Hot water problems? Call us for fast hot water maintenance and repair assistance.
We are the Northern Beaches’ hot water repair and replacement specialists. Below are recent projects we’ve completed for Northern Beaches clients to ensure they continue to enjoy trouble-free hot water.
Leaking gas hot water system repair and replacement service.
A Northern Beaches customer contacted us regarding a leak in their old Thermann gas hot water system. The customer had noticed a small leak for some time but had hoped the issue would resolve itself. Unfortunately, this rarely happens.
Many people only realise their hot water system is leaking when they start running out of hot water. In this case, the Mona Vale customer noticed the problem when their showers became longer, and they ran out of hot water more frequently. That’s when they called us for help. John arranged to visit the Brookvale townhouse the following day to address the issue.
Why Do Hot Water Systems Leak?
One of the most common causes of leaks is corrosion in the water heater’s internal tank. Over time, minerals in the water can create small holes or cracks, leading to leaks. Early detection can prevent these problems, which is why we recommend having your hot water system serviced every five years to catch potential issues before they cause major breakdowns or tank bursts.
In this case, the leak was caused by corrosion in the tank.
When John arrived on-site, he confirmed that the customer’s old Thermann water heater was in poor condition, with corrosion leading to the leak. Unfortunately, once a water heater starts leaking due to corrosion, repair is often not feasible. Modern hot water systems are not designed for tank replacement or repair, so installing a new system is the only solution.
John discussed replacement options with the customer, who opted for a Rheem Stellar gas hot water system (model: 850360).
The Rheem Stellar is a high-performance water heater, known for its energy efficiency and rapid hot water recovery. With a 5-star energy efficiency rating, it helps reduce gas bills. It offers a recovery rate of 200 litres per hour and a 360-litre first-hour capacity, meaning less wait time between showers and the ability to run multiple taps without a drop in pressure.
Common reasons for water heater leaks
- Corroded Water Heater Tank: Over time, minerals in the water can corrode the tank, leading to leaks. Regular servicing every five years can help detect corrosion before it causes leaks.
Leaking Pressure Relief Valve (PRV): This valve is a safety feature that releases excess pressure from the tank to prevent ruptures. A malfunctioning PRV can cause leaks. The PRV opens to release water when the internal pressure exceeds safe levels, usually around 150 psi, depending on the model. - Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve): Similar to the PRV, this valve releases water when the temperature or pressure becomes too high. A faulty TPR valve can also cause leaks.
Old Age: Hot water systems, like all appliances, have a limited lifespan. As they age, they become more prone to leaks. In some cases, repairs are possible, but replacement may be the only viable option if the system is too old. - Sediment Build-Up: Minerals in the water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, causing corrosion and weakening the structure, which leads to leaks. Anode rods, which prevent rust, typically last 3.5 to 5 years. Regular anode replacement can prolong the life of your hot water system and prevent leaks.
- Loose Pipes or Fittings: Pipes, fittings, and valves can loosen over time, leading to leaks. If you’re not comfortable tightening them yourself, give us a call for assistance.
- Damage to the Tank or Cylinder: Physical damage, either from external impacts or internal pressure, can cause leaks.
- Internal Component Failure: Components like the heating element or the tank’s lining can wear out or malfunction, leading to leaks. The heating element, located inside the tank, is responsible for warming the water, and it’s controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating.
- External Condensation: In humid environments, condensation can form on the outside of the tank, which might be mistaken for a leak. If you suspect condensation, wipe the area and monitor it to see if the moisture reappears.
If you’re unsure or concerned about a leak, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice. We’re here to help.
Heat pump repairs and replacement service
We were recently contacted by a customer in Terrey Hills whose old Rheem heat pump had developed a leak. After inspecting the system at the Northern Beaches property, it was clear that the existing heat pump was beyond repair and needed to be replaced. The customer, who had been satisfied with the energy efficiency and low running costs of their previous system, was eager for a similar solution.
We provided several replacement options, and the customer chose the Rheem Ambiheat 270-litre heat pump (HDc270 | model: 551270). The Rheem Ambiheat is known for its advanced technology and outstanding performance, offering a reliable hot water supply while keeping energy consumption and environmental impact to a minimum.
