Desolved minerals in our water supply

Wilson Hot Water Elements

In a previous post I mentioned the different faults a hot water system can have. The most common fault comes from the fact that the element is sitting in a tank of heated water. All water carries a level of desolved minerals and when the water is heated these corrosives become more active. These desolved mineral such as lime,calcium and salts can result in a scale build up around the element which can shorten the life of the element. The early hot water elements that came out were made of copper. A readible available material and a good heat conductor. Unfortunately copper corrodes easily so a newer more expensive Stainless steel alloys such as In-cloy (800 & 825) element were developed for hard water.

A new solution

An Australian Company called Wilson Elements have joined forces with a Swidish technology partner Nibe Element AB to develop a great value hot water element for Australian conditions. Using a new processed high grade stainless alloy the Dur-alloy Elements approach Incloy corrosion resistance for roughly the same price as copper. With the global price of copper going up the Dur-alloy represents great value for customers.

Wilson Elements have a range of elements to suit each water type.

• Dur-Alloy – Soft & Mild Water
• Copper – Soft Water
• Incaloy – Hard Water

For all your servicing of Hot Water elements in the Mackay Area call me Rod Swan – Andergrove Appliance Service.

Hot Water Systems

Now one thinks of the humble hot water system until some go for a shower and finds that the water is cold. Now with the push for more economic power consumption the electric hot water system is being phased out, but it will still be some years before they disappear all together. In the meantime owners will continue to repair them as long as they can. Mains pressure hot water systems are a very simple appliance.

Construction

The mains pressure electric hot water system is a large tank. Cold water comes in the bottom fills the tanks and hot water goes out the top pipe. The water is heated by an element and the temperature is controlled by a thermostat and overheat cutout combination. There is a sacrificial anode fitted to the tank. This is there in case there is any corrosives in the water so that it will be eaten away instead of the tank or element. There is also a pressure relief valve fitted to the tank.

Common Faults

As there are few parts, there are not many parts to break down. Because hot water systems do draw a fair amount of current the common faults are to do with the current burning out wiring joints, thermostat contacts or elements. All of these faults result in an open circuit and then no heat for the water. If you have no heat in the hot water system call your local electrician. In areas where you have off peak tariff, it could be the electricity suppliers controller that has failed. If this is the case your local qualified electrician will have to diagnose the fault first and then the electrician will organize the electricity supplier to come out and replace their unit. If you find the hot water system is leaking, call your local plumber.

For electrical faults to your mains pressure hot water system in the Mackay area, Queensland you can call me, Rod Swan.