Frequent questions about Hot Water System

If you're looking for consistent hot water for your shower, a continuous flow hot water unit offers the optional added extra of controllers. They're designed to deliver consistent hot water at the temperature you choose, for complete comfort. And they're also a good safety addition if you're wanting to make sure any little family members don't get scalded. voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

Different manufacturers have different requirements for how often they'd like you to service your hot water unit to keep it performing at it's optimum. It's also handy to keep the servicing up to date to protect your warranty. As a rough guide, try to maintain regular maintenance by a licensed plumber for your unit:

- Continuous flow - annually

- Electric and gas storage - every six months, you should lift the lever on the Pressure & Temperature Relief valve for approximately 10 seconds (as per your Owners Instructions). Then a service every five years.

- Solar - every five years

- Heat pump - annually

The temperature can be adjusted slightly on most continuous flow hot water units, but this is a job that's strictly for licensed plumbers only. Have a chat to your plumber and ask them for assistance. Any changes made to your unit will void your warranty, are potentially dangerous, and best left to the professionals.

First you need to establish what kind of energy source is available to your property – Gas, Electricity or Solar, then decide which system is best for you.

Electric, Solar, Heat Pump, Water Boilers

You can expect an electric hot water system to last on average between 10 and 15 years.

Copper tanks low pressure gravity fed: approximately 25 + years

Glass-lined or enamel-lined tanks: between 5 and 10 + years

Stainless steel tanks: between 8 and 12 + years

Heat pump: approximately 10 + years

These numbers are conservative – with some particular models you can expect the tank to last for 15 years or more.

To boost your hot water, press and hold the Scroll button for five seconds until the SW1 and Boost icons display. You can operate this function regardless of what register is showing on the display panel.

It is installed on the cold line, typically close to where the cold water enters the cylinder. The pressure relief is set below the primary relief (in KPA) allowing it to drip cold water instead of hot water when expansion occurs before the other valves at the top of your cylinder (TPR valve).

Gas systems have slightly shorter life expectancies at around 8-12 years.

Remember, the age of a gas or electric system depends not just on the length of time that a tank will last (see above). Gas and electric systems also place different levels of stress on the heating components of the system.

Once you install your hot water system, you should make sure that you get it checked regularly. Often, if an expert technician looks over your hot water heater, they may be able to detect an issue before it causes your system to fail completely. For example, replacing the anodes in your hot water tank can ward off corrosion and add a few years to the life of your tank.

When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your home, consider the following: Fuel type, availability and cost. The fuel type or energy source you use for water heating will not only affect the water heater's annual operation costs but also its size and energy efficiency.

Should you fix or replace your hot water unit? The typical age of a hot water unit before it needs replacing is generally 10 years. However with advancements in technology, some are now expected to last for longer. Have a look at your warranty for guidance. For example, some gas continuous flow units come with a 12 year warranty, so they are expected to live a bit longer. If you are finding you are constantly running out of hot water, your unit may be too small for your needs. In this case it’s a good idea to discuss the option of a larger unit with your plumber. If your unit is relatively young, repair might be the best option.