I am glad you got good service from Chromagen. I got Chromagen, and I asked for help. They came to see my problem, and they refused to help while under warranty. So I have a different experience from you. My next purchase will be a hot water heat pump tank tied to a solar hot water PV to avoid the same problems.
Hi there. The output from the solar should run to the instantaneous system. Which then should run to a pre set blending valve. This blending valve mixes hot and cold water so you have a maximum output temperature. If this system has been bypassed or isn’t working then you get water that is too hot.
Hi Mark, I have got a similar one without the gas instantaneous system on top. My question is how to NOT use or Cut off the solar side of this solar HWS? I only want to use the normal electric hot water system as the pipes going up and down the solar have a history of leaking. Please advise Thank you
I found this system useless for 9 months a year. During 9 months in Melbourne when it’s relatively cold, the solar part doesn’t heat water. On the other hand, it consumes energy because the pump attached to the tank still operates. Moreover, during minus T water in solar pipes needs to be heated too so it wouldn’t be frozen. Just a gas booster without the whole solar part would be much better in our environment. Interestingly enough, I can’t find an inlet water filter for water coming to Eternity 20 and I’m not sure it even exists, whereas in Rinnai it’s really visible and easy to clean
Ouch. Am building in South East Melbourne and my builder supplies a Rheem model similar to this =(. Was hoping the solar thermal would save a bit but looks like not =(
There is a lot of hate from plumbers to these systems. I think mainly because they are not understood. Every time the sun is out it is raising the temperature of the supply water to your instantaneous heater and therefore it will use less gas. Saving money and the planet. I have three people in my house and I turn the gas booster off in summer in Melbourne and there is always enough hot water. (Outside of filling the bath). The circulation motor is tiny and costs very little to run. See my other videos where I discuss this
Its useful mostly in north Australia, even then in darwin in the dry season you will have only cold showers for a month or 2 in the dry season. If you coulple this wth a solar pannel for a small heater in your storage tank it will make a difference
Hi, I'd like to disconnect the whole solar and tank and just re route and use the instantaneous unit only, do you have a schematic for the plumbing/wiring? Thanks
Hi Mark. I have to replace the corroded pipe fittings on the storage tank. Would you know whether the storage tank is made out of copper or steel. I'm just concerned if the fittings are seized and difficult to remove, this may fracture the tank. Not sure why mild steel fittings were used.
My double panel exploded, and left only one panel. Can I utilise the one panel to use ? Or do I need to buy a new double panel? Can you shed some light on this?
Hi. The pressure on these systems come mainly from the mains water pressure itself not the little circulation pump. So I think it would be fine to run through just one panel.
Good info mate.... Is there a way to bypass the solar heater and directly use gas instead? I have a leak in the panel and want to bypass the thing completely till i fix it... I am a bit confused since the instant heater pulls the water from tank...and tank only has what comes from solar panel...so how would i do it?
Parminder Sandhu I don’t know how your system is pLumbed but mine has the solar drawing and returning to the tank. So to bypass a leak you would need to blank off both of the pipes running to the solar at the tank end. That would then leave the gas system intact. But that is on my system I don’t know how yours is plumbed MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials Yeah..mine was exactly the same..I got a plumber who disconnected the in and out from the tank "swimming pool" in your case :-)... but the gas heater still pulls water from the tank... so in other words..tank still fills up first..and then the gas heater pulls water from tank and heats it before its available in pipes.. It was a rather easy fix, but the plumber didnt really bypass the whole system.. i am still dependent on the tank to fetch water for the heater...not sure if thats the best way..or he just used a short-cut method...
Parminder Sandhu If you want to repair your solar panel later. Then what you have is the best option. The tank won’t hinder in anyway it is just like a fat pipe. 😳
Whenever I lift the pressure temperature release valve, I hear rattling/rumbling noise noise (like air bubble noise through a pipe whenever you shut the mains to replace a tap). I get lukewarm water coming out instead of hot water. Should I be concerned?
