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Fixing holiday home hot water hassles: A quick guide

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Going on a much-needed break is essential especially during the holiday season. Off to your batch or holiday home? You might find some issues with your hot water if you have not been there for a while, or if your hot water has been sitting idle. Whether these are electrical, or hot water cylinder problems, it’s good to know how to tackle these issues. Have a read of our blog tips below to find out what to do.      

What to Do If Your Hot Water Isn’t Working at Your Holiday Home 

  • Check the Power Supply: Sometimes, a simple issue like a tripped circuit breaker or a disconnected power source can cause your hot water system to stop working. Ensure the power is on and the circuit breaker is not tripped. 
  • Pilot Light Issues (For Gas Heaters): If you have a gas water heater, the pilot light may have gone out. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight the pilot light. 
  • Sediment Buildup: Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, affecting the heating efficiency. You may need to flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. If you have any questions on how this can be done give us a call on 0800 234 800 and we can help!
  • Check the Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valve on your hot water system may need to be tested and replaced if necessary. Ensure it’s not leaking or stuck in the open position. 
  • Call a Professional: If you are unable to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, or if you notice any signs of damage or serious problems, it’s best to contact The Cylinder Guy to inspect and replace your hot water heating system. 

If you encounter problems with your hot water system while visiting your holiday home, stay calm and follow the steps mentioned above. In case of serious issues or uncertainty, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from The Cylinder Guy as we are open over the Christmas and New Year Holidays, just give us a call on 0800 234 800 to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable holiday experience!  

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Unravelling the Hastings hot water cylinder mystery

The mystery surrounding the alarming rate of hot-water cylinder failures in Hastings, New Zealand, has finally been solved. A new report, commissioned by the council and conducted by Stantec Consulting, sheds light on the root cause of the issue.

The data collected from plumbers and hot-water cylinder manufacturers revealed a shocking statistic: low-pressure copper hot-water cylinders (LPCUs) in Hastings were about 20 times more likely to fail than those in other parts of the country. Two major hot-water cylinder manufacturers had even excluded Hastings from their warranties, citing “localised water conditions” as the reason.

 The investigation focused on chlorination, as it was initially thought to be a potential cause of the copper pitting seen on the cylinders. Surprisingly, the report found that while chlorination was a compounding factor, it wasn’t the sole reason for the higher failure rates in Hastings compared to other areas with chlorinated water.

The key finding was that water from the Frimley and Wilson bores in Hastings had lower alkalinity and low dissolved organic carbon characteristics, which made them more prone to copper pitting. This unique water chemistry in Hastings explained the disproportionately high number of hot-water cylinder failures.

To address this issue, the report recommended a chemical solution which has been successfully used in corrosion control for water in various countries worldwide. However implementing the chemical solution comes with financial implications. Homeowners, as well as the council, would need to consider the costs involved. While the financial burden is a concern, it is also essential to prioritise the safety of the drinking water, as chlorine addition is mandatory according to New Zealand’s drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai.

The benefit of the chemical solution approach is that it offers an equitable and efficient solution for the entire system in a few months. On the other hand, the non-treatment approach is to gradually replace copper-based plumbing and hot-water cylinder components, however this is dependent on homeowners’ actions and will take a long time.

If you’re a homeowner located in Hastings contact our team for free advice.

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Hunson Model RT direct mains pressure hot water cylinders: What you need to know

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Hot water cylinders play a crucial role in our daily lives, providing us with the comfort and convenience of hot water whenever we need it. However, the market for hot water cylinders is constantly evolving. One such example is the discontinuation of Hunson Model RT direct mains pressure hot water cylinders. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the discontinuation of Hunson RT cylinders and look at alternative options.

 

Why were Hunson hot water cylinders discontinued?

In the 1970’s when the Hunson RT hot water cylinder first came out it was revolutionary and ahead of its time. During this period most hot water cylinders were made from copper and due to the properties of copper, more suited to low pressure hot water systems. Low pressure cylinders are limited by the strength of the brazing that is applied when the copper sheet is rolled into a cylindrical tube. Modern mains pressure cylinders are made of steel and welded; as such they are able to withstand greater internal pressures because a welded metal join is stronger than a brazed copper join, thus allowing the water contained to be more highly pressurised and therefore to exit the cylinder more powerfully.

Back in the day, W. Hunt & Son Ltd saw the demand for mains pressure hot water systems and launched the Hunson RT, a hot water cylinder that was able to provide a better shower experience, but only to that one outlet.

