Hot Water System Repairs & Increasing Efficiency | Network Know How
Hot Water System Repairs
Even though we use hot water every single day, and more times in one day than you would realise... our hot water system for either our home or workplace, gets little thought when it comes to booking in regular servicing.
We always remember to book our car in for a service, as it gets us from A to B. But, have you thought about your hot water heater in the same way?
Imagine waking up on a cold morning longing for a nice hot shower, only to be greeted by freezing cold water or going to do the dishes but the water isn't hot and the dishes don't wash as well. You suddenly realise that there is an issue with your hot water service! You may start to wonder how old the hot water heater is... or how long it has been since it was last serviced (if it's even been serviced at all).
Unfortunately, our hot water systems can often be neglected. We don't necessarily see them on a regular basis as most hot water systems are located outside and generally down the side of the house where you may not ever go.
Don't Worry!
There are ways that you can help to extend the life of your water System, ensure it is functioning to its full capacity and is not costing you more money on your gas or power bill than it should.
7 Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs A Service
For efficiency and the longevity of your heater, it is recommended that it is serviced every 1-2 years.... this is a general rule and really depends on the type of hot water system you have at your house or place work. The most common types of hot water systems include gas hot water systems, electric hot water systems, solar hot water systems, a heat pump system. The type of system you may have will depend on whether you have a gas supply line available, the number of people in your home or your own preferences regarding the type of energy source you want to heat your water.
Factors such as the usage and location of your system, as well as general wear and tear, will play a contributing role to the frequency of the hot water service or repairs required for your system. Maintaining your hot water systems, regardless of the brand, generally results in increased efficiency of your system... saving you money later down the line. There are some signs that you should look out for that will alert you to the fact that your hot water system is in need of some attention:
- Your hot water system hasn't had a service in 2+ years.
- A loud or noisy working heating system.
- Discoloured water coming from your hot water taps.
- The hot water tank is leaking.
- Fluctuating temperatures of your water.
- Increased household demand.
- No hot water
If you notice any of the above, then it is time to make a phone call to a plumbing specialist. This is not a time to do a DIY job. A professional plumber is a must when it comes to servicing a hot water system as there are many different parts and elements that need to be checked and sometimes repaired or replaced.
Servicing & Repairs For Hot Water Systems
A specialist plumber will be able to look over the hot water heater and determine the issue. Our licensed plumber will also be able to carry out hot water system repairs or replacement of parts as needed. Parts that may be in need of servicing, repairs or replacement can include:
- The pilot light
- Tempering valve
- Pressure relief valve
- Sacrificial anode
- Heating element
- Checking for broken pipes
- The wiring of the water heating unit
They will also check the state of the hot water storage tank if you have one to ensure it is in good working order. If your hot water storage tank is leaking then you will unfortunately need a replacement.
If you are unsure who to call to check over your hot water system or if you need to get your hot water system repaired, Network Plumbing have the best hot water system experts in Sydney... the bonus part, we are ready to attend to your water heating needs. Whether it is a gas system, an electric water system or solar hot water system, our professional plumber will be able to service and carry out a same day hot water system repairs for you.
Maintaining Hot Water Systems
Yes, this should be done! Depending on the type of hot water system you have, generally speaking... there will be varying life expectancies from one system to the next. Hot water systems can usually last anywhere from 8-20+ years. Seems like a good investment to protect, right! If you are not protecting your investment with regular servicing, you are doing yourself and your wallet a disservice. If you are taking care of your hot water system through regular scheduled services, you'll be increasing efficiency and in turn, extending the life of your hot water system.
To extend the life of your system, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Each manufacturer will have different guidelines and different warranty periods on the tank and the parts of the heater. Remember regular servicing of any hot water system will ensure your system is running efficiently, without any hidden surprises. It will also reduce the chance of early hot water replacement or unnecessary repairs.
It is always important to book a service in with a licensed plumber, otherwise, you will run the risk of voiding any warranty that you might have on your hot water system.
The Important Parts Of A Hot Water System
Hot water systems have many different elements that contribute to the operation of heating your water and getting it to flow smoothly and safely throughout your home or workplace. All hot water systems have a wiring connection that will be checked at every service to make sure your system is operating correctly. Our hot water specialist has compiled a short list of the essential components that during a hot water service inspection will be attended to.
TPR Valve
The primary function of the temperature & pressure relief valve (TPR) is to release any build up of excess tank pressure. If your TPR valve is continually running, it may be an indication that it is time to have it replaced. It may also be an indication that the pressure reducing valve, if fitted may not be operating correctly and may need replacing.
Sacrificial Anode
Located internally in hot water systems is the sacrificial anode. This “magnesium” anode is installed by the manufacturer to prevent the tank from rusting by attracting the minerals in our water supply to the anode rather than the hot water tank. Unfortunately after 5 years, the anode stops working as efficiently, your hot water system can begin to rapidly rust. Once this happens, the whole unit will need to be replaced. Extending the life of your hot water system may also be as simple as changing the sacrificial anode with your scheduled regular service.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is designed to give you greater control of your hot water safety in the home or at work. For example, just say... your young child or young children are in the bathroom. The bathroom door closed, hot running water... accidents can easily occur. You may want to set the maximum temperature supplied to the bathroom at 43 - 38 degrees while still maintaining that 50 degrees mark for hot water in the kitchen sink. TMVs are mainly used in commercial properties and strata blocks. TMVs need to be checked annually for Sydney Water compliance.
Pilot Light And Gas Pressure
These are important parts of a gas hot water system. If the gas pressure is too low then the hot water system will not heat up sufficiently. If the pilot fails to light then the gas hot water system will not produce any hot water at all. A trained and licensed plumber will be able to clean or repair it, also test your gas pressure to ensure your existing hot water system is working to its best ability.
Hot Water System Replacement
Each method of heating will result in different expected lifespans. A good indicator of this is the manufacturers' warranty, as a general guide for your water unit, we have compiled an average to give you an idea.
Storage Tank Hot Water System 8-12 Years
The average lifespan of a tank is approx. 8-12 years. (depending on servicing and the quality of the water used).
Continuous Flow Hot Water System 10-12 Years
A gas hot water system that's a continuously flowing unit could last up to 10-12 years, approx.
Heat Pump Hot Water System 10 Years+
Your heat pump hot water system may last approx. 10 years plus.
Solar Hot Water System 15-20 Years
A solar system could last anywhere from 15 to 20 years plus, approx. (with regular 5-year service)
You may need some hot water system repairs along the way, however, hot water system repairs are often carried out in order to extend the life of your current hot water system. When you hire a professional plumber to carry out your hot water system service, they will advise you of their findings and alert you if they feel that you are in need of hot water repairs or replacement.
At Network Plumbing, if you are in need of a system replacement we can offer the same day service so you are not left having to have cold showers! Our hot water specialists provide a prompt service and are licensed to install hot water heaters from all the leading brands.
So, make sure you spare a thought for your hot water system so you don't run the risk of running out of hot water! Check when the last time was that you had your hot water system serviced. Make sure you don't have any signs that your hot water system is in danger of breaking down.
If you are unsure of either of these and would like to do a hot water system health check, then make sure you call a qualified plumber. Your hot water system not only provides you with hot showers, but it also supplies hot water to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher and all the hot water taps throughout the home.
If you are after a quality service specialising in servicing, repairing and replacing a hot water system – Network Plumbing are available 24/7 guaranteed. Call our hot water system experts today on 9023 3232.
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