How long until I need to replace my hot water system?

Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Replacement

Your hot water systems can last for quite a while. However, here are some signs to look out for to know when your hot water system requires replacement:

Old Age

Hot water systems are estimated to last for around 8 to 10 years on average. When you have information from the original manufacturer of the unit, you can know about the exact lifespan. 

Has your water heating system crossed the span of 15-20 years? Do you observe some noise or inconsistent efficiency in heating up water? It might be the end of its lifespan. It is a good idea to reach out to a professional plumber in your area to come over and inspect the unit before replacement.

Water Not Heating Enough

One of the major signs of a faulty hot water system is its inability to heat water sufficiently. Do you notice your showers running cold halfway through? Or, is your shower not heating up enough? Before you go ahead with replacing the entire unit, the problem could be due to a broken heating component or a faulty thermostat. You can ask a professional to look into the exact problem. 

A Sizzling or Hissing Noise Coming from the Water Tank

Is your hot water system making a lot of noise? It might be a sign that it is on its way out. You should also know that a sizzling or hissing sound could be due to the release of water through a relief valve. Contact a professional to know more. 

Discoloured Water 

Has the colour of your hot water changed recently? Does it look rusty, coppery or brown? If you are seeing discolouration of any kind, this usually means your storage tank is breaking down and those materials are finding their way into your drinking water. Don’t delay if you see any kind of discoloured water, call our team at Proximity Plumbing asap and we’ll come out to help.  

Tips to Maintain Hot Water Systems

Your hot water system is crucial to the health and comfort of your entire family. What can you do to ensure that it keeps running efficiently? Here are some important hot water system maintenance tips you should know about:

Inspecting Regularly for Signs of Wearing or Cracks

Select a date every month and inspect the hot water system from top to bottom. Look out for signs of cracks, water leakage, or wearing. 

Turning the Tank System Off If You are Away for Some Time

In case you are going away for some weeks or more, you should turn off the water heater system. Otherwise, the system will continue heating up water even when you are not using it. Considering the fact that around20% of total energy in an average Australian home goes into water heating, you should know how to turn it off. 

Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Basically, if the temperature or pressure builds up too much inside your hot water tank, it can cause leaks, shorten the life of your heater and possibly explode (worst case scenario). 

The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve are designed to automatically open and release excess pressure.

To check this value make sure you shut off the water and power supply to your property before placing a bucket under the drain pipe connected to the valve. 

Lift the tab attached to the valve and allow some water to escape, then, close it again. If little or no water comes out when the valve is open, or if water continues to run after it has been closed, the valve most likely needs replacing. 

Inspect the Anode Rod

There is a magnesium or aluminium rod inside your tank which helps to protect against rust. Essentially the rod attracts corrosive elements in water so that it rusts before the tanks rusts! These rods typically last 3 – 5 years and you do need to replace the rod once it’s rusted to make sure the tank doesn’t start to rust.

To check the rod, make sure the power and water supply are off, then unscrew the rod’s hex head located on the top of the tank with a 1 1⁄16-inch socket. Pull the rod out of the tank (this could take a bit of muscle). If it’s down to ½” in diameter or less, replace it with a new one – which can be purchased at most hardware stores).

Flush the Tank

Do you know what lies at the bottom of your hot water tank? Like the bottom of the ocean – sediment and sand can accumulate, making it more difficult for the system to heat the water. The harder your heater has to work, the shorter the life span! 

You can flush the tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank. Place the other end of the hose in a floor drain or somewhere outside your property. With the water supply turned off and the power shut off (or the thermostat set to pilot for gas models) open the drain valve. Once the tank is empty, briefly turn the water supply back on to stir up the sediment at the bottom and allow it to drain. You can repeat the process until the water runs clear. Voila – you have successfully flushed the tank! Aim to repeat this process 1 – 2 times per year.

So, how long?

To answer the question: How long until I need to replace my hot water system? It really depends on your system, and just what is wrong with it. The best way for a definitive answer is to book in a service with our team. 

We all take hot water for granted until we don’t have it! So make sure you keep your hot water flowing by either repairing or replacing a system that is not operating at 100%. It’s important to take action before you suddenly have no hot water.

Thoroughly checking your hot water tank is part of every Proximity Plumbing’s plumbing maintenance service. So if you want to get expert eyes on your hot water system, call us today on 0420 102 394 for a free quote. Plus we guarantee to be on-site within the eastern suburbs in 30 minutes.