As many as 400 households in NSW could be using a solar hot water system that heats water so intensely that people could be seriously scalded and produces discoloured drinking water that may cause skin irritations.
NSW Fair Trading was tipped off to the problems with the Chinese-made water systems, sold by a company trading as Solar & Bamboo and Solar Installations, by a concerned plumber who was employed by the company.
The plumber pressed his employer for more information about the tanks and whether they met Australian standards, but when he was simply told he would be protected from any liability, he quit his job immediately.
The director and general manager of Solar and Bamboo, Jan Pieter McHeyzer, was convicted last month in Coffs Harbour local court for selling the hot water storage tanks and making false and misleading claims. Mr McHeyzer was fined more than $15,000 as well as being hit with an $11,000 infringement penalty from Fair Trading.
The Fair Trading Minister, Anthony Roberts, said the tanks did not contain a watermark that must be displayed on all systems installed in NSW to show that they had been approved for use in plumbing works.
”The tanks had the potential to produce an uncontrolled water temperature that could result in very hot water flowing into bathroom and kitchen taps or from the tanks, presenting a serious risk of scalding,” Mr Roberts said.
He said the tanks also had the potential to provide drinking water of an unacceptable quality. ”Consumers and Fair Trading noted discolouration and an unusual odour and bitter taste or tingling sensation. Testing of water samples obtained from two tanks inspected by Fair Trading revealed the water had an elevated alkaline pH level … this can cause skin irritation.”
Mr Roberts said he welcomed the prosecution of Mr McHeyzer but warned home owners to have hot water systems bought from Mr McHeyzer’s company checked by a licensed plumber and electrician.
Fair Trading said consumers who bought a solar hot water system from Solar & Bamboo Coffs Harbour or Tamworth or had installation work done by Solar Installations should also contact the department.
The department issued a public warning late last year about the company, which was then placed in administration.
