, contact a professional plumber to fix the valve and ensure it works correctly.

The tips above help improve the efficiency of your hot water system and ensure an uninterrupted supply of hot water. A well-functioning hot water system is a necessity and will help you avoid additional cold weather issues such as flooding, increased water and energy bills.

Should you find yourself in an emergency, you need an experienced partner to restore the plumbing system's functionality. Do not go any further; contact us at S.P.K Plumbing & Civil, and we will be glad to help you. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any questions or concerns you have about your hot water heater system.

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Should You Choose a Gas or Electric Instantaneous Hot Water System?

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If your home needs a new hot water system, an instantaneous water heater can be an excellent investment. These unique water heaters can provide hot water moments after you activate a hot tap or shower. However, if you do choose an instantaneous hot water system for your home, you will need to decide whether you want an electric or gas-fired system. Each type of heater comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so familiarising yourself with these pros and cons in advance can help you make an informed decision. Gas instantaneous water heaters Gas instantaneous hot water systems receive power from natural gas or propane and are suitable for larger homes with substantial hot water requirements. Many gas-fired systems can provide several gallons-per-minute of hot water, making them an excellent choice for larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms or kitchens. Gas instantaneous water heaters may also be the best choice if you are concerned about running costs. If your home connects to a natural gas pipeline, a gas heater will usually be significantly cheaper to run than an electric equivalent. Bear in mind that natural gas prices can vary from place to place, so you should check natural gas prices in your area before choosing a gas model for economic reasons. However, you might have a price to pay for low running costs and large amounts of hot water on demand. Gas instantaneous water heaters are a lot more mechanically complex than their electric counterparts and will usually cost more to purchase and install. They will pay for themselves over time with their low running costs and may represent a better long-term investment for your home. Gas-powered systems also often require more maintenance than electric models, and you will need to install vent pipes to prevent dangerous combustion by-products (such as carbon monoxide) from leaking into your home. These vent pipes will also need maintaining and periodical checking for leaks. Electric instantaneous water heaters While electric instantaneous hot water systems are often not as powerful as gas-powered systems, modern electric models can still provide enough hot water for most households. They do not require any venting, and the heaters themselves are more compact than gas-fired models, so electric instantaneous water heaters may be the better choice for smaller homes and apartments. Electric instantaneous hot water systems may also be more suitable for environmentally conscious homeowners. While electric hot water systems are not as powerful as gas-powered water heaters, they use their power much more efficiently and will put a smaller dent in your home's overall energy efficiency rating. They are less expensive to purchase and install than gas heaters and can be a better choice if you need to replace your existing heater on a tight budget. Under certain circumstances, they can also be more cost-effective to run. If you choose a gas water heater for a home that lacks a natural gas connection, you will have to rely on propane, which can be much more expensive (especially if your home lacks an on-site propane storage tank). However, the cost of installing an electric instantaneous hot water heater can skyrocket if you live in an older home with dated electrical infrastructure. An electric instantaneous heater will require at least 100 amps of electric power to run properly, and Wollongong's relatively cool winter climate can increase electrical demands even more. If your home's existing electrics cannot handle this added power draw, they will need upgrading from a professional electrical contractor. This can be an expensive project and may make installing an electric system more costly than choosing a gas-fired system instead. You have many reasons to choose either type of instantaneous hot water system. If you need any more advice on which type of instantaneous hot water system is best for your home and circumstances, contact the water heater professionals at S. P. K Plumbing & Civil for expert advice and recommendations.