They shouldn't be using flexi connectors, they are not for outdoor uses. If you guys have those flexible hoses for your outdoor hot water tank, you must get it replaced with copper pipes ASAP!!!
Hi Mark, my solar panel frost protection valve has been leaking for months and months now ( not dripping it's literally pouring). What's the issue here? Thanks
Thanks Mark for the reply. Is there any way then that I could bypass the Solar Panel system since it's heavily leaking and still have hot water supply. Or are they both interconnected?
@@arnelsubala7567 If it is just the valve then get that replaced. If the panel is leaking that is more expensive. You will need a plumber to disconnect it.
From last night I got new problem The continued sound coming out of hot water solar tank , it goes only for the moment we release pressure valve to release some water then it start again Any idea please Looks like it’s happening due to some sediment build up in tank as I read on google , after I release some water via pressure relief value the sound went for 10-15 mins but it is back again I saw some rusty color water came out
Hi there, there is a power cord running from the little circulating pump. You can switch off the system there. It then won't run. Although it will still all be under mains water pressure. MRT
I wouldn’t turn the mains off as in hot weather the water will expand and it needs somewhere to go. There is a pressure relief valve on the tank but I wouldn’t want to solely rely on that
Can I invite you to watch the video again as the question you are asking is totally answered in the video. In short the motor is a pump the solar will not work at all without it.
Hi Mark, do you know what's involved to simply change a frost protection valve on a solar water panel? Does the cold water supply tap need to be turned off? or it it just a matter of removing the 'dud' frost protection valve, letting all of the water drain out, then refit the new valve?
R Davies The solar hot water system is driven by a small circulation pump but the whole system is also under mains pressure. So any part that you open or that breaks is under mains pressure. So you have to turn the water off. 💦
mahmood ali Khan I would have a look at these videos on solar hot water to see how to check if your solar is still working. See if there is hot water in the tank. If not then I would call Cromogen to get it fixed or a solar hot water specialist company. Normal plumbers often cannot help. MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials : Thanks Mark, I just fixed the beep sound after checking solar pump station and just one of the red wire from the controller was loose and after i put it back firmly, the beep sounds went off. ua-cam.com/video/hhQacVDLzs8/v-deo.html
Hi VAss, Have a look at this video, it is how to diagnose. Firstly you need to work out if it is your solar or Gas that is fluctuating. ua-cam.com/video/z7TLbQmhs6Y/v-deo.html
Hi Mark, thanks for making this video. I've got exactly the same system, had a problem the other day with the flexihose as it disconnected from the unit and there was water leaking everywhere. Luckily I was home and i was able turn the water supply off, or else my whole house would probably be flooded (our chromagen unit is indoor). My question is, with the pressure release valve is it safe for me to depressurise it myself and out would I need to look out for?
Hi There, The pressure release or opening a hot tap once the water is off should depressurise it. But it is full of very very hot water. So you must be very careful. Or call a plumber. MRT
oldman ripped the whole lot out and just replaced it for $1100 supply/fit/dispose including all the solar they capped and bled the roof pipes and the pressure is like concrete coming out at you now
@@RN-mn3zu Hahaha nice one mate. Yea that'll be my next step I reckon, cut the losses. Having said that. I had the dickheads out today. They tried to charge me $140 for the replacement valve on the panel that was pissing all night long. I told them no and they said they could just cap it. So thats what they did. They said they are installing them capped now because its giving them so much trouble, smh. About to run it til the wheels fall off. Thanks for the reply.
Hi There, Yes The Gas boost system has mains power running to it. It has electronic ignition. And the solar system is run by a little pump that also uses mains power. So both
Thanks mark. Yes i use an evaporative cooler, but i cn hear water dripping even if I don’t use the cooler. At the moment im using the gas heater. Do you think theres a leak somewhere?
