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Repair Your Hot Water System

Before any troubleshooting is done, make sure to prepare safely for the job by doing the following:

• Turn off power to an electric water heater system. Do this by turning off the circuit breaker or fuse powering the heater.
• Turn the gas pilot control valve to “pilot” setting.
• Shut off the water supply to the water heater.

Let’s take a look at each problem and what possible causes and repairs exist.

No Hot Water Flow

Possible Causes

• Faulty gas pilot
• Faulty gas thermocouple
• Faulty gas pilot control valve

Possible Repairs

• Check that the gas pilot flame and pilot is operational.
• Re-tighten, reposition or replace the gas thermocouple.
• Replace the gas pilot control valve.

Insufficient Hot Water

Possible Causes

• Hot water system is undersized for water heating demands
• Broken or damaged dip tube allowing cold and hot water to mix in the tank.
• Faulty plumbing installation has crossed cold and hot water connections
• Gas supply or control problems

Possible Repairs

• Make sure the hot water system is not being overtaxed by hot water supply demands. The hot water system should have 75% of its capacity as hot water (e.g., a 40 gallon WH should be used for a demand of 30 gallons).
• Undo the cold-water inlet and pipe nipple and remove dip tube. Check the condition and replace if required.
• Check for crossed connection by turning off the water supply to the hot water system. Open a hot water faucet. If there is water flow, then there is a crossed connection somewhere. Check for a hot water line connected to a cold-water connection on the water heater or appliances such as washer, dishwasher, faucet or shower valves.
• Check for a proper flame from the burner. A natural gas flame should be bright blue with the tip of the flame having just a tinge of yellow. A propane flame should have a bluish green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip.

Rust Colored Water

Possible Causes

• Corrosion occurring inside glass lined tank
• Sacrificial anode rod is failing (anode rods dissolve slowly to prevent rusting in the tank)

Possible Repairs

• Replace the sacrificial anode rod with magnesium anode rod. Anode rods are available from a plumbing supply house.

Rotten Egg Smell

Possible Causes

• Bacteria in the tank sediment fed from hydrogen gas created from decay of sacrificial anode.

Possible Repairs

• Flush the hot water system using a hydrogen peroxide solution of 2 pints 3% peroxide to 40 gallons of water, treat tank and run some of the solution into water lines.
• Let peroxide solution set in the tank and pipes for 2 hours. The Solution is not toxic and requires no rinsing.
• If the problem persists, replace the anode with a zinc-alloy anode.
• If the problem still remains, replace the hot water system with a plastic lined tank type.

Low Rumbling or Popping Noise

Possible Causes

• Noise heard is the sound of boiling water. Excessive buildup of sediment in bottom of the tank is causing overheating of the tank bottom and boiling of water to occur.

Possible Repairs

Remove sediment by flushing the hot water system

Water Leak Around Base of Heater

Possible Causes

• A faulty T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve
• The T&P valve leaks due to excessive pressure, overheating or is stuck
• A leak from overhead or nearby plumbing connection
• A leaking water tank (corrosion likely)

Possible Repairs

• Place the bucket under overflow pipe. Open and flush T&P valve clear of debris. If the leak remains from the valve, replace the valve.
• Reduce the thermostat setting to prevent tank overheating and opening T&P relief valve.
• Inspect bottom of the tank by looking through the combustion chamber. If water marks or heavy rusting is noticed or if water is noticed setting in the combustion chamber bottom, then the water heater needs to be replaced.

Get in touch with a professional plumbing business such as Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr Plumber Sydney, Mr Plumber Perth Manly Emergency Plumber to service or replace your hot water system.

Blocked Drain Plumber Geelong

Leaking Tap Advice You Cant Go Past

Tools and materials

The tools and materials you need to change a washer are available from hardware or plumbing supply stores. You will require: adjustable spanner to fit tap nut Valve or tap washer Body washer O-ring Silicon lubricant or Vaseline Needle nose pliers

Method

1. Turn off the water mains: this stops all water flowing into your house. The tap & water meter for homes will probably be out on the street or in your front yard adjacent to the street. If you live in a flat or townhouse the mains tap will probably be inside, for example in the bathroom or a cupboard. Turn on a tap in or around the house to make sure that the water has ceased to run. (If the water has not stopped running, it will be necessary to call a professional plumber). If the mains tap has not been used for many years, you may need a pair of multigrips to help turn it off.  Ensure you need to know where the mains tap is to be able to turn the water off in an emergency. If you are not sure where it is, even if you don't need to change a washer, find out now!

