Proper Installation of Hot Water Cylinder Safe Trays
Safe trays are required by best practice building codes and standards in the following situations:
When a hot water cylinder is being installed in a new home under construction. The safe tray helps prevent water damage right from the start.
When renovating an existing home and adding a new hot water cylinder where there was not one previously. This helps protect the investment you’re making in upgrading.
Conversely, safe trays are typically not required in the following non-residential situations:
When simply replacing an existing hot water cylinder that already had protections in place from previous building codes.
In commercial properties like offices, warehouses, retail spaces etc. Unless they directly border residential spaces.
For small under bench water heating units.
As hot water specialists, we have extensive experience properly installing hot water cylinders with accompanying safe trays to residential building code standards. Ensuring everything is done correctly protects your home as well as your peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Size Safe Tray
It’s important to install a safe tray that correctly matches the size of your hot water cylinder. An undersized tray will not fully catch leaks, while an oversized tray takes up unnecessary floor space.
When purchasing a safe tray, look for one with dimensions equal to or up to 50mm wider on each side than the footprint of the cylinder. This allows for easy placement while still fully protecting the surrounding floor area.
If unsure of dimensions, our technicians can accurately measure your cylinder onsite and recommend the ideal safe tray during installation.
Safe Tray Materials and Features
Safe trays are available in a range of materials such as metal, plastic and stainless steel. Metal and stainless steel trays generally provide greatest durability. Plastic trays might offer cost savings but may be more prone to cracking over many years of use.
Some other features to look for include:
Drain outlet – allows leaked water collection and drainage
Cross braces – prevents sagging over time
Adjustable feet – provides level placement on uneven floors
As always, our water heating specialists can advise on the best materials and features to meet your needs while fitting within your project budget.
Ongoing Inspection and Maintenance
While safe trays provide an invaluable level of protection, they still need periodic inspection and maintenance like any other system component. Over years of use, safe trays can accumulate mineral deposits and sediment that should be flushed out.
Signs to look out for during inspections include:
Cracks or damage allowing leakage
Heavy limescale buildup
Corrosion
Addressing issues early on will extend the working life of your safe tray and prevent future headaches. Our service plans include regular safe tray inspection and maintenance for complete hot water system peace of mind.
Hot Water Solutions
Feel free to call us or contact us through our website if you have any questions about hot water cylinder installations or making upgrades to an existing system. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and doing the right thing for every customer.
Call us at 0800497658 or contact us.
At Hot Water Solutions, all we do is hot water, and we’re here for you!
