Solar Hot Water Systems Repairs

Common Problems of Solar-Powered Hot Water Systems

If you are a new owner of a solar-powered water heater, it is best to familiarise yourself with how the device works and the issues frequently encountered. Based on our professional experience, the following are common problems affecting solar hot water systems:

• Sediment buildup – Clogging is one of the most common plumbing emergencies in homes. For hot water systems and pipes, sediment buildup is the usual factor behind this problem. Mineral deposits, dirt and other debris get stuck up the system or pipes and eventually cause blockage. 
• Corrosion, scaling and deterioration – Ageing solar-powered hot water units can suffer from damage caused by corrosion, scaling and general deterioration. It is common for water heaters to experience this in areas where there is hard water. Most hot water systems typically last between 10-15 years. Calcium deposits in this water can build up inside the system and result in leaks, failures and inefficiency.
• Water or heat transfer fluid leaking – Like most hot water system types, solar water heaters are not exempted from suffering from water or heat transfer fluid leaks. Leaking of this kind can cause damage to the system hardware caused by the deterioration of the solar thermal collector.
• Freezing – Winter can be cruel to any appliance or system on any property. Freezing can cause irreparable and costly damage to both water heater and pipes.Our  hot water plumbers recommend homeowners use their hydronic solar water heater’s anti-freeze heat transfer fluid during cold months. On fully water-based systems, owners can set their units to drain automatically to prevent water from freezing and causing pipes to burst. Units already suffering from frozen pipes should be left in the hands of a professional Melbourne plumber.
• No hot water – Wear and tear can cause hot water systems to lose their efficiency. Several factors contribute to this issue, including leaks, breakages and other damages. When there’s not enough hot water or there’s no hot water coming out of the faucet or showerhead, it is time to call a highly skilled 24hr emergency plumber.
• Infestation – Insects and other pests making a home in the solar-powered hot water system is not uncommon believe it or not. Though a less frequently experienced issue, a colony of ants can cause significant damage to the water heater. Regular inspection and having a pest control expert can help prevent and fix this issue.
• Noisy heaters and system components – A loud water heater is no longer common in households and commercial spaces. Due to technological advancements, units have gone quieter through the years. However, there are cases where solar-powered hot water systems can make loud noises. It usually has something to do with the unit’s tempering valve or solar hot water controller. A well-trained emergency plumber can help diagnose and provide the best resolution behind this noise.

What is the Lifespan of a Solar Water Heater?

Homeowners are investing in solar-powered hot water units not only to lessen their environmental impact. These owners also want a long-lasting and dependable water heater. For those wondering how long the lifespan of solar water heaters is, it usually lasts for an average of 15- 20 years. However, we highly recommend regular maintenance for any water heater type to achieve its expected lifespan. 

How do I Reset my Solar Hot Water System?

Resetting a solar-powered water heater depends on the brand and model. The best thing you can do is to check the unit’s manual on the recommended way to reset a system. However, it usually involves flipping a switch or pushing a button in most solar hot water systems. For units that require a hard reset, it is best to work with an experienced and skilled hot water plumber.

How to Fix a Leaking Solar Water Heater?

A leaking solar-powered hot water system can spell disaster for the house’s roof. Old and rusted parts, holes in pipes or tanks and loose valve fittings are common causes behind this leaking. Due to the damage, our emergency plumbing service experts recommend quickly resolving it. The following steps can help repair a leaking solar water heater:

1. Identify the problem – Finding the leak is the first order of business. It is fairly easy to locate large leaks but it could be a challenge to find small leaks. It is best to look through every component of the system, from the valves to pipes and the water tank.
2. Turn off all power systems – Experts recommend shutting off all connected power systems before DIY-ing a hot water system issue. 
3. Check the valves for leaks – Leaks in the solar-powered water heater usually happen in one of its valves. If one of them appears loose, tightening the components usually does the job of stopping this issue. 
4. Run the water taps – After checking that all fittings are tightly connected, you should run the water taps to check if there are still leaks.

If all those fail to address the problem, it is best to have a hot water plumber take over.