by Gary Mays | Apr 7, 2023 | Hot Water Temperature
Cold Weather Affects Your Hot Water Temperature Increasing Energy Consumption
Your hot water temperature in the shower increases as winter approaches and temperatures drop. Your hot water use increases proportionately to how cold the weather is. As a result, You will find yourself using hot water more frequently.
The surge in electricity and gas costs, driven by government policies on climate change, is adversely affecting household budgets. While conserving energy and reducing electric and gas utility bills is always a priority, being aware of the potential health risks associated with lowering your hot water temperature is essential.
Are you aware that the temperature of your hot water may significantly impact your health?
A recent article published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) highlights the dangers of reducing the temperature of the hot water in your home. The report confirms what plumbers are well aware of and that lowering the temperature can create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
The Hidden Dangers of Legionella Bacteria
Lowering the temperature of your hot water system can create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening.
Legionella bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, so setting your water temperature too low might inadvertently promote their growth.
Lowering the temperature of your hot water storage system can create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening.
Legionella bacteria thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, so setting your temperature too low might inadvertently promote their growth.
The Safe and Recommended Water Temperature
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) recommends maintaining a hot water temperature of at least 60°C to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria. This temperature effectively kills any bacteria present in the water.
Consider installing a tempering valve if you don’t already have one to avoid scalding risks. A tempering valve mixes cold water with hot water, reducing the temperature to a safe 50°C for household use. This ensures the safety and comfort of your family members, particularly young children and older adults who are more vulnerable to scalding.
Balancing Energy Efficiency and Safety
At Whywait Plumbing, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. So here are our three key recommendations to prevent Legionella growth in your hot water system:
-
Maintain a water temperature between 60°C and 65°C. Keeping your hot water system within this range will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria while ensuring your water is safe to use.
-
Schedule regular maintenance for your hot water system. This includes annual testing and certification of your tempering or thermostatic mixing valve, flushing the tank, and inspecting the temperature and pressure relief valve. Routine maintenance promotes optimal performance and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
-
Install a tempering valve if you don’t have one. A tempering valve mixes cold water with hot water, delivering water at a safe temperature (usually around 50°C) to your taps and fixtures. This prevents scalding while maintaining the necessary temperature within the hot water system to kill harmful bacteria.
We understand many homeowners want to save energy and reduce their electric and gas utility bills by lowering their water temperature. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between energy efficiency and the safety of your household. By maintaining a temperature of at least 60°C, you can effectively prevent the growth of harmful bacteria while still conserving energy.
Leave It to the Professionals
If you’re uncertain about the appropriate temperature setting for your hot water system or believe there might be a problem with your tempering valve, refrain from attempting any adjustments yourself. Unlicensed individuals tampering with hot water thermostat settings or tempering valve settings is illegal and not a DIY task, regardless of what someone at Bunnings might suggest. In addition, interfering with plumbing, electrical, or gas systems can put you and your family at risk and potentially void your insurance policies.
Our experienced team at Whywait Plumbing is ready to help you with all your hot water system needs, from inspections to maintenance and repairs, ensuring that your system operates safely and efficiently.
Health Comes First: Understanding the Significance of Water Temperature
It’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with lowering the temperature settings in your hot water system. Maintaining a temperature of at least 60°C can prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria, protecting your family from potential health hazards.
Don’t hesitate to contact Whywait Plumbing for expert advice and assistance in keeping your home safe and comfortable this winter.
by Gary Mays | Nov 26, 2022 | banging pipes, burst flexible hoses, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, erosion and corrosion in plumbing pipes, Health Issues, Hot Water Temperature, Hot water tempering valve, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, licensed plumber, Plumbing Maintenance, water damage insurance claims, Water Hammer
What are erosion and corrosion in your water pipes?
At Whywait Plumbing, we understand the importance of protecting your plumbing and infrastructure from damage caused by erosion and corrosion. These processes can cause significant damage to pipes, fittings, and other components, leading to costly repairs and even complete system failures. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of erosion and corrosion and the steps you can take to prevent or mitigate these issues.
Erosion is the gradual wearing away of materials caused by the movement of water, air, or other natural elements. This can happen in various ways, including water flowing through pipes, air passing over metal surfaces, or even soil movement around underground pipes. Erosion can cause damage to the surface of pipes, fittings, and other components, making them more susceptible to leaks and other problems.
