General Water Heater FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
Check the flow rate
Top up the water in the tank
Check the sizing
Check the thermostat setting
Check the electricity tariff
Check tempering valves
I’m not getting any hot water
No power
Faulty thermostat or element
My system is leaking from the overflow
My system is boiling or steaming
My electricity bills seem to be high
The vent pipe is leaking water
Heat Pump FAQ
What is the best setup for maximum performance from my Saxon
SolarStar Heat Pump
What is the most suitable power tariff for Saxon
SolarStar Heat Pumps
I’m not getting any hot water
Tripped Reset Button
Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
Insufficient sunlight
Booster heating unit not operating
Collectors in shade
Collector area too small
Are you using more hot water than you realize?
Timer switch settings
Marine FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
Airlock problems
Heater not completely filled
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General FAQ's
I'm not getting enough hot water
A. Check the flow rate
Get more hot water and reduce your hot water bill by following these simple instructions.
An incorrect flow rate is one of the most common causes of not enough hot water. Typically, a small amount of very hot water is delivered followed by tepid warm water. The problem usually occurs when the flow rate is set too fast and does not allow time for water to heat as it passes through the heat transfer coil.
This problem is easy to remedy.
The best flow rate to heat water to the required temperature is 9 litres per minute for the 70 litre, 90 litre, 140 litre models. A flow rate up to 12 litres per minute can be set for the 180, 280 and 400 litre units.
To adjust the flow rate:
Position an average household bucket of 9 litres under the laundry hot tap.
Turn the laundry tap fully on and note how long it takes to fill the bucket
A standard 9 litre bucket should fill in 1 minute for 9 litre/min or 45 seconds for 12 litres/min.
Should the bucket not be filled or overflow in this time, the flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the water heater isolating valve. (refer diagram 1 below) Repeat the previous steps until the desired flow rate is achieved.
Note: Opening the valve will increase the amount of flow, while closing the valve will decrease the flow. To make the water hotter you will generally have to slow down the flow rate.
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General FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
B. Top up the water in the tank
TIP! FILL ME TO GET HOT WATER FROM ME!
This is a common cause of not enough hot water.
This problem is easy for you to remedy.
Every time you get your electricity bill you should top up the water in the tank of your water heater. To fill the tank and check the water heater valve, lift the filler valve lever until water flows from the overflow pipe. When water flows from the overflow, restore the lever to its original position. (Important: Make sure to ease the lever back gently – do not flick the lever back or you may damage the valve seat.)
Please note that as cold water is introduced into the tank, it will expand and continue to dribble from the overflow for an hour and then will stop.
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General FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
C. Check the sizing
TIP! BE HOT WATER WISE GET THE RIGHT SIZE!
Is your water heater too small for your requirements?
The appropriate Saxon Water Heater Sizing Guide will help you decide if your water heater is big enough.
You can find the sizing guides for each Saxon Water Heater on the main product page for each model. Please note that these are guidelines only as water heating requirements can vary between individuals and families.
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General FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
D. Check the thermostat setting
TIP! TURN ME UP TO MAKE ME HOTTER!
Ensure the thermostat setting is appropriate. You may choose to have your thermostat adjusted upwards to gain additional hot water capacity.
Warning - This must be done by a qualified electrician due to live 240 volt power.
Note: Maximum recommended thermostat setting is 80 degrees C for electric and solar and 70 degrees C on the high setting and 64 degrees C on the low setting for heat pumps.
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General FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
E. Check your electricity tariff
TIP! GET ONTO THE RIGHT TARIFF
Refer to the various Saxon water heater sizing guides and the power tariff you are connected to. You can find the sizing guides for each Saxon water heater on the main product page for each model.
It is common practice for most Electrical Supply Authorities to fit a relay in the meter box to control the supply of electricity to the water heater. This is a switch which the Electricity Authority is able to turn power on and off to the water heater by remote control.
These relays sometimes malfunction, resulting in a loss of electricity to heat sufficient water to meet household requirements.
Relays are often set for "on and off" times which do not suit the householder and it is possible to have these times altered and malfunctions rectified by contacting your Electrical Supply Authority.
