Plumbing Information

No Hot Water
Hot Water Safety
Gas Solutions
Gas Leaks
New Building Tips
Bathroom Renovation
Noisy Plumbing

NO HOT WATER - ELECTRIC HOT WATER HEATERS

Yes… It always happens at the worst possible time. Jump into the Monday morning shower and the water temperature changes rapidly from luke warm to cold and your mood moves with it.

What Is Happening?

It could be one of the following if it is "Out of the Ordinary":

The Power Supply

Your power provider may have a problem with the power supply to your hot water cylinder.

Your power supply company controls the electricity to your hot water heater. This is called "Controlled Tariff" or "Ripple Control". This is used to cut off the power to your hot water heater at peak load times. After you get over your cold shower, and in all cases when you have no hot water, it is worth while to first contact your power provider and request a tariff control check as it may be a fault which they are responsible for. This check may save the cost of a plumber call out charge. (Who may inform you there is no fault with your hot water heater).

Your Hot Water Heater

There may be a fault with the heating element, thermostat or tempering valve, if there is one fitted.

If you have confirmed from your power provider that it is not a power supply problem then there is a strong chance that the fault is with the hot water heater element, thermostat or tempering valve (if installed). It is now time to contact a registered plumber to discuss the best options to help you solve your problem.

Please Note: Sometimes a registered electrician may be required, our registered plumbers will be able to organise this for you.

Guests Staying

Extra load has been placed on the hot water supply though guests staying.

An all too common reason for a lack of hot water. If chosen and installed correctly, domestic water heaters are suitable for most family situations but will have difficulty providing for a high demand of hot water over a short period of time. E.g. More than three or four showers in 30 minutes. If guests are staying for an extended time then it would be wise to think about how your hot water is used and work around times of high demand.

It may be one of the following if you have been experiencing problems on a "Regular Basis":

1. The water heater may not be of sufficient size for the households needs.

This problem is similar to having guests stay however there are some options worth discussing with a registered plumber.

Upgrading to a water heater with a capacity more suitable to your requirements.

Installing flow restrictors in the showers will substantially increase the amount of hot water available.

Installing a tempering valve will not only keep your hot water at a safe 55°C but will extend the amount of hot water you have stored.

2. Excessive discharge from the relief valves or leaking taps or plumbing.

Contact a registered plumber if you have any leaking taps or excessive water discharging from your hot water cylinder over flow pipe. Both of these problems can cost between $5.00 to $10.00 per month in extra electricity charges.

HOT WATER SAFETY

KEEP YOUR FAMILY OUT OF HOT WATER

Everyday, on average, in New Zealand a child is treated at hospital after being scalded by hot household water that is too hot.

Young children, especially toddlers, are most at risk. They are mostly scalded in the bathroom - under the hot bath tap, in a bath already filled with hot water, or at the basin tap.

Why? Because the majority of New Zealand homes have hot water coming from their taps which can burn a child's skin in one second.

So What is a Safer Temperature?

A safer temperature for hot water coming from the tap is 55°C. At this temperature a serious burn to a child's skin will take about 10 seconds. Even safer is 50°C. This allows about a minute before a serious burn occurs.

Is your hot water too hot? Try the "wrist test" - but be careful!

Children's skin (and the elderly) is far more fragile than adult skin and burns more quickly. The skin on your wrist is most like a young child's skin. A simple way to tell if your tap water may be too hot is to run it over the inside of your wrist. If you need to pull your wrist away within a few seconds you probably need to reduce your hot water temperature.

The best way to protect your family from household hot water scalds is to make sure your hot water comes out of the tap at a safe temperature. If you feel your hot water is currently too hot, you can make it safer in 1 of 2 ways.

OPTION 1 - RECOMMENDED

Install a tempering valve (generally considered the safest long term option).

As hot water leaves your hot water cylinder, a tempering valve mixes in cold water. This means it reaches your taps at a safer temperature. The main advantage of the tempering valve is that it can deliver hot water to all your hot water outlets at 55°C, reducing the likelihood of scalding throughout your home.

A tempering value will allow you to store hot water at a higher temperature, helping you stretch your hot water supply, and in turn save power. Installing a tempering valve is also the best solution if you have a "wetback" system.

Note: Since 1993, most new homes (and existing homes which have added new showers, baths or hand basins) will have had a tempering valve installed in order to comply with the NZ Building Code. The requirement states that household hot water must be stored at 60°C plus, but delivered at the tap at a safer 55°C (maximum). A tempering valve costs around $200 - $400 to fit. However, there can be some problems in homes depending on the situation and certain kinds of shower mixers. For further information, contact your nearest Chesters branch for a recommended plumber.

OPTION 2

Temperature limiting taps and shower mixers - check to see if yours can be adjusted.

Some single lever taps and shower mixers can limit the temperature of the hot water delivered. To see if your existing taps or mixers have this capability, phone Chesters with the brand of tap for verification. You will probably need a plumber's help to set them correctly.