Conversely, corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials caused by chemical reactions to the environment. For example, this can happen when pipes and fittings are exposed to water containing dissolved oxygen, acids, or other harmful chemicals. As a result, corrosion can cause damage to the surface of pipes, fittings, and other components, making them more susceptible to leaks and other problems.
Temperature and high water pressure velocity are the leading causes of erosion and corrosion in your water pipes.
High velocity or high pressure over a long period can cause the internal pipe surface to corrode, eventually leading to pinholes in the pipes.
Your hot water pipes are even more susceptible to erosion and corrosion as they age. In commercial buildings or older homes without tempering valves, the circulating hot water temperature is usually over 60° C which, combined with high pressure, creates a high risk for erosion and corrosion.
Repercussions of eroding water pipes and the consequences
Erosion and corrosion in your hot and cold water reticulation pipes can have multiple consequences, resulting in costly plumbing rectification work. The most common issues will be:
-
High water bills with significant amounts of wasted water leaking through underground pipes.
-
Corroding pipes leads to reduced flow rates, especially if you have copper pipe or galvanised piping.
-
Failure of critical infrastructure, especially in commercial buildings.
-
Both erosion and corrosion weaken the structural integrity of pipes leading to leaks that cause damage to buildings structurally and to furniture and possessions.
-
High-pressure velocity and the breaking down of pipes internally can create failure in valves such as toilet cisterns and hot water systems.
Which water pipes are most at risk from erosion and corrosion?
With the right combination of temperature and high-pressure water velocity, all piping systems are at risk of erosion and corrosion. Listed below are pipe types and their risks.
- Copper – copper piping is most at risk of internal and external erosion and corrosion. Externally mainly if laid in concrete or underground the pipe needs to be fully covered by impervious wrapping such as Denso tape. Copper is the most at risk pipe from high-pressure water velocity corroding the internal pipe surface.
- Pex – pex piping has a much more significant internal and external tolerance to erosion and corrosion. As with all pipes, high-pressure water velocity can still damage the pipe internally over time.
- Polyethylene or Poly Pipe – poly pipe is mainly used externally underground and, if installed correctly, has significant internal and external tolerance to erosion and corrosion. As with all pipes, high-pressure water velocity can still damage the pipe internally over time.
- Stainless Steel – stainless steel piping is frequently used in commercial buildings as it has highly significant internal and external tolerance to erosion and corrosion. As with all pipes, high-pressure water velocity can still damage the pipe internally over time.
The photo above is a pipe we removed and sent to Kembla for testing, as our client had suffered multiple leaks in both hot and cold pipes. They then cut and sectioned the copper pipe longitudinally to examine the internal surface in more detail. The interior surface was observed to have a well-formed black oxide layer partially covered in a layer of fine light brown silt. Multiple corrosion nodules were observed running the entire length of the cross-section. Most of these corrosion nodules are covered in fine brown silt. Brown silt was removed from several corrosion nodules to determine what was underneath. It was observed in many of the corrosion nodules the silt crust was hollow, with a void or air bubble immediately under the surface, under that a layer of corrosion product was sitting at the surface of the tube. The corrosion products were shown to be a loose mixture of black copper oxides and blue-green copper carbonate corrosion products.
Preventing erosion and corrosion?
Preventing erosion and corrosion is essential to protecting your plumbing and infrastructure. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using materials that are resistant to the effects of erosion and corrosion. Stainless steel, for example, is highly resistant to corrosion and can be used in various applications. Other materials, such as plastics and copper, can also be used to protect against erosion and corrosion.
Another essential step in preventing erosion and corrosion is properly maintaining your plumbing and infrastructure. This includes regular inspections and repairs and proper cleaning and maintenance of pipes, fittings, and other components. In addition, it is essential to protect your plumbing and infrastructure adequately from the elements by using coatings and other protective measures.
It is also essential to be aware of any potential sources of erosion and corrosion in your area. This can include heavy rainfall, high water table, or even nearby construction projects. By understanding the specific risks in your area, you can take steps to mitigate or prevent damage caused by erosion and corrosion.
What do you need to do to prevent a high plumbing bill?
Individually, you cannot do much to protect your plumbing water pipe infrastructure. The critical step you should take is for Whywait Plumbing to undertake regular inspections and preventative maintenance. We need to ensure the following:
-
Your water pressure does not exceed 500 kPa by ensuring a fully functioning pressure reduction valve after your water meter. This eliminates the risks created by high-pressure water velocity.
