Category: Hot Water Talk

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Hot Water Cylinder Experience Is Key

We all want to get the best value for our dollar, so we try to get the best prices from suppliers whenever we can. Having said that, the best price doesn’t always give you the best deal. Lower prices may reflect low-quality goods and services which may not be the most cost effective option in the long run. So while price is important, a better gauge to use when choosing a supplier is experience.

This is especially important when you’re buying big-ticket items like your hot water cylinder. Only an experienced supplier will be able to help you choose the right product that will heat your home efficiently and economically. Here’s why

Hot_water_cylinder_experience_is_keyExperience means better quality

“The more you do, the better you get.”  If you’ve been doing the same thing for years, you tend to get better at it. Hot Water Cylinders NZ has been in the business for years now, and we’ve installed over 1,000 units in the last financial year alone. This makes us the hot water cylinder supplier and installer with the largest experience in New Zealand.

In all our years of operation, we have learned all the tricks of the trade and found the best systems that provide the best value for our clients. We know that what works for one household may not work for another, so we make sure to provide tailored solutions every time.

There is a right hot water heating system for every installation job. We design our systems based on clients’ individual hot water usage and budget. Our goal is to ensure efficiency and economy, regardless of the brand. We are not partial to one brand, because we know all brands have their own good qualities and features that may work for different types of home. We do endorse brands like Rinnai and Bosch, but only because we’ve already proven them to be reliable and effective. Still, we stock all kinds of hot water cylinder systems from different brands to give our clients a comprehensive selection.

Experience means better service

Customer satisfaction is the hallmark of our service. Our referrals and repeat business are the best testimony to the quality of our work, and we work really hard to ensure our clients only have good things to say about us.

Experience taught us that a strong relationship benefits both parties. So we’ve made it our commitment to build and sustain true partnerships with our clients, making every effort to deliver the best service possible.

Experience also means better value

Even with new hot water heating technologies entering the market, we are not quick to upsell our clients to the latest product if it’s not in their best interest. In fact, there is often no need to replace your hot water cylinder, unless it’s already too old or inefficient.

Since a heavy price tag does not equal quality, we don’t push sales on the most expensive system in our range. Nevertheless, our experience taught us that some of the most reliable hot water cylinders will cost a bit more than the average systems. So you might find that spending a bit more on a cylinder today will give you greater savings in the long run. We always advise our clients not to look solely at the price but to weigh out the features and functionalities among their options, in order to make a smarter decision.

Because we know the right strategies for all kinds of installation, we can help you avoid common mistakes that can be costly to repair. For instance, some new installers does not know how to size the cylinder correctly, which results in an inefficient system that costs more to run. With experienced hot water cylinder installers like us, you’ll have your steady supply of hot water running in no time! Our systems are built to last and come with comprehensive warranties for your peace of mind.

Experience means compliance and safety

As experienced installers, we are highly familiar with applicable codes and regulations. We have learned all the things that could possibly go wrong with a hot water cylinder installation, so rest assured we also know the ways to avoid them.

Our installers are certified plumbers and gasfitters with decades of combined experience. And our systems are all tested for safety.

Homeowners also have a role in ensuring the safety of their hot water cylinder. Although the unit will remain hidden in a utility closet or basement, it needs regular maintenance for safety purposes. We make sure to educate our clients about safe operation and upkeep, particularly of certain components such as the pressure relief valve, vents and the temperature control.

Experience means expert advice

If you can’t decide between a vented and unvented cylinder, solar hot water cylinder or gas-powered water heater system, we’ll explain everything you need to know without the complicated jargon. With us, you won’t be left in the dark. If you’re not yet familiar with your options, we will explain how each hot water heating system works, what type of fuel is best for specific hot water usage, how much they cost, and what the benefits and disadvantages are. We also educate our clients about heat-loss figures, reheat times and insulation to give them a better idea of how efficient hot water cylinders should work. We’ll guide you in choosing the most suitable system for your budget and heating needs, and make sure the system is future proof to give you maximum return on your investment.

At the onset of every project, we encourage our clients to voice out all their questions or concerns. We are always ready to give a straightforward answer. In our experience, problems sometimes arise due to non-communication, and these mistakes can blow the client’s budget out of proportion and also reflect badly on our service. To prevent this, we make sure our clients are well informed before they sign a contract with us.

Whether you are buying a new hot water cylinder or replacing your old unit, you may contact us us for unbiased advice or a no-obligation quote through these numbers: 0800 4 CYLINDERS or 0800 429 546.

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Milky Tap Water: What Are the Causes and Solutions?

So you turn the tap for a glass of water, and you notice that the liquid coming out of it isn’t clear but milky. But then, after a few minutes, the milky water starts to clear up until the cloudiness is all gone.

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What could have caused the milky appearance, you might ask? Well, there are a number of possible reasons for this:

  1. Air bubbles

Milky water, also known as white water or cloudy water can be caused by air bubbles that get trapped in the pipes. When water-soluble gases such as oxygen, chlorine, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and others enter the mains supply, they create air locks or air pockets in the plumbing system. As these gases are carried along the pipes, they get dissolved in the water. When you open the hot water tap, the pressure is released and the dissolved gases spurt out into millions of tiny air bubbles. This is what gives your hot water the white, milky appearance.

All main supplies contain a small amount of air, but a tear or damage in the pipe may pull in additional air. A change in the water pressure may also be to blame. An increase in pressure causes excessive air to get trapped in the pipeline. This can happen if:

  • Your home’s plumbing system and heater use the well system.
  • There is disturbance in the water distribution pipes, such as when utility companies switch from one well source to another.

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Milky water is also common when the weather is cold. As water passes through the pipes in your home, it is mixed with oxygen. When it’s cold outside, more oxygen bubbles get into the water, hence the cloudy water effect.