2. Undo the head nut: once the mains water has been turned off, undo the head nut on the leaking tap.

3. Replace the washers: you could just replace the tap washer, but it is a good idea to replace all three washers at the same time. These are: The large washer around the head nut, which is called the body washer (usually orange in colour). It should lift off quite easily. The O-ring on the spindle. To change the O-ring, you need to fully close the tap until the O-ring appears. Then, with a pair of needle nose pliers (or a screwdriver or a sharp knife), prise or cut it off. The new O-ring should easily stretch and roll on to the spindle.

Lastly, replace the tap washer. It may simply slide out of the spindle or stay sitting in the body of the tap, in which case you will need a pair of small pliers to remove the washer.

4. Reassemble: first ensure the spindle and the threaded areas are lubricated with a silicon lubricant or Vaseline.

5. Turn the mains back on: once the tap is reassembled, open it half way and then turn on the mains. When turning the tap off after the washer has been replaced, use gentle finger pressure. Over-tightening will cause a lot of damage to the tap seat. A tap should only be tightened until the water flow stops, no further. (Note: If the tap is still leaking after you have replaced the washer, it means the seat is "pitted" and you will need a plumber to regrind the seat for you.

Further information

Most of inside taps take 12mm (1/2") washers; while outside taps (garden taps) take 3/4" (18mm). Washers cost around $2.00 to $3.00 each. The most popular washer (used by most plumbers) is a heavy-duty washer suitable for hot and cold taps, with a copper base and a yellow top (Delaware valve) – approximately $3.00 each. This same type of washer is good for outside garden taps - 18mm costs approximately $3.00 each.

If your taps are very old, take the worn-out washer to the hardware or plumbers' supply store so that you get the right washer for your tap.

For more information visit an emergency plumber Geelong such as Geelong 24 hour plumbing

Plumber Geelong

Plumber Geelong

How to Replace Your Hot Water System

This article is for licensed plumbers to refer to. The general public can read this article for interest sake. However, you should not attempt the below.

Step 1: Remove the Old Hot Water System

Before you can install a new hot water system, its pretty logical to remove the old one! Yes, some people don’t remove the old one – but only a very few. With a fire extinguisher close to you, begin shutting off the gas valve with an adjustable open-end wrench. If you are unsure of what an open-end wrench is, best you call a professional plumber. Verify that no gas is leaking by first visually looking at the pilot light, which burns off shortly, and then smelling the area. If you do not detect a gas leak, turn the pilot switch to the “off” position and disconnect the exhaust duct located on top of the tank.

Note: Never ever use a flame to detect a gas leak.

Step 2: Drain the System

Shut off the cold-water “in” valve, and then release the water into the floor drain if one is installed. This makes the heater lighter and much easier to remove and carry.

While waiting for the water to empty, use a large pipe wrench to disconnect the gas line from the heater. To prevent “racking” the gas line, use a second wrench to provide some counter-torque. Once the fitting has been disconnected, double-checks that gas is not escaping.

Additionally, using a pair of large pipe wrenches for counter-torque, disconnect the cold “in” and hot “out” pipes in turn. This action allows more air into the heater, causing the water to drain much faster. Because longer flex pipes will be used for the new connections you will install, temporarily remove the cold-water shutoff valve. Shut off the main water located elsewhere in the household or business. To remove the valve assembly, use a pipe cutter, which scores the pipe in increments until eventually breaking through it. Also use the flex pipe to cut off the old hot “out” connector.

With the valve assembly removed and the water completely drained, it’s out with the old and in with the new hot water heater.

Step 3: Connect the New Segments of Flex Pipe

The first step to preparing the new system for installation is to connect the new segments of flex pipe. Begin by rolling Teflon tape clockwise around the cold “in” and hot “out” connectors on the hot water heater. This creates a good seal for the flex pipe, which you will tighten onto both connectors with the open-end wrench. Take the off the old system from the incoming gas supply.

