When To Replace Your Hot Water System

1) Inconsistent Hot Water

When it comes to hot water systems, one of the most common problems is when the system fails to consistently produce hot water, or does not heat the water enough. An early sign that your hot water system is about to break down can be if the hot water cuts out halfway through your shower or if the water coming from your hot water tap is significantly colder than usual.

If your system starts to regularly fail to produce hot water it could mean that you need to replace your hot water system. However, there are a range of other issues that could be causing this problem in your system that will only require minor repairs.

Problems could include a leak, a faulty thermostat or a damaged or broken heating element. So, before you replace your entire hot water heating system, hire a professional to see whether or not your existing system can be salvaged.

2) Strange Noises

Another sign that your hot water system has seen better days is if it starts to produce unusual noises. If there is a hissing or sizzling noise coming from your hot water heater it could mean that you will need to replace the entire system.

However, it could also just be that the your relief valve is faulty. If this is the case, simply replacing the relief valve should have your system back up and running in no time. If replacing the valve doesn’t work, chances are you’ll need to replace the entire system.

If your system is producing any other strange noises (such as a popping, banging, cracking sound) it could simply mean that there is a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank. The sounds are caused by steam escaping from underneath the sediment.

Luckily, sediment can easily be drained from the tank to fix this. But, it is still important to address the problem as soon as it happens as an excessive buildup of sediment can cause corrosion and overheating which could cause the system to fail. Additionally, sediment above the heating element can mean the system has to work much harder to produce hot water which will ultimately age the system a lot quicker.

3) Sludge or Rust

If you find sludge or rust around the fittings of your hot water heater it is usually an indication that there is a leak. The first thing that you should do in this case is try to tighten the fittings. And if tightening doesn’t work, you may need to replace the fittings altogether.

When it comes to hot water systems, leaks are generally one of the most difficult problems to fix. A leaking system could range from a solution of buying a replacement part to buying a whole new system. Consult a hot water specialist to see what’s right for you.

4) Discoloured Water

If the water from your hot water tap is coming out red, brown or rust coloured it could mean that there is corrosion in your hot water tank. There is a sacrificial anode in every hot water tank that prevents corrosion that should be routinely replaced. If discoloured water is coming from your tap the most likely cause is that the sacrificial anode was not replaced when it needed to be causing corrosion in the tank.

Another reason for discoloured water coming from your hot water tank could be a buildup of sediment. This can be easily fixed by simply flushing the sediment out of the system. However, a sediment buildup can also cause corrosion or overheating in the tank and should be addressed as soon as possible, as a heavily corroded tank will have to be replaced.

If there is no corrosion in the tank or sediment buildup, you may have rusty pipes. This will need to be checked by a professional.

5) Leaks

Another sign that your hot water system may be on its way out is if it springs a leak. Not only can a leak mean you need a new hot water system, it can also cause damage to surrounding areas including, walls, floors, carpets and cabinets.

If your hot water system has a leak, the first thing you should do is check to see if you can find its source (leaks commonly occur from inlet or outlet connections) and tighten the fittings. It is important to call a hot water specialist as soon as you discover that there is a leak in the system as ignoring the problem can lead to mould and mildew which could cause health problems for the whole household.

Replacing Your Hot Water Heater

Though generally an unwanted expense, replacing your hot water system creates the opportunity for you to reduce your energy bill by selecting the right hot water system for you. The first thing to do when choosing a new hot water system is to make sure you have the right size. If you’re not sure what size you need, contact a hot water specialist.

Choosing the right size ensures that you are not wasting money heating water that you won’t use. Additionally, choosing the right heating method can make a huge difference in your hot water spend. For example, if your house is connected to the mains gas lines, you could save a lot of money by switching from an gas hot water, as gas is generally cheaper than electricity and you won’t be affected by peak tariffs.

Finally, you will need to check the regulations for hot water systems in your area. In some cases you won’t be able to get the same type of system that you already have as the regulations for the area may have changed since it was installed.

Whatever the situation, if you’re looking to replace your hot water system call your local hot water experts at Sun City Hot Water & Plumbing. We provide expert advice, repairs, servicing and 1300 728 122 today.