| A hot water system heats and supplies the shower, | | | | An easy and useful tip to minimise damage caused in |
| bath and taps in an apartment, house or office with | | | | the event that your cylinder does split is to install a tray |
| heated water. Also known as a heater or cylinder, it is | | | | beneath it to catch escaping water. |
| easy to forget how much use a hot water system | | | | You can also check for rust on the inside of your |
| gets, until of course it is out of action. | | | | cylinder by running hot water in a bath tub or sink. If the |
| Many people are not aware, but the large majority of | | | | water appears slightly orange or rusty against the |
| hot water systems have a manufacturers' life | | | | white background it would indicate that the cylinder is |
| expectancy of only 6 - 10 years. If you are not sure | | | | deteriorating on the inside and needs replacing. If in |
| how old your heater is, the manufacture date can be | | | | doubt it is worth calling a plumbing service to check the |
| found in the specifications printed on the side on the | | | | heater - the cost will be much less than the cost and |
| cylinder. It is worth checking your hot water system for | | | | inconvenience if the cylinder does burst. |
| signs of wear and deterioration if it is over 6 years old, | | | | If you need to install a new hot water system, you |
| and it is worth being aware that cylinders over 6 years | | | | should make sure that the correct pressure limiting |
| old are prone to split. | | | | valve is installed by your plumber. Excessive pressure |
| As it is in the early hours of the morning when fewest | | | | is a leading cause of cylinders splitting prematurely so |
| people are using water that water pressure is at its | | | | by ensuring that the correct pressure limiting value is |
| highest, this is when a hot water cylinder is most likely | | | | installed you will maximise the life of your heater, |
| to split. This often means that owners are forced to | | | | extending life by up to 50%. The warranty on your |
| pay a plumber emergency rates to have the hot | | | | heater may also be void if the correct pressure limiting |
| water cylinder disconnected, and then to return on the | | | | valve is not installed. The installation instructions that |
| next business day to replace it. Water damage to | | | | accompany your new hot water system will provide |
| carpets and furniture is also common. | | | | more information on this. |