Troubleshooting | Hot Water Systems |%sitename%

Troubleshooting

Hot Water Guide

Dux is here to help, try the following troubleshooting tips below or call Dux on 1300 365 116 for further assistance.

Already have a natural gas connection? If you are using natural gas for cooking and room heating, it makes sense to use natural gas for your hot water. If not, a wide selection of electric storage water heaters are available.

View the Dux Product Calculator to view a suitable hot water system for your requirements.

Most energy companies offer cheaper concessional rate tariffs for use with electric water heaters. These “off-peak” tariffs supply electricity during select periods during the night and/or day.

This can be a great way to save on your electricity bills when coupled with a large volume storage tank to supply enough hot water for your home inbetween heating periods.

Speak to your energy company regarding tariff availability.

There is generally a fair distance between the water heater and the outlets. When you are not using any hot water, the water stored in the line will go cold. When you open an outlet, ensure you have waited enough time for any cold water to be emptied before the hot water is available at the tap. Open the hot tap for a little bit longer to see if this could be the reason.

Electric water heaters
  • Ensure there is power running to the water heater. Check the powerpoint next the storage tank and the fuse at the meter board are both turned on
Gas water heaters
  • Pilot light may need relighting, see section below on how to check & relight the pilot light
  • Check that the isolation valve in the gas line is open
  • Ensure there is gas supply to the other appliances in the house, try light another gas appliance
Continuous Flow water heaters
  • Ensure there is power running to the water heater. Check the powerpoint next the water heater and the fuse at the meter board are both turned on
If you still have no hot water, call Dux on 1300 365 116 or your local licensed plumber for professional advice.
  • Check that cold water is coming out of the tap or shower. If no water is coming out, hot or cold, ensure the main water isolation valve to your home is turned on
  • Ensure the isolation valve on the cold supply line to the water heater is open
If you still have no water, call Dux on 1300 365 116 or your local licensed plumber for professional advice.
  • Check if you have low flow shower heads installed. Your plumber can replace your shower heads or install water flow valves to all outlets to decrease your hot water usage
  • Check with your electricity provide that the energy tariff provides adequate time to reheat the water in the storage tank to match the hot water usage
  • Keep track on how much time is being spent having a shower, it all adds up very fast!
  • Wash your clothes in cold water where possible
  • Growing families, teenagers and an inadequate hot water system don’t mix! If you’re running out of hot water, you may need to consider installing a larger one.

Warning: Do not attempt to light the water heater if the pilot is out and the knob is in the “ON” position (one of the number settings). Follow steps below.

Do not look directly into the burner area.

Keep your head above the top of the access cover opening. Use a mirror to observe the flame.

  1. Turn the control knob fully clockwise to the “•” (off) position.
  2. Wait five (5) minutes so any build- up of unburnt gas can escape.
  3. Turn the control knob to the (pilot) position.
  4. Depress the control knob fully (until disappears below housing) and after thirty (30) seconds, whilst keeping the control knob depressed, repeatedly press the igniter button (for up to 40 seconds) until the pilot flame ignites. Note – it is not possible to depress the control knob fully if the gas control valve has activated its safety shutoff feature. In this case, wait sixty (60) seconds for the gas control valve to reset.
  5. Keep the control knob depressed for twenty (20) seconds after the pilot flame lights. Use a mirror to observe the pilot flame. Do not attempt to observe the flame directly.
  6. Release the control knob and check the pilot is still alight.
  7. If the pilot has failed to light or has not remained alight, turn the control knob to “•” (off). Wait five (5) minutes for the escape of unburnt gas, then begin again at step 3.
  8. When the pilot flame remains alight with the control knob released, turn the control knob anticlockwise to one of the number settings. A minimum setting of “6” is recommended and this will give a water temperature of about 60°C.
  9. Turn the control knob to a higher number for higher water temperatures.
  10. If the main burner does not light at the selected setting, the water may already be at the selected temperature.
  11. Replace the access cover and ensure it is firmly in position.
If you still have no hot water, call Dux on 1300 365 116 or your local licensed plumber for professional advice.

A temperature pressure relief valve protects the storage water heater, by allowing water to escape and inturn relieving pressure.

It is normal for a small volume of water to be discharged during the heating cycle.

If the water volume is more than a full bucket over the period of 24hours may indicate MAY mean the water pressure is rising above the required pressure and your plumber can install a Pressure Limiting Valve

Warning: Never replace the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating

Call Dux on 1300 365 116 or your local licensed plumber for professional advice.

It is part of the normal operation conditions for Dux heat pump water heaters and high efficiency gas storage water heaters will produce some condensation. This is normally drained outside the water heater and can be seen on the ground near the water heater.

If the water volume is more than a full bucket over the period of 24hours, contact Dux on 1300 365 116 or your local licensed plumber for professional advice.

Thermostats typically provide a small window of adjustment between 60 and 70 deg. Thermostats cannot be set below 60 deg. To adjust your thermostat speak to your local licensed plumber for professional advice.

Note: Hotter water increases the risk of scalding.