Electric hot water systems are one of the most popular systems to have these days. If they are maintained well by a licensed Plumber there is reasonable longevity that can be gained out of these systems.
There are 5 main parts to an electric hot water system.
- Relief valve
- Element
- Thermostat
- Sacrificial Anode
- Tank
- The relief valve is as the name says… If you have a look at your electric hot water system, your will notice a length of copper pipe connected to a valve on the tank that sometimes leaks water. That is because it’s meant too… The steam inside the tank must be released, which the valve releases safely as condensation.
- The element is what heats up your water. Just as you may see in a stove or inside a kettle. This is the heat behind your hot water.
- The thermostat controls the heat that is generated by the element and ensures that the hot water is stored above 60 degrees to prevent the production of bacteria such as cryptosporidium.
- The sacrificial anode- one of the ways we like to increase longevity in an electric hot water system is by replacing what is known as a sacrificial anode. These sacrificial anodes are put into storage hot water systems to act as a sacrifice to protect the tank from rust. Once these anodes have been eaten away, rust then starts to eat into your tank, eventually causing a hole which then you will require a new one. The good news is if you replace the anode at around the 5-year mark, you will extend the longevity of your tank as corrosion will take place on the replacement anode and not your tank.
- The Tank speaks for itself really, it is where the hot water is heated and stored until you are ready to use it, these can range in sizes typically from 25L to 400L.
From time to time these parts need an upgrade just like the current state of the M1 from Burleigh south. If you can manage to keep on top of your hot water system maintenance, then this can provide you with longevity in your hot water system.
Related Tag: Commercial Plumbing Gold Coast