Step 4: Connect a Water Supply

The first step is to connect the water heater to the water supply you must transition the water valve removed earlier. Burnish the cut ends with an emery cloth to expose fresh copper. To prepare for soldering, brush on a paste flux and twist on carefully a copper union with built-in solder. Continue joining segments of pipe with unions and two new fittings in this way. Once the correct assembly is achieved, solder using a propane torch to apply even heat to each union liquefying the solder to make a water-tight seal.

With the new valve assembly ready to go, roll Teflon tape over the new fitting and counter-torques with open-end wrenches to connect it to the cold-water flex pipe installed earlier in the process. Then solder a new union between the valve assembly and the incoming supply pipe

With the cold water supply connected to the new system, turn your attention to the hot water side. Start by soldering a new fitting to the outgoing pipe that was cut previously. After putting on some Teflon tape, connect the hot flex pipe. You’re now able to fill the heater with cold water. Turn on the main water for the house, and then the cold-water valve. While the water is running, connect the gas flex-line and reattach the duct and draft hood to vent the heater.

Once the water is completely filled, open the gas shut-off valve and ignite the pilot light, set the temperature, and the heater is ready to be utilized

Get an touch with a great plumber from Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr Plumber Sydney, Manly Emergency Plumber, Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing or Mr Plumber Perth. 

Hot Water System

Fixing Your Hot Water System

Have you run your bath water only to realise its ice cold? Have you jumped in the shower and been sprayed by cold water? If so, chances are you have a problem with your homes hot water system. Don’t stress, there are a few basic things you can try yourself prior to calling a plumber.  If you have a natural or propane gas water system, chances are the pilot has gone out. The pilot is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your system. When it goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the label, which is often on the front of the system. If the pilot doesn’t relight, or if it goes out right after lighting, by far the most common cause is a broken thermocouple. The good news: you can usually replace a thermocouple for minimal cost and in less than an hour from a local hardware. You’ll get your hot water going without waiting for a pro to show up and save a few dollars!

To replace the thermocouple, be sure to turn off the shutoff valve in the gas line; that is, one quarter turn so that the handle is at a right angle to the pipe. Since working room is tight around the burner, we recommend that you simply unscrew the three nuts at the control valve and pull out the entire burner assembly unit. You’ll see either a slot or clips that hold it in its place. Then either unscrew the thermocouple end or pull it out (depending on the water heater) and take it with you to hardware store to find a match. Position it exactly the same way as the old one. The pilot flame should wrap around the thermocouple bulb.

To reattach the three lines to the gas valve, thread the nuts into place with your fingers and hand-tighten them properly. Then snug them up with a quarter to half revolution with a wrench. The metals are soft, so don’t over tighten as they will break.

Be sure to test for gas leaks. You must have the pilot lit and the burner on for this test so that gas is flowing through the large tube on the system. Reopen the shutoff valve, relight the pilot, then turn the control valve to the “on” position. When the gas burner is on, use a 50/50 dish soap/water mix to test the screw joints for air bubbles that indicate leaks.

Get an touch with a great plumber from Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr Plumber Sydney, Manly Emergency Plumber, Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing or Mr Plumber Perth. 

Plumber Geelong

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Plumber Geelong

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Changing A Tap Washer

Tools and materials
The tools and materials you need to change a washer are available from your local hardware or plumbing store. You will need: an adjustable spanner to fit the tap nut valve, an O-ring Silicon lubricant or Vaseline Needle nose pliers

Method
1. Turn off the mains: this will stop all water flowing into your house or office. The tap & water meter for homes will be out on the street or in your front yard next to the street. If you live in a flat or apartment the mains tap will probably be inside, for example in the bathroom or a cupboard. Turn on a tap in or around the house to make sure that the water has stopped running. (If the water has not stopped running, it will be wise to call a professional plumber). If the mains tap has not been used for many years, you may need a pair of pliers to help turn it off. Ensure you know where the mains tap is to be able to turn the water off in an emergency. If you are not sure where it is, even if you don’t need to change a washer, find out now!

