Wednesday, September 12, 2018

When is the best time to have your stormwater drains cleared in Canberra?

This is a very common question. Unfortunately, we are mostly asked this question when we are attending to a flood emergency that has resulted from a blocked storm water drain. 

The best time to have your storm water drains cleared or checked is as soon as you think you have a problem, and in the months leading up to storm season. In Canberra, storm season runs between December and March.






What are the causes of blocked storm water drains in Canberra?

Leaves that fall on your roof in autumn will make their way into your storm water pipes through your gutters and down pipes.

Tree roots are a major issue too. Surprisingly, we find that tree roots grow all year around. They do seem to get worse around spring. Tree roots will grow through cracks in old pipes and unglued joints in new pipes.

Silt, sediment and wood chips can be washed into storm water pits, eventually filling the pit or the storm water pipes exiting the pits.

Old cement drains can collapse, and plastic drains can be squashed by the weight of soil above them, or by tree roots growing close by.

Tennis balls and toys are occasionally found in drains. If you happen to find these in your storm water pipes, I would ask your children how they got in there.

What are the first signs of blocked storm water pipes?

  • Water overflowing from gutters.
  • Water bubbling out of the joints between your storm water pipes and down pipes.
  • Storm water pits that are slow to drain.
  • Water under your house.
  • Patches of lawn that are greener than other parts of your lawn.
  • Water tanks that won't fill up.

How are storm water pipes cleared?

Normally your plumber will attend with an electric eel or water jetter.

Occasionally you can use a hose yourself to dislodge leaves and to stir up the silt.

When they get old, your drains are likely to need to be dug up and repaired.

If you have any issues with your storm water drains, we can help with advice or drain cleaning services.

For more information about our services for stormwater cleaning in Canberra click through to:
http://www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/drain-cleaning/stormwater-drains.html

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Relighting Rheem gas storage Hot Water Systems


Rheem stellar gas control valve


Most people cannot relight the Rheem Stellar gas hot water system because of one common mistake - They believe they will hear or see the pilot flame. In fact, you are not likely to hear or see the pilot flame because of its small size and location.

You will find the main GAS VALVE and PIEZO IGNITOR inside the cover at the base of the hot water system. Follow the full lighting procedure printed on the flip side of the cover. When you reach the stage of turning the thermostat up from the pilot symbol to 7 you should hear the woofing sound of the main burner when it ignites. This is how you will know if you were successful at relighting the pilot flame.

The PIEZO IGNITOR should make a clicking or a clunking sound every time you press it. Spray a little WD40 into it if it does not make a sound when you press it.

To relight the Rheem Stellar gas storage hot water system

  1. Turn the CONTROL KNOB so the PILOT symbol is at the front 
  2. Hold the CONTROL KNOB down with your left hand and keep it held down
  3. Press the PIEZO IGNITOR 20 times with your right hand (ensure it makes a sound every press)
  4. After pressing the PIEZO IGNITOR 20 times, release the CONTROL KNOB  and twist it until the number 7 is at the front. (This is when you should hear a woofing sound that is the indication that you lit the main burner which is also an indication that you have successfully relit the PILOT flame) 
  5. Once the hot water system is alight, turn the CONTROL KNOB to the desired temperature setting. The higher the number the longer you will get hot water from your taps.  

If you were unsuccessful at relighting your Rheem gas hot water system, for help or advice call 0448 844 911

We hope this easy to follow, how to guide to relight the pilot on your Rheem Stellar gas hot water heater in Canberra and Queanbeyan helps

Monday, June 8, 2015

Gas Hot Water Systems - Review Gas Storage


Review gas storage hot water systems. Know how they work- the pros and cons. Compare a storage hot water system to instantaneous / continuous flow systems.

There are two distinct types of gas hot water systems for domestic and commercial hot water installations in Canberra. These are the gas storage systems and the gas continuous flow systems (also incorrectly known as instantaneous).

Below is an explanation of how a high efficiency gas hot water system works.   You can learn about How continuous flow systems work.

