IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM?
The hot water system is one of the most important and almost essential appliances in a household that you need to maintain and ensure it is in proper working order throughout the year. The availability of warm, running water is vital for a comfortable everyday living. From showers, hand-washing, baths, dish cleaning and laundry, a household would find it extremely uncomfortable to operate without any hot water.
Sooner or later you’re bound to see signs that your hot water system is under distress and needs to be replaced. Often, hot water systems can become damaged, unsafe and inefficient without notice and understanding what went wrong can be tricky. We have compiled a list of common signs to look out for to help determine if your hot water system needs servicing, repair or replacing.
WARNING SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Top 5 signs that would indicate when it’s time to replace your hot water heater are:
- IS IT OLD?
How old is your hot water system and do you remember the last time it was serviced by a plumber? Hot water systems — even the best of them — have a lifespan of roughly a decade. While you can help prolong the life of your water heater with regular maintenance and professional servicing, chances are you’ll need to replace with a new one in close to ten years as the efficiency of the water heater will begin to decline as parts will start to breakdown. If your hot water system is approaching the ten-year mark, you may want to consider replacing and upgrading to a new one.
- IS THERE A LEAKAGE?
As your water heater nears the end of its life expectancy, it is likely for you to see leaks and pool of water appear close to the tank. Water leaks are a no-no in plumbing trade as we know that leaks cause water damage that could result in significant property damage. If you have your hot water system installed inside your house, it’s leaking tank or pipes could be a reason for immediate concern. Leakage is usually an urgent sign that hot water system needs to be serviced or replaced. Leaking water can heavily affect the system and its performance. If you notice dripping or accumulated water near the tank, call your trusted hot water system plumber Adelaide to inspect, diagnose and repair the issue or advise if it needs to be replaced.
- WATER NOT HEATING?
Hot water is among the most vital household necessities and without it you cannot get the comfort and relief you desire. Most homeowners take warm water for granted and are therefore disconcerted whenever the water in taps, shower or bath fails to reach sufficient warmth. You know it’s time to consider servicing, replacing or upgrading your hot water system when you start facing issues such as no hot water, hot water running out too quickly or taking too long to restore. The loss of heat in your hot water system could be due to a misadjusted thermostat, a broken heating element or a tank that’s too small for the size of your house and hot water usage. Thermostat and heating element issues can be rectified by a hot water heater plumber; however, small hot water tank means you do need a new hot water system. Planning the change of your domestic hot water systems allows time to research the best replacement option and make an informed buying decision that is best for your family’s hot water needs.
- IT’S MAKING STRANGE SOUNDS
Another telltale sign of a failing and ailing hot water system is noise from the tank. As the heater ages, it may be alerting you to a serious problem that needs immediate attention. If you’re hearing rumbling noises emanating as the tank heats up the water, it is time to call in a professional plumber. Strange noises such as hissing, banging, popping, creaking, should be cautiously monitored and attended to as quickly as possible by a qualified plumber. Noise from a water heater is generally due to sediment build-up over the years or a burst tank. If it’s a burst tank then you need a replacement at the earliest.
- RUSTY WATER
Do you notice brown, red or rusty coloured water coming from your hot water system? It is due to corrosion and/or rust inside the storage tank. Even though steel is the strongest material, it can rust over a period of time. Corrosion in your hot water system will occur over time and rusted water is a sure sign that your hot water system needs replacement. Rust serves as the warning sign for oncoming leaks and is harmful to your health. It is an immediate problem that needs to be rectified for the sanitation of your household, so do not delay, call a qualified hot water system specialist today to advise on you on next steps to replace your existing hot water system with a new, efficient and reliable one.
At Horncastle Plumbing, we can assist you by providing advice on repairing or replacing your hot water system. Call us now to discuss more!