HOTTAP
HOTTAP Won’t Ignite
Firstly we need to make sure that HOTTAP is actually not lighting. Look through the front slit holes on the unit and see if you can notice a blue flame appearing across the burners. If you can, refer to this article.
If the unit is definitely not lighting, try the below:
No clicking and LED screen doesn't power on:
The HOTTAP needs adequate water pressure to operate correctly, so if nothing is happening, check the following:
- Make sure the water hoses are on correctly (cold water in on right hand side, hot water out from the middle). If the hoses are back to front the Hottap won't turn on.
- Make sure the batteries are making contact with the springs and metal tab inside the battery box. Try pushing the battery box further into the unit and see if that helps.
- Check for sufficient water flow and pressure.
- Try the Hottap on mains water. If it works fine you can work backwards to figure out what is restricting the flow to the Hottap.
- If you are using a 12V pump, ensure the pump battery is fully charged. If the battery is only 50% (for example) the 12V pump will put out a lower flow and pressure than it should.
- If you're running on tank water or a gravity fed system you may not have enough pressure to turn the Hottap on, try the next step below.
- Adjust the ‘water flow’ setting on the HOTTAP to ‘LO’. This will make it easier to ignite (in case it is a water flow issue). If you find that the HOTTAP ignites when set to ‘LO’ water flow but turns off when the ‘Water Flow’ is adjusted higher, see this article.
- Check for blockages in your water lines that could restrict water flow. Unscrew your blue quick connect adaptor on the water inlet, and look inside the brass inlet fitting to make sure the mesh is clear. Make sure to clean the inline filter on your pump also if you have it.
- To flush the system, connect the input water source to the ‘Water Outlet’ and turn on. Once complete, reconnect the appliance as per instructions.
I can hear clicking and my LED Screen Lights up, but there is no ignition:
- There might be a slight air-lock in the gas lines. You can try to clear it by purging the gas:
- To do this for HOTTAP V2, have your gas bottle 'Open' and simply disconnect the gas hose from the gas inlet. A little bit of gas will leak out as you disconnect but then it will stop flowing because the gas connection has a stop-valve fitted. Wait a few seconds and connect it again.
- To do this for HOTTAP V1, have your gas bottle 'Open' and slowly unscrew the inlet gas connection on your Hottap until you hear gas seeping out. Let it purge for a few seconds and re-tighten. Wait 30 seconds for the gas smell to disappear and try to ignite the Hottap.
- Try to use a new set of brand new batteries. If batteries run low, they will have enough power for the ignition (the tick tick tick you hear), but not enough power to open the gas solenoid (this is the part that lets gas flow into the Hottap).
- Ensure that you're using either a 4.5kg or 9kg LPG bottle. Also, make sure that you open the valve on the gas bottle fully. Needless to say, make sure the bottle is not empty.
HOTTAP lights but keeps shutting off
HOTTAP Lights but but can only stay on with 'LO' Water Flow:
If you find the Hottap works well on LO but then turns off when you adjust water flow upwards, the problem will be with your water supply. Try these things:
- Check for blockages in your water lines. Unscrew your blue quick connect adaptor on the water inlet, and look inside the brass inlet fitting to make sure the mesh is clear. Make sure to clean the inline filter on your pump also if you have it.
- If you're aren't using a Joolca pump, then make sure your pump matches the specs below:
- Flow rate between 6-12 LPM
- Pressure between 45-65 PSI
- Try the Hottap on mains water. If it works fine you can work backwards to figure out what is restricting the flow to the Hottap.
HOTTAP lights up (on any water flow) but later turns off:
Reaching Cut-off Temperature
Make sure the unit is not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius otherwise the flame will cut out
automatically, this is to prevent scalding.
- Turn water flow HI and/or turn the gas dial LO. This will reduce the temperature of the water, helping it stay under 50 degrees Celsius.
Wind Related Issues
The HOTTAP has a flame sensor as a safety component. This is designed to shut off gas supply to HOTTAP as soon as it notices that the flame has been extinguished. What wind does is act to push the flame sideways or stretch it upwards which simulates a 'flame out' and causes the safety circuit to kick in.
There are a few things we can do to remedy this, try the below:
- The default position of the top vent has louvres that are facing into the unit, which can in effect 'catch' the wind and send it down into the Hottap. By removing the 4x screws on each corner and flipping the grill upside down, we'll make the louvres face upwards and help to direct any oncoming wind 'up and away' from the unit.
- Blocking the side ventilation holes can help to reduce the wind effects. We have tested the unit and it does not hinder the performance in any way by blocking this vents totally (we've used aluminium tape).
- Building a box around the unit. Use sheet metal or something non-flammable. Make sure its adequately ventilated. Legal requirements are a 1m form the top and 50cm from sides, 0 from the back. (cant be near any combustible eg. gas bottles).