Sounds like you need to get up onto the roof and have a look to see what is leaking. Solar panels are always under mains pressure, so a leak will still leak even if it is switched off. Mark's Reviews & Tutorials
There can be an anti freeze valve on the system which is supposed to leak out some water when the temp drops below 4-5deg. So if it is just leaking on cold mornings then it is doing as it is supposed to. If it is leaking all the time. Then either replace the part or call a plumber. This whole system is under mains pressure so you need to know what you are doing. MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials Thanks for reply bro.the flow does not looks normal it's not like a water drops it's a flow of water like tap and when I turn off main supply of water it's stops when I turn on back main supply from outside water flow starts again from roof
I am glad you got good service from Chromagen.
I got Chromagen, and I asked for help. They came to see my problem, and they refused to help while under warranty.
So I have a different experience from you.
My next purchase will be a hot water heat pump tank tied to a solar hot water PV to avoid the same problems.
Hi Mark great videos buddy. Do u know how we can adjust the temperature of the water?
Hi there. The output from the solar should run to the instantaneous system. Which then should run to a pre set blending valve. This blending valve mixes hot and cold water so you have a maximum output temperature.
If this system has been bypassed or isn’t working then you get water that is too hot.
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials do u means the temperening valve with the orange cap?
Hi Mate, can you show or link the video to how to flick the switch inside the gas unit at top to prevent gas turning off? Thanks.
Hi Mark, I have got a similar one without the gas instantaneous system on top. My question is how to NOT use or Cut off the solar side of this solar HWS? I only want to use the normal electric hot water system as the pipes going up and down the solar have a history of leaking. Please advise Thank you
I found this system useless for 9 months a year. During 9 months in Melbourne when it’s relatively cold, the solar part doesn’t heat water. On the other hand, it consumes energy because the pump attached to the tank still operates. Moreover, during minus T water in solar pipes needs to be heated too so it wouldn’t be frozen.
Just a gas booster without the whole solar part would be much better in our environment.
Interestingly enough, I can’t find an inlet water filter for water coming to Eternity 20
and I’m not sure it even exists, whereas in Rinnai it’s really visible and easy to clean
Ouch. Am building in South East Melbourne and my builder supplies a Rheem model similar to this =(. Was hoping the solar thermal would save a bit but looks like not =(
There is a lot of hate from plumbers to these systems. I think mainly because they are not understood. Every time the sun is out it is raising the temperature of the supply water to your instantaneous heater and therefore it will use less gas. Saving money and the planet.
I have three people in my house and I turn the gas booster off in summer in Melbourne and there is always enough hot water. (Outside of filling the bath).
The circulation motor is tiny and costs very little to run.
See my other videos where I discuss this
Its useful mostly in north Australia, even then in darwin in the dry season you will have only cold showers for a month or 2 in the dry season. If you coulple this wth a solar pannel for a small heater in your storage tank it will make a difference
Hi, I'd like to disconnect the whole solar and tank and just re route and use the instantaneous unit only, do you have a schematic for the plumbing/wiring? Thanks
I think all u have to do is just turn the power off!.
Hey bro any Idea on how to adjust the water temperature. Mine is way too hot.
Hi Mark. I have to replace the corroded pipe fittings on the storage tank. Would you know whether the storage tank is made out of copper or steel. I'm just concerned if the fittings are seized and difficult to remove, this may fracture the tank. Not sure why mild steel fittings were used.
My double panel exploded, and left only one panel.
Can I utilise the one panel to use ?
Or do I need to buy a new double panel?
Can you shed some light on this?
Hi. The pressure on these systems come mainly from the mains water pressure itself not the little circulation pump. So I think it would be fine to run through just one panel.
Good info mate.... Is there a way to bypass the solar heater and directly use gas instead? I have a leak in the panel and want to bypass the thing completely till i fix it... I am a bit confused since the instant heater pulls the water from tank...and tank only has what comes from solar panel...so how would i do it?
Parminder Sandhu I don’t know how your system is pLumbed but mine has the solar drawing and returning to the tank. So to bypass a leak you would need to blank off both of the pipes running to the solar at the tank end.