If you are thinking of replacing your taps or shower mixer consider buying a brand with this capability, especially if your home has no tempering valve fitted. Remember that other taps in your home may still be too hot.

Follow some simple hot water safety rules - but remember, your WHOLE family will need to do them EVERY TIME.

When filling the bath, always run cold water first, then add hot water to a safe temperature.

Always test the bath temperature using the inside of your wrist before putting your child in.

Always supervise young children in the bath (and bathroom). Never leave them alone or in the care of slightly older children. If you need to answer the door or telephone, take your child with you.

Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use. Make sure your child can't get to the hot taps when you're not there.

FIRST AID FOR BURNS:
Place the burn under slowly running cold water (or other cold liquid) FOR AT LEAST 15-20 MINUTES.

Call your doctor.

Remember the Rule: SECONDS TO BURN, 20 MINUTES TO COOL.

GAS SOLUTIONS

Our vision is to take the mystique out of gas and to keep the process simple - that's our commitment to you. We will walk you through the entire process helping you make it hassle free.

We would like to emphasize that Chesters is one of Auckland's leading Gas specialists - whether you're renovating your pride and joy or building a new home. Gas is the answer for both... and we'll help you find the solution to suit your lifestyle requirements.

GAS LEAKS

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

Act at once, gas leaks can be dangerous.

IF THE SMELL OF GAS IS DETECTED AROUND A GAS APPLIANCE:

Turn the appliance off. If you still smell gas turn off the supply at the meter or the cylinder.

Open the doors and windows to ventilate the area.

Do not operate any electrical appliances or switches - leave them as they are.

Make sure there are no flames that can cause an explosion. Do not smoke.

Call a registered gasfitter from a telephone AWAY FROM THE GAS LEAK, who will check the installation.

IF YOUR GAS IS SUPPLIED BY A PIPE FROM THE STREET

The gas can be turned off outside the house at the meter. The valve on the service pipe requires only a quarter turn to move from "on" to "off". A spanner may be needed to turn the valve off.

IF YOU USE LPG SUPPLIED FROM A CYLINDER

The flow can be turned off by screwing down the valve on top of the cylinder. If you have more than one cylinder, all the valves will have to be closed to shut off the supply.

IF THE SMELL IS DETECTED IN THE GARDEN OR OUT ON THE STREET

Vacate the area.

Contact your gas retailer.

Ring the gas emergency number which is in the front of the telephone book.

Keep flames, cigarettes and electrical equipment away from the area.

Make sure you and all the occupants of the house know how to shut off the gas supply - you never know when an emergency might occur.

ALL GAS APPLIANCES SHOULD BE CHECKED BY A REGISTERED GASFITTER ANNUALLY

Don't forget, just like other equipment, your gas appliances need servicing - contact us for a recommended registered gas fitter now!

NEW BUILDING TIPS

Building new and managing your own building site can be a very stressful time. You will make more decisions, talk to more people, write more cheques and gain more wrinkles, than you ever thought possible! Oh sorry, I forgot to mention filing for divorce ten times as well.

It's not quite that bad, but it does put the pressure on. However there is an answer "Organisation".

You will succeed if you organise everything. No! Not just the building project, I mean everything. The builder, the weather, the subcontractors, the cat, telecom, the kids and work, that place you go to so you can write more cheques, and yes, the kitchen sink.

Start Early

Plumbing is an area which can be decided on fairly early on in the project. The plans are detailed for the purpose which means the bathroom, kitchen and laundry fittings can be and should be chosen and quoted on before you start on site. The toilet pans for example need to be chosen before the concrete floor is poured and the shower mixers are installed in the timber frame before any wall linings are fixed. So don’t wait until the plumber explains he can’t continue until these things are sorted out.

Chesters showrooms and our consultants are knowledgeable and experienced in the procedure.

The Quotes

Use the product description on the finalised quotes as your specification list. Give this to the builder and plumber so they are aware of the plumbing fittings you wish to have installed. This will save confusion, which often happens on site.

You Will Need a Plumber

Chesters can help you find a plumber skilled in new work. Feel free to contact your nearest Chesters branch for a referral.

They Don't Make It Like They Used To

How many times have you heard this saying? It certainly relates to the plumbing industry. Tapware installed in New Zealand homes in the 50's and 60's is still going strong today with parts readily available, from a new tap washer to a complete reconditioning. This will not be the case for a large part of the cheaper tapware imported into New Zealand.

The durability and performance from this low cost end of the market is in question. This product will have difficulty meeting the long term expectations of the purchaser.

The irony is that good quality tapware and plumbing fittings don't have to cost the earth. An increased investment of around 30% to purchase well known and proven tapware will ensure satisfaction.

Check the market out before you purchase and the warranty offered should be a major part in your decision making.

Child Safety First

Heated towel rails, particularly chrome-plated models, can reach high enough temperatures to burn sensitive skin. Most are installed at child height.

Your electrician can install an adjustable switch similar to a light dimmer to bring the temperature down to a safe level.

