Heat pipes are the core technology in Apricus evacuated tubes. Each tube contains a copper pipe that's evacuated (vacuum inside) with a small amount of purified water mixed with copper compound.

How heat pipes work: When sun heats the tube, liquid inside heat pipe boils at very low temperature (~30°C due to vacuum). Vapor rises to bulb at top which plugs into manifold. Heat transfers to water flowing through manifold. Vapor condenses back to liquid and falls to bottom of heat pipe. Process repeats continuously.

Why heat pipes fail:

• Vacuum loss: If heat pipe loses vacuum, liquid won't boil properly = no heat transfer

• Wrong liquid amount: Too much water causes pressure buildup and burst pipes. Too little water = insufficient heat transfer

• Copper compound degradation: Apricus mixes copper compound with water to handle expansion during freezing. If ratio wrong or degraded, pipes burst in cold weather

• Manufacturing defects: Certain batches had quality issues with heat pipe production

• Freezing damage: Despite freeze resistance design, extreme cold without proper circulation can damage pipes

The good news: Apricus offers 15-year warranty on heat pipes! Many customers at 5-10 years get entire set replaced free under warranty. Heat pipes can be replaced without replacing glass tubes - just slide out old pipe, insert new one.

Typical symptoms: System worked perfectly for 5-8 years, then gradually performance dropped. Tank only reaching 40-50°C on sunny days instead of 70-80°C. Need to run booster constantly. All tubes look normal with silver barium getter (vacuum intact) but some tubes not transferring heat.

The vacuum between the inner and outer glass tube is what makes evacuated tubes so efficient. When vacuum is lost, tube becomes an insulator instead of a collector!

The Barium Getter Test (easiest method):

• Look at the base/bottom of each evacuated tube

• SILVER COLOR = vacuum is intact (tube is good)

• WHITE or MILKY COLOR = vacuum is lost (tube needs replacement)

The barium getter is a metal coating deposited during manufacturing that turns white when exposed to air/oxygen. It's a visual indicator of vacuum integrity!

The Infrared Thermometer Test (more accurate):

• Use IR thermometer on outside of glass tube at bottom

• Test while pump is running in full sun

• Check every tube and compare readings

• Tubes with lost vacuum read 3-4°C HOTTER than good tubes

• Why? Failed tube not extracting heat to manifold, so glass stays hotter

Other signs of vacuum loss:

• Visible condensation between glass layers

• Tube feels warmer to touch than others

• Tube had visible crack (can't repair vacuum!)

• Random tubes performing poorly

• System performance dropped but heat pipes test OK

How many failed tubes matter? On 30-tube system, 1-2 failed tubes = barely noticeable. 3-5 failed tubes = 10-15% performance loss. 6-10 failed tubes = significant hot water shortage. System gradually compensates until too many tubes fail.

Common causes: Impact damage (hail, branches falling), manufacturing defects in glass seal, age (15-20+ years), thermal stress from rapid temperature changes, improper handling during installation

This is THE most commonly reported Apricus problem on forums! Manifold is scorching hot (70-90°C) but sensor reads cool (25-30°C), so controller thinks no heat available and doesn't activate pump.

Most common cause: Sensor not making thermal contact

• Sensor probe is loose in manifold socket

• No heat sink grease/thermal paste applied

• Sensor just touching metal isn't enough!

• Sensor needs to be SNUG in slot with PLENTY of thermal compound

• Many installers skip the thermal paste!

Water ingress issue (design flaw): Apricus manifold sensor porthole design allows water to get in, which corrodes sensor and connections. Multiple users report this as a known weakness. Water ingress accelerates sensor failure dramatically.