The water isn't hot enough
- Adjust the gas regulator and water regulator to meet your desired temperature. To increase temperature as high as possible; turn the gas regulator control from LO to HI and turn the water regulator control from HI to LO.
- Check source water temperature. If the source water temperature is too cold then you may need to ‘cycle’ the water through the system back into the source reservoir then through the appliance again to meet your desired temperature.
- Check if there is a flame in the ‘viewing window’. If you cannot see a flame it could mean that the unit has switched off / not ignited, try restarting the unit and monitor the 'viewing window' for a flame.
The water is too hot
Firstly, make sure you've adjusted the gas and water control knobs (red for gas, blue for water) to set your temperature. For hottest water, gas should be set to HI, and water to LO. Conversely, for coldest water, gas should be set to LO and water to HI.
If the water temperature is getting too hot, even when you increase water flow to HI and heat to LO it usually is a poor water supply issue. The water is flowing through the HOTTAP too slowly and as a result heating up very quickly. Check the following things:
- Incoming water temperature is too high. For example, if you have a long water inlet hose, the water in the hose can heat up in the sun – as soon as you turn on the HOTTAP the incoming water temperature is high, and the temperature shoots to 50C and will turn the unit off (safety cutoff). If this happens, try ‘flushing’ the hot water through (turn off gas so the HOTTAP doesn’t ignite a flame). After 30-60 seconds of flushing, the water in the hose should be back to normal. Turn on the gas and try again.
- There is a blockage somewhere. This will be obvious as there won’t be any difference between the water flow out of the shower hose between the low water flow setting and high water flow setting. Usually there is a big difference between low flow and high flow. If there isn’t, it could be a blockage in the shower head, HOTTAP water inlet filter (you need to unscrew the blue quick connect adaptor), or a blockage in the pump filter.
- If you are running off a 12V pump, check the suction side filter to make sure it is clear. If not, the pump will put out a lower flow and pressure - this will cause the water to heat up quickly. Also make sure the pump battery is fully charged. A pump running off a 50% full battery will also run at a lower flow and pressure.
- Check the specifications on your pump (if not a Joolca pump). You should have a pump which is capable of a flow rate between 6-12LPM and a pressure setting of 40-60PSI. Anything less than 6LPM and the HOTTAP may turn off as the pump can’t supply enough water at the high water flow setting. Anything more than 12LPM and you will find your pump pulsates (goes tick tick tick tick) when you turn the water flow setting to low on the HOTTAP.
Troubleshooting HOTTAP V2 using the Help Monitor
If you're having issues with the operation of your HOTTAP V2
If you're trying to use your HOTTAP V2 but it isn't turning on, isn't heating water or it's randomly turning off, find out what to do.
|
|
| Watch the HOTTAP V2 Essentials - Overview & Set up Guide to confirm that you're set up correctly. |
Help Monitor
The HOTTAP V2 is equiped with a Help Monitor that can diagnose the following issues:
To diagnose an issue, simply press and hold the blue 'JOOLCA' button. If an icon lights up, there is an issue.
Which of the following icons are you seeing?
Note: While troubleshooting each icon, make sure to check if any other icons also light up. If you have multiple icons make sure to prioritise (1) Low battery then (2) No water flow and finally (3) Flame not lit.
Batteries
- The HOTTAP V2 requires 2x D-cell batteries to operate.
- A brand new D-cell battery will have a charge of 1.5V. So, 2x D-cell batteries will supply 3.0V.
- The HOTTAP V2 will not turn on if the total voltage is below 2.2V.
As you use the HOTTAP V2, the voltage across the batteries will drop. Once the total voltage across the batteries drops below 2.2V, the HOTTAP V2 will not have enough power to turn on and heat water.
Note: At below 2.2V, the HOTTAP V2 Help Monitor may still light up and you may hear the piezo 'click-click-clicking', but the unit will not turn on.
Low battery Icon
What it means
The ‘Low battery’ icon means that there is not enough voltage across the batteries to turn the unit on.
How it triggers
The low battery icon will trigger when the battery voltage is lower than 2.2V.
How to diagnose
You need to press and hold the blue 'JOOLCA' button to troubleshoot this icon. This icon will not turn on by itself.
How to fix this
Install a fresh set of batteries. Be sure to check the expiry date at the store as sometimes batteries may sit on the shelf for a while, and become expired.
Water
- On the LOW water setting, the HOTTAP V2 needs a minimum of 4LPM at 7PSI to turn on.
- On the MAX water setting , the HOTTAP V2 needs a minimum of 6LPM at 15PSI to turn on.
- The HOTTAP V2 has a water reducing valve that limits any water flow above 6LPM down to a maximum of 6LPM.