How a gas hot water system works diagram 1



  1. Air for combustion is drawn into the combustion chamber (2) of the hot water heater. 
  2. Natural gas or LP gas is burnt in the combustion chamber. This creates super heated exhaust gases. 
  3. The hot exhaust gases from the combustion chamber (2) rise up through a central flue (3).  While in the central flue, some heat from the hot exhaust gases is transferred into the water in the hot water storage tank (5).
  4. Once the hot exhaust gases leave the central flue (3), the hot exhaust gases enter the exhaust shroud (4). The shroud envelops the hot water storage tank (5).
  5. More heat is transferred into the water in  the hot water storage tank (5) from the hot gases in the exhaust shroud (4).  Water in the hot water storage tank can stay hot for days without any heat input. This is because of the layer of insulation (7) between the outer casing (8) and the exhaust shroud (4).
  6. Cooler exhaust gases exit the flue terminal (6). These gases are mostly carbon dioxide and steam. 
  7. Once the water is heated, the layer of foam insulation between the outer casing  (8) and the exhaust shroud (4) will keep the hot water inside the hot water storage tank (5) hot for days without any further heat input. The continuous flow system has very little insulation and water inside goes cold very quickly.
  8. The outer casing is weather proof. It keeps moisture, dust and dirt out of the combustion chamber and exhaust shroud.  It also protects the layer of foam insulation.
  9. Cold water entering through the cold water inlet pipe (9) forces hot water out of the hot water storage tank (5)  through the hot water outlet (10) whenever a hot tap is turned on.
  10. Unlike continuous flow hot water systems, the water is always hot at the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank.  This makes them more water efficient than continuous flow gas hot water systems.
In a high efficiency gas hot water system, up to 93% of the heat in the exhaust gases is transferred into the water inside the hot water storage tank.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES of gas storage hot water systems

As a plumber I am often asked if I would choose a gas storage system or a continuous flow hot water system.

These are the pros and cons of the gas storage system.

PROS
  • Water efficient. Owners do not have to wait as long as they would for hot water when compared to gas continuous flow / instant hot water. 
  • Gas storage systems deliver 3x more hot water in the first hour than a similar sized electric hot water system.
  • Domestic gas storage systems do not require electricity.
  • They come in a huge variety of commercial hot water systems.
  • They require a small gas line and use 80% less gas than a continuous  flow system when they are on.
  • Very quick recovery if you run out of hot water. 
  • Consistent hot water temperature.
  • Can be plumbed so 75°C water goes to kitchens and laundries and 50°C water goes to ablution areas as per AS/NZ 3500.
  • Easy to repair. 
  • You will have hot water during blackouts.
  • Long life expectancy. 
  • Because of the cost of water in Canberra, the high efficiency gas storage systems are likely to be cheaper to run than continuous flow hot water systems. 
  • Water will stay hot for days without any heat input
  • Cheaper to install than continuous flow and does not require an upgrade to 20mm gas pipe.
CONS
  • They take up more space than continuous flow hot water systems.
  • They do not provide an unlimited amount of hot water per hour.
  • There are no internal high efficiency storage systems available for the domestic market.
If you would like to know more, or get help with your storage gas hot water heater in Canberra or Queanbeyan you can contact us for help.

We hope our review of gas storage hot water systems and the pros & cons helped you to properly compare them to instantaneous / continuous flow systems.



Friday, June 5, 2015

Gas hot Water Systems - Review continuous systems

Review hot water systems, Discover the pros & cons of an instant continuous flow system. Learn how they work. Compare them with gas storage hot heaters.

There are two categories of gas hot water systems for commercial hot water installations and domestic installations. They are gas continuous flow/instantaneous (instant) and gas storage systems. Below is an explanation of how a continuous flow gas hot water heater works.   You can also learn about How gas storage systems work.

Diagram 1

1. All hot taps are closed. There is no flow. The 3 litres of cold water in the heat exchanger is stone cold.  The gas burner is off.

2. A hot tap is turned on and  cold water begins to flow through the heat exchanger. The gas valve opens and the gas is ignited.  The gas flame begins heating the heat exchanger. 300ml of the original cold water in the heat exchanger comes through the hot water outlet of the system. This water is not hot enough for use.

3. A hot tap is on and cold water continues to flow into the heat exchanger.  The cold water originally in the heat exchanger is moving through the system and is taking on heat.  Although not as cold, another 300ml of the original cold water in the heat exchanger comes through the hot water outlet of the system. The water at the outlet of the system is still not hot enough for use.

Diagram 2

4. A hot tap is on and cold water continues to flow into the heat exchanger. The cold water originally in the heat exchanger is moving through the system and is taking on more heat.  Although slightly warmer,  another 300ml of the original  water in the heat exchanger comes through the hot water outlet of the system. The water at the outlet of the system is still not hot enough for use.

5. A hot tap is on and cold water continues to flow into the heat exchanger. The cold water originally in the heat exchanger is moving through the system and is taking on more heat. Although slightly  warmer again,  another 300ml of the original  water in the heat exchanger comes through the hot water  outlet of the system. The water at the outlet of the system is still not hot enough for use.