Sensor failure patterns:

• Reads correctly up to 55°C then gives random numbers above that

• Stuck at fixed temperature (25°C, 30°C, etc) regardless of actual heat

• Intermittent readings - works some days, fails other days

• Reading drops when cable is jiggled (wiring issue)

Other causes: Corroded wiring from weather exposure, bird/rodent damage to cables, sensor itself failed internally (less common), wrong sensor type installed, poor crimped connections

The fix: Replace sensor ($180-$350). CRITICAL: New sensor MUST be installed with heat sink grease and pressed firmly into manifold socket. Consider sealing porthole better to prevent future water ingress. Test sensor resistance with multimeter to confirm it's working before assuming it's installed correctly.

Don't assume it's the controller! One customer replaced expensive Resol controller thinking it was faulty. Problem persisted. Real issue was manifold sensor not making proper contact. Always test sensors first before replacing controller!

Apricus offers excellent 15-year warranty on heat pipes and evacuated tubes! This is one of their best features. Many customers report successful warranty claims at 5-10 years.

What's covered under warranty:

• Heat pipes: 15 years (including copper compound degradation)

• Evacuated tubes: 15 years (glass and vacuum)

• Copper manifold/header: 15 years

• Aluminum frame: 15 years

• Tank: 10 years parts only (strict conditions!)

• Pump: 2 years typically

• Controller: 2-3 years typically

How to make a claim:

• Contact Apricus: 1300 277 428 or [email protected]

• Provide system details (serial number from tank label)

• Describe problem and symptoms

• They'll guide you through diagnostic tests

• May need photos or installer inspection

• If approved, parts shipped free

Positive warranty experiences: Multiple customers report "Ros was very helpful with warranty claim. My system is 5 years, all heat tubes were replaced after speaking with Ros and a couple of emails. Great service." Another: "After 15 years of service needed new pump. Ros found replacement quickly, arrived next day."

Common approved claims: Heat pipe degradation after 5-10 years, evacuated tubes from faulty batch, manifold issues, collector frame corrosion

Warranty EXCLUSIONS (read carefully!):

• Damage from incorrect installation

• Lack of maintenance (tank anode not replaced!)

• Damage from freezing below -15°C

• Bird/animal/storm/vandalism damage

• Lightning strikes, power surges

• Collector left dry (no circulation) in full sun

• Labour costs (parts free, you pay installer)

Tank warranty TRAP: 10-year tank warranty sounds great BUT strictly requires "regular maintenance" and anode replacement "within recommended periods." Many claims denied at 5-6 years: "Failure due to tank corrosion where magnesium anode degraded and not replaced." Customer must prove anode maintenance! Other solar brands don't enforce this as strictly.

Apricus evacuated tube systems are sophisticated technology that delivers excellent performance but requires more attention than simple flat plate systems.

Required maintenance schedule:

• Every 2-3 years: Tube end seal maintenance ($300-$500)

• Every 3-5 years: Tank anode inspection/replacement ($280-$450)

• Every 5-8 years: Circulation pump replacement ($600-$800)

• As needed: Clean tubes if in dusty area, check sensor connections, verify controller settings

Why more maintenance?

• Multiple O-rings and seals: Each tube has seals that age from UV/weather

• Complex components: Heat pipes, sensors, controllers have more failure points than simple systems

• Exposed roof installation: Wiring, sensors, collectors all exposed to weather and wildlife

• Active system: Pump and controller add moving parts and electronics that fail

• Strict warranty enforcement: Apricus actually enforces maintenance requirements for warranty (other brands don't)

Hidden ongoing costs: Customer complaint: "Because tank is at ground level, collectors at roof level require water constantly pumped... This is great until recirculating pump fails. Original pump failed in less than 2 warranty years, had to replace at $600+ because plumber didn't inform Apricus (voided warranty). My 3rd pump now showing signs of wear, replacement $700+ BEFORE installation. Current pumps only 2-year warranty, making this quite expensive long term. Not included is tube end sealing maintenance every 2-3 years."

Reality check: Total ownership cost over 15 years can include: 2-3 pump replacements ($1,200-$2,400), 1 controller replacement ($450-$750), 5-7 seal maintenance services ($1,500-$3,500), 3-5 anode replacements ($840-$2,250), possible heat pipe replacements (often warranty covered). Total = $4,000-$9,000 in maintenance beyond initial purchase.