With the development of technology, change in hot water demands this old model now no longer meets the updated standards or offer the same level of performance as current models today, and many have now come to the end of their life span. This is because modern cylinders are designed to deliver ONLY low pressure or mains pressure water, to all outlets.

If you are unsure which to choose, contact our friendly team for expert advice.

 

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Considerations when replacing your Hunson hot water cylinder

When replacing a Hunson cylinder, it is important to recognise that there will be a change that results. Hunson cylinders are a hybrid of low and mains pressure solutions. Because Hunson cylinders deliver low pressure hot water to taps and delivers mains pressure hot water to the shower, you must choose to either increase the strength of water at the taps and maintain the same shower quality by using a mains pressure replacement model; or you must decrease the shower performance while maintaining the existing low pressure feed to taps, by replacing with a low pressure cylinder. Mains pressure replacement is typically recommended, to ensure the maintenance of the shower quality you’ve become used to and to remove risk of needing to replace the shower mixer. 

 

Exploring alternative options:

While Hunson hot water cylinders may no longer be available, there are numerous alternative options to consider when replacing your hot water cylinder. Here are a few popular choices:

Rheem VE MP Range:

180L – 488x1720mm with 2kW or 3kW element; 580x1166mm in 3kW only

250L – 580x1555mm in 3kW only

300L – 580x1815mm in 3kW only

Rheem SS MP Solar Ready In/Outdoor Range:

180L – 488x1770mm in 2kW or 3kW

250L – 580x1620mm in 3kW only

300L – 580x1910mm in 3kW only – pair with Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater for industry-leading efficiency

Rinnai SS MP Range:

180L – 550x1300mm in 2kW or 3kW

250L – 550x1730mm in 2kW or 3kW

300L – 550x2045mm in 2kW or 3kW

LPG – Rheem 26L/min continuous flow water heater

 

Although Hunson hot water cylinders have been discontinued, there are plenty of alternative options available on the market. When replacing your hot water cylinder, consider factors such as size, energy efficiency, installation, maintenance to make an informed decision. Read our article How to choose the right cylinder for me to learn more.

Hot water cylinders explained – how they work

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Hot water cylinders are designed for simplicity and convenience. Let’s explore how they work to provide you with a constant supply of hot water. Similar to an electric jug, hot water cylinders rely on an element encased within an insulated and reinforced storage tank to heat and maintain the surrounding water to the required temperature, which is regulated by the cylinders thermostat. (In New Zealand the recommended hot water temperature is 60 degrees in the cylinder and no more than 55 degrees at the tap).

How Do Hot Water Cylinders Work?

Simplicity has always been the key to the success of hot water cylinders, they deliver hot water right where you need it with a minimum of fuss. Similar to an electric jug, hot water cylinders rely on an element encased within an insulated and reinforced storage tank to heat and maintain the surrounding water to the required temperature, which is regulated by the cylinders thermostat. (In New Zealand the recommended hot water temperature is 60 degrees in the cylinder and no more than 55 degrees at the tap).

Essentially cold water automatically enters the cylinders storage tank when hot water exits, resulting in a lowering of the water temperature in the bottom of the tank, this then triggers the thermostat which allows the element to activate and heat the water to the set temperature again. This process continues 24/7 keeping you in a constant supply of perfectly heated hot water.

What Are The Components Of A Hot Water Cylinder?

  • The Storage Tank. Modern mains pressure hot water storage tanks will usually have a steel inner cylinder which is lined with glass or vitreous enamel, insulation and a steel outer lining. Depending on their age low pressure tanks may have a copper lining.
  • The Thermostat. Essentially a thermometer, the thermostat controls the water temperature inside the storage tank. The thermostat is fully automatic meaning power is only used when heating is required.
  • The Element. One and in some cases two immersion elements are located inside the storage tank, it creates the heat needed to heat the water. Some tanks will have two heating elements, each controlled by its own thermostat, only turning on when the water goes beneath the pre-set temperature.
  • The Temperature Pressure Relief Valve. This is there to protect the hot water cylinder from excess pressures and temperatures and hopefully avoid major damage to the cylinder and/or your house!
  • The Anode Rod. Wherever there is water there is going to be corrosion. In order to prolong the lifespan of the storage tank and reduce corrosion over time an anode rod is suspended within the tank to act as a sacrificial piece of metal. The Anode Rod is usually made of magnesium or aluminium with a steel core.
  • The Drain Valve. Used to drain the hot water cylinder of its water in order to make repairs, move or replace etc.

