A common service call—no hot water—became a complex diagnostic task at an older apartment building on First Ave, Dandenong, VIC 3175. The issue was perplexing: absolutely no water was coming from the hot taps. Our highly experienced plumber quickly determined the unique problem was related to the building’s original gravity-fed electric hot water system located in the roof space.
The Challenge: Float Switch Failure and a Stubborn Airlock
The gravity-fed system is designed to automatically replace used water via a balancing tank and a float switch, relying on gravity, not mains pressure, to deliver water to the taps.
The plumber first gained access to the roof space and found the balancing tank completely empty. This confirmed a failure in the float switch, which was preventing the system from refilling. The plumber immediately sourced a suitable replacement float switch from Reece Plumbing Dandenong, 3 Leslie St, Dandenong VIC 3175.
After installing the new float switch, the system restored normal operation, and the balancing tank began to fill. However, hot water was still not flowing to the taps.
The Expert Solution: Solving the Airlock Mystery
As Home Plumbing Experts, the plumber diagnosed the secondary, hidden issue: an airlock in the hot water piping system. Because these systems rely on weak gravity pressure, air pockets can easily halt the flow.
The plumber used a highly specialized technique to clear the airlock:
- Bridging the Lines: The plumber connected the hot and cold water outlets at the washing machine taps.
- Mains Pressure Injection: This temporary connection allowed the strong mains cold water pressure to flow into the hot water pipes.
After only five to ten minutes, the powerful mains pressure successfully dislodged the airlock, and hot water began to flow out of the gravity-fed system steadily.
Your Choice Plumbers – Home Plumbing Experts – Masters of Complex Systems
This intricate job in Dandenong, VIC 3175, highlights our commitment to mastering all plumbing systems, including rare, older installations. We successfully diagnosed and repaired a dual fault (float switch failure and airlock) where other plumbers may have given up. We proudly service Dandenong and surrounding suburbs, including Dandenong South, Keysborough, and Noble Park.
For compliant hot water repairs and expert plumbing services in Dandenong, contact Your Choice Plumbers Dandenong – Home Plumbing Experts today for a fast and reliable service you can trust. Call us now on 1300 852 779.