As you increase the water dial from LOW to MAX, the HOTTAP V2 expects more water. This is why your HOTTAP V2 may turn on with the LOW water setting, and then turn off as you increase towards the MAX water setting.
Note: The HOTTAP V2 needs a consistant water supply. I.e. the water flow and water pressure do not drop when the tap is opened.
No water flow
What it means
The ‘No water flow’ icon means that there is not enough water flow in the unit to turn it on.
How it triggers
This icon will trigger when there is not enough water flow to turn the unit on. This means that it will trigger even when there is no water flowing through the unit.
How to diagnose
You need to press and hold the blue 'JOOLCA' button to troubleshoot this icon. This icon will not turn on by itself.
How to fix this
The best way to troubleshoot your HOTTAP V2 is while using a council mains supply. Council mains is regulated and will always meet the minimum requirement of the HOTTAP V2, to operate across the full water setting range.
If your HOTTAP V2 works fine using a council mains supply, you can work backwards to determine the source of your original water supply.
Using mains water
-
Make sure the supply tap is opened 1-2 full turns.
-
Unplug the water supply hose (that connects to the HOTTAP V2) and remove the blue water fitting. Check inside the water valve for a build up of gunk (there is a small mesh screen that will catch gunk). Clean it out.
Using a pump
- If you're using a Joolca FLOTAP Pump, make sure the red lugs are removed from the inlet and outlet fittings.
- Make sure you are using a pump that can supply 6-12LPM and 40-60PSI
- Tighten all fittings and connections to make sure there are no water or air leaks.
- Make sure the power supply, for your pump, is at 100% charge. If your power supply is too low, it will result in your pump operating at reduced flow and pressure.
- Unplug the water supply hose, that connects to the HOTTAP V2, and remove the blue water fitting. Check inside the water valve for a build up of gunk (there is a small mesh screen that will catch gunk). Clean it out.
- Inspect your pump's filter for any gunk or blockages. Clean it out.
Using a bilge pump
A bilge pump normally supplies multiple outlets and has a very low water flow (LPM) at a very high pressure (PSI).
We do not recommend using a bilge pump with the HOTTAP V2 as the water supply is not always consistant.
If you are using a bilge pump, please test your HOTTAP V2 using council mains, or a suitable pump.
Using a header tank
A header tank normally supplies multiple outlets and creates pressure by elevating water. This pressure varies with the water level within the tank and the thickness and amount of bends or angles in the water pipes.
We do not recommend using a header tank with the HOTTAP V2 as the water supply is not always consistant.
If you are using a header tank, please test your HOTTAP V2 using council mains, or a suitable pump.
Gas
- The HOTTAP V2 needs a stable supply of gas to operate (i.e. to heat water).
- Recommend at least 50% full gas bottle.
Flame not lit
What it means
The ‘Flame not lit’ icon means that there is no flame present. This can either mean that there is no gas flowing into the unit, or that wind has blown the flame out, or that the HOTTAP V2 has reached its safety temperature cutout.
How it triggers
This icon will trigger when the Flame Sensor does not register a flame.
How to troubleshoot
You do not need to press and hold the blue 'JOOLCA' button to troubleshoot this icon. This icon will turn on by itself.
How to fix this
My HOTTAP V2 is not turning on at all
The HOTTAP V2 will initially try to ignite for 5 seconds, and if it does not ignite the 'Flame not lit' icon will turn on.
This issue is related to gas supply.
- Make sure that your gas bottle is at least 50% full.
- Make sure your gas bottle is open 2 full turns.
- Make sure you are using the supplied gas hose and regulator directly with a compatible BBQ gas bottle (i.e. do not use adaptors with a smaller size gas canister).
- Remove the gas hose from the HOTTAP V2 unit and check inside the gas valve for a build up of gunk. Clean it out.
- If the above do not work, there may be an air-lock in the gas lines. To purge out the air, have your gas bottle 'Open' and disconnect the gas hose from the gas inlet. A little bit of gas will leak out as you disconnect but then it will stop flowing because the gas Quick Connect Fitting has a stop-valve fitted. Wait a few seconds and connect it again.
My HOTTAP V2 is on, but it turns off at random intervals
If the HOTTAP V2 is on and then turns off at random intervals (i.e. 30 second, 2 minutes then 1 minute), the 'Flame not lit' icon will also turn on.
If the HOTTAP V2 is turning off when it gets above 50°C/ 120°F, please refer to Overheating safety cutout.
Otherwise, the issue could be related to wind.
The HOTTAP V2 has a Flame Sensor and, as a safety feature, is designed to shut off gas supply when it notices there is no flame. Sometimes wind can push the flame away from the Flame Sensor, or it can stretch the flame upwards - in both cases making the HOTTAP V2 think there is no flame.
