Hey,
The circuit breaker on the hot water system in my house has been tripping.
Any ideas?
Cheers
Hot Water System Keeps Tripping
TubeLight on 24/10/2022 - 18:32
Comments
In my case it was the heating element tripping the RCD from corrosion.
Is that repairable?
Make,model,capacity of your unit?
Maybe if they can just replace the element. It might be smarter though to just get the whole thing changed. Last thing you want is to replace the element then have the corroded tank split in half.
More than likely but you have to take into account how old the tank is to see if a repair is of value befor the tank fails.
It’s about 20 plus years old I believe.
How much will a new one set me back? Just a ball park figure.
@TubeLight: 20 years is well past replacement age. Cost depends on size - I think my last one was $1,200 replaced.
@TubeLight: Lifetime of a hot water unit is 10 years, if you change the element every 5 years…
Eventually, you get enough corrosion inside that it fails by leaks, the relief valve blocks and it explodes, your element corrodes and the forms a circuit, or most likely your water turns yellow red.
Have you noticed little black spots in the bottom of a water jug? Bath water look a little yellow when you first open the tap?
You well and truly had a good unit.
Maybe someone put LSD in the water.
You sir just won the internets for today.
Leaking?
Can’t see a leak.
What type of hws is it?
Has it got wet in the rain storm?I can't see the model details. they seems to have faded away.
I don't thin rain would've played a part…but can't be sure.
It could be a bad thermostat, a burnt heating element, an issue with the breaker or water from a leak is touching the electrical lines. Whichever is the cause, you should contact a licensed electrician because any electrical problem with the hot water is dangerous.
Thanks. Will be making a few calls today. It tripped again last night and I am in no mood to switch it back on again.
Hot Water System Keeps Tripping
More likely an element that has failed, either way, call a licensed electrician and they'll be able to check it out and replace it for you.
Cheers mate. Will be getting it replaced.
20 years is an excellent run for Brisbane. Most likely the element has gone. At that age the bottom of the tank will have a thick layer of sediment in the bottom, the element will be partially buried in it, which causes them to overheat contributing to the failure. Expect to pay around 200 - 250ish to have the element replaced depending on access/location, keeping in mind the tank will need to be drained to replace it and clean the gasket face on the HWS. Hopefully its outside and can just be let go without too much drama.
If you want to replace the HWS, around 2000-2500 is pretty average depending on access. At that age, its most likely the plumbing will need an upgrade with a tempering valve and alterations to the plumbing. At least it died in a warm week in Bris.Thanks mate. Let’s see what a licensed sparky has to say. Access is pretty easy. It’s on the floor on the side of my house.
Yeah… thankfully happened during what is predicted to be a warm week.
yeah, 20 year HWS - that's ancient.
yeah , best call a licensed electrician to turn off the power to the HWS at the circuit board, remove the element, replace it with a new one ($50 off ebay) , and turn the the power back on at the powerboard.
I'd say for that amount of work better go off Gumtree or marketplace get a second hand unit at pretty much give away price and do a swap, if you have all the time of the world a free one pop up every now and then. Electric hws is pretty much a give away nowadays.
Given the safety aspect associated with a hot water system, I’m considering getting it replaced. But of course I’ll wait to see if a sparky can diagnose and if they recommend fixing it instead.
Don't repair a 20 year old HWS mate, just get a new one.
It’s about 20 plus years old I believe.
Hot water tanks don't last this long, they're only rated for about 10 years. You've gotten good use out of it, time to get a new one.
Trying to repair it will only delay the inevitable by a year or two. It's not like they're that expensive either.
Yeah mate!!! looking to replace it.
If you are in VIC, investigate free electric fuelled hot water replacement. There are suppliers who install new hot water system for free or very little cost (usually for upgrade of your switchboard). The new systems are based on heat pump technology and uses significantly less electricity.
Not sure if old has any such schemes.
In NSW it’s $33 to replace HWS with government incentives.
That's pretty cool. I don't think we have any such things here in Qld.
I exchanged a few texts with A licensed sparky…looks like replacing a hot water system is a plumber's task.
at my old house the HWS died (split and leak) . it was a Dux. they still sell that model. i went and bought it. and as it was the same model and same fittings then it was just a straight swap over. pipes all in the same location etc..
P.S. a sparky is not going to tell you that you can't DIY. You can install it yourself. if you buy the same model then it is basically::
(1) turn off power at circuit board (it's got it's own fuse),
(2) turn off water at street (if no HWS supply tap),now that there is no water flow and no power
(3) disconnect water inlet and outlet pipes.
(4) take off guard plate for power, and then disconnect 3 wires (take a photo beforehand)
(5) remove old HWS and put in place new.
(6) take off guard plate for power, and then connect 3 wires (from photo beforehand)
(7) connect water inlet and outlet pipes. (don't forget teflon tape - at least 8 turns going with thread)
(8) turn on water at street (if no HWS supply tap),
(9) turn on power at circuit board
According to Australian rules, you and everyone within a 50km radius will be instantly killed if you do this (probably several puppies as well).
exactly, it's why plumbers go to university for 6 years.
This might work. There may be bunch of videos on Youtube to assist as well. However, if anything happens later and it is remotely connected to the HWS the insurance company will was its hands off. Best would be if you can get a plumber to inspect and issue a certificate of compliance as if they have completed the job. That is unlikely to happen unless you are mates.
Sounds like it's stuffed.