How often does my hot water system need servicing?
The importance of hot water system maintenance cannot be understated.
As a society we’re collectively very reliant of hot water. A vital part of our hygiene routines, household appliance function and more, it’s easy to take the role of hot water in our lives for granted.
If our hot water systems cease to work all of a sudden, fixing the issue can become a matter of urgency considering the inconvenience.
Sure, it’s easily understood that this essential household mechanism requires occasional servicing, though its frequency is often lost on those uninitiated.
Hot water service frequency
The main types of hot water systems are continuous/instantaneous flow, solar, heat pump, and electric/gas storage.
Generally speaking, the mentioned systems have maintenance period guidelines as follows:
- Continuous/instantaneous flow: annual service
- Electric/gas storage: every 5 years
- Heat pump
- Solar: every 5 years
Depending on your system’s operation, you will need to keep an eye on its sacrificial anode and TPR valves.
The longevity of your hot water system is highly dependent on a mechanism named the sacrificial node. A key facet of your system, the anode is a metal rod constructed from aluminium or magnesium, and coated in zinc. Found hanging down inside your hot water tank, it attracts impurities and minerals in the channeling water which can potentially cause rusting and/or deterioration.
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Hot water maintenance is simplified if the sacrificial anode is replaced often enough. Pure Plumbing Professionals advise your sacrificial anode be replaced every 5 years at the least. Not doing so is a common cause of hot water system failure.
Temperature and pressure relief valves (TPR) are fitted to hot water tanks as a secondary safety measure. They’re designed to relieve pressure increases due to the expansion of water in the system’s heating cycle. Automatically venting hot water if the temperature and/or pressure in the tank gets too great, the TPR is essential to hot water systems.
TPR valves require biannual checkups, and fortunately it can perform them by yourself. The process goes as follows - beware of hot water and wear protective gloves and shoes if possible:
- Locate the TPR valve. It is usually located on the top or side of the heater. Assure it’s unobstructed.
- Lift the handle gently. As you do so, hot water should flow from the outlet pipe.
- After doing this, close off the valve carefully.
If the valve is stuck and won’t move, doesn’t release water, or fails to turn off, it’s a sure sign that it needs replacing urgently.
Signs that your hot water system needs servicing
As the owner if a hot water system, it’s a given responsibility that you have it serviced regularly. Occasionally between services, hot water systems can suddenly stop functioning as they should be.
Common signs of a dysfunctional hot water system are:
- Consistently fickle temperatures
- Continuous changes in water pressure
- Leakage of water out of the hot water system
- Pilot light issues (not working or regularly turning off)
- Rumbling sounds coming from the system
- Presence of sediment in water
Refer to your water heater manual for specific brand and model advice.
Book your next hot water system service with our Sydney plumbing team on (02) 9191 7374 or complete our booking request form today.
Resources used
https://build.com.au/how-maintain-your-hot-water-system