Make sure all grates are installed on the drains and stormwater chambers, as these are full of water and extremely dangerous for toddlers.

BATHROOM RENOVATION TIPS

So you have decided to renovate your bathroom. A great investment. Not only will you enjoy the looks and performance of your new bathroom but you will increase the value and appeal of your home.

The following tips are designed to help you through the maze of decisions you will make during your bathroom renovation.

You Will Need a Plumber

Chesters can help you find a plumber skilled in renovation work. Feel free to contact your nearest Chesters branch.

Mains or Low Pressure Hot Water?

This is one of the most important decisions you will make before you remodel your bathroom. After choosing the plumber, find out if your present hot water system is low or mains pressure.

If you have a low pressure hot water cylinder, now is the time to consider upgrading to a mains pressure system.

The main points are:

1. A large proportion (around 90%) of single lever tapware on today’s market are only suitable for mains pressure.

2. Mains pressure provides superior performance particularly in the shower.

3. Mains pressure reduces the temperature variations in the shower, which is an inherent problem with most low pressure systems.

4. The shower performance upstairs in two storyed homes is significantly increased.

5. Your low pressure hot water cylinder may be nearing the end of its working life so it is advisable to upgrade at this point. Talk this over with your plumber.

Choose Your Fittings Before You Start

With such a large range of products on the New Zealand market today, it pays to choose the type and style of bathroom fittings before your builder holds a demolition party in your bathroom.

This also helps the plumber with the information he requires to set out and plan ahead for installation.

Take your plans and ideas to your nearest Chesters showroom and our experienced showroom consultants will help and guide you through this important stage.

They Don't Make It Like They Used To

The durability and performance from this low cost end of the market is in question. This product will have difficulty meeting the long term expectations of the purchaser.

The irony is that good quality tapware and plumbing fittings don't have to cost the earth. An increased investment of around 30% to purchase well known and proven tapware will ensure satisfaction.

Check the market out before you purchase and the warranty offered should be a major part in your decision making.

Child Safety First

Heated towel rails, particularly chrome plated models, can reach high enough temperatures to burn sensitive skin. Most are installed at child height. Your electrician can install an adjustable switch similar to a light dimmer to bring the temperature down to a safe level.

NOISY PLUMBING

Banging-Gurgling-Screaming-Tapping-Vibrating

These are the words we hear when people describe plumbing noises. Noisy plumbing can be very annoying but here’s the good news: 99% of the time.

It can be fixed

Your plumber has had experiences with all of these problems and is the right person to solve them.

Don’t put up with it for too long as it can place extra strain on your plumbing system. In most cases it can be remedied without a major cost and will help those sleepless nights listening to the shower drip or the tap turn on and off downstairs.

More Technical Information On Water Hammer….

What is Water Hammer?

Water Hammer (pounding or knocking noises and vibration) occurs when a column of non-compressible liquid, flowing through a pipeline at a given pressure and velocity, is stopped abruptly. A high intensity pressure wave travels back and forth through the pipe at approximately 4000 feet per second (1,220 meters per second) until the energy is dissipated. The shock wave can climb to between 300 and 600 psi (2000 to 4000 kpa), going higher with increasing pressure and flow rate.

"FLOW PRESSURE", "FLOW VELOCITY", "VALVE SHUT-OFF SPEED" and the length of pipe from point of valve closure to point of relief (large diameter pipe) are the factors which contribute to water hammer.

Water hammer can be annoying, impossible to locate and costly in damage to pipe fittings, valves and the plumbers’ patience and chargeable hours.

What can be done?

"Flow Pressure"

As water hammer is directly proportional to pressure, the use of an adjustable pressure limiting valve on the main supply can be used to adjust the pressure to a point where the water hammer ceases, hopefully at a pressure which is still serviceable. Europeans set their domestic line pressure at 300 kpa. This pressure will drive all single lever and shower massage, etc, very successfully.

"Flow Velocity"

The speed at which water is travelling — L.P.M. (litres per minute) is another key factor. Water hammer is more likely if a valve shuts down a flow at 30 LPM, than a slower flow at 6 LPM.

The use of flow regulators, which are available in different flow rates, keeps flows down to the minimum necessary for the application and will also prevent water hammer.

The following is a guide to minimum flows:

Basin 6 LPM
Shower 8 - 10 LPM
Kitchen 10 - 15 LPM

Valve Shut-off Speed

In most cases education on the closing off of single lever tapware will "work wonders". Obviously this is not possible on solenoid valves found on washing machines and dishwashers.

Water Hammer Arrestors

There are two main types of water hammer arrestors. The bladder of diaphragm type has limitations. The air pressure needs to be checked and replenished on a regular basis. The piston type has a cushion of air or gas permanently sealed in the unit and is never lost — therefore no maintenance is required. In most cases it is the best to place the arrestor as close to the shut off source as possible.

Contact Chesters for a registered plumber in your area if you require further help.