-
Your hot water does not circulate above 50° C, requiring fully functioning tempering or thermostatic mixing valves. This eliminates the risk of internal erosion of pipe surfaces due to water temperatures over 60° C.
In conclusion, erosion and corrosion are serious issues that can cause significant damage to your plumbing water pipe reticulation infrastructure. However, using materials resistant to erosion and corrosion, correctly maintaining your plumbing and infrastructure, and being aware of potential sources of erosion and corrosion can help protect your property and avoid costly repairs. At Whywait Plumbing, we are committed to helping you protect your property from the effects of erosion and corrosion.
If you have any concerns about the condition of your plumbing and infrastructure, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help and ensure your plumbing is in top shape.
by Gary Mays | Aug 31, 2020 | Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Hot Water Temperature, Plumbing Legislation, Plumbing Maintenance, sacrificial anode, sacrificial anode replacement, Unlicensed plumber
The Sacrificial Anode Replacement Rip-Off
The great sacrificial anode replacement rip-off resurfaces every few years.
The routine invariably starts in the middle of the day with a knock on the door by a friendly “salesman”. After warm greetings, they state they are in your neighbourhood doing some work and that a neighbour had suggested they do the same “free check” on your hot water service.
This unsolicited pitch or a variation of it is the signature pitch of conmen who prey on unsuspecting homeowners, especially the elderly creating fear about their hot water tank. Commonly they display a great deal of empathy and concern and are only doing the “free check” of your hot water service as one of your neighbours had already had theirs repaired and were concerned for you.
The “free check” invariably concludes with you urgently needing a sacrificial anode replacement. If you have water stains on your hot water tank similar to the photo below then you have a leak in the tank.
What Is A Leaking Sacrificial Anode
As you can see below this tank needed replacement as it was leaking around the sacrificial anode. Installing a new sacrificial anode will achieve nothing.
A leaking hot water tank cannot be repaired.
Even if your hot water tank is not leaking the friendly salesman will assure you it is about to start leaking if you don’t replace the sacrificial anode now.
To back it up he will have information from the manufacturers about replacing the sacrificial anode backed up by horror photos.
Does A Sacrificial Anode Need Replacing?
Yes, your sacrificial anode on your hot water service should be checked at least every 5 years.
But if it has never been checked or replaced and your hot water service is over 10 years old you are wasting your time replacing it as the damage has already been done to your steel storage tank.
The photo above illustrates perfectly a brand new sacrificial anode at the top of the photo. The sacrificial anode in the bottom of the photo was removed after nine years inside a hot water tank.
Basically your hot water tank is prevented from rusting away by the sacrificial anode. The anode corrodes instead of the steel tank which is the cathode. This principle of electrolytic corrosion control is described as cathodic protection. Hence the term sacrificial anode. As a cathodic surface cannot rust, the steel hot water tank is protected as long as the anode is whole and working.
These days the majority of hot water tanks last around 12 to 15 years. The sacrificial anode prolongs the life of your hot water tank. But once the anode becomes ineffective the steel tank is no longer a cathode and begins to rust from the inside. Once the rusting process begins, it takes about 3 to 5 years for it to eat away through the steel tank wall.
Who Can Replace A Sacrificial Anode?
As with any plumbing fixture, only a licenced plumber working for a QBCC licensed plumbing contractor can replace a sacrificial anode.
Take it from me knocking on your door and cold-calling is not a professional or viable way to market or operate a plumbing business.
In all likelihood, the person knocking on your door is not a licensed plumber or a licensed plumbing contractor. Simply ask them to produce their licenses. In our experience, they are not a plumber but ordinary old con artists who have no experience or knowledge in servicing a hot water service.
by Gary Mays | Jun 29, 2020 | City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, Emergency Plumber, Gold Coast Plumbing, Hot Water, Hot Water Heat Pump, Hot Water Legionella, Hot Water Solar, Hot Water Temperature, licensed plumber, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Emergencies, Plumbing Maintenance, QBCC, Queensland Government, solar hot water
Why do I not have hot water?
May, June and July are the coldest months on the Gold Coast, and no-one wants to start the day with a cold shower in winter. Unluckily for some clients of Whywait Plumbing who are not Service Partners it is in these months they go to the shower and question why do I not have hot water?
