Whether patterns around the globe are changing rapidly and infrastructure around New Zealand is still catching up. In the North Island alone over 100000 homes were left without power after storm Gabrielle. Further 35000 Homes were left without power on the coldest night of the year due to concerns of grid overload NZ wide.

There are many reasons for blackouts including:

1. Weather related damage including Electrical assets, flooding and Cyclones.
2. Ripple Control, managed by power supplier. They chose when to turn off your power supply to the hot water cylinder to protect the grid.
3. Faulty premises wiring, RCD or even power meter.
4. External forces such as vermin, accidents etc.

Once the lights go out, one can assume that everything connected to the power board will also go out. This includes your mains pressure hot water cylinder unless you are using gas, which under these circumstances will not ignite.

Please note, that if you are experiencing a no hot water situation, your circumstances could be unique and its best to contact a certifying plumbing company such as ourselves to asses and evaluate the fault so a professional prognosis can be made and the appropriate remedy recommended.

The information within this blog is for educational purposes only.

So what happens within your hot water cylinder once the power supply is gone? Then, what happens once the power supply goes back on?

Here are some scenarios you need to consider.

1. When the utility provider suddenly switches the power back on, the network voltage could be higher or lower than ideal. This positive or negative surge may and can disrupt appliance functionality In many cases a power outage is announced, in such cases one should turn off all PowerPoints and switches including the hot water cylinder. This would protect your appliances from such a surge.
2. If your hot water cylinder is of age, the heating element will naturally show signs of degradation due to electrolysis and calcification. In such cases, a surge in power will short circuit the element and cause it permanently fail. Given the heating element is a tear and wear product, it is very difficult to prove that a surge has taken place and caused the damage. In this case, it’s best to ensure the damage is prevented to start with as mentioned in point 1. Should our hot water cylinder element need replacing, contact us.
3. Check your RCD at the power board. Depending on your hot water cylinder and heating element model, your RCD may trip before any damage occurs.

If your hot water no longer works after a blackout and you are unsure what the cause is, give our technicians a ring on 0800 4 HOT WATER

Hot water is an essential part of our daily routine, and we often take it for granted until something goes wrong. If you’re experiencing issues with your hot water cylinder, don’t worry; there are usually straightforward solutions to fix the problem. In this article, we’ll explore some common hot water faults and how to identify them.

Instant Hot Water Heaters

Instant hot water heaters are a popular choice for many households as they provide hot water on demand. However, they can also experience faults that can disrupt your hot water supply. Here are some common issues to check for:

• No power to the unit: If your instant hot water heater has no power, it won’t be able to produce hot water. Check that the unit is plugged in and that there is the power to the socket.
• Reduced water flows: If you’re experiencing reduced water flow, this could be due to blockages in the diffusers or in-line strainers. Clean these out to improve water flow.
• Run out of gas: If you’re using LPG gas, check if you’ve run out. If so, replace the cylinder to restore your hot water supply.

Gas Cylinders

Gas cylinders are another popular option for heating hot water. However, there are some common faults that you should check for:

• Pilot flame is blown out: If the pilot flame has blown out, relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Water leaking onto the burner or pilot flame: If water is leaking onto the burner or pilot flame, this can cause it to go out. Check for any leaks and repair them if necessary.
• Gas meter shut off: If the gas meter has been shut off, your hot water cylinder won’t be able to produce hot water. Check that the meter is on and functioning correctly.

Electric Hot Water Cylinders

Electric hot water cylinders are a reliable option for heating water, but they can also experience faults. Here’s what to check for:

• Element: If the element has failed, the hot water cylinder won’t be able to heat the water. Check for any signs of damage or wear and replace them if necessary.
• Thermostat: If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can cause the hot water cylinder to overheat or not heat the water at all. Check the temperature settings and replace the thermostat if necessary.
• Fuse: If the fuse has blown, the hot water cylinder won’t be able to function correctly. Replace the fuse with a new one.
• Strainers: Check the strainers for any blockages, as this can affect the flow of hot water.

Renovation Work

If you’ve recently had any renovation work done in your home, this could cause your hot water faults. Check that all pipes and connections are secure and that no damage has been done to the hot water cylinder during the renovation work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying hot water faults can be simple if you know what to look for. By checking these common issues, you can often diagnose and fix the problem without the need for a professional. However, if you’re unsure or unable to fix the fault, it’s always best to seek advice from qualified professionals such as Hot Water Cylinders NZ.