 

Need help deciding which hot water cylinder is right for you? Pete and the team are happy to help! Whether it is mains pressure hot water cylinders, low pressure hot water cylinders, gas hot water heating, an outdoor cylinder, solar, wetback powered hot water cylinders or the increasingly popular hot water heat pump system, the nationwide network of installers at The Cylinder Guy will provide you with the best match for your home or business. 

 

Contact the team today for a free assessment or learn more about our different hot water solutions.

 

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Chlorine Causing Issues With Pipes And Cylinders

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While corrosion and leaks to water pipes and hot water cylinders can be caused by a number of things, it is widely understood that chlorinated water can contribute to the issue. The compounds in chlorine react with copper, steel and plastic polyethylene pipes in varying degrees potentially causing premature bursts or leakage.

The practice of chlorinating water has been around since the early 1900’s in some countries, in New Zealand we are lucky enough to have had many years of chlorine free water supply and in fact several water supplies around the country remain untreated (Christchurch is currently the largest populated area). 

In recent times however, there have been calls for mass chlorination particularly after water contamination issues in Havelock North. Although it is obvious clean drinking water is a necessity, chlorination of the water supply has proven to be somewhat problematic for hot water cylinders and plumbing fixtures and fittings.

Things To Look Out For

While avoiding chlorine is difficult where water is mass treated, it is important to understand the additional potential for degrading of pipes, fixtures and fittings and hot water cylinders in order to pre-empt future failures. Here are a few things to keep a look out for.

  • Pipes, plumbing and hot water cylinders over 10 years old in towns and cities with chlorinated water supplies
  • Copper piping or fittings (anything dating around 1960’s and 70’s is particularly problematic)
  • Visible evidence of corrosion around hot water cylinder valves
  • Pin hole leaks in calcified pipes and joiners
  • Hard water (naturally high levels of calcium) is likely to intensify corrosion issues
  • Discoloured water or blue-green stained sinks, drains and baths

The Causes Of Corrosion

Corrosion in household piping or hot water heating systems and the rate at which it occurs can usually be associated with one or any combination of the following factors.

  • PH Levels. Copper piping systems in particular are prone to damage if the pH of the water is under a certain level. The protective barrier of the pipe gets damaged which leads to a more rapid rate of corrosion.
  • Temperature. The hotter the environment the pipes and fittings are exposed to, including the temperature of the water can also contribute to increased corrosion.
  • Chemicals. Naturally and not so naturally occurring minerals and impurities in water can increase corrosive levels in different ways. For example high levels of calcium in water leads to a calcification build-up in pipes and fittings and chlorine introduced into the water supply has been known to accelerate the corrosive action of both metal and plastic plumbing fixtures.
  • Oxygen. Oxygen naturally degrades metal resulting in rust. Whether it is in pipes, hot water cylinders, cars, buildings or anywhere else for that matter, rust is gradual and inevitable.

The Effects Of Corrosion

The cost of corrosion can be expensive; it can impact your health, waste money, and damage other household fittings. Leaks that go unnoticed due to corrosion can prove expensive and even result in the need for the building to be completely re-plumbed. Corrosive water can impact:

  • Hot Water Heaters. Decreasing the efficiency and potentially causing premature failure.
  • Household Plumbing. Corrosion can cause premature failure of household plumbing and plumbing fixtures.
  • Taste And Appearance. Elevated levels of metals leaching from the pipes can impact the taste and appearance of the water (reddish coloured water or green-blue stains are most common).
  • Toxicity. Prolonged consumption of contaminated water with elevated levels of metals, such as chromium, lead, zinc and copper, has been known to cause a wide range of health problems

 

It is strongly recommended that homeowners have household water tested regularly (approximately every 2 to 3 years) for evidence of corrosive materials and toxicity. Ignoring corrosion or simply hoping it isn’t happening is not a good idea. 

 

 

Pete and the team are here to help if you’d like more information or advice

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Things To Consider When Choosing Your Hot Water Installer

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Having access to hot water is an essential element of any household. You need it to cook, clean, take a shower – and plenty of other things. Because your access to hot water is important to you, it only makes sense that you’d want to select the most reputable installer you can find.

Having an installer you can trust to secure your hot water is vital and saves you a lot of hassle down the road. You don’t want to be caught up in a crisis because your system wasn’t installed properly. A failure in your hot water system can cause all kinds of trouble, so make sure you’re happy with your choice of installer before you have any permanent work done.

The following are a few points you should consider before you select your hot water installer.

Experience

Experience is always an important factor to consider when having something installed in your home. What’s most important is making sure that your chosen installer is properly qualified and well-equipped to do the job.

