Thread: Hot water system leak

I might ask for prices of hot water systems while I'm there.

If I had to replace it I'd like to go for a gas one.

Dad has a Rheem electric in his place (sold house early this year) and it has been there for perhaps 18 years? Was still going strong when he sold the house.
We want to rent the townhouse out soon so it will probably die the week after we have tenants move in

So do these things prefer high or low pressure?
If low I could just turn the tap on a little bit less (you would think they would have pressure limiters though if that is what they prefer).

Originally Posted by Utemad

If I had to replace it I'd like to go for a gas one.

I have an instantaneous gas unit. Uses the force of the water turning a small turbine to ignite the gas and start the burners. Uses absolutely no gas while not running.

For the hot water and a lot of gas cooking I use about $15 a month in LPG.

Originally Posted by Utemad

1. I might ask for prices of hot water systems while I'm there.

.......

2. So do these things prefer high or low pressure?
If low I could just turn the tap on a little bit less (you would think they would have pressure limiters though if that is what they prefer).

1. Son recently replaced his - around $1200 from memory. If you replace it with a different one, don't forget to allow for the extra labour. If you replace with gas, the cost of plumbing the gas has to be added as well.

2. They prefer low pressure, but leaving the tap on a bit less will not affect the peak pressure (which is what matters) when no water is being drawn. It is possible to fit a pressure reducing valve on the supply to the hot water, but since it has lasted as long as it has, the pressure can't be a major problem, and it is probably not worth the cost.

The pressure relief valve has probably started to leak due to internal corrosion on the valve mechanism, but again, the water can't be too bad for it to last that long.

John

All done. Leak has stopped to the very occasional drip that it was when we moved in. Will see how it goes long term but I feel confident.

Cost was $107 for a HT55 1000kpa valve. That was Bunnings and the same brand I removed. Reece wanted $121.

The old valve seal looked old and hardened inside. Can't see much but will try and dismantle it further for my own interest.

Thanks guys.

One more question. I removed the electrical cover and there is a thermostat in there. Had 50, 60 and 70 marked on it. It was on max temp(70). Would it save electricity to back that off a bit? I assume it would.

Also there is a pressure reducer on the inlet to the unit. Max 2000kpa. Then drops it to 500kpa 50L/min.

14 YEARS thats very good service i say
I would have been thru 2 hot water systems by then

Originally Posted by Utemad

Had 50, 60 and 70 marked on it. It was on max temp(70). Would it save electricity to back that off a bit? I assume it would.

i changed mine to 60& no one complained so left it there.dont know about the power bill though.you'd thinkit would have to be less.
cheers

consider a solar HWS when you need to replace this one.

Biggest single energy saver you can make on your house.

That's the reason I was thinking gas.
Being a two story townhouse I think a solar system would be out of the question. Even if practical it wouldn't get passed by the body corporate. They don't even like air conditioners in view.