Hot Water System Failing? Repairs vs Replacement

Hot water is something we take for granted, and the robust unit remains forgotten until it’s suddenly gone. If your system has been acting up, you might be wondering: Should I go for hot water system repairs or is it time for a full hot water system replacement? At Horncastle Plumbing, we are your local hot water plumbers, and our team has seen it all, from minor fixes to complete system failures. We provide advice in this article on how to tell when your hot water system is beyond repair and what to do next.

Repairs vs Replace Your Failing Hot Water System

1. The Age of Your Hot Water System

The average hot water system will last for 8 to 12 years (gas or electric) and up to 20 years for a continuous flow system. If yours is approaching this age and giving you trouble, repairs at best will be a short-term fix. An older system is less energy efficient and more prone to failure. Changing to a new one is a wise investment as it will not only provide you with comfortable hot water for years, but also save you money in the long run.

2. Rusty or Discoloured Water

If rusty or murky water is coming from your taps, your hot water tank could be corroding from the inside. Once corrosion starts, there’s no fixing it—the system is on borrowed time. A replacement is the safest and most cost-effective solution before it leaks or bursts.

3. Strange Noises Coming from the Tank

A little noise is to be anticipated, but banging, popping, or rumbling loudly? That is a sign of sediment buildup inside the tank. Solidified sediment translates to overheating, efficiency loss, and eventual tank failure down the line. If a system flush does not correct the issue it’s probably time to think of a replacement as the best solution.

4. Water Leaks Around the System

A leaking hot water system is never a good sign. Small leaks can turn into major water damage if left unchecked. While some issues like a faulty valve or loose connection can be repaired, leaks from the tank itself mean it’s time for a replacement.

5. Fluctuating or No Hot Water

Your system is having trouble keeping up if you experience any of these tell-tale signs –  getting lukewarm water, your hot water is running out too quickly, or you’re seeing abrupt temperature variations when using hot water in your home. This can be the result of excessive wear and tear, a broken thermostat, or a defective heating element. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient system is the recommended course of action if repairs are unsuccessful.

6. Rising Energy Bills

A faulty or old hot water system requires more energy to heat the same amount of water, and your bills will skyrocket. Newer systems—especially gas continuous flow or heat pump systems—are much more energy-efficient, reducing your home costs. If your old unit is draining your wallet, replacing it with a newer system can pay for itself in the long run.

What Should You Do Next?

Is it time for you to call in a hot water plumber? Call Horncastle Plumbing today – your local Adelaide plumbers for all things hot water and plumbing! For any Adelaide Gas Hot Water Systems, Adelaide Electric Hot Water Systems, Adelaide Solar Hot Water Systems or Heat Pump hot water units, trust Horncastle Plumbing to provide reliable and swift hot water repairs Adelaide-wide. With our dependable same-day service, we offer fast response times giving you complete peace of mind that your problem will be addressed quickly, 24 hours of the day. We can service, repair, install and supply a wide range of hot water systems from Rheem, Dux, and Vulcan to any brand you require. Give us a call to discuss your hot water repair or replacement needs today and our expert hot water plumber will ensure you have all the right information to make an informed decision.