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WATER NOT HOT ENOUGH
You may find that due to heavy hot water usage or low solar energy gain the water temperature may be lower
than normally expected. Ensure the booster is being used as advised. If a timer is installed, you will need to
carefully plan your use of the booster heating unit to boost the water temperature on such occasions.
Temperature Redistribution: A lower water temperature may be noticed in the morning when the booster
heating unit has not been energised overnight. This temperature reduction is caused by the transfer of heat
energy overnight from the hot water in the upper part of the solar storage tank to the cold water in the lower
part of the solar storage tank. This effect is often perceived as heat loss, but is actually the redistribution of
stored heat more evenly over the entire contents of the solar storage tank. This heat is not lost to the system.
Temperature redistribution is more prevalent the more hot water is used the night before or if the booster switch
or time clock is left off over-night and in particular may be experienced during periods of low solar energy gain,
such as during the cooler months. Temperature redistribution can also occur during days of lower solar
radiation particularly during the cooler months if power to the booster heating element is not available, or the
booster switch or time clock is left off.
If higher temperature water is required, particularly in the morning, then use of the booster heating unit is
necessary to raise the temperature of the water in the top section of the cylinder.
If the water heater is connected to an Off-Peak (overnight) electricity supply, then switching to an Extended
Off-Peak (overnight and day) supply should be considered. If a timer is being utilised, then a timed boost period
in the afternoon prior to the evening usage should be considered.
"Booster Control"
Refer also to
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE OR EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE RUNNING
•
Normal Operation
It is normal and desirable the temperature pressure relief
valve or expansion control valve allows a quantity of water to
escape during the heating cycle. This quantity should be equal
to approximately 1/50 of the hot water used, as water expands
by this volume when heated. However, if it discharges more
than a bucket full of water in 24 hours, there may be another
problem.
The expansion control valve will discharge water instead of
the temperature pressure relief valve as it has a lower
pressure rating. A benefit is that energy is conserved as the
discharged water is cooler. This valve is installed in the cold
water line to the water heater (refer to the
connection diagram
•
Continuous dribble
Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds (refer to
page 10). This may dislodge a small particle of foreign matter and clear the fault. Release the lever gently.
If the relief valve lever is not readily and safely accessible, contact Rheem Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent. Do not attempt to climb onto a non trafficable roof to operate the relief valve
lever.
•
Steady flows for long period (often at night)
This may indicate the mains water pressure sometimes rises above the designed pressure of the water
heater. Ask your installing plumber to fit a pressure limiting valve.
Warning: Never replace the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating.
•
Heavy flows of hot water from the temperature pressure relief valve until the water heater is cold -
then stops until water reheats
If this occurs when the water heater is being boosted by the electric booster heating unit, then the water
heater must be switched off at the isolating switch or switchboard. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
on page 14.
on page 56).
cold water
23
SAVE A SERVICE CALL
"Relief Valves"
on
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