Mains pressure hot water cylinders are a crucial element to any modern household. They are used to maintain a constant supply of heated H2O to your taps, dishwashers, washing machines and showers. They are thus essential to the everyday running of your house. With this said however, they are not something we think about very much until it’s too late. It is important that we make an effort to maintain our heating systems, in order to avoid a sudden and unexpected breakdown. Let’s take a look at some top tips for ensuring you mains pressure hot water cylinder is running smoothly.
Regularly check for cracks or damage
It is important that you check your tank and system for general cracks or damage. We recommend picking a date and checking it on that date every month. Spend some time checking your system from top to bottom, looking for cracks, wearing, liquid damage or rust. This can take some time, but it is well worth doing. It can save you water by ensuring there are no leaks. It can also save you a lot of money. This is because it will often mean you can identify a problem well before it becomes big.
Inspect the valves
The relief valve specifically needs to be regularly inspected. This is the valve that relieves excess pressure from the tank, it is vital that this is checked and in working order. To do this, you will more likely than not need the manual that came with your mains pressure hot water cylinder. This manual will help to identify where the valve is and how to inspect it.
Turn your machine off if it not going to be used for a while
If you plan on going on holidays for an extended period of time it is recommended that you turn your mains pressure hot water cylinder off during this time. The reason for this is, if it is left on then the tank will continue to heat liquid that you are not even using. This uses a large amount of gas and electricity at a hefty cost to you. Turning the machine off will also extend its life as it will not be pointlessly running and wearing itself out for the time you are away.
Have a professional inspection once per year
Leaving your mains pressure hot water cylinder until it is worn out can be extremely costly to you as a homeowner or tenant. It is recommended that you deal with small problems early on, to avoid them become more costly ones. The best way to do this apart from just the above recommendation is to have your tank inspected once per year by a professional.
A professional plumber will be able to identify any technical problems that may have arisen with your mains pressure hot water cylinder. A plumber will also be able to administer a temporary or even permanent fix to these problems on the spot. If they require more attention they will often know who to contact and what is needed to be done.
Limit the amount of activity around it
More often than not a mains pressure hot water cylinder will be located somewhere down the side of a house. However in some instances they can be in more open areas. If this is the case, ensure that gardening activities and other potentially harmful activities are kept away from it. A lawnmower for example can easily knock some pipes and valves out of place if the user is not careful.