We were recently contacted by a client of ours in the city just off Hutt Street to investigate their faulty ZIP Hydro Tap. The report was that the water from the chilled side wasn’t cold enough and it had a funny taste. The ZIP tap was currently in error mode.
Upon arrival to site, we found the units safe tray full of water and in error mode. We initially tried to empty the water out of the safe tray, but it would not stop coming into the safe tray. We then isolated to the water to the system and were able to mop up all the water.
What is unusual about this first fault is that once the sensor in the bottom right-hand corner detects water it is supposed to terminate all water and it has not.
What is involved with fault finding the ZIP tap?
The unit needs to be removed from the cupboard and the outer casing needs to be removed (as per photos). Once the outer case has been removed you can then get access to all the parts inside the system. Typically, a fault with water escape is linked to John Guess fittings leaking, a solenoid leaking or the water manifold at the rear leaking.
In this case there are two faults occurring, which are water escape and unusual tasting water. As a preferred ZIP repair agent in Adelaide, we know how to access the previous errors and maintenance performed on this system. What this also allows us to do is test all working components such as compressors and pumps.
Working through the faults on the ZIP G4
With the outer case off and the hydro tap disconnected we turned the system back on and monitored its working behaviour. After 20 minutes the systems chilled water and boiling water should all be at there set temperatures. The boiling water was working correctly but the chilled water was only getting to 20 degrees which is basically the temperature in which it is received from the potable mains water inlet. This being the case it means the compressor is not working. This also explains the taste issue, because when the compressor fails some of the coolant can escape into the chilled water tank giving an unusual taste.
When an error such as this occurs, it is not economical to repair the system. This unit was 6 years old and unfortunately will need to be replaced.
Installing a new ZIP tap
The ZIP G4 has now been superseded and has been replaced by the G5 model. Depending on what size unit you opt for these systems start at around the $6,000 mark including GST. This price does not include disposal of the old system and installation of the new system. We recommend approx. $700 to install the new system but this price is subject to a site inspection etc. Every situation is different and until we have seen the property an exact price cannot be committed to.
Installing the new ZIP G5 hydro tap has become easier than 20 years ago. Today each unit has its own built-in computer which will run you through the processes of commissioning the new unit once connected correctly. The main task is to activate the filter properly and this involves purging around 10 litres of water. This also must be done each time the filter is change on the ZIP water systems.
At Mayfair Plumbing we have made owning and servicing a ZIP tap easier for residents of Adelaide. You are not having to deal with an interstate call centre and waiting weeks to get a technician to your home or business. Next time you are experiencing faults with your ZIP tap call the local Adelaide team from Mayfair Plumbing today 0429361819.