That would then leave the gas system intact.
But that is on my system I don’t know how yours is plumbed
MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials
Yeah..mine was exactly the same..I got a plumber who disconnected the in and out from the tank "swimming pool" in your case :-)... but the gas heater still pulls water from the tank... so in other words..tank still fills up first..and then the gas heater pulls water from tank and heats it before its available in pipes.. It was a rather easy fix, but the plumber didnt really bypass the whole system.. i am still dependent on the tank to fetch water for the heater...not sure if thats the best way..or he just used a short-cut method...
Parminder Sandhu If you want to repair your solar panel later. Then what you have is the best option. The tank won’t hinder in anyway it is just like a fat pipe. 😳
Whenever I lift the pressure temperature release valve, I hear rattling/rumbling noise noise (like air bubble noise through a pipe whenever you shut the mains to replace a tap). I get lukewarm water coming out instead of hot water. Should I be concerned?
Do you have a diagram of this HWS? Thanks
No, sorry. But l’m sure Google could help you out.
They shouldn't be using flexi connectors, they are not for outdoor uses. If you guys have those flexible hoses for your outdoor hot water tank, you must get it replaced with copper pipes ASAP!!!
Hi Mark, my solar panel frost protection valve has been leaking for months and months now ( not dripping it's literally pouring). What's the issue here? Thanks
The valves do tend to leak after awhile and need to replaced. Nothing wrong with your system just a part that does need replacement pretty often. MRT
Thanks Mark for the reply. Is there any way then that I could bypass the Solar Panel system since it's heavily leaking and still have hot water supply. Or are they both interconnected?
@@arnelsubala7567 If it is just the valve then get that replaced. If the panel is leaking that is more expensive. You will need a plumber to disconnect it.
Hi. How can I isolate solar hot water system from gas heater? I have a water leaking on panels. Can I disconnect power for the pump of solar system?
The whole system is under mains pressure. So to isolate the roof panel you must block both lines to it. Ie up and down pipes MRT
Thanks.
From last night I got new problem
The continued sound coming out of hot water solar tank , it goes only for the moment we release pressure valve to release some water then it start again
Any idea please
Looks like it’s happening due to some sediment build up in tank as I read on google , after I release some water via pressure relief value the sound went for 10-15 mins but it is back again
I saw some rusty color water came out
Hey mark! Thnks for clip.
There is a problem with mine: The storage tank makes strange noises when using hot water. Can you guess the problem?
Changazi No I cannot guess the problem. Sorry MRT
Hello mark how do we turn it off when we are away i mean like 2 months away .
Hi there, there is a power cord running from the little circulating pump. You can switch off the system there. It then won't run. Although it will still all be under mains water pressure. MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials do i turn the water mains off to will it break the system if weather is hot ?
I wouldn’t turn the mains off as in hot weather the water will expand and it needs somewhere to go. There is a pressure relief valve on the tank but I wouldn’t want to solely rely on that
What does the motor do..? Do we need to plug the motor nd keep it on ?
Thanks
Can I invite you to watch the video again as the question you are asking is totally answered in the video. In short the motor is a pump the solar will not work at all without it.
Hi Mark, do you know what's involved to simply change a frost protection valve on a solar water panel? Does the cold water supply tap need to be turned off? or it it just a matter of removing the 'dud' frost protection valve, letting all of the water drain out, then refit the new valve?
R Davies The solar hot water system is driven by a small circulation pump but the whole system is also under mains pressure. So any part that you open or that breaks is under mains pressure. So you have to turn the water off. 💦
Our Chromagen solar hot water system is beeping, i can feel that coming out of the motor. What should I do? please
mahmood ali Khan I would have a look at these videos on solar hot water to see how to check if your solar is still working. See if there is hot water in the tank. If not then I would call Cromogen to get it fixed or a solar hot water specialist company. Normal plumbers often cannot help. MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials : Thanks Mark, I just fixed the beep sound after checking solar pump station and just one of the red wire from the controller was loose and after i put it back firmly, the beep sounds went off.
ua-cam.com/video/hhQacVDLzs8/v-deo.html
Did you change the corroded parts to and from the tank ?? Mine is the same...