Don’t be afraid to ask qualifying questions, even if it’s just to test their knowledge, as a true professional will be happy to answer them for you.

Transparency

Transparency and honesty are attributes that are extremely valuable when choosing any kind of service provider. Make sure you choose a company that lays out the facts clearly and concisely without trying to mislead you or change the topic.

If the installer isn’t being clear or answering your questions properly, it’s probably best not to go with them. Having someone who is straightforward and to the point can save a lot of stress and frustration down the line.

This is particularly true when discussing costs. Some companies are purposefully vague in order to conceal their hidden costs. Finding someone who is transparent about pricing can make budgeting much easier for you.

Helpfulness

As your service provider, the company who installs your heating system should be able to answer questions or concerns you have about the installation process or their product.

It’s understandable that you’d want detailed information about what’s going into your home and the installer should be eager to address any concerns you have.

Range of products

If you have a particular type of product in mind, it’s important that you check out the range offered by your installer to ensure that it or a suitable alternative is available.

It’s a good idea to do some research on the products they provide and gain an understanding of where they stand in the market.

Guaranteed satisfaction

If your hot water installer has guaranteed satisfaction for their workmanship, it can save you a lot of stress. Having that guarantee lets you know that they are confident in their quality of work.

This gives you peace of mind, especially knowing that if problems do arise, you can simply call them to sort things out. Looking at past testimonials and reviews is a great way to discern if the installer is reliable or not.

Here at The Cylinder Guy, we almost exclusively recommend and install the Rheem and Rinnai stainless cylinders as they do not require the sacrificial anode used in vitreous enamel cylinders. This means you don’t have to remember every 5 years to change the anode, as nobody really does, so you have the best, maintenance-free, long lasting cylinder available today.

Do I need a new hot water cylinder?

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One of the questions that we get asked a lot at The Cylinder Guy is whether our customers need a new hot water cylinder or whether the current one can be repaired.

There are normally two reasons that we get called out, the first is around the cylinder leaking, and this can be anything from a slow drip to a major deluge, and the second is around the cylinder not heating the water.

If the reason for calling is that your cylinder is leaking then where it is leaking from is important to understand whether it can be fixed or whether it needs to be replaced.

 

The things to look out for are:

1. If the leak is from the bottom of the cylinder, or there is signs of rust, then this normally means that the internal workings are not great, and it’s time to think about a replacement. The leak is the first part of the visible signs that things aren’t well.

2. If the leak is from the taps/valves or the pipes, then this normally means that it is a simple problem that can be fixed by a qualified plumber and a replacement cylinder is not needed.

If however we get there and we find a leak and at the same the hot water cylinder is not heating the water, or it is just not heating the water as a single issue, then we call the electrician in and fix the thermostat or the temperature probe or anything else that could be associated with an electrical problem.

So to recap…

  • If the leak is from the bottom of the cylinder, it likely means a replacement.
  • If the leak is from the pipes or taps, it can typically be fixed.
  • If the water is not heating, we call in the electrician, and it can usually be fixed.

These are only general guidelines, and to get a proper assessment you can call us 0800 234 800 or send us your details and we’ll sort it out for you.

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Common mistakes to avoid when buying a hot water cylinder

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In New Zealand most hot water cylinders are simply buried somewhere in the back of the cupboard, quietly doing their glorious job of heating our water.  It isn’t until the dreaded cold shower one morning that we fully appreciate the vital task they perform.  Buying a new hot water cylinder can be a daunting task; one which many people will have no prior product knowledge or experience in.

Due to the extended life spans of hot water cylinders getting the right replacement cylinder now can make a big difference to the years and years of water heating costs ahead for your household.  Unless you are a plumber, deciding which hot water cylinder is best for you can be tricky. 

Here are a few of the most common factors to look out for: 

