How we saved a customer time and money on a solar hot water tank replacement cost
We were recently contacted by a customer in North Sydney who was experiencing problems with their Rheem Loline solar hot water system. They had noticed they were regularly running out of hot water and, upon closer inspection of the ground storage tank, discovered it was leaking.
When we arrived on-site, our inspection confirmed that the tank had split. This usually means the tank has reached its end of life and can no longer hold water efficiently. In this situation, the only solution is a full tank replacement.
The good news…
The good news was that not everything needed replacing. The solar ground kit and circulation pump were still in excellent working order, so we were able to reuse them as part of the installation. This not only saved the customer significant money by avoiding unnecessary component replacements, but also reduced the installation time — delivering a cost-effective and efficient solution. Needless to say, the customer was delighted with the outcome.
Why do hot water tanks split?
Hot water tanks are built to last, but like all appliances, they don’t last forever. Splits and leaks often occur because of:
- Corrosion inside the cylinder – over time, minerals in the water and natural wear cause the tank to rust from within.
- Anode rod depletion – the sacrificial anode rod that protects the tank eventually wears out, leaving the cylinder exposed to corrosion.
- High water pressure – excessive or unregulated water pressure puts constant strain on the tank’s walls.
- Thermal expansion – repeated heating and cooling cycles weaken the metal, eventually leading to cracks or splits.
Once a hot water heater tank has split, it’s considered beyond economical repair.
Other solar hot water tank problems
Splits aren’t the only sign that a hot water heater has reached the end of its working life. There are several other problems that commonly indicate it’s time to consider a replacement. For example, rust-coloured or dirty water coming from the taps is often a warning that the tank is corroding from the inside. Excessive leaking around the base of the tank is another strong indicator that the internal cylinder has failed.
Homeowners may also notice a complete lack of hot water or inconsistent heating, even after repeated repairs. In some cases, the system will start making unusual noises such as banging or rumbling, which are usually caused by sediment build-up inside the tank. A constantly running relief valve can point to dangerous internal pressure problems, while repeated breakdowns often mean the cost of ongoing repairs is starting to outweigh the value of the unit itself.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s generally more cost-effective — and safer — to replace the system rather than continue attempting repairs.
How a Rheem Loline solar hot water system works
The Rheem Loline solar hot water system is designed with solar collectors (panels) installed on the roof and a ground-mounted storage tank placed neatly at ground level. The collectors absorb heat from the sun, which is then transferred to the water in the tank via a circulating pump and solar ground kit.
- During the day, the pump circulates water between the panels and the tank, transferring heat and storing hot water for later use.
- At night or during cloudy periods, the tank’s booster (either electric or gas, depending on the system) ensures you still have hot water on demand.
- This design is highly efficient because the heavy storage tank remains on the ground, eliminating the structural stress and weight load associated with rooftop tanks.
A cost effective solution for the customer
In this case, only the solar storage tank needed replacement. To minimise costs and disruption for the customer, we:
- Replaced the leaking tank with a brand-new solar storage tank in the same position.
- Reused the existing rooftop solar collectors, which were still in excellent condition.
- Retained the original solar ground kit and pump, both of which were fully functional.
By reusing these components, the customer avoided the expense of replacing the entire system and still benefited from a fully functioning, energy-efficient hot water system.
With the new tank installed, this customer now enjoys reliable hot water once again, with the confidence of knowing they’ve extended the life of their solar system in the most cost-effective way possible.
Fast solar hot water repairs
If your solar hot water system is leaking, underperforming, or showing signs of age, call and speak directly to one of our hot water specialists. We’ll assess your system and advise whether a repair, replacement, or partial upgrade is the smartest option for your home and budget.
As licensed plumbers, gas fitters, electricians, and hot water specialists, we can service, repair, or replace any hot water system and recommend the best solution for your needs. Best of all, you won’t have to outsource to other trades or wait for them to turn up – we offer One Stop hot water solutions.