Rheem solar hot water troubleshooting. Fast help. All Sydney suburbs.

Problem with your Rheem solar hot water system?

We were contacted by a customer in Gladesville, in Sydney’s Inner West, whose Rheem Loline solar hot water system had stopped producing reliable hot water.

Our solar hot water specialist, John, was onsite at the property as soon as he finished up at another client’s property where he was troubleshooting another solar hot water system problem.

Once onsite, John went through the process of checking all components of the client’s Rheem solar hot water system to ascertain what the problem was.

Solar hot water troubleshooting

First, before undertaking any testing, we isolate the solar system from the mains power. We then retest the load at the system with an external device.

Inspect and test the element

Inspect and test the element for correct omhs reading. No problems were found.

The purpose of the element in a hot water system is to heat the water. The element is located inside the hot water tank and, when electricity is applied to it, the element gets hot and heats up the surrounding water. To ensure the water doesn’t get too hot or the hot water system doesn’t overheat, the element is controlled by a thermostat.

Signs your solar hot water heater element is not working correctly »

Inspect and test the thermostat

Inspect and test the thermostat for continuity. No problems were found.

The thermostat in a hot water system measures the temperature of the water. The thermostat’s purpose is to regulate the temperature of the water being heated to a set point.

If the temperature is below the set point, then the thermostat sends a signal to the heating system (i.e. element) to turn on so it heats the water until the desired temperature is reached. Once this temperature is reached, the thermostat signals the heating system to turn off. The hot water system thermostat is very important because it ensures a consistent water temperature is maintained. Importantly, it prevents the water from overheating or cooling down too much.

Signs your solar hot water heater thermostat is not working correctly »

Test the function of the TPR valve

Inspect and test the function of the TPR valve. No problems were found.

The temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve) in a hot water system is an important and necessary safety feature with it’s main function being to release excess pressure and temperature from the water heater tank to prevent a catastrophic failure or explosion. As water is heated, it expands, creating pressure within the tank. If the pressure inside the hot water tank becomes too high, the TPR valve automatically opens, releasing the excess pressure to the outside. Additionally, if the water temperature inside the tank becomes too high, the TPR valve will also open to release the excess heat.

More information about hot water heater TPR valve problems »

Check all solar components

Upon inspection of the solar component, we found that the solar pump had stopped working and needed to be replaced. This was the cause of the customer experiencing hot water delivery problems.

When there is a problem with the solar pump, the customer may experience inconsistent hot water delivery or no hot water at all. In this instance, because the solar pump was broken, the system was running completely on the electric backup. We installed a new solar ground kit which comprises a new pump, controller and sensors. The customer was back enjoying trouble free solar hot water again.

The solar pump is responsible for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the solar collectors and the storage tank or heat exchanger. It ensures efficient heat transfer by maintaining fluid flow. By utilising a solar pump to circulate the heat transfer fluid, the solar hot water system maximises the efficiency of heat transfer, ensuring that the heated fluid reaches the storage tank and effectively warms the water. This process allows renewable solar energy to provide hot water, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and lowering energy costs.

More information about solar hot water system components »

Check the anode

And finally, we checked the anode. The anode was still in good condition and didn’t require replacement.

Anodes are core rods installed at the top of the hot water tanks during production to prevent rust and corrosion. The rods are surrounded by either magnesium, aluminium or zinc. They have been a staple of hot water heaters for decades and are very useful in preventing water tank damage and regular and expensive replacement costs.

Also known as ‘sacrificial anodes’, through electrolysis, the rod will corrode instead of the water heater’s exposed steel through a process called electrolysis. It protects the metal inside the hot water heater from rusting. Electrolysis occurs when the two pieces of submerged metal rod react to a voltage.

More information about hot water heater anodes »

Recommission the hot water system

After finishing the Rheem solar hot water system troubleshooting and testing that it was back up and running again, we cleaned up the site of any associated rubbish. The customer was back enjoying trouble-free solar hot water and should continue to do so for years to come. To prevent breakdown, we recommend our clients have their hot water system (solar, gas and electric) serviced every five years. This cost-effective service only takes around 30-40 minutes and can find problems before they lead to the hot water system breaking and you suddenly without hot water. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Solar hot water troubleshooting and repairs

Have you got a problem with your Rheem solar hot water system? Contact our solar specialists for expert advice and fast troubleshooting and repairs.

We are accredited service agents for all electric, gas and solar hot water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot, Chromagen and more.

Contact our friendly team for friendly and helpful advice.

More solar hot water troubleshooting tips

Cheapa Solar Hot Water Sydney

Hot water is our business – it’s not a sideline. Each year we install and repair hundreds of hot water systems in homes and businesses across the entire Sydney area.

Don’t waste money employing multiple trades.

Did you know that a new hot water system is a big investment and often needs the installation and setup of plumbing, gas and electric components? This requires the experience and qualifications of both a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician.

At Cheapa Hot Water, we are licensed and qualified to undertake any plumbing and electrical work required to complete your hot water system installation or repair quickly, and within budget.

Plumbers who do not specialise in the installation of hot water heaters may need to outsource the electrical work required to another tradesperson, thereby holding up your hot water system repair or installation, adding extra expense due to additional call out fees charged by employing two tradespeople.

Don’t risk voiding your hot water heater warranty

Additionally, most manufacturers won’t cover the terms of your hot water system warranty if it isn’t installed by a licensed hot water technician or qualified plumber. Hot water tanks are an expensive appliance so why would you risk voiding your warranty by installing it yourself or employing the services of someone who isn’t licensed?

Save money today by calling our Sydney hot water experts. Our trucks are on the road right now stocked with thousands of spare parts to repair and service your hot water heater quickly.

Benefits to our residential customers

Hot water is our business – it’s not a sideline. Each year we repair and install thousands of hot water systems in homes across Sydney.

We are a Sydney hot water company and can quickly provide onsite assistance to customers and businesses.
We offer free delivery of your new hot water system and complimentary disposal and recycling of your old water heater (where applicable).
As one of Sydney’s largest hot water system suppliers, our enormous buying powers and ability to buy direct from the manufacturer means we can pass attractive savings on to our customers.
Our fully qualified, licensed hot water heater installers have 30+ years of experience each. We are fully insured and pride ourselves on our old-fashioned customer service.
We are accredited service agents for all the hot water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot, Chromagen and more.
We are qualified to undertake all the plumbing and electrical work required to install a new hot water system. There is no need to waste time and money employing multiple trades.
We have all the equipment needed to install your hot water system quickly. We don’t have to hire or wait for other trades to arrive with the required equipment. Ask about same-day assistance.
We supply a huge range of gas, solar and electric HWS and guarantee to beat any genuine hot water system price with fast and free delivery.