2. Undo the head nut: once the mains has been turned off, undo the head nut on the leaking tap.

3. Replace the washers: you could just replace the tap washer, but it is a good idea to replace all three washer. These are: The large washer around the top of the nut, which is called the body washer (usually orange or green in colour). It should lift off easily. The O-ring on the spindle. To change the O-ring, you need to fully close the tap until the O-ring appears. Then, with a pair of pliers cut it off. The new O-ring should easily stretch and roll on to the spindle.
Lastly, replace the tap washer. It may simply slide out of the spindle or stay sitting in the centre of the tap, in which case you will need a pair of small pliers to remove the washer.

4. Reassemble: first ensure the spindle and the threaded areas are lubricated with a silicon lubricant or Vaseline.

5. Turn the mains back on: once the tap is reassembled, open it three quarter way and then turn on the water mains. When turning the tap off after the washer has been replaced, use gentle hsnd pressure. Over-tightening will cause a lot of damage to the tap seat. A tap should only be tightened until the water flow has stopped, no further. Note: If the tap is still leaking after you have replaced the washer, it means the seat is “pitted” and you will need a professional plumber to regrind the seat for you.

Further information
Most of inside taps use12mm (1/2″) washers; while outside taps (garden taps) take 3/4″ (18mm). Washers cost around $2.50 to $3.00 each. The most popular washer (used by most plumbers) is a heavy-duty washer suitable for taps, with a copper base and a yellow top (Delaware valve) – approximately $3.50 each. This same type of washer is good for outside garden taps – 18mm costs approximately $3.00 each.
If your taps are very old, take the worn-out washer to the hardware or your local supply store so that you get the right washer for your tap.

or contact Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing

Plumber Geelong

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Water Damage

Water Damage

Water damage can vary from a small amount of wood warping or expanding cabinets to more serious damage like buckling of floorboards and damaged internal structures.

Large drips of water can cause slow damage in a specific spot. It is essential that you locate the leak early enough so the damage can be limited to the smallest amount.  A Manly plumber will be able to assist you locating the leak. Unfortunately small leaks usually only happen while water is being used and stop when its tuned off. Taps usually only leak when water is running through them. This makes the leaks can very hard to detect at an earlier stage.  You might notice a water spot but it will eventually dry out. You might even open and close a laundry or kitchen cupboard door many times before noticing any damp or wet water patches.

Water leaks that occur from drainage pipes supplying your home with water have water flowing into them constantly so the leaking will be constant at all times.  This is great as it makes it easier for a Melbourne plumber to locate the leak.  Importantly, with any leaking pipes the sooner they are repaired the less damage they are likely to cause, therefore saving you money.

Below are a few prevention tips to avoid water leak damage to your home or office:

Check the water supply lines and pipes to major appliances for wetness, expanding hoses or other signs of wear and tear. For example, your tumble dryer or your washing machine.

Unclog the drain if pipes are draining slowly and check pipes under the sink for signs of water leaks. You might need a Melbourne plumber to help you unblock the drain.

To reduce leaks and avoid costly repairs, replace your hot water system every 8 – 15 years. A Manly plumber will be required to help you install a new hot water system.

Have your home’s air conditioning system serviced regualrly to avoid leaks and major costly repairs. This will save you money in the long run.

Regularly check for wet patches on walls or in gardens after dry weather months.

Place food dye in the toilet system to check for leaks in the toilet. This works well to locate leaks.

Make sure all your appliances are turned off such as taps, toilets are not dripping; washing machine or dishwashers and other appliances are not running constantly.  After you have turned everything off, check if your water meter is ticking over.  If the water meter continues to tick over, it means there is a leak somewhere in your house.

If you suspect a water leak in your home, it is highly recommended that you call a Manly plumber immediately.

Get in touch with a professional plumbing business such as Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr Plumber Sydney, Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing or Manly Emergency Plumber

Backflow

Backflow

Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction to what it is expected to flow. The water is intended to flow in one direction and for a  some other reason it flows in the in correct direction.

A drop in water pressure normally causes backflow. Some of the causes for this can be water pipe bursts, pipes freeze or unexpectedly great demand on water systems. This ultimately creates backward pressure in the water supply system.  When a backflow occurs, reduced pressure may allow water from the ground, storage or other sources to enter the system.  One of the biggest concerns is that this allows drinking that we drink to be contaminated via a cross-connection.

