10 Signs That Your Hot Water System Is on Its Way Out
Your hot water heater is probably one of the last things on your mind. That is, until you end up in an unexpectedly cold shower. Were there warning signs? In fact, most of the time, there are several warning signs that indicate your system is need of a hot water repair and will need replacement sooner rather than later.
This article will look at 10 signs that your hot water system needs some attention or is beyond repair. Understanding these signs will help you avoid being stuck with no hot water when you really need it at an inconvenient time. Read on to learn more about how to tell your hot water system will fail before it’s too late with 10 signs that it is on its way out.
1. Your Water Temperature Never Seems To Be Consistent
Are you constantly adjusting the temperature dial while you’re in the shower? This is more than just an inconvenience. It’s a surefire sign that something is drastically wrong with your hot water system. While it may be something that can be repaired, if you don’t act quickly, it can result in needing a whole new system.
2. Your Hot Water System is 10 years +
A hot water system has a typical expected lifespan like everything else. Once it nears the end of that period, you can expect to have problems or at the latest reduced efficiency. The average life expectancy of a standard hot water system in Australia is between 10 and 15 years when cared for adequately with regular maintenance and servicing, so once you hit that 10-year mark, it may be time to get a replacement. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank and eventually solidify at the bottom. This can result in a number of problems, which a hot water system repair delays the eventual failure of the system.
3. There Never Seems To Be Enough Hot Water
That sediment that builds up in an older system can also lead to decreased space for hot water. If you notice your hot showers just don’t last as long, it’s likely due to build-up. Regular flushing can help prevent this from becoming a problem. However, if the sediment settles at the bottom, you’ll likely need to replace the entire system, as it will no longer be easily flushed out. So if you are proactive from early on with flushing the system, you will extend the life of the system by decreasing the amount of sediment collected at the bottom of the tank.
4. You Have Rust-Coloured Water
All water coming from your hot water system should be as clear and clean as the water from your tap. Any signs of cloudiness, murkiness, or rusty colours clearly indicate that your system is failing and in need of some attention. This is where sacrificial anodes come into play. A sacrificial anode rod is a component inside the hot water system to prevent widespread rust in the tank.
These rods are usually made of metals such as magnesium or aluminium which are more corrosive than metals that the tank itself is made from. The theory behind this is that these rods in the tank are ‘sacrificed’ because they will corrode faster than the rest of the tank, which then serve as a decoy for corrosive compounds the presence of these rods encourage corrosion on the rod and not in the metal of the tank itself.
In order for this sacrificial anode system to work, these rods need to be replaced every 5 years when you’re getting your plumbing service on your tank, however, if these rods are not replaced every 5 years or so, the rusting process will extend to the rest of the system. If you leave this situation unattended for too long, your tank could literally split or rupture as a result of rust. Most hot water systems in Australia have these rods, except for tankless hot water systems.
5. Strange Noises Coming From Your Water Heater
When sediment builds up on the bottom of the water heater, your system may make strange noises. You may hear rumbling, banging, and popping. Unfortunately, these are all signs that your system is coming to its end. Another problem with this sediment on the bottom is the system’s potential to overheat. So, if you hear noises coming from your system, it’s better not to ignore them and book in with your local plumber.
6. Your Water Heater Is Leaking
If your water heater leaks from any part, it’s a definite sign that something is wrong. While the culprit could be an easy fix if you book in a hot water repair, there is the potential for something much worse if left alone. When it’s the physical tank that’s leaking at the base, you’ll need to replace it. Leaks can lead to more damage throughout your home, which can significantly cost you in repairs.
7. You Smell Rotten Eggs
It’s crucial to act quickly, calling your local gas fitter if you smell rotten eggs. This is a sign of a gas leak, which puts your entire family and home at risk. Your water heater could explode, a fire could start, or you could get sick from the fumes. Not to mention, your gas bill will surely go through the roof. When you recognise the smell of a gas leak, get everyone to safety and turn off the gas, then call your emergency plumber in for repairs.
8. Low Hot Water Pressure
Does your cold water run fine, but you lack normal pressure when you switch to hot? This is a sign that you have sediment built up in your system and its connections. Again, this is highly problematic, leading to the failure of your system if it cannot be flushed out. The first step you should take is to try to have it flushed out or drain it yourself. If this fails, you’ll need to have a plumber have a look at it and suggest a way to either repair it, or if its too far gone, to replace it.
9. You’re Constantly Having Your Hot Water System Repaired
If you’re constantly paying for repairs of your hot water heater, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than what a new one would cost. Investing in an upgrade would save you money in the long run and keep you more comfortable, as you won’t have to worry about spontaneous cold showers. Every repair you have completed opens the door for the next problem to be significantly worse and more costly.
10. Decreased Energy Efficiency
As your system ages and sediment from the water builds up, its energy efficiency will significantly decrease. The heat is no longer able to travel efficiently throughout the tank. With decreased efficiency comes higher utility bills. While you can help reduce the effects by draining the heater every six months, there may come a time when you eventually have to replace it because the sediment no longer drains out.
There you have it, 10 signs that your hot water system is on its way out or may need some attention. You don’t have to leave it until you have no hot water in the house, pay attention to these signs and take action to ensure that you prevent bigger problems from happening and ensure you aren’t left high and dry with no hot water at an inconvenient time, and let’s face it, is it ever convenient to run out of hot water? If you are aware of your hot water system showing any of these 10 signs described, get in touch with your local plumber to address the problem efficiently and effectively.
Russell is a qualified Master Plumber, having been in the industry since 2004. He started his own company in 2013, and today, is a reputable company operating in metropolitan Adelaide. We are truly your local plumber!
We specialise in all aspects of plumbing services including 24 hour emergency response, blocked drains, drain camera inspections, pipe relining, gas fitting, hot water service & replacement, rain water tanks and all other home maintenance plumbing services. We aim to exceed your expectations in everyway and deliver the level of service that has made our business what it is today.
