The most common energy saving water heaters are storage, tankless and solar ones. For outdoors, portable water heaters can be used. Though, the electronic configuration and source of fuel are different, the fundamental principle behind all water heaters is the same. In every water heater, normal cold water (usually tap water) is heated with the help of a heating system. The warm water is then collected via the hot water tap.

Each water heater has its own advantages and disadvantages. Like any other appliances, hot water heaters have certain problems. It is to be noted that water heater restore should be carried out only if you are familiar with the device. In case, you are planning to fix anything, first turn off the water heater, close the water intake and drain off the water. Following is a list of frequent problems of hot water heaters and tips on how to troubleshoot them.

No Hot Water: This may be caused due to a defect in the heating element and/or gas thermocouple. You can exchange these components to troubleshoot the problem by following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Insufficient Hot water: Check the thermostat setting; adjust if it is set too low. An added cause may be due to a defect in the dip tube that will draw out cold water directly without heating. You can consult a expert to fix up this problem.

Too Hot or Too Cold water: This is caused due to changing of the thermostat setting frequently. Try adjusting the setting to the desired temperature of hot water.

Pilot Light Problem: Pilot light may go on and off repeatedly, try to relight the pilot light. If this doesn’t work, call a serviceman to fix it up. The problem may be due to draft, defective thermocouple or dirt in the gas line that clogs the pilot line.

Smelly Hot Water: This problem is ordinary with hot water heaters installed with magnesium anode rod. Smell in hot water may be due to presence of impurities, especially microorganisms like bacteria. Clean by flushing the water heater with chlorine water. To solve this problem, you can consider replacing an aluminum anode rod.

Noisy Water Heater: Noises can be due to contraction and increase of metal equipments or scale formation inside the water heater. The latter case can be solved by flushing the water heater once per month.

Slow Hot Water Recovery: It can be due to sediment accumulation or problems in burner operation and air combustion.

Leaking Water Tank: It is a usual problem, especially with old tanks due to corrosion or other reasons. The only solution is to replace a water tank.

Time to complete the job: Up to 1 hour

Step 1: Tighten the grub screw

Remove the lid from the toilet cistern.

Find the small screw that holds the plastic arm of the flush to the metal handle. This is the grub screw. It should be tightened to hold the arm firmly in place.

Tip: Once every six months tighten the grub screw to prevent further trouble with your flush.

Step 2: Check the linkage

The linkage is the metal hook that connects the handle to the pump mechanism. Check to see if it’s bent or twisted. If it is, it could snap with use, so it needs to be replaced.

To change it, pull up the plastic arm below the linkage and work the linkage out of place. Make sure you hold on to the plastic arm, or it will disappear into cistern and be lost forever! You’ll then need to replace the whole pump, which is a much bigger job!

Work the new linkage into place.

Step 3: Drain the cistern

The inlet valve can either be a bottom-entry valve or a side-entry valve. If it is in bad shape or not working properly, then it needs to be replaced with a new one.

The first step is to drain the system. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and then use the flush handle to drain the cistern as much as you can.

Scoop out the remaining water with the plastic cup. The water level needs to be below the bottom of the inlet valve.

Step 4: Remove the inlet valve

To remove the old valve, loosen the nuts holding the inlet valve in place. The set-up varies from system to system, but usually there are two nuts underneath the cistern that need to be loosened.

Unscrew the nuts and pull out the old valve.

Step 5: Replace the inlet valve

Fit the new valve into position. Use the basin spanner to tighten nuts firmly.

Switch the water on and let the system refill. Replace the cistern lid and give the toilet a flush.

Tip: Make sure the rubber washer on the inlet valve is in place properly. The concave side should face-up to make the correct seal.

Courtesy of: uktv

Time to complete job: One day.

Approximate budget: 200mm (8in) thick insulation rolls, 7m (8yds) long and 370mm (15in) wide cost from around £12 each.

First Steps

Before you start work, use a torch to check that all the exposed woodwork looks in good condition. Check especially for any dampness or small holes that indicate woodworm. Carry out any repair work or call in a professional.

Insulation is sold in various thicknesses but you should have a minimum of 200mm (8in) over all the roof space. Measure the distance between your ceiling joists. Mineral-fibre is usually sold in 5-8m (5.5-9yds) lengths, 370mm (15in) wide to fit the standard spacing.