6. A hot tap is on and cold water continues to flow into the heat exchanger. The cold water originally in the heat exchanger is moving through the system. Now much  warmer, another 300ml of the original  water in the heat exchanger comes through the hot water  outlet of the system. The water at the outlet of the system is still not hot enough for use.

Diagram 3

7. A hot tap is on and cold water continues to flow into the heat exchanger. The cold water originally in the heat exchanger is moving through the system. The water is about 45 degrees  and another 300ml of the original  water in the heat exchanger comes through the hot water  outlet of the system. Although very warm, the water at the outlet of the system is still not hot enough for use.

8. A hot tap is on and cold water continues to flow into the heat exchanger. The cold water originally in the heat exchanger has completely moved through the system. The water is about 50 degrees  and another 300ml of the original  water in the heat exchanger was lost through the hot water outlet of the system. The water at the outlet of the system is  now hot enough for use. Now the hot water must travel from the outlet of the system to the tap. The hot tap is typically 2 -20m from the hot water system.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES of gas continuous Flow/Instant/instantaneous hot water systems

As a plumber I am often asked if I would choose a gas storage system or a continuous flow hot water system.  These are the Pros and cons of the gas continuous flow.

PROS
  • They produce an unlimited amount of hot water. 
  • Take up minimal space.
  • They can be installed in roof spaces and under floors.
  • Are available in indoor and outdoor models.
  • Are available in a range of sizes for different uses.
  • Models are available for commercial hot water installations.
  • Suitable for inconsistent and extremely high hot water demand such as canteens, hotels and sporting fields.
  • Rheem and Rinnai make very reliable models.
  • Better for the environment than electric hot water systems.
CONS
  • Are not very well insulated so the water inside the system looses heat very quickly. 
  • Not very water efficient. Owners have to wait longer for hot water than they would for hot water from a gas storage system. 
  • Most require a 240 volt power supply for the electronics.
  • They require  80% more gas than a gas storage system when heating- this means larger gas pipes. Sometime they require a full upgrade to the gas meter and the gas piping from the meter.
  • They are more computer than plumbing. Therefore, they are not easy to repair and can  be expensive to repair. 
  • Some brands are not very reliable.
  • Inconsistent hot water temperature.
  • They are restricted to minimum and maximum flow rates.
  • Most will only lift the temperature 25 -35°C above the incoming water temperature. 
  • You will not have hot water during blackouts.
  • Because of the cost of water in Canberra, they are more expensive  to run than high efficiency gas storage systems.  
  • They are more expensive to install.
  • Because of the electricity they use and the energy involved in treating potable water, it is likely they are not as beneficial to the environment as people expect. 

We hope this review of hot water systems and the pros & cons of instant/continuous flow systems helps you to compare them with gas storage hot water heaters.

If you would like to know more or get help with your Continuous flow gas hot water in Canberra or Queanbeyan you can contact us on 61619417










Tuesday, November 25, 2014

If you have a water leak, why use professional help?


What happens when you do not use a professional leak locating and detection service?

This is an example of what can happen when you do not check to see if your plumber has the experience, and the correct leak locating and detection equipment.

On the recommendation of the strata managers, we were called by the owner of this Canberra  unit to help find the location of a hot water leak. When we arrived we found these massive holes in the walls and under the bath.  This bathroom had been completely renovated just  6 months prior to the water leak occurring.

Damaged Wall from worker

Apparently the owner had been away for a few weeks. When she returned home she noticed condensation coming out  of the walls in two bathrooms. In a panic, she  called a plumber who had little water  leak locating experience and no water leak locating equipment.  He took tiles off and smashed holes in the walls where he thought he could hear the leak.   The plumber eventually gave up, leaving thousands of dollars worth of additional damage to the bathroom.  

When we arrived we electronically located the pipes.  We then used specialist heat locating equipment and other investigative techniques . We found that the water leak was in another room at least one meter away under the floor. We marked the spot with a blue X in front of the toilet.

Leak located

We then noted that the pipe was a meter below the tiled floor . If we were to try to access the leak through the floor at this depth we would have needed to pull up most of the floor. This would have left an additional bill in the thousands of dollars. It would also effect the structural integrity of the building.

Instead of up pulling up the floor, we accessed the pipe from outside through the brick wall. Once done the bricks could easily be replaced within a few hours.  

pipe access

Because we are also fully licensed plumbers we were able to quickly repair the pipe.

water pipes

Our invoice was a little over $1000.00.  It will cost about $330.00 to have the bricks put back in. The bill for the repairs to the bathroom walls is likely to be double that.  