Reena Gandhi No I didn't change them. But it would help to spray paint the rusty fitting to try to slow down the corrosion
Hey mate same tank but fluctuating heaps from cold to hot back to cold and so on. What do I need to do or call. Thanks
Hi VAss, Have a look at this video, it is how to diagnose. Firstly you need to work out if it is your solar or Gas that is fluctuating.
ua-cam.com/video/z7TLbQmhs6Y/v-deo.html
Hi Mark, thanks for making this video. I've got exactly the same system, had a problem the other day with the flexihose as it disconnected from the unit and there was water leaking everywhere. Luckily I was home and i was able turn the water supply off, or else my whole house would probably be flooded (our chromagen unit is indoor). My question is, with the pressure release valve is it safe for me to depressurise it myself and out would I need to look out for?
Hi There,
The pressure release or opening a hot tap once the water is off should depressurise it. But it is full of very very hot water. So you must be very careful. Or call a plumber. MRT
Any videos on bypassing the solar and just have it as insentanious
Any luck with that? This company are scammers. Im wanting to do the same
oldman ripped the whole lot out and just replaced it for $1100 supply/fit/dispose including all the solar they capped and bled the roof pipes and the pressure is like concrete coming out at you now
@@RN-mn3zu Hahaha nice one mate. Yea that'll be my next step I reckon, cut the losses. Having said that. I had the dickheads out today. They tried to charge me $140 for the replacement valve on the panel that was pissing all night long. I told them no and they said they could just cap it. So thats what they did. They said they are installing them capped now because its giving them so much trouble, smh. About to run it til the wheels fall off. Thanks for the reply.
Do your homework I’m in SA and sorted a decent rebate via AGL
@@RN-mn3zu beauty I'll keep that in mind cheers
So why wouldn’t you install a 12volt on demand pump to move the water. One solar panel one small battery.
Is there any electrical energy involved in any part of the working operation of this water heater?
Hi There, Yes The Gas boost system has mains power running to it. It has electronic ignition.
And the solar system is run by a little pump that also uses mains power. So both
Hi mark, i can hear water draining in the downspouts. I use a solar hot water. Is it normal for water to drain? Overflow? Or is it leaking?
HI, No there should not be any water draining from the solar system. An evaporative cooler yes. But not from a solar.
Thanks mark. Yes i use an evaporative cooler, but i cn hear water dripping even if I don’t use the cooler. At the moment im using the gas heater. Do you think theres a leak somewhere?
Sounds like you need to get up onto the roof and have a look to see what is leaking.
Solar panels are always under mains pressure, so a leak will still leak even if it is switched off.
Mark's Reviews & Tutorials
Hi Mark. Just got up the roof and found a valve is leaking at the bottom left. Is that the anti frost valve?
My water soler at roof is leaking water is keep coming from the little tap on the right side please help me to fix it thanks
There can be an anti freeze valve on the system which is supposed to leak out some water when the temp drops below 4-5deg.
So if it is just leaking on cold mornings then it is doing as it is supposed to. If it is leaking all the time. Then either replace the part or call a plumber. This whole system is under mains pressure so you need to know what you are doing. MRT
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials Thanks for reply bro.the flow does not looks normal it's not like a water drops it's a flow of water like tap and when I turn off main supply of water it's stops when I turn on back main supply from outside water flow starts again from roof
@@Marksreviewsandtutorials looks like I am loosing too much water
incredible india
hi mate i have the same problem
incredible india how did you fix it
I dont understand how they can sell something that sits externally and has parts that rust?!
exactly, they should have some sort of covering for protection!
Do not touch the Rinnai Sunmaster. That are seriously unreliable.