Fault Finding; Common Complaints - Rheem 834 Series Service Instructions Manual

FAULT FINDING

Common Complaints

When a complaint is lodged about the performance of a hot water system there are a
number of causes that should be checked and eliminated. In an attempt to pinpoint the
most likely cause it is important to discuss with the customer their reasons for the
complaint, the duration of the problem, any change in circumstances or usage and recent
weather conditions. This information in conjunction with the following listed common
complaints will assist in locating the most likely cause. All procedures assume there is
water > 3 L/m flowing through the water heater.
Water hammer
A water heater will not cause water hammer, however valves associated with the water
heater may be the source of the problem i.e. cold-water stopcock, non-return valve or relief
valve.
Most water hammer problems are associated with plumbing, hot and cold, or appliances
i.e. solenoid valves, ball cocks, loose pipes, sharp angles in pipe work, faulty or worn valve
parts or neighbouring equipment.
High water pressure areas will have more complaints of this nature and the use of a
pressure-limiting valve (PLV) to reduce the cold water pressure will usually solve most
problems.
Excessive hot water usage
The complaints of insufficient hot water, water not hot enough or low hot water flow for an
instantaneous type water heater can on many occasions be attributed to hot water usage
exceeding the capacity of the water heater to provide hot water.
When first attending a call of this nature it is essential to establish the probable hot water
usage by querying the usage habits of the premises and compare this with the potential
delivery of the model water heater installed. It can then be established if the usage is
within or outside the capacity of the model or system. The areas to look at for excessive
usage are:
1. Change of occupancy or number of persons increased.
2. Additional hot water plumbing recently installed.
Discoloured water
1. This may be the result of discoloured water entering from the cold water mains. Check
if the cold water is also discoloured.
2. Milky coloured water is generally air in suspension and will disperse of its own accord.
TM081 Rheem 834 Series Hydroelectric CFGWH Service Instructions
20
REV: AA Issued: 22/02/17
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