There are a few things we can do to remedy this:
- Relocate the HOTTAP V2 out of the line of wind. Even a short burst of wind can move the flame away for long enough to initiate the safety shut off.
- Blocking the side ventilation holes can help to reduce the wind effects. We have tested the unit and it does not hinder the performance in any way by blocking this vents totally (we used aluminium tape).
Overtemperature Sensor
- The HOTTAP V2 will turn off once the water temperature gets above 50°C/ 120°F.
- This is a safety feature to prevent scalding.
When the HOTTAP V2 overheats and shuts down you will need to stop, and then restart the flow, to turn it back on again. If your HOTTAP V2 doesn't turn on you will need to let it cool down for 15-30 seconds.
Overheating safety cutout
What it means
The ‘Overheating safety cutout’ icon means that the water temperature got above 50°C/ 120°F and the unit turned off (safety function).
How it triggers
This icon will trigger when the Overtemperature Sensor reads a temperature above 50°C/ 120°F.
How to troubleshoot
You do not need to press and hold the blue 'JOOLCA' button to troubleshoot this icon. This icon will turn on by itself.
How to fix this
If your HOTTAP V2 keeps shutting off due to exceeding 50°C/120°F then:
- Adjust your Gas (red dial) towards MIN. This will reduce the amount of gas, and lessen the heat.
- Adjust your Water (blue dial) towards MAX. This will speed up the water, meaning it spends less time collecting heat.
- If the above do not help, you may have a slight blockage in your water supply. Run through these steps to check your water supply.
At a minimum, HOTTAP V2 will heat up your supply water by 20°C/ 68°F. So, if your supply water is already above 30°C/ 86°F, HOTTAP V2 will heat it above 50°C/120°F - and shut down.
- In this case you can remove the D-cell batteries and run the HOTTAP V2 without it turning on. You will still get the regular shower experience, without from the heat!
No Icon
- If your Help Monitor is on and HOTTAP V2 is heating up water, and no icon lights up, this means you have no issues.
- If your Help Monitor is not on and HOTTAP V2 is not heating up water, and no icon lights up, this means you have no power.
Note: If your HOTTAP V2 is operating as normal (i.e. turning on and heating up water) then you will not get any icons on the Help Monitor.
I'm not seeing an icon
What it means
If your HOTTAP V2 is not heating up water, and you have no icons, this means you have no power. I.e. your D-cell batteries are flat.
How it triggers
Nothing will trigger.
How to troubleshoot
If your HOTTAP V2 is not heating up water, and you have no icons, this means you have no power.
How to fix this
Install a fresh set of batteries. Any brand. Be sure to check the expiry date at the store as sometimes batteries may sit on the shelf for a while, and become expired.
Troubleshooting HOTTAP V2: Overview of the Help Monitor
The HOTTAP V2 is equiped with a Help Monitor to diagnose for possible faults
The Help Monitor will help you diagnose for the most common faults, which you can then troubleshoot. Find out how.
If you have your HOTTAP V2 set up correctly, and it isn't turning on or staying on, you can use the Help Monitor to troubleshoot common issues.
|
Quick Tip! |
| Watch the HOTTAP V2 Essentials - Overview & Set up Guide to confirm that you're set up correctly. |
Help Monitor
The HOTTAP V2 is equiped with a Help Monitor that can diagnose the following issues:
To diagnose an issue, simply press and hold the blue 'JOOLCA' button. If an icon lights up, there is an issue.
Which of the following icons are you seeing?
While troubleshooting each icon, make sure to check if any other icons also light up. If you have multiple icons make sure to prioritise (1) Low battery then (2) No water flow and finally (3) Flame not lit.
FLOTAP Pump
I have no water flowing, even when the pump is on!
If you've connected your HOTTAP Outing, and when the pump is on (and making noise) you have no water flow, or very little, try the following:
- First and foremost, make sure you've removed the red lugs from the pump inlet and outlet adapters. These lugs are placed here from the factory to keep the lubricating liquid inside the pump during transit, but need to be removed before use otherwise you will not get any water flowing.
- Ensure that your 12V supply is charged. If you are running from your car's cigarette socket adapter, try turning the car on. Some cars have safety mechanisms in place which turn off power to accessories when the car is off to stop battery drain.
- Check that all fittings, connections and adapters are tight. Also check that your inlet filter is clean and not blocked. Similarly, check the HOTTAP inlet water adapter for blockage.
- Try running the pump on its own - not connected to the HOTTAP water heater. That is, have the suction hose sitting in your water container, and the outlet hose running back into this container, to see if this makes any difference. If it still doesn't work, try removing the outlet hose totally, so that the pump is running with just the suction side - this will help the pump prime if that is the issue. Please keep in mind that there may be times when it may take a little while for the pump to actually prime fully so don't hesitate to leave it running for up to 30-60 seconds.