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Pressure Temperature Relief Valve Running
Normal Operation
It is normal and desirable for the PTR valve to allow a small quantity of water to escape during the
heating cycle, however there may be a problem if the valve continuously dribbles more than a bucket full
of water in a normal 24 hour cycle.
Continuous dribble
Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds (refer to
“Pressure Temperature
Relief Valve” on page 7). This may dislodge a small particle of foreign matter and clear the fault.
Release the lever gently.
Steady flows for long periods (often at night)
This may indicate the mains water pressure sometimes rises above the designed pressure of the solar
water heater. Ask your installing plumber to fit a pressure limiting valve.
Warning:
Never use reconditioned relief valves and never replace the relief valve with one of a
higher pressure rating.
Heavy flows of hot water until the solar water heater is cold - then stops until water reheats
The solar control unit
must
be switched off at the power outlet. Phone Aquamax Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
Expansion Control Valve Running
If an expansion control valve is fitted in the cold water line to the solar water heater, it may discharge a small
quantity of water instead of the solar water heaters pressure temperature relief valve. This has the benefit of
conserving energy as the discharged water is cooler
(refer to the “Cold Water Supply Plumbing
Arrangement” diagram on page 21 for expansion control valve location).
Gas Booster Operating Too Frequently
You may find that the gas booster operates more frequently than expected. This will occur when the solar
heated water temperature is lower than the preset outlet temperature setting of the gas booster. This may be
experienced during periods of low solar energy gain or if there has been heavy hot water usage.
Collector Glass Breakage
The Aquamax warranty
DOES NOT
cover breakage of solar collector glass. Check to ensure your household
insurance policy covers solar collector glass breakage.
Warning:
No attempt should be made to remove or replace broken solar collector glass.
The solar collector glass is not available as a replacement part. Contact Aquamax Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent if the solar collector requires replacement.
Noise from the Solar Collectors
This solar water heater has high performance selective surface solar collectors. When the solar storage
cylinder is full of hot water, the circulator will turn off. The water in the solar collectors will continue to gain
heat and increase in pressure when solar energy is still available.
When a hot tap is opened, this pressure is released and the high temperature water may turn to steam
creating a sudden and loud rumbling noise and even a rattling or banging noise of the collectors against the
roof cladding material. This results from the combination of the high level of solar radiation and the water in
the solar storage cylinder being at its maximum temperature and is not caused by a fault with the solar water
heater.
Higher Than Expected Gas Bills
With the installation of your new solar water heater, maximum energy savings can be achieved with careful
planning of hot water usage. Check the following points if your gas bill is higher than expected:
Is the relief valve running excessively?
Refer to
“Pressure Temperature Relief Valve Running” on page 12).
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think?
Refer to
“Not Enough Hot Water” on page 11.