It’s happened to all of us: you’re enjoying a hot shower, and then all of the sudden the water turns cold. You panic as you try to figure out what went wrong, only to realise that your solar hot water system has stopped working. What do you do now? In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to take when your solar hot water system breaks.
1. Check the switchboard
The first thing you should do when your solar hot water system breaks is to check if the circuit breaker has been tripped. This can happen due to an overload or a fault in the wiring, and it will stop the element from from working until it is reset.
One trick to check if the circuit breaker is tripped is to look at the switch. If it’s in the off position, it means that your pump is not receiving any power. To reset the circuit breaker, simply flip the switch back on and see if it works again.
2. Check if there is a blockage in the solar collector.
Checking for blockages in your solar collector is a crucial part of properly managing and maintaining your pump system. Without regularly clearing any dirt, debris, or other build up that may accumulate over time, your panels will not be able to receive the amount of sunlight they need to heat the water efficiently. To check for a blockage, be sure to thoroughly inspect each panel, paying close attention to areas that are prone to buildup such as around seams or at corner angles.
3. Check if the solar controller is on.
Remember to leave the maintenance and repair of your solar hot water system to the professionals.
Before assuming that your solar hot water pump isn’t functioning correctly, it is important to check if the solar controller is on. This device helps regulate the temperature of the state-of-the-art water storage system. It also ensures that your investment in this system is used at its maximum efficiency. Be sure to inspect the solar controller and make sure it is set to the correct temperature. Sometimes we failed to turn the controller on, and that can lead to the pump not working. The smallest adjustment in the settings can make all the difference between your hot water system working or not.
What to do if none of the above troubleshooting methods work?
If none of the steps above solve your solar hot water system’s pump problem, then it is best to contact a professional for further assistance. A certified technician can help with any underlying issues and help ensure that your solar hot water system runs efficiently and safely. They will have the experience and technical knowledge to assess and repair any problems and make sure your system runs smoothly.
Never attempt to tinker and repair it yourself even if you know exactly what you are doing. Solar water systems can be quite tricky and require specialised tools to repair. Do not risk further damage by attempting it yourself, contact a professional instead to make sure the job is done correctly. Additionally, DIY repairs, negligence, and improper installation can void the warranty attached to your solar hot water system.
What are the most common solar hot water pump problems to watch for?
Understanding what are the main issues that cause solar hot water pumps to break is an important step in the maintenance of these systems. Here are six of the most common problems most consumers experience with their solar hot water pumps:
- Controller Not Working – Make sure the controller has power and that it is plugged in properly. If there are no issues here, then check the wiring to make sure everything is connected correctly.
- Circulation pump not working – Clogging, blockage, and improper settings can all cause the pump to stop working. Make sure there are no leaks, blockages, or debris in the pipes that will hinder the flow of water.
- Insufficient solar heat – The solar controller may not be set to the right temperature, or there could be something blocking the sunlight from reaching your panels. Visually check the solar panels and the wiring to make sure everything is connected correctly.
- Noisy Pump – Noisy pumps can be caused by improper installation, loose connections, or a bad bearing in the motor.
- Pest infestation – Ants, rats, and other pests can cause a lot of damage to your solar hot water system’s pump, and it is important to check for any signs of an infestation. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help reduce the risk of an infestation.
- Leaks due to freezing temperatures – The cold winter temperatures can cause some pipes to freeze and break, leading to water leaks. Ensure proper insulation of your pipes and regularly check for any signs of damage.
The best way to ensure that your solar hot water pump does not break is to keep it well-maintained. Keeping it clean and regularly visual inspection will help you spot any issues before they become serious problems.
Leave the technical and complex repairs to the professionals who have the skills and experience necessary for a safe and successful repair. Proper maintenance is key, so make sure that you keep up with regular inspections and cleaning of your solar hot water systems. Doing this will help you save time, money, and a ton of headache in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Remember to leave the maintenance and repair of your solar hot water system to the professionals. If you ever come across any problems with your pump, contact a professional immediately to make sure the job is done correctly and safely. We understand the urge to try and fix the problem yourself, rather than wait and spend money on a professional, but you risk further damage and void your warranty if you try and fix it yourself. A penny wise and pound foolish approach is never the right way to go.
