Temperatures in Australia tend to drop drastically during the winters. Almost every modern house today has a separate hot water system. If you observe the plumbing system in your house a bit more closely, you will realise that there are two sets of pipes connecting to every plumbing fixture. Obviously, these pipes are not visible to the naked eye; they are installed between the walls and connect to the boiler as well as the main water tank installed above. However, hot water systems and boilers are prone to a series of different problems.
Modern boilers are generally powered by either electricity or natural gas. Solar powered water heaters have also become popular in many parts of Australia. These heaters have separate batteries where electricity is stored after being converted. However, almost all types of boilers are susceptible to breakdowns and issues after a few months.
Most homeowners don’t have a clue about properly maintaining their hot water systems. They leave the boilers turned off throughout the summers, and turn them on in full blast as soon as the first signs of winter arrive. The boiler isn’t designed to handle such loads without proper servicing and maintenance. As a result, it’s very likely to break down. If you want uninterrupted hot water in Perth, you need to know a thing or two about the common issues that can arise with your boiler. Smaller issues are easy to fix, and you don’t even need to call a heating engineer for it. However, there are certain major problems that might require you to call in a professional. Here are some basic issues that can arise with your hot water plumbing system:
Thermostat Malfunction
The thermostat sensor is located inside the tank and is designed to measure the temperature of the water. As soon as the water heats up to the required degree, the thermostat sends a signal and the pilot shuts off. Both natural gas and electrical water heaters have thermostats installed. In almost every case, an issue with the thermostat means that you will need to get it replaced. You should call in a professional heating engineer to inspect the boiler and then replace the thermostat.
Burst Pipes
In case there’s a leakage or a burst pipe, the pressure of hot water in the pipes will decrease drastically. It’s difficult to determine the source of the leakage exactly. If you can figure out the point of leakage on your own, you can shut off the mains and get a new section of the pipe installed. Burst pipes can also cause serious plumbing problems if they aren’t replaced quickly. Water from the pipe will settle in small pockets in the walls, and can eventually lead to the growth of mould in your house, which can not only be bothersome, but problematic and dangerous.
If you can’t figure out the issue on your own, you shouldn’t tamper with it. Call a professional heating engineer and set an appointment. You might end up exacerbating the problem, which could increase your repair costs.