You’re more than likely not thinking about your hot water unit day and night, perhaps only really caring about it when your showers give you cold flashes or if the unit is broken down. In all fairness, you shouldn’t have to worry about your hot water system too much, especially if you’ve purchased a pretty good unit to begin with.
That being said, hot water units do have a limited lifespan and, like white goods in your home, will start to degrade over time. That degradation is especially noticeable if you fail to take proper care of your unit. Without having to nurse your hot water system too frequently, there are some good tips that can help you keep it running at peak performance for as long as possible:
Make Sure to Have Your Unit Inspected & Serviced Regularly
First and foremost, try to get your hot water unit serviced professionally from time to time. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to get it checked every 1-2 years, or perhaps more frequently if it’s approaching 8-10 years of age.
A professional plumber will thoroughly inspect the tank and unit and assess its condition, potentially alerting you to developing problems that may drastically reduce its lifespan. With early hot water unit repairs, you can keep your unit running well for many more years whilst also potentially saving a lot of money.
Inspect the Tank’s Anode Rod
Most hot water units sold in Australia are fitted with a rod, usually made of magnesium. This rod’s purpose is sacrificial, it is intentionally designed to corrode over time so that the metal lining inside of the tank does not corrode (which can start to develop all sorts of big problems).
If the rod is corroded, it’s doing its job. But how corroded is it? If it’s severely corroded and has thinned out to the diameter of the coil holding it in place, or perhaps around 6mm, it’s a telltale sign that it needs to be replaced.
Replacing the anode rod is something you might need to do after around 5 years, so on average you might only need to do it once or twice total. Leave this job to a plumber.
Flush Out the Tank Occasionally
Your hot water unit is designed to hold water and heat it, and it should be doing that job competently. Over time, however, the tank can accumulate sediment and contaminants that can erode the tank and reduce its efficiency.
Sediment buildups accumulate gradually, worsening over time and affecting the quality of your hot water. Simply flushing out the tank every once in awhile can greatly extend its lifespan, because this gets rid of practically all sediment buildup. You may need to do this frequently if hard water is common where you live.
Check the Pressure Relief Valve
Your hot water unit is equipped with a Temperature & Pressure Relief (TPR) valve which is essential for managing water pressure. If pressure or temperature exceed a certain amount, it’s job is to open up and release water until safe again.
This little valve can corrode or wear down over time, and usually after five years it needs servicing. Nevertheless, try to inspect it at least once a year just to make sure it’s in good working order.
Pay Attention to Telltale Signs it Needs to Be Replaced
If your showers are inconsistent in temperature, you’re hearing clanging or other strange noises, or there are leaks or condensation around the hot water unit, you likely need to have it repaired. Waiting too long – or if the system is old and it isn’t worth repairing – may necessitate a hot water system replacement from a qualified plumber near you.
FastnLocal Plumbing
Keep your hot water system running hot with FastnLocal Plumbing.