hot water tank

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kaboom

77 posts

Master Geek

#32206 16-Apr-2009 10:00

hi all,
my hot water tank isnt heating water properly. does anyone know if just turning the Temperature pressure valve should adjust the temperature ??

i would have just called a plumber but after a few calls i got the impression that theres more chances of me finding significant life on Mars than to get a plumber to come and adjust the temperature of the hot water tank.

thanks in advance.

boby55

1539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#207244 16-Apr-2009 10:27

If it is not heating properly, chances are you are looking at a new one.

Yes turning the heat should work for a bit, but this is going to cost you more in power and if your tank is dieing your going to need to replace it in the long run.

kaboom

77 posts

Master Geek

#207247 16-Apr-2009 10:37

i have had the tank for about 10 years now. whats the average lifespan of these things ???

also what do i look for while shopping for a new tank ??

ta.

boby55

1539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#207248 16-Apr-2009 10:46

Reading on the internet,

If you flush it every few months it should last up to 15 years, if not 7-10 years.

IMO your best bet would be to get a plumber to come look at it, it may be a simple fix who knows

Edit: Oh BTW there is a legal limit on how hot your water can be now anyway. We had this problem when repairing our tank. the plumber could not work on it until the restrictor was put on, (I don't know if this was a local by-law or weither its nation wide)

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#207250 16-Apr-2009 10:50

kaboom: hi all,
my hot water tank isnt heating water properly. does anyone know if just turning the Temperature pressure valve should adjust the temperature ??

i would have just called a plumber but after a few calls i got the impression that theres more chances of me finding significant life on Mars than to get a plumber to come and adjust the temperature of the hot water tank.

thanks in advance.

You should not have to replace a tank that is only 10 years old, unless it is leaking or corroded, all of the parts are replaceable,

I am confused about what you are turning there are 2 things that could adjust your final temperature at a shower or other mixer,

1) The thermostat ( this is the thing inside the round housing that sets the termperature of the element, it will have a temperature gradient on it)

2) The pressure valves, (letting out more water will make things at a mixer appear warmer)

Valves tend to not fail,

Electrical things that can fail are the thermostat, or the element, both are fairly easy to replace, but probably require a plumber/sparky.

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#207251 16-Apr-2009 10:54

Temp pressure valve?? Do you mean the thermostat or the tempering valve perhaps? Is it mains pressure, and is it electric or gas?

Check around the heating element if it is electric to see if it feels hot ( dont electrocute yourself), if it feels hot then chances are your tempering valve (the thing that regulates the temperature coming out of the cylinder) may have failed as these things crap out regularly, you can also check to see if the hot water inlet to the tempering valve is hot as another check of the valve.

You can replace these yourself (although probably not legally) just amke sure you have thread tape to wrap around the new one.