Solar Hot Water Repair Service in Canberra

How to fix broken solar Hot water systems

There are many reasons why a Solar hot water system will fail to provide hot water.

The most common reasons are..

The electric or gas booster has been turned off. To fix this you can check your switches, fuses and valves. You can also check your owner's manual for relighting instructions. If your booster does not work after this you will need a Solar hot water repair service.

The solar collectors are in too much shade or they are dirty. To fix this you can chop back any overhanging branches and clean your collectors with soapy water. You should also check that your collectors are facing towards north at a pitch of 45-55 degrees.

The glycol or heat transfer fluid has leaked away ( roof mounted tanks and a small number of split systems). To fix this you will need a solar hot water repair service.

The solar circulating pump is not working. To fix this you should check all 3 pin plug connectors and check sensors are fit well into the sensor ports. Test power supply with a low wattage lamp. If there is power at the pump supply replace the pump. If there is no power at the pump supply and the sensors are secure in their ports you will need a Solar hot water repair service.

Either the sensor wire in the tank or in the collectors is faulty. To fix this check both sensors are secure in their ports. Check that the wires between the sensor and the solar controller are not broken. If the sensors are secure in their ports and they are not broken you will need a solar hot water repair service.

The hot water tempering valve is faulty. To test the tempering valve check the temperature of the water coming out of the storage tank. This can be done by holding a thermometer under the outlet of the relief valve while pulling the lever on the valve to release water slowly. If the temperature of the water coming out of the relief valve is significantly hotter than the water coming out of the hot taps you will need a solar hot water repair service.

The pressure and temperature relief valve is constantly running. This is normal during sunlight hours and during boosting. If this occurs in other times you will need the assistance of a solar hot water repair service

The electronic controller is faulty. If this occurs replace the controller with a similar model and brand. A faulty solar controller can be very hard to diagnose. Therefore you may need the assistance of a solar hot water repair service

The flow and return pipes keep freezing. To fix this you can try to insulate the pipes better. Check the sensors and pump operation. Check to see that the pipes have continuous grade to and from the collectors.

The flow and return pipes have air locks in them. Check that the pipes have continuous grade to and from the collectors.

The auto air bleeder is leaking. To fix this you should replace the auto air bleeder. Remember the water at the collectors can be above boiling point. It is advisable to use a solar hot water repair service for this task.

The storage tank is leaking. To fix this check that all screwed connections are done up tight. In all other cases you will need s solar hot water repair service.

If you need a solar hot water repair service in Canberra 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing can help. Call 61619417 or go to www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/ to contact us online

CCTV Drain Camera and Plumbing Services Canberra

Do you need to locate problems inside your drains efficiently and accurately using a CCTV drain camera?

What are the benefits of using CCTV Drain Camera?

There are four beneficial reasons how using a CCTV drain camera with a locating transmitter (a sonde) that can save you time and money.

The first reason is that a CCTV drain camera allows you to see the condition of the inside of your buried drainage pipes. You can accurately determine whether your drain requires repairs and how urgent the repairs need to be. The camera will reveal in colour whether your drainage pipes are badly affected by tree roots, broken or whether they have some other obstruction in them.

The CCTV drain Camera takes the guess work out of how much of your drain pipe needs to be repaired and what sort of repairs are required.

The second reason for using a CCTV drain camera with a locating sonde is that the sonde allows you to accurately locate the problems. The sonde attached to the camera head sends a signal back to the ground level. This signal is traced using an electronic receiver. The operator can then mark the location and depth on the ground directly above the problem and on a plan.

The CCTV drain camera helps keep excavations to a minimum when repairs are undertaken.

The third reason for using a CCTV Drain Camera is that it does not lie. In conjunction with a DVD burner or memory stick a visual image of any problems can be stored. This image can be used in the future when seeking quotes for repairs and when having drains cleaned. It is also a very useful tool for litigation where bad workmanship has occurred. You can also ask for written report or for the problems to be recorded on a drainage plan, if you have one.

The CCTV drain Camera provides an accurate record of the inside of your pipes.

The final reason for using a CCTV Drain Camera is that any quotes for repairs will be accurate and the work quoted will be consistent. Combining the stored images with ground or plan markings produced with the aid of the sonde takes all of the guess work out of quoting.

If you are in need of a CCTV Drain Camera Plumbing Services in Canberra you can call 6 Star Hot water a Plumbing on 61619417 or to find out more about how we can help you go to www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/drain-camera

Electronic Water Leak Detection services in Canberra

Do you want to locate water leaks quickly and efficiently?

There are as many ways to locate a water leak. Some forms of water leak detection are more sophisticated than others.

The first thing you need to do is to determine whether you have a water leak or not. The easiest way to do this is to check your water meter when no taps or toilets are on. Check your water meter at 10 minute intervals. if any of the last three digits change you definitely have a water leak.