Unfortunately, hot water systems are a case of out of sight out of mind. Continually where hot water systems are concerned, there were warning signs that there was a problem. Over the summer months, hot water problems are overlooked as the demand for higher temperature; hot water is not a critical consideration.
Several warning bulletins in Queensland have been issued by the QBCC and Queensland Health advising homeowners that their hot water systems need to be maintained and serviced frequently.
AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 Heated Water Services
The Australian standard that all hot water installation is based around is AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 Heated water services that are an integral part of the National Construction Code of Australia issued by the Australian Building Codes Board and it is all legal requirements in Queensland.
In AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 there is Appendix M which provides guidelines for the operation and maintenance of your hot water system which is below:
M1 SCOPE
This Appendix provides guidelines for the operation and maintenance of a heated water system.
M2 GENERAL
In order to ensure maximum performance and length of operation, water heaters should be inspected periodically.
M3 MAINTENANCE OF HEATED WATER SERVICES
Heated water services should be maintained in accordance with the following:
(a) Water treatment units: Where installed, water treatment units should be inspected periodically to ensure proper operation.
(b) Water vessels and tanks: All vessels and tanks should be inspected and cleaned periodically, and in accordance with any requirements of the regulatory authority.
NOTE: The frequency of periodic cleaning depends upon the quality of the supply water, design, materials of construction and the pipe system. Combinations of materials giving rise to corrosion should be avoided.
(c) Valves: The following valves should be inspected periodically to ensure proper operation:
(i) Temperature/pressure-relief valves.
(ii) Expansion control valves.
(iii) Thermostatic mixing valves.
(iv) Tempering valves.
(v) Other associated valves/devices.
(d) The requirements of AS/NZS 3666.2, where applicable.
Common reasons for why do I not have hot water
Below are listed the most common reasons we attend to clients jobs who call up to as why do I not have hot water? Listed are elementary troubleshooting ideas that you can undertake yourself to resolve or understand why your hot water is cold:
- blown fuse or circuit breaker – replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker and if it blows again it’s probable there is a fault with your element or thermostat, and you need to call Whywait out to repair
- Energex relay switch failure – this is not the easiest to detect but if you are on off-peak rates and there are no obvious electrical faults or water leaks then its worth a phone call to your energy supplier to check whether the relay switch has failed to activate in your area
- defective relief valve – most relief valves on the side of the HWS only have a life span of around 3-5 years. Still, they can jam open so first check if you see water running from it by pulling the lever up and then easing back down again. If water continues to run then you need to call Whywait out to service the unit
- no water at all – this is when you wake up turn the tap on and cold water flows, but there is no flow from the hot water. Frequently this a failure of the non-return or isolating valve and a quick way to check is to turn the handle on the valve all the way off and then all the way back on. In many cases, the hot water will simply begin to flow again. However, if there is still no flow you need to call Whywait out for repairs
- water fluctuation from hot to cold – there are several reasons for this occurring, but the most common is a faulty tempering valve. There is nothing you can do to solve fluctuation other than call Whywait and read our information on tempering valves
- water leaking from hot water tank – there is only a maximum of 7 possible points on an HWS tank where there are joints that can possibly leak. Only 2 of those are concealed in the housing so if the water is leaking from the tank and its not from the visible water connections you need to call Whywait for service to check the HWS. In all likelihood, if the hot water tank is more than ten years old then its a 50/50 chance you need a new one installed
DIY warning
The above reasons are the most common problems you will experience with why do I not have hot water. As you can see above, there are only a few simple DIY solutions when you have no hot water.
A word of warning though. Please never open up the housing near the bottom of the tank where the electrical connections are as they are all live wires inside there and therefore very, very dangerous.
Whether you have a solar, heat pump, gas or electric hot water system they do need periodic maintenance so for all hot water problems call Whywait Plumbing now on (07) 5580 4311 as we guarantee a same-day rapid response for hot water problems.
by Gary Mays | Jun 8, 2018 | Consumer Issues, Gold Coast Plumbing, Hot Water, Hot Water Heat Pump, Hot Water Solar, Hot Water Temperature, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance, Sanden “Eco®” Plus Heat Pump hot water system, solar hot water
Replacing Your Hot Water Service – How Will You Know What’s Right For You?
When replacing your hot water service the most common question asked is what will it cost?
