Open 24/7! Servicing all of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Our Average Response time is: 1hr 53min 47sec
The hot water heater is the unsung hero of modern home convenience. With an average lifespan of 8–12 years for a standard electric model, it's an appliance we often forget about and take for granted, at least until there's a breakdown and the comfort of having hot water literally on tap is temporarily lost to us.
Hot water systems are a difficult appliance to diagnose, and often we don't notice something is wrong until we're stuck with cold water, no matter which tap is on. However, there are a few early warning signs of issues that, if fixed early, can prevent costly repairs or an entire unit replacement.
Join us, as we discuss the five most common signs that your hot water system needs a tune-up.
The first, and perhaps most obvious, sign of a hot water system needing a service is inconsistent water temperatures. Your system should be tuned to a specific heat, and it should be able to provide that heat day in and day out. However, if you find your showers or baths are a bit lukewarm, or if the hot water coming out of your kitchen tap is inconsistent when washing the dishes each night, there might be an issue that warrants further inspection.
One problem could be a thermostat malfunction, where the temperature control of the system becomes less accurate as the hardware begins to wear out. If this is the case, the thermostat can be easily replaced by a technician, a simple job that has a fraction of the cost of a full system replacement.
Another possible cause is sediment buildup. It's simply a fact that, even with modern technology, our tap water still contains trace amounts of different sediments and minerals. None of these are a health issue for drinking and exist in only tiny concentrations, but over years and years of daily use, these sediments can bind to the inner workings of the hot water system and take up space in the tank, leaving less room for hot water to be stored.
Another problem that is plain to see is if your water, particularly warm or hot water, becomes cloudy, dirty-looking, or the colour of rust. Brown or rusty water may indicate corrosion in your tank or pipes as old components lose their protective coatings and the water starts to rust the metal components. Drinking rusty water is not much of a health issue (provided you don't drink any sharp metal chunks), but it tastes incredibly unpleasant and might stain your dishes, sink, taps, and other fixtures.
Rusty water is a sign that something is breaking down inside your hot water system. Even if it doesn't fail today, it's a clear sign that something will happen in the foreseeable future. The first time you notice discoloured water, call in your local qualified plumber to assess the situation. If detected early, the situation may be fixed by simply replacing a corroding component. Left too long and the corrosion may be too far gone, requiring a complete replacement of your system instead.
Every now and again, it's worth going out to where your storage tank is located and just giving it a good listen. A hot water system working perfectly should generally be silent, though under peak usage pressure it is common for it to make some low sounds. However, if you notice strange sounds happening more and more, listen to which sounds are the most frequent to help determine the cause of the issue. This also gives plumbers a head start on their services and any replacement parts they might need to bring.
For example, banging or rumbling can be caused by sediment buildup, hammering can be caused by water moving through the pipes too quickly, and screeching or whistling can be due to a failing valve releasing air or pressure. Hissing or crackling is also common for sediment buildup, but usually only for electric systems.
Remember, the key aspect of unusual noises is their frequency. Excessive noise often precedes major mechanical failures, but it is entirely normal for an occasional low hiss, pop, or grumble to occur.
If your system's performance falls, and you have a sudden decrease in hot water supply, you might have heating element problems or a broken dip tube. Limited hot water output is often an early sign of system failure as the inner workings of your system lose their efficiency and start to degrade. If the hot water doesn't last as long or if it takes an age for the shower to warm up, it's best to get a repair of the failing component before the extra pressure placed on the rest of the system causes further problems.
Reduced hot water output can be a result of sediment and mineral buildup in the water tank, clogged pipes, worn-out or blocked fixtures, or a failing pressure regulator valve. Whatever the cause, you can save yourself money by quickly getting the failing component identified and replaced before a complete system overhaul is required.
If you can see visible water around your system or tank, you may have a leak, which could be a sign of significant damage. A leak or dripping from pipes or fixtures indicates a failure in the integrity of those components. Seals can degrade over time, casings can crack, and if your system is outside, the Australian sun and weather can bite down on your system's components over the years.
Moisture or pooling can escalate if left unchecked and are a sign that inner workings are cracking, breaking, or coming apart from each other. Out of all the five signs we've discussed, this is the one that needs the most rapid response, as the structural integrity and connections of the system are being compromised.
Spare your household the cold showers and make the most of your water pressure and save on energy bills. Often, it is one component that fails at a time, but even one can have a massive impact on your hot water supply and can cause a chain reaction of damage to the system's other components. This can result in a costly full replacement of your system, not to mention the inconvenience of going without hot water for as long as replacements take.
If you notice any of the above signs, consult a trusted professional like Plumberoo for all repairs and inspections. Time is of the essence with hot water system issues and ensuring that. With 24/7 servicing available in all of Sydney's eastern suburbs and with a response time of less than two hours, the friendly team at Plumberoo will have your hot water system running at its best in no time at all.
