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Are you using more hot water than you think?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think?
Very often it is not realised the amount of hot water used, particularly when showering. Carefully review
the family’s hot water usage. As you have installed an energy saving appliance, energy saving should
also be practised in the home. Adjust your water usage pattern to take advantage of maximum solar gains.
Have a plumber install a flow control valve to each shower outlet to reduce water usage.
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Thermostat setting
Ensure the thermostat setting is appropriate. You may choose to have a licensed electrical worker adjust
the thermostat upwards to gain additional hot water capacity when boosting. Refer to
on page 13.
Warning:
Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury.
WATER NOT HOT ENOUGH
You may find that due to heavy hot water usage or low solar energy gain the water temperature may be lower
than normally expected. Ensure the booster is being used as advised. If a timer is installed, you will need to
carefully plan your use of the booster heating unit to boost the water temperature on such occasions.
A lower water temperature may be noticed in the morning when the booster heating unit has not been
energised overnight. This in particular may be experienced during periods of low solar energy gain, or if there
has been heavy hot water usage the previous night.
If higher temperature water is required, particularly in the morning, then use of the booster heating unit is
necessary to raise the temperature of the water in the top section of the cylinder.
If the water heater is connected to an Off-Peak (overnight) electricity supply, then switching to an Extended
Off-Peak (overnight and day) supply should be considered. If a timer is being utilised, then a timed boost period
in the afternoon prior to the evening usage should be considered.
Refer to
on page 14.
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE OR EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE RUNNING
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Normal Operation
It is normal and desirable the temperature pressure relief valve or
expansion control valve (if fitted) allows a quantity of water to escape
during the heating cycle. This quantity should be equal to approximately
1/50 of the hot water used, as water expands by this volume when
heated. However, if it discharges more than a bucket full of water in
24 hours, there may be another problem.
The expansion control valve (if fitted) will discharge water instead of the
temperature pressure relief valve as it has a lower pressure rating. A
benefit is that energy is conserved as the discharged water is cooler.
This valve is installed in the cold water line to the water heater (refer to
the
on page 46).
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Continuous dribble
Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds
(refer to
on page 8). This may dislodge a small particle
of foreign matter and clear the fault. Release the lever gently.
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Steady flows for long period (often at night)
This may indicate the mains water pressure sometimes rises above the designed pressure of the water
heater. Ask your installing plumber to fit a pressure limiting valve.
Warning:
Never replace the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating.
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Heavy flows of hot water from the temperature pressure relief valve until water heater is cold -
then stops until water reheats
The water heater
must
be switched off at the isolating switch or switchboard. Phone your nearest Solahart
Dealer to arrange for an inspection.
