It’s easy to forget about your hot water system when it’s working, which is why many homeowners are completely unaware that their hot water heater is on the brink of a breakdown. To reduce the risk of waking up to a cold shower and potential water damage to your home stay on the lookout for these 5 signs that your hot water heater is about to breakdown.
1) Hot Water System Is 10+ Years Old
One of the easiest way to stay on top of when your hot water heater needs to be replaced in order to avoid a system breakdown (and potential property damage) is to keep track of how old your hot water system is.
Most hot water systems have an average lifespan of 8 to 15 years. If your hot water system is more than 10 years old, it will likely need to be replaced sooner rather than later to prevent a breakdown. This is because after 10 years of heating water, your hot water system will have significantly decreased in efficiency causing your power bills to go up and causing the system to wear out at an accelerated rate – increasing the chance of a breakdown.
If you don’t know how old your hot water system is check the manufacturer’s sticker near the top of the tank for the serial number. If your hot water system is 10 years old or older, make an appointment with your local hot water experts to inspect the condition of the system and advise on whether the system needs to be replaced.
2) Hot Water System Requires Frequent Repairs
Another sign that your hot water system may be close to failing is when it starts needing more regular repairs. As a hot water heater gets older and the efficiency of the system decreases, it will require repairs more frequently. However, depending on the age of the system, it can be more cost effective to replace an old hot water heater rather than pouring more money into a failing system.
Click here for more on when to repair and when to replace your old hot water system.
3) Hot Water Is Rusty Or Discoloured
If the water coming from your hot water outlets is a rusty brown colour it could be a sign that it’s time to replace your hot water system. This is because rusty water is a common indication that your hot water tank has started to rust on the inside. If this is the case, the rust will eventually eat through the tank wall and cause a leak that could cause serious damage to nearby walls, floor, and furniture.
However, rust coloured hot water could also be an indication of rusty pipes, so before you replace your entire hot water system, check where the rust is coming from. You can check this by draining a few buckets of water from the system. If, after a few buckets full of water, the water coming out is still discoloured, it is likely that your hot water tank is rusting. Alternatively, call your local hot water specialists to inspect your hot water system and determine where the rust originates.
4) Hot Water System Is Making Loud Noises
If your hot water system has started to make loud noises when heating it could be an indication that the system needs to be replaced. When a hot water system begins to make loud, banging noises it is usually due to a build up of hardened sediment in the bottom of the tank.
Over time, hot water heaters accumulate a build up of mineral deposits from the water at the bottom of the tank. This sediment build up should be regularly cleared out during your hot water heater scheduled maintenance. If the sediment is not regularly cleared, it will build up and harden in the bottom of the tank where the main heating element is. This will reduce the efficiency of the system as it will take longer for the element to heat the water in the tank.
Additionally, as the water is heating up the sediment will also be heated which can cause banging or rumbling sounds. If your hot water system is making loud, unusual sounds you may need to replace it. Call your local hot water specialist as soon as possible to prevent a breakdown and potential damage to your property.
5) Hot Water System Is Leaking
Finally, if your hot water system has started to leak it may be a sign that the system needs to be replaced. This is because a leaking hot water system is often caused by cracks in the tank. However, it is important to identify the source of the leak before replacing your hot water system as you may find that you just have a leaky fitting or connection.
Sun City – Your Local Hot Water Specialists
If you’re worried that your hot water system is on the brink of failure contact your local hot water experts at Sun City Hot Water & Plumbing. Our highly trained technicians can inspect the condition of your hot water heater and advise on the best course of action.
Whether you need hot water system maintenance, repairs, installations, or even a whole system replacement, Sun City has got you covered. Call us today on 1300 728 122 for hot water services from the Sunshine Coast to the north side of the Brisbane river – at great prices!