Whilst price is always an important consideration, at Whywait Plumbing believe that there are other equally important factors. This article will help you make an informed decision.
Should The Price of the Replacement Hot Water Service Be The First Consideration?
Besides renovating your home, replacing your hot water service is a major cost. It is often an expense that occurs with very little warning.
Unfortunately, unless you like cold showers, this gives you little time to carefully review available replacement options.
Hot water systems are not all created equal and the choice you make today will be one that lasts for the next ten to fifteen years. With ever-increasing energy costs impacting household budgets, having an efficient and well maintained hot water service has never been more important. A cheap hot water service may cost you a great deal more in ongoing expenses.
With So Many Hot Water Systems On the Market How Do You Know Which One To Choose?
With modern technological advances and the push for energy-efficient heating solutions, it’s no longer a matter of just replacing your hot water system with like for like. So how do you know which hot water service to buy?
Hot water services are available in electric, gas, solar and heat pump models, and all come in a huge range of sizes. Purchasing the right hot water service for your needs is something you should seek advice about from a qualified hot water specialist. With a little help from Whywait’s Hot Water Specialists you will be able to select the system that best suits your situation.
Hot Water Service FAQ’s
Before making any decisions about a hot water service replacement you will need to think about:
- What size is your current hot water service and have you ever run out of hot water with your current hot water system?
- Does your current hot water service operate on an off-peak electricity tariff?
- Are your hot water needs likely to increase, decrease or stay the same over the next five years?
- Do you intend to remain in your current property for at least the next five years?
- What is more important to you the initial up-front installation cost or the ongoing running costs?
- Is the quality of the product and length of warranty a consideration when comparing hot water services?
Once you have answered the above points it will be time to consider the available options.
by Gary Mays | May 29, 2018 | emergency plumber Gold Coast, Hot Water, Hot Water Solar, Hot Water Temperature
Is no hot water a real plumbing emergency?
If you are reading this blog because you have no hot water and wondering if having no hot water is a plumbing emergency, read on.
Generally speaking, if you have time to research a problem on Google, it’s probably not a plumbing emergency. Although technically speaking, having no hot water isn’t exactly a plumbing emergency as the house is not being flooded and no lives are in danger, but still…
Even though no hot water usually isn’t an emergency in a technical sense, at Whywait Plumbing, we made the decision many years ago that we don’t consider hot water to be a luxury, so, for this reason, we offer a same-day guarantee for a situation where your household is without hot water.
So why have you no hot water?
In our 41 years of experience at Whywait Plumbing, we have found the most common causes of having no hot water are:
· Faulty element or thermostat (possibly both)
· The relief valve is constantly leaking
· Faulty tempering valve
· The Off-Peak relay switch failed to activate
· Insufficient sunlight to heat solar hot water
· Demand exceeds the capacity
· Leaking hot water service
No Hot Water Troubleshooting Checklist
Follow the DIY checklist below before calling for help, starting with
Locate your hot water service and check the following:
- Check for any leaks in the tank, especially around the electrical box. (Do not remove the cover, as doing this will expose live wires)
- If the relief valve is leaking, activate the lever until the water runs out in a continuous flow, then return the lever to the original position and see if the leak stops.
- A faulty tempering valve usually results in tepid water rather than no hot water. You can test this by activating the relief valve and checking if the water in the tank is more desirable than the water delivered at the taps.
- If your hot water service is connected to off-peak electricity, check with your energy supplier to see if there have been any problems, in your suburb, with transmitting to the relay switch at your home.
- For solar hot water, check for foliage blocking sunlight to panels, that panels are clean and if cloudy or wet, that the booster switch is on.
Locate the meter board and check the following:
- Check the hot water switch is in the on position.
- Check for a tripped circuit breaker or a blown a fuse.
Emergency or not, having hot water that is not hot enough or no hot water can be unpleasant and inconvenient. However, you will be happy to know in most instances, it is a simple fix.
Whywait Plumbing recommends that all adults residing in a household should, at a bare minimum know the following:
- Where the main water isolation valve for the property is located.
- How to turn off the water at the water meter (usually found in a turf box on the property boundary).
- How to turn off the water at the hot water service.
- How to isolate the power to the house at the meter board.
Should an emergency arise where any of the above is required having, this prior knowledge will allow the situation to be handled quickly and calmly, allowing you to make the situation safe and minimise damage to the property.