Compare to flat plate systems: Simple flat plate collectors have fewer components, no O-rings on every tube, fewer electronics, generally need pump replacement and occasional valve work but that's about it.

Is it worth it? Apricus systems DO provide excellent performance - often 80-90% solar contribution in Brisbane. They work better in shade/clouds than flat plates. They're freeze-proof to -15°C. If you're willing to invest in proper maintenance, they're great systems. If you want "set and forget", consider simpler technology.

This depends on system age, what's failed, and total repair costs. We give honest advice based on your specific situation.

REPAIR usually makes sense when:

• System under 10 years old with single component failure

• Heat pipes failed: Often covered by 15-year warranty (free parts!)

• Sensor or pump failure: $180-$800 repair extends system life years

• Few evacuated tubes failed: Easy to replace individual tubes

• Tank is good condition: No leaks, anode has life left

• Total repairs under $1,500 and system could last 5+ more years

REPLACEMENT makes more sense when:

• Tank leaking: Especially if anode-related = warranty denied. Tank replacement $2,500-$4,000 alone!

• System 12-15+ years old with multiple failing components

• Manifold cracked: $800-$1,500 repair + other issues adding up

• Multiple heat pipes AND evacuated tubes failed: Even with warranty, labour costs high

• This is 3rd or 4th repair: Throwing good money after bad

• Total repair costs $2,000+ on system over 10 years old

Real customer scenarios:

Scenario 1: 7-year-old system, heat pipes failing, lukewarm water.

Verdict: REPAIR. Heat pipes covered by 15-year warranty! Free parts, just pay labour ($300-$500). System should run another 8+ years.

Scenario 2: 14-year-old system, tank leaking, pump failed, several tubes lost vacuum.

Verdict: REPLACE. Tank alone $3,000+, pump $700, tubes $500+. Total $4,200+ on system near end of life. New system $4,500-$6,000 with full warranties.

Scenario 3: 6-year-old system, sensor failed, pump making noise.

Verdict: REPAIR. Sensor $300, pump $700 = $1,000 total. System mid-life, worth keeping.

Modern alternatives: Today's solar systems (Apricus still makes them! Plus Solahart, Rheem, Edwards) have improved reliability. New Apricus system 315L with 30 tubes costs $4,500-$6,500 installed with full warranties. Heat pumps ($3,500-$5,000) are also excellent alternative - no roof collector, simpler technology, very efficient.

Our assessment process: We inspect entire system - not just immediate problem. We check: tube condition (vacuum test), heat pipe performance (IR thermometer), pump operation, controller function, sensor accuracy, tank condition, anode status, manifold integrity. We then give you: (1) Cost to repair with realistic expected life, (2) Cost to replace with new system performance comparison, (3) Which option makes better financial sense, (4) What we'd do if it was our house.

Typical Brisbane pricing for common Apricus repairs:

Evacuated Tube & Heat Pipe Repairs:

• Heat pipe replacement: $50-$80 per tube (just the copper pipe inside)

• Evacuated tube replacement: $80-$120 per tube (entire glass tube)

• Complete tube + heat pipe: $120-$180 per tube

• Labour for tube work: $150-$300 depending on number of tubes

• Full system tube refresh (all 30): Often warranty covered (just pay labour $300-$500)

Sensor & Controller Repairs:

• Manifold/collector sensor: $180-$350 (includes heat sink grease, proper installation)

• Tank sensor: $150-$300

• Sensor cable replacement: $200-$400 (bird damage, corrosion)

• Resol controller replacement: $450-$750

• Controller settings adjustment: $150-$300

Pump & Circulation:

• Grundfos pump replacement: $600-$800 installed

• Wilo pump replacement: $550-$750 installed

• System purging/air lock removal: $180-$350

• Check valve replacement: $150-$280

Manifold & Collector Repairs:

• Manifold seal replacement: $250-$450

• Tube end seal maintenance: $300-$500 (all tubes)

• Manifold replacement: $800-$1,500 (major repair)

• Spring plate retrofit: $400-$700 (heat pipe migration fix)

Tank & Plumbing:

• Sacrificial anode replacement: $280-$450

• Pressure relief valve: $180-$320

• Tempering valve: $200-$380

• Tank replacement (if leaking): $2,500-$4,000

• Electric element: $300-$500

Diagnostic & Assessment:

• Full system assessment: $150-$300 (vacuum testing, heat pipe testing, sensor checks)

• IR thermometer testing (all tubes): Included in assessment

• Performance monitoring: $100-$200

Our pricing is transparent: We quote before starting work. Price includes quality parts, labour, testing, and warranty on our work. If additional problems found, we contact you before proceeding.

Warranty repairs: If heat pipes or tubes are under 15-year warranty, parts are FREE from Apricus. You only pay our labour ($300-$500 typically). We help you with warranty claim process and documentation.

Cost comparison: Most Apricus repairs are $300-$800 for single component failures. New system costs $4,500-$6,500. If system under 10 years old, repair almost always makes sense. If system 12-15+ years with multiple issues, replacement may be better value.

Realistic lifespan expectations for Apricus evacuated tube systems with proper maintenance:

Overall system lifespan: 15-20 years with regular maintenance and component replacements as needed.

Component lifespans:

• Evacuated tubes: 15-25 years (vacuum loss is gradual, not sudden)

• Heat pipes: 10-15 years (often fail around 7-10 years, warranty covers 15 years)

• Storage tank: 10-15 years IF anode maintained every 3-5 years. Without anode maintenance, tanks fail at 5-8 years

• Circulation pump: 5-8 years (Grundfos quality but gets heavy use)

• Controller: 10-15 years (electronics last well, power surges/lightning main killers)

• Temperature sensors: 8-12 years (weather exposure, water ingress causes failures)

• Manifold: 15-20+ years (unless freeze damage)

• Tube seals/O-rings: 2-3 years (require regular maintenance)

• Aluminum frame: 20+ years (corrosion-resistant, very durable)

Real-world examples:

• "I have had my Apricus system for more than 15 years. For majority of this time, unit performed extremely well." - After 15 years needed heat pipe replacement (warranty covered) and pump replacement

• "30 tube system, about 9 years old" - Heat output declining, needed diagnostics

• "System worked brilliantly for two years and recently stopped working" - Turned out to be faulty tube batch

• "After 15 years needed new pump" - Everything else still working fine

Maintenance impact on lifespan:

• With proper maintenance: 18-20+ years achievable. Customer reports: "That's past 15 years of reliable hot water service which has paid for itself over and over in cheaper electricity bills."

• With neglected maintenance: 8-12 years typical. Tank fails early from anode depletion, seals deteriorate causing vacuum loss, pump burns out from debris

Expected replacement schedule:

• Years 0-5: Usually trouble-free, maybe sensor issue

• Years 5-8: First pump replacement likely, possible heat pipe degradation (warranty claim), tube seal maintenance

• Years 8-12: Second pump replacement, more heat pipes may need replacement, possible controller issues, tank anode definitely needs replacement

• Years 12-15: Major service decision point - is system worth keeping? May need tank replacement, third pump, multiple tubes

• Years 15-20: If you've maintained well and replaced components, system can keep going. Many tubes likely need replacement, frame/manifold usually still good

When to replace vs repair: After 12-15 years, if facing major repairs ($2,000+), replacement with modern system often makes more sense. New Apricus systems have improved designs addressing many early issues. Alternative technologies (heat pumps, improved flat plates) may also be worth considering.

Bottom line: With diligent maintenance, Apricus systems deliver excellent 15-20 year service life. Without maintenance, expect 8-12 years with warranty hassles. Budget $400-$800 every few years for maintenance and component replacements throughout system life.