You can also compare your water usage patterns for the same time in the previous year. Remember the price of water has increased dramatically. Therefore, higher water bills do not necessarily mean higher water consumption.

If you are convinced you have a water leak, you can then start on the easy things. First check all garden taps, disconnect any hoses and inspect the garden tap outlets.

Check your taps and appliances. Check that your tap spindles have been fit into the tap bodies properly. Many times we find taps leaking into walls just after a homeowner has changed the tap washers.

Check your toilet cisterns by turning the water off at the cistern cock for an hour. Remember don't let anyone flush the toilet in that time. When you turn the water back on to the cistern there should be silence. If you hear the sound of running water this means you have a water leak in your cistern. This can easily be repaired.

Check any irrigation systems or evaporative air conditioners you have. Most irrigation systems and evaporative air conditioners have a stop cock. Therefore you can test them like you would your toilet cistern.

Look for wet spots in the lawn. This is particularly easy in times of drought. A water leak is generally accompanied by a green patch in the grass.

If you have done these things and you still cannot find the leak it is time to call in an electronic water leak locating service.

In Canberra an electronic leak locating service will use sophisticated electronic transmitting and receiving devices to first locate your metal pipes. Then they will use devices that can detect the audible frequencies that water makes when it is leaving a pipe under pressure.

These devices can be used to find leaks under the soil, in walls and under concrete slabs

Using electronic Water leak locating services in Canberra

If you need help to with electronic water leak locating services in Canberra 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing Can help call 61619417 for water leak detection services.

www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/water-leak-detection/

www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/canberra-plumbing/

Solar Hot Water System Prices - Efficiency

In my previous blog 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.

Last blog we covered rebates. In this blog I will deal with the efficiency of the systems. However, it will be your own research that will ultimately help you decide if you have been quoted a fair price for a solar hot water system.

As a general rule - the more efficient your solar hot water system is more technology is required to build them. This also means they are likely to be more expensive to purchase and install.

However, this expense can be offset to some degree by the higher number of STCs allocated to more efficient solar hot water systems. If you read the previous blog on rebates you will understand that you as the owner of the system can sell each STC.

I will give you three examples of how the offsets work.

If you buy an Apricus 315 litre 30 tube electric boosted solar hot water system, that gets 35 STCs, it will generally cost $7000.00 installed. If you sold each STC for $34.00 the end cost to you would be $7000.00 - 35 x 34 = $5810.00

If you buy an equivalent 300 litre roof mounted Rheem with 2 panels, that gets 28 STCs, it will generally cost $6500.00 installed. If you sold each STC for $34.00 dollars the end cost would be $6000 - 28 x 34 = $5558.00

If you buy a 250 litre Gas boosted 2 panel Dux Sunpro solar hot water system, that gets 40 STCs, it will generally cost $7250 installed. If you sold each STC for $34.00 dollars the end cost would be $7250 - 40 x 34 = 5850.00.

In addition to the higher STC rebate the more efficient systems will consume up to 40% less energy for boosting. Therefore they will also be cheaper to run.

You can check the efficiency of most solar hot water systems at http://www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/STC-values.html

Be sure to ask the salesperson how many STCs the system they propose is eligible for. This will tell you how efficient the system is.

Remember before you accept any solar hot water system prices research what you have been told by the sales person.

For a comparative quote for Solar Hot water system prices you can contact 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing at: http://www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/get-a-quote.html

Solar Hot water system prices

Solar hot water system prices vary for a number of reasons. Because they are an expensive item I am regularly asked, how much should I pay for a solar hot water system, how will I know when I am paying too much and how will I know if the price I have been quoted is too good to be true?

In this blog I will attempt to give you some of the tools you will need to answer these questions. However, it will be your own research that will ultimately help you decide if you have paid a fair price for a solar hot water system.

There are six main reasons why solar hot water system prices will be different. These are -Rebates- The efficiency of the system- Type of system- size of system- the quality of the installation- whether the system has to be moved away from the location of your existing hot water system. In this blog I will deal with your solar hot water rebates. Your Solar Hot Water rebates are deducted from the total supply and installation cost of your solar hot water system. Before you accept any quote be sure to research your solar hot water rebates and their values.

Be aware that each state has a different rebate system and the amount of rebate will vary from state to state. You can find out what state rebate you are eligible for at www.hotwaterrebate.com.au. If you live in the ACT go to http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/programs-and-rebates/solar-hot-water.aspx#eligibility

Some local councils will also offer a rebate for changing to solar hot water. Ring your local council before you speak to a solar hot water salesperson.

Up until January 2012 the federal government will also provide a $1000.00 rebate for any solar hot water system that gets more than 20 Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The federal government will also provide a $600.00 rebate for a hot water heat pump which gets more than 20 STCs.