Proudly designed and manufactured in Australia, the Rheem Ambiheat won the Canstar Blue Innovation Excellence Award for Home Appliances in 2023.
Older hot water systems can become prone to leaks and inefficiencies, which not only drive up energy bills but also lead to more frequent repairs. Leaks, in particular, are a sign of potential system damage, reducing performance over time. Upgrading to the Rheem Ambiheat Heat Pump 270L was a smart, long-term decision for these homeowners. With its cutting-edge features, durability, and energy-saving design, the new heat pump offers a dependable solution for any household’s hot water needs.
Within a few hours, the customer was enjoying efficient, trouble-free hot water once again with their new Rheem heat pump.
Water heater replacement with energy efficient instanteous gas hot water system
We recently received a call from a customer in Warriewood who was frequently running out of hot water. Their existing water heater simply didn’t have the capacity to meet the increasing demands of their growing household. We quickly arranged a service visit for the next day.
Upon arriving at the Northern Beaches property, it became evident that their old 135-litre Everhot gas water heater was insufficient for a family of five adults — mum, dad, and their three teenagers.
After assessing their hot water needs, we discussed suitable replacement options, and the customer chose the Rheem Metro 26 instantaneous hot water system.
With a 6-star energy rating, the new gas continuous flow system offers excellent performance, quality, and value for money. Designed for households with 2 to 2.5 bathrooms and up to five people, the Rheem Metro 26 delivers 26 litres of continuous hot water, ensuring the family will no longer experience shortages.
In addition to reliable performance, the Rheem gas system provides peace of mind with a 10-year cylinder warranty*, 3 years of labour warranty on the cylinder*, and a 1-year parts and labour warranty on all other components for domestic installations.
Another bonus of switching to a wall-mounted instantaneous gas system was the extra space they gained by removing the old tank from the side patio.
*Warranty conditions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Removing a solar hot water system from your roof.
We recently received a call from a customer in Cromer who was preparing to have their roof tiles painted. They had an old, non-functional Rheem rooftop solar hot water system that needed to be removed before the painters arrived. The customer reached out to us, and we were able to come by the next day to safely take it down.
Whether you need to remove, relocate, or reinstall a rooftop solar hot water system, we’ve got you covered.
As local specialists in solar hot water installation, we have the tools and expertise to safely and efficiently remove any rooftop solar hot water system. Our custom-designed equipment ensures a fast and seamless process, whether it’s for installation or removal.
With more Northern Beaches homes and businesses switching to solar electricity, we are frequently called upon to relocate solar hot water systems, allowing homeowners to make room for additional solar panels.
If you’re having your roof painted, we can disconnect and temporarily remove your rooftop solar hot water system, then reinstall it once the work is complete.
Don’t leave an inoperable solar hot water system on your roof.
Surprisingly, we often find homes with broken solar hot water systems still sitting on the roof. This happens because many plumbers lack the expertise to deal with rooftop solar and recommend switching to electric or gas hot water instead. Without the proper equipment, they leave the old system behind.
Leaving an unused solar hot water system on your roof can be hazardous. Since it’s not in use, it often goes unchecked and unnoticed, which can lead to potential safety risks.
Rooftop solar hot water systems are heavy, and over time, the equipment securing them can deteriorate. If this happens, the system may become unstable, increasing the risk of it sliding off the roof or having parts come loose in strong winds.
Relocating your existing solar hot water system.
If your rooftop solar hot water system is in good working condition, we can relocate it to another area on your roof, freeing up space for new solar panels.
If your system is aging or you’re looking to upgrade to a larger storage tank or switch to electric hot water, we can remove the old unit and install a new one.
Ask us about available government rebates in your area when you upgrade to an energy-efficient hot water system.
Local Northern Beaches Hot Water Maintenance
No hot water? Running out of hot water? Want to upgrade to a more energy efficient water heater? Our trucks are on the road right now, stocked with thousands of spare parts and replacement hot water heaters, ready to get you back enjoying trouble free hot water quickly. Based in Warriewood, we offer Northern Beaches residents and businesses a fast and reliable hot water repair and replacement service.
Questions? Call to speak to a hot water specialist now for advice you can trust. Note: We don’t use call centres – you’ll speak to a licensed and highly experienced hot water specialist.