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General FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
F. Check tempering valves
TIP! Have your tempering valve checked for maximum 50 degrees C hot water
Water heaters are often fitted with tempering valves. These valves automatically mix hot and cold water to produce tempered water at a maximum of 50 degrees C to reduce the incidence of scalding.
These valves may need checking and adjustment from time to time. If you are in any doubt about the operation of your tempering valve, contact the valve manufacturer or contact Saxon on 1300 363 959 for advice.
Note: These valves can only be adjusted by qualified Trades people in accordance with regulatory standards.
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General FAQ
I’m not getting any hot water
A. No power
Please check the following causes of no hot water relating to no power to the water heater.
Is there power to the water heater?
The water heater switch in the switchboard should be in the "on" position.
Check the hot water fuse is not blown or that the circuit breaker is in the off position. Also check that the safety switch (RCD) is in the on position.
Power supply may not be available at certain times of the day where the heater is connected to an "off-peak" tariff. (refer to "electricity tariff")
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General FAQ
I’m not getting any hot water
B. Faulty thermostat or element
If you have checked that the water heater is getting power (see item above) and the water heater is still not getting hot, then the problem may be a faulty thermostat or element. This will need to be checked by a qualified service technician or tradesman. Call Saxon Service on 1300 363 959.
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General FAQ
My system is leaking from the overflow
With new installations or after filling the water heater it is normal for the heater to trickle from the overflow for the first couple of days of operation, or until the heater reaches its operating temperature. This is because the water in the tank will expand as it is heated up and will leak out of the overflow until it reaches normal operating temperature.
Does your heater have a continuous dribble? If so, try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds. Then ease the lever gently back into its original position. This process may dislodge foreign particles and clear and re-seat the valve.
If leaking from the overflow continues after trying the above it may indicate a faulty value.
Also note that steady flows for a long period from the overflow (often at night) may indicate the mains water pressure sometimes rises above the designed water pressure of the water heater. Ask your plumber to check pressures and if necessary fit a pressure limiting valve.
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General FAQ
My system is boiling or steaming
It is common for the water heater to make a rumbling sound similar to an electric kettle when the heater is heating up. In contrast a water heater, which is steaming or boiling, will have a visible discharge of steam from the unit. If the water is continually steaming or boiling it may be a faulty thermostat and will need to be checked by a qualified service technician or tradesman. Call Saxon Service on 1300 363 959.
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General FAQ
My electricity bills seem to be high
Check if there is a dripping hot water tap or a leaking hot water pipe. Over time, even a small leak will waste a large quantity of hot water. Contact your plumber to rectify any leaking pipe work.
Check hot water usage to see if hot water is being wasted?
(This applies particularly to shower outlets).
Replace faulty tap washers regularly.
Check your Electricity Tariff to see whether you're on the cheapest tariff suitable for your size water heater.
Refer to your power bill to determine which hot water tariff you are on. Refer to your power authority to see which tariff types and prices are available to you.
Check your power bill to see if there has been an increase in the price of your electricity tariff since the last bill.
Wasting hot water can be very expensive.
We suggest that you carefully review your family's hot water usage to determine if there are any hot water outlets using more hot water than necessary.
You may consider contacting your local "Waterwise Master Plumber" for a water usage audit. The installation of inexpensive flow controls can lead to significant cost savings.
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General FAQ
The vent pipe is leaking water
If the vent pipe is discharging water, it may be that the overflow outlet pipe is blocked. Ensure that the overflow outlet pipe is not damaged, and disconnect any plumbing from the overflow outlet to see if it is blocked.
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Heat Pump FAQ
What is the best setup for maximum performance from my Saxon SolarStar Heat Pump
Connection to continuous power is preferred.
Increase temperature setting at controller to suit climatic conditions.
Install AAA shower roses to limit water flow in showers (and conserve water as well)
Ensure flow rate at water heater outlet is set to 9 litres a minute (up to 12 litres a minute is maximum)
Spread out family shower times or plan your hot water usage (washing machine hot wash) so you have hot water when you need it.