Insulation fibres can irritate the skin so always wear a dusk mask, gloves and overalls to lay the new insulation.

Tip: Take off your watch to avoid it catching on the mineral fibres.

via:uktv

It’s important to make sure all your gas appliances are installed properly and serviced regularly.

Problems
Contact a Gas Safe Register registered installer immediately if you notice the appliance isn’t working properly. Never try and tackle any repairs or pipe connections yourself.

Warning Signs
Problems with your gas appliances may be indicated by soot deposits around the appliance and/or a yellow/orange flame rather than the normal blue flame. Another sign the appliance isn’t working correctly is excessive condensation in the room.

Smell of Gas
If you smell gas in your home, follow a few simple rules to protect yourself:

1. Open all the doors and windows nearest the smell of gas. It could be that the boiler pilot light has gone out or a gas appliance has been left on e.g. a cooker hob ring. If the light is on and the appliances are all turned off, there may be a gas leak.
2. Turn off the gas at the gas supply meter.
3. Don’t turn on light switches, use the doorbells or any other electrical switches.
4. Do not smoke, light a match or use any other kind of naked flame.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless and tasteless gas that can be produced when a gas appliance has not been correctly installed or maintained or the chimney or flue becomes blocked. This is a potentially lethal gas, so follow these simple steps if you suspect there is any danger:

1. If you experience drowsiness, headaches, nausea or pains in the chest when using a gas appliance, switch it off.
2. Open the doors and windows and call the National Grid 24-hour gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.
3. Contact a doctor and mention the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

source: uktv.co.uk

Even if you have several water butts that provide you with most of your water needs in the garden (and you should!), you’ll still find that a source of running water in the garden is necessary on occasion. How else are you going to fill that gorgeous water feature you’ll be installing this spring? Our guide below will help you get tapped out.

Time to complete the job: 1 hour

Step 1: Run the mains outside

If you’re comfortable with more complex plumbing tasks, you can do this yourself. You’ll need to drill a hole through the side of your house big enough to draw a pipe connected to your mains water through to the outside.

If you have any doubts, it’s best to get a plumber in to do this for you.

Step 2: Mark and drill

If your house is made of brick, stick a few pieces of masking tape to the wall where you want the tap to go.

Hold the tap base against the tape and mark the screw placement with a pencil. Drill into the brick work using the hammer drill.

Step 3: Hang the tap base

Press wall plugs into the holes then gently tap them home with the hammer.

Screw the base to the wall. It needs to be secure so kids and husbands can use a bit of force on it without wrenching it from the wall.

Tip: If you use a 7mm drill bit, use brown wall plugs. For a 6mm drill bit, use red.

Step 4: Attach the hose

Slide a jubilee hose clip loosely over the hosepipe protruding from the wall. Press the nozzle into the open end of the hose. Make sure you have a washer in the nozzle, as this will provide the seal. Connect the nozzle to the tap base. Tighten the connection with a spanner.

Slide the jubilee clip into place on the hose and tighten the grub screw.

Tip: When tightening connections on any plumbing work, don’t force them tight. Make the connection firm and tighten it just another pinch.

Step 5: Assemble the tap

Wrap PTFE tape around the thread that connects the tap to its base. This will give you a leak-free seal. Wind the tap on to the base – firmly but not too tight.

Water those hydrangeas!

source: uktv

Step 1: Connect the hose

Hook one end of the hose up to the garden or kitchen tap. These taps are the closest to the mains, so should provide enough pressure to do the job properly.

Connect the other end of the hose to the spluttering tap. Double-check the connections to make sure they’re tight.

Step 2: Turn on the waterff

Turn on the tap that needs to be fixed. Then, have someone turn on the water at the other end. In a few moments you should be able to see the water coming up through the hose.

Step 3: Turn off the taps

Let the water run about 10-30 seconds.The pressure from the garden hose will push water up through the system to the header tank, taking the airlock with it.

Turn off the (no longer) spluttering tap. Turn off the water at the other end. Try out your splutter-free sink.

source: uktv.co.uk

Time to complete job: About 30 minutes.
Approximate budget: Emergency plumbing kits including a pipe repair kit, spare valves and tap washers cost around £12.

Tip: If someone has hammered a nail into a pipe, don’t try and remove it, as this will make the leak worse.