A proper device will ensure water flows safely by automatically trapping water that begins to flow in the incorrect direction.  This prevents water from a property being drawn back into the main drinking water supply and causing cross-connection.

The risk ratings of a home or office will determine what type of backflow device will need to be installed.  Homes and buildings are classed as low, medium or very high risk.  A professional plumber can confirm the risk rating of your property.

A proper backflow assembly unit will have test cocks and shut off valves.  Backflow devices must be thoroughly tested when they are installed, relocated or repaired. Devices must also be tested  regularly to ensure they are in proper working order.

Victoria Water States the following about backflow:

Each backflow prevention containment device must be tested on a regular basis.  This is a condition of connection to the water supply.  It means that the device is maintained and continues to operate correctly.  The test will ensure the drinking water supply is protected from backflow.

If a device is defective or faulty, it may:

·       not prevent a contaminated source entering the drinking the water supply 

·       cause water to be wasted through leaking devices 

·       impact on the water pressure supplying your property 

An accredited licensed plumber will need to test all of your devices.  After testing your devices your licensed plumber will submit his report within 2 days on the Victoria water website stating if the device is installed correctly and if it has passed or failed the test.  The plumber will give you a copy of the Prevention Device Inspection and Maintenance Report.  If a valve fails the test and is not repaired or replaced Victoria water can disconnect you from the main water supply.

For more info on backflow contact Manly emergency plumber, Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing, Melbourne 24 hour plumbing, Mr plumber sydney 

When to use an emergency Plumber

When to use an emergency Plumber

Hot Water System – Choices

Hot Water System choices

·       Natural gas – can be used in storage water heaters and continuous flow heaters.  Natural gas systems are rated according to their energy efficiency and come in both internal and external versions.  Gas storage heaters have a smaller capacity than off-peak electric as they are able to heat the water up at any time of the day or night as opposed to within a certain time period. For more information see gas hot water systems.

·       Off peak electriic – has similar running costs to a natural gas system but is only available where the hot water system has a storage capacity 170 liters plus.  The hot water is generally heated overnight for use throughout the day.  It cannot be used by continuous flow systems and is available for both internal and external use sytems.

·       Solar energy – can provide up to seventy percent of your hot water free of charge, making it a very environmentally friendly option.  They are the cheapest systems to operate but do have a high initial purchase price.  All solar hot water systems come with a “booster” source of power (such as gas or electric) to provide hot water during times when there is little sun.  Mains pressure and constant pressure is available. For more information please see solar hot water systems.

·       Peak electricity – is used for electric continuous flow units and storage water heaters that are smaller than 170 liters in capacity.  They can be expensive to run but are the most popular in areas where space is limited such as in units and apartments. For more information please see electric hot water systems.

·       LPG – is used in areas where natural gas is not available.  It is suitable for both continuous flow and storage hot water.

·       Solid fuels – this includes wood, coal, briquettes etc, so the cost of the fuels can vary widely.  Solid fuels can be used on their own  with off peak electricity or solar in constant pressure systems.  They cannot be used with mains pressure systems unless a heat exchanger is used and cannot be used in continuous flow systems.

·       Heat pumps – is high efficiency and uses around sixty percent less electricity than other electric hot water systems.  They work by extracting heat from the atmosphere using a refrigerant gas and a compressor and using that heat water stored in a tank at ground level.

 

Hiring a Hot Water Systems Specialist

Hot water system suppliers can assist with:

·       Advising on a suitable hot water system

·       Installation

·       Service and repairs

·       Supply of the hot water unit

·       Minor plumbing

Make Sure that they are able to help you to choose the correct system for the number of people in your household.  They should also allow for possible changes in the use of the hot water system in the future brought about by such things as an expanding family, the introduction of new appliances such as dishwashers and so forth. An expert plumber can install or replace al types of hot water systems, including electric, gas and or solar.

Ensure that the system comes with a warranty, and that the supplier is willing to provide installation in a reasonable time.  It is also useful if your supplier can provide emergency repairs or be able to direct you to someone that does.

The best method to find out about a hot water system is to get in touch with a professional plumbing business such as Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing, Mr Plumber Sydney, Manly Emergency Plumber or Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing.