A hot water system is an essential part of every home, providing reliable hot water for daily activities such as showering, cleaning, and cooking. However, like any other appliance, it requires regular maintenance to function efficiently and safely.
So, how often should a hot water system be serviced? Our policy recommends a general service every two years to ensure your hot water system continues to perform optimally. While some guidelines suggest annual servicing, many systems in Victoria can operate reliably on a biennial schedule due to our region’s particularly clean water, which generally eliminates the need to flush out the tank regularly.
This guide outlines why regular servicing is important, signs that your hot water system needs attention, and what to expect from a professional hot water system service.
Why Regular Servicing Is Essential
Routine hot water system maintenance is crucial for several reasons:
- Extends the lifespan of your hot water system
- Regular servicing prevents system failure and ensures heating elements function correctly.
- An old hot water system deteriorates faster without proper care.
- Ensures energy efficiency
- Without maintenance, components such as heating elements or pressure relief valves may wear down, increasing running costs.
- A well-serviced system maintains energy efficiency and helps deliver a steady supply of hot water.
- Prevents costly repairs
- Early detection of faults such as water pressure fluctuations, gas burner malfunctions, and small leaks can prevent major expenses.
- Gas systems require professional inspection to ensure pilot lights and gas lines remain safe.
Signs Your Hot Water System Needs Servicing
A hot water system may develop issues over time. Watch out for these signs that indicate your water system needs professional attention:
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Fluctuations in hot water supply or cold showers suggest issues with the water heater or heating elements.
- Strange noises
- Banging or popping sounds coming from the hot water tank indicate sediment build-up, which affects efficiency.
- Rusty or discoloured water
- Corrosion inside the water heater or a worn-out sacrificial anode can cause rust contamination.
- Leaks or drops in water pressure
- Reduced water pressure can result from a faulty pressure relief valve or storage tank damage.
- Frequent pilot light failures
- A gas hot water system may experience repeated pilot light outages, often due to a malfunctioning gas burner or gas line issues.
What Happens During a Hot Water System Service?
A professional hot water system service includes several key steps to ensure optimal performance:
- Inspection and cleaning
- Checking the water temperature, storage tank, and pressure relief valve for wear or damage.
- Flushing the hot water heater to remove sediment build-up that affects efficiency.
- Component checks and replacements
- Inspecting and replacing the sacrificial anode in a storage hot water system to prevent corrosion.
- Testing and replacing the pressure relief valve if needed to ensure it can release pressure safely.
- Gas system maintenance
- Inspecting the gas line and gas burner to ensure safe operation.
- Checking the pilot light to ensure it ignites properly.
- System efficiency review
- Assessing water quality, energy efficiency, and running costs to ensure the system is functioning correctly.
How to Maintain Your Hot Water System Between Services
While regular servicing by a professional is essential, homeowners can take simple steps to maintain their hot water system between service appointments:
- Check the temperature settings
- Avoid excessive heat settings to save energy and reduce strain on the heating elements.
- Test the pressure relief valve regularly
- Ensure the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly to prevent damage to the storage tank.
- Monitor water quality and leaks
- Catching issues early can prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
- Flush the system every two years
- Removing sediment build-up from the hot water tank improves efficiency and extends its lifespan.
Again, routine tank flushing is typically not required in Victoria, but any concerns about sediment should still be reviewed by a qualified technician.
Is It Time to Replace Your Hot Water System?
Sometimes, a hot water system service may not be enough to resolve ongoing issues. You may need to consider a new hot water system if:
- Your current hot water system is more than a decade old and requires frequent repairs.
- You experience ongoing hot water system failure, resulting in cold showers or insufficient hot water supply.
- The hot water system needs to be upgraded to a more energy-efficient model to reduce running costs.
Ensure Reliable Hot Water – Book a Professional Service Today
Regular hot water system maintenance is essential to keep your hot water system functioning correctly, preventing unexpected breakdowns and reducing energy costs. Whether you have a gas hot water system, solar hot water system, heat pump, or electric hot water systems, professional servicing ensures optimal performance.
Our team provides comprehensive hot water system service, including safety checks, maintenance, and repairs. If your hot water heater shows signs of wear, has inconsistent water temperature, or you want to ensure a steady supply of hot water, we can help.
Contact us today to schedule your next hot water service and keep your water heater running efficiently.
