Clear signs it's time to replace your hot water system

Knowing whether your hot water heater is going to stand up to the pressure through another winter or it’s time to upgrade can be tricky. Luckily there are some clear signs you can look out for which can indicate a looming hot water system breakdown.

Ageing hot water unit

Most quality storage hot water systems used in areas of Sydney with good water quality will last at least 10 years, probably more. However, if your system is approaching or has past this age you may need to consider a replacement if you are experiencing frequent problems.

The ageing process can be sped up, causing premature problems, if your household has outgrown your hot water system, this can result in the unit working overtime to keep up with the demand. Most modern homes have a dishwasher, washing machine, and multiple bathrooms to cater to, this high demand can take a toll on ageing or too small water heaters.

Discoloured hot water

Brown, red, or rust coloured water can signify corrosion and rust inside the storage tank. This can occur if the sacrificial anode, which protects the tank from corrosion, has not been replaced routinely and the steel tank has begun to deteriorate from the inside.

Ask your plumber to check out the source of water discolouration as it may also be caused by a build-up of sediment in the tank (which can also lead to tank corrosion or system overheating) or rusty water pipes elsewhere in the plumbing system.

Short periods of discoloured or cloudy water can be caused by your local water authority working on the mains supply in your area. An easy check for this is if the water coming from the cold tap is also brown it could be a mains issue. For those in the Sydney Water area, you can check on their website here - sydneywater.com.au

Noisy water heater

Sediment can be blamed for noisy hot water heaters as well. A build-up of sediment from the natural minerals in water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank over time. The noise you can hear is caused by steam bubbles escaping from beneath the sediment, making the popping, banging, or cracking sound.

Sediment build-up can usually be easily drained from the tank so it's important to address noise problems as soon as they occur to prevent corrosion, overheating, or the system overworking. Contact your plumber for advice on noisy hot water systems.

Leaking hot water system

A leaking hot water system can become a significant problem very quickly. Not only can it affect the system itself, but depending on the location of the unit, the leaking water can damage walls, flooring, and cabinets as well.

Have a careful look at the heater to see if you can find the source of the leak. Leaks commonly occur from the inlet or outlet connections, at the pressure relief valve, or from the tank itself.

The damp conditions caused by unrepaired leaks can quickly lead to mould or mildew growth, potentially causing health problems for those living in the home.

All leaks should be promptly checked by a licenced plumber.

Frequent water heater problems

If you've needed to call a plumber out several times in the last year for hot water system repairs it might be time to consider a new system. Upgrading will not only provide you with a brand new hot water system it can also be a great opportunity to install a more energy efficient water heater, potentially saving hundreds on future power bills.

Don't wait until your system shuts down altogether, upgrade or replace now to ensure your home has reliable hot water all year round. Need help? Contact our experienced hot water team at 9191 7374 or book in a hot water service checkup today.