If the water is left to stand for several minutes, the dissolved gases will start to separate and the cloudy effect will go away. This reaction is very much similar when you pour carbonated drinks into a glass.

  1. Your water heater’s anode

If water from your hot tap is excessively cloudy and generally stays that way, the issue may be with your water heater itself.

The anode rod (factory installed) in your hot water cylinder is there to inhibit rust by maintaining an invisible film of free hydrogen on the entire surface of the heater. The anode is placed where rust initially forms – in the water tank. It acts as “sacrificial metals” which draw the metallic ions in the cathodic area and keep them from going into the solution, protecting the tank against corrosion. This is most common in water heaters that are less than one year old. It disappears over time.

When water from ALL of your hot water taps turns milky, it could be a sign that your anode needs replacement. The good news is replacing an old anode rod is relatively easy and inexpensive.

  1. Sediments

Sediments such as sand, dirt and tiny particles from rocks in the ground can get into your water supply. This can happen when there are drilling activities nearby.

It’s easy to tell whether the milky appearance of your hot water is caused by air bubbles or by tiny particles. Wait for the water to clear up and watch. Air bubbles tend to rise to the water’s surface, while sediments tend to sink into the bottom or do not clear at all.

Like air bubbles, the presence of particles in the water does not make it harmful but aesthetically unpleasant.

  1. Methane Gas

It’s highly uncommon but not impossible. This problem can occur in areas where gas and oil wells are nearby. Methane is a flammable gas, so having it in your water source can pose problems. It is hard to detect since it is odourless unless the water also contains hydrogen sulphide. In addition, methane acts the same way as air bubbles –they also rise to the water surface and escape into the open air.

The usual fix for water containing methane gas is installing an aerated tap, which permits the gas to dissipate faster. The aerator must be vented to the open air to prevent the risk of fire or explosion.

Is the water safe to consume?

You may notice a difference in the smell, taste and overall aesthetic of your water. But as off-putting as milky water may look, it is completely harmless and safe to drink or use.

However, please note that cloudy appearance that is another colour other than white (i.e. brown, yellow or green) can indicate presence of bacteria, metals, minerals or other contaminants. This is often the case when the cloudy water effect does not clear up after some time. Cloudy water of this kind may have adverse health effects when consumed.

What can you do?

If water from all of your home’s taps appears cloudy, the problem could be from a pressurised water system. If only a single tap produces cloudy water, then the issue is with that fixture alone. Cloudy water from a hot tap can be an indication of a problem with your water heater.

Milky water caused by air bubbles or dissolved gasses can be resolved with aerated taps. Sometimes it cannot be fixed entirely, but aerating the water significantly reduces bubbles.

The cloudy water effect should not last longer than 24 hours. If the milky appearance of your hot water bothers you, you can:

  • Keep the taps running until your water runs clear.
  • Check with your neighbours to find out whether they are having the same issue. If such is the case, it is advisable to notify your water supplier of the problem.

If the situation doesn’t clear up itself, it is advisable to call in Hot Water Cylinders NZ to check whether things look normal or you need to take further steps.

We will come and take a look, so we can determine the right reasons and provide appropriate solutions. Contact us on 0800 832 638!

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Rinnai Discontinues the iHeat Ducted Heating Range

Rinnai Corporation, the leading makers of tankless gas water heaters in New Zealand, announces the discontinuation of their iHeat central heating products dues to “cost increases of key internal components.”

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The Rinnai iHeat is a ducted heating system that uses hot water to warm and circulate air, providing fast central heating to the entire home. The system is designed to operate in conjunction with a Rinnai Infinity continuous flow water heater. It has been touted as a healthy central heating option as it maintains the air quality and reduces the likelihood of allergens entering the home. The iHeat system is defined by its discreet installation and high energy efficiency (up to 80 percent).

Despite its wide public reception and positive reviews, the Rinnai team has decided to stop its production as a result of their ongoing product rationalisation, citing the following reason:

“Cost increases of key internal components has made producing the iHeat uneconomical.”

iHeat products will remain on the market until the end of December this year, or until stocks have run out. Nevertheless, Rinnai reassures iHeat users that spare parts will remain available and all warranties for iHeat will be honoured over the long term.

An Alternative to iHeat

With the iHeat phased out, Rinnai offers an equally efficient and powerful central heating system: Brivis ducted heaters.

Brivis is the leading brand of gas ducted central heating solutions in New Zealand, and has only been recently owned as a subsidiary of the Rinnai Corporation. The brand supplies a complete range of highly efficient ducted gas central heating products specifically designed for the NZ conditions.

“The addition of Brivis to the Rinnai range means that a more complete heating range is now available,” said the Rinnai team. “In most instances where an iHeat has been specified, Rinnai can supply an equivalent Brivis central heating solution.”

Brivis heaters may not have some of the “smarts” found in the iHeat, but their performance is highly comparable. They are also extremely efficient, with the range offering 6-Star rated systems such as the StarPro 6.

Some of the noteworthy features of Brivis ducted heating systems include:

  • Up to 16 fan speed settings that better match air volume and flow to your home
  • Zero ChillTM soft fan that prevents cold drafts on start-up
  • Automatic gas modulator that maintains the temperature level using a minimal amount of energy. You can set your home to a comfortable temperature and leave the system to keep it steadily heated at that level.
  • Ability to create up to four distinct zones
  • Ability to set the system to automatically turn on/off so you come home to a warm house or limit heating when not needed
  • Simple and easy to use programmable controller with both manual and auto modes
  • Compact, splittable and weatherproof units that ensure ease of installation.

More information on the Brivis range can be found at brivis.co.nz. To enquire about an installation, please contact our home heating specialists on 0800 4 CYLINDERS or 0800 429 546.