The 2 Main Types Of Hot Water Systems In Australia

by RSP Crew | Sep 16, 2022

We all know what a hot water system is: it’s the clever technology that makes our showers and baths so steaming and enjoyable. But did you know that up to 25% or more of the average home’s energy costs are spent heating up that water? With that in mind, it’s a good idea to brush up on the main types of hot water systems Australia-wide, so you get the best bang for your buck and lifestyle.

Just 2 hot water system types in Australia

It may seem like there are many, many types of hot water systems out there – but there are actually just two main ones:

1. Storage/tank systems

If you’re old enough to remember life before the popular, sleek instantaneous (or continuous flow) hot water system types of today, then you’ll be very familiar with the tank-based system – still the most common type of hot water system in the developed world.

Essentially, the tank – of various sizes – stores the pre-heated water so that it’s ready to be delivered to your hot tap when you turn it on.

The insulated tanks are made of metal that is sometimes glass or enamel lined, as that stored water contains many minerals that speed up the process of corrosion – a major cause of storage tank system failure and leaks. Most tank-based systems also feature a sacrificial anode rod that will attract the corrosion away from the tank and need to be replaced now and then.

The most affordable tank-based systems are typically the most traditional electric element-heated hot water heaters on the market, although the slightly more expensive-to-buy but efficient-to-run gas-powered tank systems are also very popular for those with natural gas connections or LPG bottles.

Tank systems are also paired with popular home solar power setups and the ultra-modern ‘heat pump’ hot water technology, which still uses electricity but is arguably the most efficient hot water system as it extracts heat energy from the ambient air – like a fridge in reverse.

2. Instantaneous/continuous-flow systems

Also referred to as the ‘tankless’ hot water systems, these are the slick units that are normally attached to the outside of a home – although indoor installations are also possible, making it a particularly tidy setup indeed. The gas-powered hot water units, however, require sufficient ventilation.

For around the same price as a typical tank system, the big benefit of the instantaneous types of hot water systems is right there in the name – because the hot water is almost ‘instant’ when you turn on the tap and you’ll literally never run out of water so long as there is a power supply. The technology achieves this by heating only the water you ask for while the hot tap is open, so there’s no energy lost while the hot water sits in a big tank all day and definitely no need to worry about corroding storage tanks.

Like the tank systems, your natural gas or LPG connections will work perfectly with an instant hot water unit – with the gas versions featuring either electronically ignited burners or a constant pilot light.

And while tank systems also feature impressive controls, the most sophisticated and energy-efficient technology is aboard the instantaneous systems – because, from shower to shower, you can customise the way the water you’re about to use is heated. More traditional hot water systems deliver the desired temperature by diluting steaming hot water with cold water, but the instantaneous thermostats simply heat the cold water to the right setting. There is some efficiency lost, however, in the heating up process – like if you just want to fill a single glass with hot water.

What is the best hot water system for you?

Are you ready to choose the most efficient hot water system for your home, lifestyle and budget? First, you’ll need to consider:

• Your heating method: Electricity, natural gas, LPG, solar or heat pump.
• Tank or instant system: Heat it now and use it later, or heat it as you go?
• Size/capacity: Too small, and you’ll either keep running out of water or struggle to use multiple hot water outlets at the same time. Too big and you’re just wasting money, space and energy efficiency.
• Cost: Don’t forget, there’s the ‘ticket price’, any subsidies or rebates for solar or energy efficient technologies, and the ongoing running costs.
• Energy efficiency: Highly efficient systems keep the running costs down and minimise your carbon footprint.

We’ll guide you through your hot water options

Your particular home, behaviour and budget will play a big role in which types of hot water systems make the most sense, so if you need a little expert guidance, get in touch with the friendly Sydney plumbing team at Rapid Service Plumbing. We’re among Sydney’s most trusted names for same-day hot water installations, repairs and servicing across the entire technological range, so call now for advice and an obligation-free quote.

How To Unblock A Sink Drain At Home In 4 Steps

by RSP Crew | Aug 30, 2022

Ask a plumber what the most common call-out is for, and most will answer almost instantly: a run-of-the-mill sink blockage. And when you stop to think about it, it’s really no surprise. You use that kitchen sink every day and quite often push those vegetable peels and other food scraps down the drain, don’t you? And in the bathroom, stray hairs mix with soap, flakes of skin, wads of toothpaste and other gunk and gradually become a hopelessly blocked sink.

• Sink slow to drain?
• Hearing gurgling noises?
• Smelling foul drain smells?

Oh no, your sink is blocked – or it’s well on the way to getting there! Luckily, the local Sydney plumbing market is so competitive that professional help is only ever around the corner. They’ll use all of their most proven techniques, years of on-the-job experience, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment like CCTV drain cameras and powerful blockage-blasting tools like ultra-high pressure water jetters to get your drains flowing again soon.

But are there a range of pretty effective do-it-yourself methods on how to unblock a sink drain that you can try for yourself before paid help arrives? Yep! If you notice your sink is blocked, follow this easy step-by-step at-home process for putting it right without needing to call a blocked drain plumber:

1. Start with the plughole

Screw it out or otherwise remove the plughole and check for gunk, grime, scum and sink debris.

2. Move on to the plunger

If the plughole is covered with water, that’s great – because the airtight seal for your trusty home plunger will be ideal for what comes next. Use a rag or cloth to also block the overflow and then create a complete seal with the working end of the plunger.

Now it’s just a matter of ‘plunging’ the blocked sink with an up and down motion as vigorously as you can handle.

3. Try baking soda + vinegar

How did you go with the plunger? If you got no joy, don’t despair – because the next DIY ‘how to unblock a sink drain’ fix may well do the trick.

Head into the pantry and pull out your baking soda and white vinegar – and if you don’t have any, add them to the shopping list. Don’t worry too much about the quantities – just pour some of the baking soda down the drain first and wash it down with a cup or so of vinegar.

Let it all fizz for a few minutes – up to half an hour – and then follow up the brew with a full kettle of almost-boiling water.

4. How’s the U-bend?

If you’re feeling particularly handy and adventurous and the three steps outlined above didn’t work, you could always check the U-bend for a blockage. That’s because the shape itself makes the bend particularly susceptible to a build-up of gunk.

It can be a little tricky to do, so make sure you use a bucket or another container beneath the component before unscrewing it. Once it’s off, it’s easy to look inside and pull or push out anything that has gunked it all up.

Sydney’s favourite plumbing team can help!

How did you go? Did you discover the perfect DIY sink fix – or has it turned into a plumbing emergency that requires you to call a plumber? If it’s the latter, don’t stress – because the friendly and highly experienced team at Sydney’s most trusted plumbing team is always standing by 24 hours of the day, 7 days of the week! Our vans are always fully stocked with all the best diagnostic and specialist drain inspection, cleaning and clearing equipment and every job is competitively priced with workmanship that is guaranteed for LIFE. And guess what? Whether in the kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere, blocked sinks are our specialty – so get in touch with the friendly team at Rapid Service Plumbing today.