Checklist for Cold Running Water

Identifying Your Water Heater Type

To troubleshoot your hot water supply efficiently, start by determining if your water heater is electric or gas, then follow the appropriate diagnostic steps. This will help you better understand how your system works and pinpoint any problems.

Gas water heaters feature components such as the thermocouple, which stops gas flow if the pilot light extinguishes, and the gas control valve and burner, which heat the water.

Electric water heaters work a bit differently, using electric heating elements controlled by thermostats. The upper and lower elements maintain the temperature of the water. Electric models usually feature power cables and thermostat controls on the tank’s exterior.

Take a moment to inspect your water heater closely and identify whether it’s gas or electric before moving on to further troubleshooting steps. Understanding how your specific system functions will be key in getting your hot water running again.

Electric Water Heater Quick Checks

If you have an electric water heater that is not heating properly, there are a few quick checks to perform:

1. Make sure your power supply is on by checking your electrical panel and ensuring the circuit for the water heater is switched on.
2. Visually inspect the external thermostats and heating elements. Reset any tripped breakers or thermal cutoffs.
3. Carefully feel the inlet and outlet pipes. They should be warm. If not, this indicates an issue with the lower heating element.
4. Check that all electrical connections are intact and wires are in good condition.
5. Inspect for leaks in fittings, valves, or along the exterior of the tank.
6. If issues remain after inspecting power supply, thermostats, and heating elements, it’s advisable to seek professional service.

When performing these checks, always exercise caution around electrical equipment and hot surfaces. Refer to your water heater’s manual for model-specific troubleshooting tips.

Gas Water Heater Immediate Actions

If your gas water heater is delivering no hot water, there are a few key steps to take immediately:

1. Can you smell gas around the unit? Any gas odour may indicate a dangerous leak, which requires immediate attention. Do not ignite any flames or turn on power switches.
2. Test the thermocouple by pressing down the gas valve dial for 30 seconds. This should trigger the pilot light and burner to come on. If not, the thermocouple may need replacing.
3. Inspect all gas fittings and pipes for potential leaks using soap and water solution. Bubbles forming indicate a leak that must be repaired prior to use.
4. If you cannot get the pilot light to stay lit or smell a strong gas odour, turn off the gas supply via the shutoff valve and contact a professional plumber immediately. Attempting to use a malfunctioning gas appliance risks fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

When dealing with gas systems, your safety is paramount. At the first sign of a gas leak or appliance malfunction, shut off power and contact qualified help. Do not take risks attempting to fix issues yourself unless you have proper training.

General Maintenance Tips

Routine maintenance on your water heating system can prevent problems and extend its lifespan. Inspect residential heaters at least semiannually and commercial heaters annually, with more frequent assessments, as often as every three days, in areas with hard water.

Your maintenance checklist should include tasks like:

• Inspecting the tank interior for sediment buildup using the drain valve. Flush regularly.
• Checking for leaks from plumbing fittings and valves.
• Examining the anode rod and replacing if eroded.
• Clearing dust accumulations to enhance airflow.
• Testing safety release valves.
• Confirming correct thermostat, gas valve and burner operation.

Regular maintenance reduces the risk of accidents, increases longevity, often exceeding a decade, and ensures smooth operation, thereby preventing hot water disruptions.

Adjusting Temperature Settings

When adjusting your water heater’s temperature, maintaining a safe yet effective setting is crucial. Water stored below 49°C risks allowing bacteria like Legionella to proliferate. However, settings beyond 54°C can increase the chance of scalding.

A safe and effective storage temperature for hot water is between 50-54°C. Installing a tempering valve to mix cold water at tap points can also prevent scalds.

Gradually tweak the settings while monitoring tap temperatures with a thermometer.

Take great care when testing temperatures to avoid injury. Seek professional plumbing assistance if you’re uncertain about adjusting controls or fitting tempering valves. Proper hot water tank temperatures kill germs, reduce corrosion, deliver sufficient supply, and prevent scalds.

Inspecting for Leaks and Corrosion

Visually inspecting your water heater tank and connected pipes for leaks or signs of corrosion should be part of routine maintenance. Look along pipe joints and valves, around the base of the tank, and near pipe inlets/outlets. Corrosion often appears as mineral deposits or rust staining.

Small leaks may evaporate before causing overt damage to your home. Unnoticed drips can gradually cause structural rot or dampen insulation. Catching minor leaks early by regular inspection avoids more extensive repairs later.

Check exterior metal surfaces for rust spots or accumulation of water sediments. This buildup accelerates corrosion that erodes the inner tank over time. Signs include a rumbling or boiling noise during heating cycles.

Inspect electrical fittings for green corrosion indicative of moisture infiltration on electric heaters. Ensure gas appliance pipes are secure, free from debris, and protectively coated.

Periodic inspection of your water heater for leaks, corrosion, and worn parts aids in preventing malfunctions and guarantees dependable long-term performance.

When to Call a Professional

There are certain situations when it’s crucial to stop troubleshooting your hot water issues and contact a professional plumber for assistance.

Call Miranda Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email jobs@mirandaplumbingservices.com.au immediately if:

• You smell gas anywhere around the water heater
• The pilot light repeatedly goes out
• Unstoppable leaks, from minor drips to significant flows
• Pressing the thermocouple does not ignite the pilot or burner
• The water heater makes rumbling, boiling or odd noises
• There are signs of excessive corrosion or sediment buildup internally
• You need to access internal components like heating elements or anode rods

Our licenced technicians have the expertise to diagnose issues and undertake repairs safely. We carry out all maintenance or replacements of hot water systems while ensuring full compliance.

DIY attempts at complex repairs can lead to injuries, property damage, and voided warranties. Know when DIY efforts should cease and professional services are needed.

Regular Preventative Maintenance

Regular heater maintenance is essential to prevent unexpected cold water interruptions. Schedule annual tune-ups to keep your system operating efficiently and safely.

When servicing your water heater, a professional plumber will:

• Drain the tank comprehensively and perform a tank flush to remove sediment buildup
• Inspect fittings, valves and pipes for leaks or corrosion
• Check thermostat and heating element function
• Test water pressure relief and thermal expansion valves
• Clear debris or obstructions in lines and fittings
• Monitor and adjust water temperature settings

Preventative maintenance extends your water heater’s life, optimizes performance and conserves energy. It also reduces the risk of leaks or accidents. Rely on Miranda Plumbing’s licenced technicians to ensure your hot water system runs safely throughout the year.

Safety and Scald Prevention

Ensuring your hot water system is set to a safe temperature is crucial to prevent accidental scalding. Water heated over 54°C drastically increases the risk of burns, especially for children and seniors.

Set your water heater’s thermostat within the safe range of 49-54°C and label this setting for easy reference.

Monitor tap water temperatures after letting it flow for 5 minutes; readings above 50°C are hazardous. Take precautions like setting tap temperatures for laundry, kitchen and bathrooms to help avoid accidents.

Scald prevention involves both modifying appliance settings and adopting cautious behaviours for hot water use. But promoting safety should be the utmost priority for any household or business.