Hot Water Tips

• Keep hot water systems on the lowest thermostat temperature possible. Most units have a dial on the hot water service with ‘warm / medium / hot’ – ‘medium’ or just above is adequate for most situations. Large boiling units can cost $375 extra per year in electricity.

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• Check to see whether your hot water pipes are insulated between the tank and your taps. If not, or if the insulation is damaged or incomplete, contact a plumber to fix it.

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• Check the relief valve on your hot water system every six months. Most have instructions on the side of the unit, or contact a plumber. The relief valve should be replaced every five years to prevent possible hot water leaks and damage to the unit.

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• Check that no hot water taps are leaking – this not only wastes water, the hot water service also uses more energy to replace the leaking water.