Heat Pump is not recommended for deep filled spas or deep filled baths
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Heat Pump FAQ
What is the best power tariff for Saxon Heat Pumps
The power tariff for most consistent performance is continuous power as the heat pump will be able to maintain temperature or recover hot water quickly after draw offs as they occur.
The most economic tariff for Saxon SolarStar Heat Pumps is Off-Peak Tariff T33 in Queensland or Off-Peak Tariff OP2 in New South Wales.
Saxon SolarStar Heat Pumps should not be connected to the Night Rate Off-Peak Tariffs T31 in Queensland or the Night Rate Off-Peak Tariff OP1 in New South Wales.
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Heat Pump FAQ
I’m not getting any hot water
Tripped Reset Button
Check that the thermal overload (on the digital controller) has not been tripped, if so press the "SET" button to reset.
Warning: This must be done by a qualified electrician due to live 240 volt power.
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Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
A. Insufficient sunlight
Insufficient sunlight due to cloudy weather during summer and winter months or low solar energy contribution in winter months may mean you will need to switch on the booster heating unit more often.
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Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
B. Booster heating unit not operating
Inspect the isolating switch marked "HOT WATER" in the meter box and the booster switch (if one is installed) and ensure they are turned "ON". Make sure the timer is programmed and operating correctly. Check the electrical tariff to which the unit is connected.
If the unit is connected to an Off Peak Tariff, remember heating hours are restricted (refer to "Off Peak Tariff" in the Owner & Installers Manual).
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Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
C. Collectors in shade
If trees or other objects shade the solar collectors or if the glass is dirty, the effectiveness of the solar collectors will be greatly reduced. Clean the collector glass, trim trees or relocate the solar collectors if the obstruction is permanent.
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Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
D. Collector area too small
For most installations, the number of solar collectors recommended in the Saxon literature will provide the required solar energy to meet the average family needs. However, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to install an additional solar collector. All Saxon Solar heaters come with the necessary mounting hardware to install up to three collectors for extra panels (of either type) or more panel mounting equipment, please call your installer or Saxon Service on 1300 363 959.
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Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
E. Are you using your hot water most effectively?
Is one outlet (especially the shower) using more hot water than you think? Carefully review the family’s hot water usage. As you have installed an energy saving water heater, energy saving should also be practiced in the home.
Adjust your water usage pattern to take advantage of maximum solar gains. Most of the solar energy is collected by the system between 9am and 2pm. If you use hot water before or during these hours the system will collect more heat to replace it, whereas hot water used in the afternoon or night will not be replenished until the following day without boosting.
It is a good idea to restrict the amount of hot water used by simply fitting an inexpensive water saver shower rose. Conventional shower roses can require up to 20L/min of flow to spray properly, but a large amount of water is wasted. Water saver shower roses can operate with as little as 6L/min of flow and most people will still be comfortable with 12L/min or less of shower flow.
Contact your local WaterWise Master Plumber in the Yellow Pages for a water usage audit and recommendations on appropriate water saving measures.
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Solar FAQ
I’m not getting enough hot water
F. Timer switch settings
The timer is easily programmable to suit your needs. The recommended timer settings may not be suitable for your household’s usage patterns, or the timer could have been programmed incorrectly. For more information on how to program the timer, refer to the Owner & Installer Manual on the Saxon Solar product page.
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Marine FAQ
I’m not getting any hot water
A
. Airlock problems
An air lock is the most probable cause if you receive only to 1 litre of hot water before it goes cold. To alleviate the problem disconnect the fresh water supply hose and attach a garden hose to the fresh cold water inlet and apply strong water pressure to blow out the airlock. Once the cold water supply line has been flushed out the fresh water supply hose can be reconnected.
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Marine FAQ
I’m not getting any hot water
B. Heater not completely filled
The storage tank is filled by lifting the lever on the pressure relief valve, until water comes out of the overflow. Water in the tank is a heat storage medium only and does not come out of the hot water outlet. Engine water enters and exits through indicated ports after travelling through a coil to transfer heat to the storage medium. Fresh water enters and exits through indicated ports after travelling through a coil and picking up heat from the storage medium. For instructions on how to fill the storage tank refer to Top up the water in the tank.
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