Tag: emergency plumbing tweed heads

Is your hot water system giving you trouble? 5 common issues with hot water systems

Posted on by Debbie

Tweed Heads Hot Water Systems

As the temperature drops, we all love a good hot shower. Having hot water when we need it is something we tend to take for granted, until we’re suddenly without it. Here are 6 common problems with hot water systems and how to fix them.

 

1. No hot water. 

This is the biggest and most obvious sign of a problem with your hot water system. There can be many reasons for this, from a problem with your element or your thermostat not working like it should be.

To fix this issue, check if you have power to your home (for an electric hot water system).

For a gas hot water heater, make sure your gas bottle is full and test other gas appliances in your home. It’s also worth seeing if the pilot light is lit, and relighting it.

Another remedy to this issue is to see if the strainer (inlet water filter) on your hot water system is blocked.

If these don’t solve the problem, you need to call a professional plumber.

 

2. Running out of hot water too quickly.

The number one reason for running out of hot water too fast is that your heater is too small for your household’s needs. If this is the case, you may need to upsize your system.

If you think you may have used all the hot water capacity of your tank, wait 1-2 hours and test for hot water (if peak electricity). If it’s off-peak electricity, check if you have a boost button in your meter box. 

Alternatively, it could be a malfunctioning thermostat or heating element on your hot water system that needs replacing.

 

3. Higher than normal electricity or gas bills.

Your bill may be excessive because you’ve been using more hot water than usual. It could also be a sign that your hot water system needs maintenance or that you have a water leak. Call a plumber to prevent further damage to your heater or home and save money.

 

4. A leaking hot water system.

It’s normal for your hot water system’s safety valve to drip during heating, but constant dripping could indicate a problem with the valve.

Water pooling around the hot water system or leaking from the tank can be a sign of corrosion inside or outside your tank. A leaking water tank could also lead to higher than normal electrical, gas or water bills. If you notice water leaking from your hot water system, contact your local plumber.

 

5. Dirty water coming from your hot water system.

If you are getting dirty water coming from your heater, it may be a sign of corrosion inside your tank. In this scenario, it’s likely that you’ll need to replace your element or hot water system.

 

In summary, hot water system issues are common, but most can be resolved with proper maintenance and timely repairs. If you face a problem that you can’t solve by yourself, consult a plumber, who can assist you in diagnosing the problem and recommending cost-effective solutions to get your hot water flowing again.

 

When you need help with your hot water system, Plumb-Jet & Gas-Jet plumbers and gasfitters are only a phone call away on 1300 881 902.

With obligation-free quotes, our highly qualified team have years of experience and can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.

For more information, email us on admin@plumbjet.com.au

Signs you need to call an emergency gas plumber in Tweed Heads

Posted on by Debbie

Signs you need to call an emergency gas plumber in Tweed Heads

Though natural gas provides almost 70% of Australians with cooked meals and hot showers, there is always the potential for it to go wrong; when that happens, you will need an emergency gas plumber. This can be nerve-wracking whether or not it ends up being a false alarm, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry – and to know the signs of a potential gas leak.

Our top 3 signs:

1. Use your senses

Gas is odourless, and so the smell of sulphur (routinely compared to rotten eggs) is usually added to make sure that people are aware of any faults when they arise. Carbon monoxide is never scented, however, so it’s important to regularly test your carbon monoxide detector or to purchase a new one if you need it.

You will likely be able to smell the gas at least a short while before a situation turns critical, but that doesn’t mean you can wait to address it. You might also hear a hissing sound from a burst pipe, but not always – the two in conjunction, however, is a sign of definite danger.

2. Personal symptoms

If there’s a gas leak in your home, that means there’ll be less oxygen in the air, and that can result in flu-like symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, fatigue, disorientation, and headaches. Carbon monoxide poisoning also manifests similarly, and your pets are not immune, so watch out for any changes in behaviour or any sudden spells of illness that you both share.

If you feel these symptoms and others, then you might have a gas leak, especially if they completely (or even mostly) go away when you leave the building. Even then – and even if the leak gets confirmed and fixed by a plumber – you’ll need medical attention afterwards, just in case.

3. Environmental symptoms

There are other small signs that (though they may seem innocent enough in isolation) can coalesce to mean something’s up. Outside or inside, plants fare even worse than humans or pets when it comes to a gas leak. Plants die for any number of reasons, but if this happens suddenly and without an obvious cause, it can be because the gas has blocked off their oxygen supply.

Also, if gas appliances have a differently coloured flame than normal, this can mean there is an excess of gas drowning out the oxygen needed for it to reach full power. Finally, though it might sound superstitious, it is possible to identify a leak by applying soapy water to a suspect pipe; if the water bubbles, this can indicate that the gas is escaping.

Call us today if you’re experiencing an emergency gas fault

If you think there’s a gas leak, you must turn off your gas supply valve (only if it’s safe to do so) and evacuate the building.

Plumb-Jet and Gas-Jet are available at any hour of the day (or night) to talk you through this, and can quickly send a plumber to ensure the safety of you and your family in Tweed Heads, so don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 881 902 if you need assistance.