  • Quality.  When replacing your hot water cylinder it makes sense to get the best quality cylinder within your budget.  Ensure you are getting up to date models with modern specifications, some suppliers may try to sell you out dated stock hoping you won’t know the difference.  Modern hot water cylinder technology can mean savings on future electricity costs and servicing.
  • Installation.  Always use registered installers, check credentials prior to the start of the job.  Look for NZ registered and qualified plumbers who can ensure your install complies with New Zealand standards.
  • Hidden Costs.  Sometimes cylinder and installation packages will leave out necessary extras only to spring them on you later.  Things like upgrading the existing power supply and access issues can add to the cost.  The last thing you want is to get a an extra invoice in the mail.
  • Size.  Smaller cylinders may seem like a good idea, however if you have the room opting for a larger one can be a better long term solution.  More hot water in storage doesn’t necessarily equate to higher energy costs and has the added bonus of being less likely to run out.  For some helpful information on energy usage see the EECA Energywise website. 
  • Advice.  Relying on your plumber’s recommendation is unfortunately not always the best option.  Particularly if replacing an old low pressure cylinder, don’t be fooled into thinking you must replace it with a similar system, in most cases mains pressure cylinders can be installed.  Low pressure tapware or pipes can be accommodated with pressure reducing valves, allowing you to future proof the hot water heating system.  
  • Future Proofing.  Taking the time to do a little research, comparing the pros and cons of the various options will pay off in the future.  Consider the more high tech cylinders now available that are future proofed for hot water heat pumps or solar, in most cases the cost is very similar.  It makes sense to allow for possible upgrades to your power supply when standard electricity prices are always on the rise.
  • Warranties.  Check warranty conditions and time frames, sometimes they can be misleading.  The fine print can often reveal unnecessary servicing conditions or exclusions.  In general, hot water cylinders will carry a standard manufacturer’s one year warranty for any parts subject to wear and tear like thermostats or elements, with a 10-20 year guarantee for cylinder failure on the cylinder itself and all good installation companies will offer workmanship guarantees.

Electric Hot Water Cylinders

Electric hot water cylinders are the most common form of hot water heating system found in New Zealand, using an electric heating element to heat the water in the cylinder, providing a constant supply of hot water. They can be configured for mains-pressure or low-pressure setups depending on the cylinder type and hot water valves used based on household requirements.

What are the benefits?

  • Easy Shutdown. Turning off the hot water cylinder while you are away is easy, just flip the switch on the wall. Great for saving power when away on holiday.
  • Large Storage Capacity. There is always plenty of water on hand.
  • Low Upfront Costs. The upfront costs of electric hot water cylinders will come in well under other forms of water heating here in New Zealand.
  • Tried And Tested Reliability. Electric hot water cylinders have been around for many many years, the components have been refined and perfected providing excellent reliability and extended life expectancy.
  • Good Flexibility. Hot water cylinders are available for purchase with future proofing in mind. They can be solar ready, wetback ready, or suited to hot water heat pumps. Allowing for greater adaptation if/when you circumstances change or hot water demands alter. Mains pressure and low pressure options are also available.
  • External Installation. Certain types of hot water cylinders are now able to be installed outside the house, freeing up space within the home and providing easier access when servicing is needed.

What are the considerations for an electric powered hot water cylinder?

  • Slow Recovery Rates. The speed at which your hot water cylinder heats its water to temperature in an hour is referred to as its recovery rate. Electric hot water cylinders tend to have slower recovery rates than gas hot water heaters.
  • Electricity costs. It is thought hot water heating amounts to roughly a third of a household’s electricity bill. High electricity costs in New Zealand are a definite motivator for some people to look for water heating alternatives.

 

There are a wide range of hot water cylinders available! Contact Pete and the team today if you’d like a free assessment or explore our different hot water solutions. 

 

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How do I drain a hot water cylinder?

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The unthinkable has happened, you have opened the cupboard where your hot water cylinder is located, and you notice that it is leaking.

Worse still, it’s late in the evening and the chance of getting a qualified tradesman in to fix the problem is next to nil. So what can you do as first aid to stop the cylinder leaking so that you aren’t going to deal with a major flood as the tank empties itself into your house?

 

Actually, the best and fastest fix is to drain your cylinder, and just follow these instructions to temporarily solve the problem before the Plumber can get there and assess what needs to happen next.

1. Isolate the power to the hot water cylinder. The easiest way of doing this is to turn the power switch off to the tank, or if you are feeling super technical, turn the fuse switch to the off location at the power board in your house which will isolate the circuit.

2. Turn off the tap. Technically called the “cold feed” that fills the hot water cylinder with cold water to be heated. This is found around the cylinder somewhere, usually at the bottom, and this means that the tank isn’t going to keep on filling up with cold water and adding to the problem.

3. Turn on every hot water tap tap in the house and drain the tank. Once you have turned off and isolated the power, stopped the tank filling with new cold water, the last step is to turn on every tap in the house and drain the cylinder, and this means that the leak will stop. This can take a while to drain depending on the size of the cylinder, but keep them on until the water stops.

It may pay you to throw a couple of towels down to pick up any water that may be around the area, but at least the initial problem of a leaking hot water cylinder has been temporarily solved.

Contact us and we can organize a local plumber for a free assessment 

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