There’s nothing that can ruin your morning quicker than getting into a shower that is suddenly cold. As a plumber in Auckland for over 10 years, I’ve witnessed almost each hot water cylinder-related issue possible — from leaks in the quiet which double the power bill to system-wide failures that can last for days.
The majority of homeowners don’t know that hot water heaters function in a quiet manner throughout the day and night until they go off. When it does happen, it’s usually at the worst time prior to work, prior to guests arriving or after installing an entirely new dishwasher.
A leaky hot water cylinder is among the most frequently-called services I receive. The simple answer is typically caused by old seals, corrosion or a high pressure within the system.
Hot water cylinders leak when its valves and tank walls become damaged due to age corrosion, corrosion, or pressure. Examine the relief valve, pipe joints along with the the tank’s base first. These are the most common causes.
How to handle it:
If you observe water pools around the cylinders, switch off the water supply and power immediately. Don’t overlook slow dripsthey could escalate into complete ruptures.
At one Henderson home there was a slow leak beneath the laundry cylinder went unnoticed for several weeks, leading to rotting of the subfloor and costing the homeowner nearly $8,000 for repairs. The real fix? A $40 valve replacement.
If your showers are cold after a while it’s not usually related to your water usage -it’s a problem related to your thermostat the element or the size of your tank.
Hot water cylinders drain quickly if the thermostat or heating element fails, when sediment accumulation lowers tank capacity or when the household’s demand for water exceeds the system capacity.
Recently, I upgraded the family living in Papatoetoe from a 135L low-pressure model to a mains-pressure model of 250L and their morning routine has finally stopped being a race to shower.
If the hot water tap begins flowing discoloured water Most homeowners believe that it’s a problem with council water supply. However, the reality is that it’s your tank acting up from within.
Hot water that is brown or rusty signifies that your pipes or cylinder are getting corroded internally. Cloudy water usually comes from the agitation of sediment or air that has been trapped inside the system.
Pro Tips:
Install a whole-house filter when you live in an area with a minerals that are high, like South Auckland. This prolongs the lifespan that your filter will last and maintains your fixtures in pristine condition.
A low hot water pressure can be annoying, especially when cold water pressure seems smooth. The cause is usually in the system’s design -for instance, Auckland is still home to many older low-pressure water cylinders.
Pressure of hot water decreases as the water system goes low-pressure and in the event that valves are not fully closed or blocked or blocked, or when pipes are swollen by minerals.
Cause | Symptom | Solution |
Low-pressure Cylinder | Cold water is more brittle than hot. | Upgrade to mains-pressure |
Partially closed valve | Incorrect flow | Valves that are fully open |
Aerators or filters that have become blocked. | A low flow rate at certain taps | Clean filters |
Sediment buildup | Inconsistent pressure | System for flushing |
A Remuera customer had a shower with low pressure for a long time before figuring out her copper cylinder from the 1970s was the reason. The upgrade to mains-pressure immediately doubled the flow of water.
A gurgling, popping or the sound of hot water cylinders hissing might seem frightening, yet it’s actually a regular occurrence.
The sounds coming from your hot water cylinder can be caused by the formation of air bubbles a buildup of sediment buildup, or a malfunctioning heater. Although not all of them are dangerous continuous noises indicate the need to service.
Maintenance Tips:
Schedule an annual check-up. A basic inspection every 12 months will cost less than a complete replacement later.
The majority of Auckland homeowners do not wait until the system fails to call a plumbing professionalHowever, proactive maintenance can bring many years to the life of your cylinder.
Make sure you install an drip tray that has an outlet for overflow underneath your cylinder. It’s now mandatory for the installation of new facilities in Auckland and will help protect floors from damage if the leak happens.
A while back, a resident from Takapuna phoned me after she noticed the appearance of a warm spot on her floor for laundry. The cylinder was not clearly leaky, but her flooring boards felt damp. We removed the linoleum to find an insignificant valve beneath the base was leaking for months, slowly destroying the floor.
In catching it in time and catching it in time, we saved her nearly $10,000 worth of repairs to framing and flooring. The whole fix including a new valve and tray cost less than $300.
This is the distinction between a minor service or a major overhaul.
We at HandyHub NZ We vet every plumber we employ. So when you make a booking an appointment through us, you’ll be working with an expert who is fully licensed as well as insured and accountable.
Most electric cylinders are designed to last 15 to 20 years when maintained properly. Mains-pressure models or stainless steel may last longer than the 25-year mark if they are maintained annually.
Check for leaks, fluctuations in temperature as well as discoloured water or frequent malfunctions of the hot water valve. If your hot water switch is more than 15 years old replacing is more economical than repair.
No. New Zealand law requires a licensed plumber or gasfitter to install or replace. DIY projects can invalidate insurance and pose grave safety hazards.
Prices differ based on dimensions and the pressure systems, however you can expect to pay between $2,000 to $4,000 with parts and labor included. HandyHub NZ can provide accurate local, quick quotes in just a few minutes.
Absolutely, particularly in the case of renovating or adding bathrooms. It boosts shower efficiency and supports the latest tapware and improves the property’s value.
In HandyHub New Zealand We specialize in bringing Auckland homeowners with dependable, licensed plumbers that can resolve hot water issues quickly. If you’re living in Manukau, Mount Albert or Albany Our network guarantees that someone who’s local, competent, and dependable can assist youusually within hours.
We don’t stop at fixing leaks, we also help keep them from happening by offering annual maintenance plans, intelligent scheduling, and a guaranteed work. Each plumber we employ adheres to NZ Construction Code G12 standards to ensure water safety and efficiency.
The hot water cylinder in your home is among the most demanding appliances you have in your house -silently heating, storing water, and moving it around every daily. However, when issues develop, prompt action will cost less than repairs that are delayed.
If you see the presence of leaks or low pressure or fluctuations in temperature, have it checked immediately. A quick inspection today can help prevent a major flood tomorrow.
With HandyHub New Zealand We’ve made it easy to find an competent Auckland plumber that you can trustthere’s no need to search, and no thinking.
Get your appointment or request a quote today and let’s keep your showers warm and your costs low and your home clean.