Each solar hot water system or heat pump is eligible for STC rebates. Your STC rebate will vary depending on how efficient your solar hot water system is. One STC is equal to one tonne of carbon saved. The higher the number of STCs allocated to a system the more efficient it will be. You can find how many STCs your system is eligible for at http://www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/STC-values.html

Be sure to ask the salesperson how many STCs the system they propose is eligible for. Also ask the salesperson who much they are willing to pay you for each STC when the system is installed. I generally use www.green-bank.com.au as a guide. If the price per STC you are quoted seems high compared to Green-banks you may be getting scammed.

Ask the salesperson for the overall cost before any rebates are deducted.

Remember before you accept any solar hot water system prices research what you have been told by the sales person.

For a comparative quote for Solar Hot water system prices you can contact 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing. www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/

Solar Hot Water Rebates for Canberra and Queanbeyan.

You may be entitled to substantial solar hot water rebates for Canberra and Queanbeyan when you change from electric hot water to solar hot water or gas.

The Australian Government in its recent environmental blueprint, announced that greenhouse intensive electric hot water systems will be phased out in new homes with access to reticulated natural gas in 2010, and as installations in all existing homes by 2012.

To assist home owners to make the change from electric hot water systems to solar hot water systems and heat pumps worth more than 20 Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC's) the federal government provides substantial solar hot water rebates.

For a solar hot water system worth more than 20 STC's you receive a $1000.00 rebate. For solar heat pumps worth more than 20 STC's you receive a $600.00 rebate

There is no means testing for the federal solar hot water rebates. However, you are ineligible if you have applied for the home insulation rebate.

The federal solar hot water rebates are planned to cease on January 1st 2012 when environmental hot water systems become mandatory.

Additionally, to assist NSW home owners to make the change from electric hot water systems to solar hot water systems and heat pumps worth more than 20 STC's and high efficiency gas hot water systems the NSW government provides a further $300.00 in rebates.

The NSW solar hot water and gas hot water rebates are planned to cease on June 30th 2011.

You are also entitled to sell the STC's that come with each solar hot water system when it is installed. Some solar hot water systems get 47 STC's. When you consider that STC's generally trade in a range between $30.00 and $40.00 per STC, they too can add up to a very substantial rebate.

The ACT Energy Wise program offers rebates of up to $500 on a solar hot water system. However, in order to qualify for the rebate, the homeowner is required to spend an additional $1000 on other energy saving improvements around the home. The homeowner is also required to have an energy audit performed at the cost of $30 and provide supporting documentation. However, you are ineligible for this rebate if you have applied and received the federal government rebate.

Put simply, given the substantial solar hot water rebates for Canberra and Queanbeyan, there has never been a better time to buy an environmental hot water system.

For further information about Solar Hot Water and gas hot water in Canberra or Queanbeyan for installation advice contact 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing.

For STC Values for solar hot water heater systems in Zone 3 (Canberra)

http://www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/STC-values.html

www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/solar-hot-water-canberra/

Emergency drain cleaning in Canberra

What to do if you have a blocked drain emergency.

The first thing to do when you notice you need emergency drain cleaning in Canberra is to stop using absolutely every plumbing fixture inside and outside of the house. When you have a blocked drain every drop you put into the drain will overflow out of the drain somewhere else.

If you live in a unit complex inform your neighbours to the sides and upstairs that you have a blocked drain. Ask them to stop using their plumbing fixtures also, as the water they put into the drain may overflow into your house.

Once you have stopped the water from going into the drain you will slow the rate at which it overflows out of the drain. Then call a plumber immediately. Tell the plumber you need emergency drain cleaning and ask them how soon they can come.

Most plumbers can attend to emergency drain cleaning in Canberra with half an hour.

While waiting for the plumber ensure all children and pets are kept away from the overflow. This is necessary because even clean looking water that has overflowed from the sewerage system will contain potentially lethal substances.

If the sewerage system is overflowing inside your house you can make a barrier of towels to prevent it from spreading to other rooms.

Once you have quarantined the area look through your records to see if you have a sewerage drainage plan. This will help the attending plumber to quickly diagnose the problem and then to quickly fix the problem.

If you suspect it is a blocked sewer main you can call ACTEW, AGL on 131193. If you are not sure whether it is a blocked sewer main or not, Your plumber can diagnose this when they arrive. If it is a blocked main the plumber will call ACTEW, AGL.

Once the sewer drain is cleared call your insurance provider and explain to them the details of the incident. They should have any carpets that have been contaminated by sewer removed and replaced.

For Blocked Drains Canberra

Get Your Blocked drains cleaned properly and quickly at a resonable price. Seek professional assistance from 6 Star Hot Water and Plumbing, Canberra.

www.hotwatersystems-plumbing.com.au/blocked-drains/