If you have a water leak, call a professional with the correct equipment. Do not be afraid to ask them if they have their own leak detection and leak location equipment. It could save you a fortune. 

property layout


For more information about leak locating and detecting  in Canberra  contact 6 Star Hot Water & Plumbing on 0448 844 911





Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Plumber Canberra - No result, No charge Blocked Drain Cleaning


6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing Canberra - Our Policy

6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing Canberra offers No result, no charge sewer drain cleaning

Plumber Canberra SAME DAY- NO RESULT NO CHARGE blocked sewer drain service. You have nothing to lose. All sewer drains in all homes in the Canberra region.

We offer a SAME DAY- NO RESULT NO CHARGE Blocked sewer drain service. You have nothing to lose. If we can't get your sewer drain flowing it is absolutely free. We cover all sewer drains in all homes in the Canberra region.

As a home owner in Canberra, Queanbeyan or Jerrabomberra it is likely that you have experienced that sinking feeling you get when your plumber tells you that they cannot get your blocked sewer drains flowing again.

blocked drains Canberra

You have probably also been told that the job will cost a bucket load and may take some time before the sewer is flowing again.

Things don't have to be this way.

At 6 star hot water and plumbing Canberra, we have a no result no charge sewer drain eeling and jetting service. This means if we can't get your sewer drains flowing again it is absolutely free.

Yes you read it right - you will not be billed a cent.
You ask 'How can we get sewer drains flowing again that others cant.

It is simple - we have the experience and the right equipment. We have eels with reinforced cables, a wider range of cutters, we have drain jetters, drain cameras and locators.

Our Plumbers have cleared more than 12000 sewer drains. This makes us extremely confident that we can get the most stubborn sewer drains flowing again in all homes.

We offer a prompt service. If you call us we can normally attend to it that day and we will let you know when we are done.

As a home owner you have nothing to lose. It is likely we can buy you more time and it is also likely that we will save you a small fortune.

If we can't get a sewer drain flowing it is absolutely free. We cover all sewer drains in all homes in the Canberra region.

Rob Edwards of 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing Canberra

So before you tell your plumber to go ahead with an expensive repair speak to us at 6 Star Hot water and Plumbing on 61619417 for our no result no charge sewer drain cleaning service.

Plumber Canberra NO RESULT NO CHARGE blocked sewer drain service.

We can also fix any other plumbing problems. However this is not part of the no result no charge service.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Types Of Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar Hot Water System Prices - type of system

In my previous blogs I stated that Solar hot water system prices vary for 6 main reasons. They are - rebates - the efficiency of the system- type of system - size of system - the quality of the installation and whether the system has to be moved away from the location of your existing hot water system.

This third blog in the series deals with the types of systems. There are 7 categories for solar hot water systems - Heat pump, roof mounted, split, evacuated tube, flat panel, electric boosted and gas boosted.

Heat pumps consists of a storage tank fitted with a refrigeration unit that uses latent heat energy in the air to make hot water and will work in temperatures as low as -10 Celsius. Based on the same principles as a fridge in reverse. Heat pumps are the cheapest to install and can provide ample hot water in Canberra all year round.


Roof mounted systems consists of a storage tank coupled to 1 or more panels or evacuated tubes installed on a roof. These can be among the cheapest to install. However, even with gas boosting they are likely to get the lowest number of STCs and therefore be the most inefficient.

The split system consists of a tank on the ground with either evacuated tubes or flat panels mounted on the roof. Split systems allow for more flexibility in the installation. They generally get high numbers of STCs
Evacuated tube systems usually form part of a split system. They are less prone to frost damage and can be relatively inexpensive to repair. They are among the most expensive to install


Flat panels form part of both roof mounted systems and split systems. In the split system variety they can get a very high number of STC's. They are more prone to frost damage. They are generally cheaper than evacuated tube systems.


Electric boosting is common in split, roof mounted, evacuated tube and flat panel systems. An electric element is installed in the bottom of the tank or mid way.

There are two types of gas boosting - Pre Gas boosting and post Gas boosting. The later is the most environmentally friendly and cheapest to run. However, It is the most expensive to install. Over the life of the system it is more economical to install an electric boosted solar hot water system.

Remember, your own research will ultimately help you decide if you have been quoted a fair price. Before you accept any solar hot water system prices research what you have been told by the sales person.

If you need fast, reliable, experienced service call 6 Star Hot Water and plumbing on
61619417 or 0448844911 for immediate help.
www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/