Your family depends on your hot water system for a lot of things. Can you imagine how miserable it would be to start your day off without that nice hot shower in the morning? Your hot water system is a staple in your home… which you don’t often think about until something goes wrong. Sometimes, all it needs is to be repaired by a professional. But eventually, your hot water system will need to be replaced. If your hot water system is reaching the end of its years, it’s best to look out for the warning signs before it breaks down altogether – leaving you without hot water.
The big question is: how do you know when it’s time to replace your hot water system? A hot water system that receives regular maintenance and prompt repairs when necessary can last for many years. You’ve probably had the same hot water system working for you since you moved into your current home.
But all good things must come to an end, and you’ll need to replace the hot water system at some point in the future when it no longer can do the job it’s supposed to. You’ll probably think about having your hot water system repaired at first, but there are signs to watch for that will help you identify when your home’s hot water system needs to be replaced.
Predicting a hot water system failure isn’t always easy, but there are things you can look out for so you know when your system is coming to the end of its life. Here are some of the common warning signs that it’s time to replace your hot water system.
Compromised Hot Water Supply
When your water heating system is on its way out, one of the first symptoms you’ll notice is that the water coming from showers and taps is running cooler or is running out faster than before. This could be due to a failing heating element, which a professional plumber can diagnose and repair. It could also mean that mineral sediment has coated and hardened on the bottom of your tank, including the heating element. This tends to happen around the ten-year mark, and is a sign that your water heating system could be on its way out.
You should also check your hot water system for leaks regularly and take action at the earliest sign of unexpected dripping or moisture. Even if none of the above symptoms are evident, water heating could also be on its way out if there is a constant loud banging noise when it’s heating up. As sediment in the system settles and hardens, it forces your water heating system to work harder, and that can lead to rapid expansion of the tank. If you hear constant clunking coming from your tank, it’s time to think about getting a new one.
Discoloured Water
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
When your water heating system is on its way out, one of the first symptoms you’ll notice is that the water coming from showers and taps is running cooler or is running out faster than before. This could be due to a failing heating element, which a professional plumber can diagnose and repair. It could also mean that mineral sediment has coated and hardened on the bottom of your tank, including the heating element. This tends to happen around the ten-year mark, and is a sign that your water heating system could be on its way out.
You should also check your hot water system for leaks regularly and take action at the earliest sign of unexpected dripping or moisture. Even if none of the above symptoms are evident, water heating could also be on its way out if there is a constant loud banging noise when it’s heating up. As sediment in the system settles and hardens, it forces your water heating system to work harder, and that can lead to rapid expansion of the tank. If you hear constant clunking coming from your tank, it’s time to think about getting a new one.
Too Many Repairs
When different parts of your hot water system start breaking or the performance of your water heater gets worse, it’s a sign that more problems are coming. If you have called for several repairs over the past few months, your best option is to replace your system before a major leak has a serious impact on your home.
Unusual Noises
If you hear strange noises like popping sounds and loud cracks, your heater needs to be changed. These loud noises are frequently caused by a build-up of mineral deposits on the heating element. As the tank gets older, residue will build up at the base. When these sediments harden, they can affect the performance of your heating system and weaken the bottom of the tank, causing loud popping, clanking and hissing noises.
A noisy hot water system could indicate your older tank needs to be replaced. A certified plumber might be able to solve the problems with a tank flush, but this doesn’t always have a 100% success rate.
Leaks or Pooling
Leaks from your hot water system can cause bigger problems in the long run. Take a brief walk around your unit and check for pooling. If you see any water around the heater or you notice water dripping out, it’s a sure sign that the internal tank needs to be replaced. When the metal in a hot water system becomes hot, it expands. The metal in older, overused heaters may begin to crack, causing leaks around your hot water system. If you notice puddles when the heater is in use, you might need a new heater.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Always remember that leaks can easily get worse and cause major flooding if the water tanks burst. The tank is most likely leaking because the metal inside has cracked due to expansion and forced water out.
Warm Water Comes Out of Your Faucet
Another sign that your heater needs replacement is a drop in the temperature of the hot water. If you still have lukewarm water after adjusting your thermostat to 130 or 140 degrees and running the hot water on full blast, it’s time to get a new hot water system. This usually indicates that your hot water system may not be repairable.
Age of Hot Water System
If you’re having problems with a storage tank hot water system that is 10 to 12 years old, this is a hint it needs to be replaced. New hot water systems are up to 20% more efficient and can save up to $1,500 in energy costs across the entire life of the new unit. However, if your hot water system is only a few years old, a plumbing expert will recommend performing a repair instead of a replacement.
If you are unsure how old your hot water system is, you can check the serial number listed on the manufacturer’s sticker. This number will start with a letter, followed by a series of numbers. The first two numbers indicate the year of the manufacture date.
Advantages of Purchasing a New Hot Water System
On the bright side, today’s modern hot water systems are far more energy-efficient than older models. Many choose to replace their hot water system to enhance heat retention and to access all the new and improved benefits these water heaters provide. The latest hot water systems are equipped with a foam insulation between the tank and the outer shell that is engineered to prevent heat loss. New hot water systems are assembled with an interior glass liner that is designed to prevent corrosion. Although there are a large number of benefits to investing in a new hot water system, these new features do also increase the size of the hot water system, which might not always work for your space.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Before you replace an old hot water system, consult with a licensed plumber in Baulkham Hills to make sure there is enough room in your house for the system.
Maintaining Your Hot Water System
Your hot water system will perform better and last longer if you flush the tank once a year to remove excess sediment. Clearing out the build-up of magnesium and calcium will help boost the efficiency of your hot water system and decrease the total cost of your utility bills. It’s also important to check the anode rod every three years. The anode rod is an aluminium or magnesium probe inside the tank that is designed to collect corrosive elements. If the exterior of the anode rod is deteriorating, you can easily replace it for $50 or less at a local hardware store.
Every home uses a hot water supply differently, so it’s important to understand the different types of hot water systems and features that will be best suited to your household needs. Let the experts at Service Today help you choose from a variety of brands and eco-friendly tank or tankless hot water systems for your home. If you need help with a broken hot water system, give our team of certified plumbers a call at 1300 859 383. We offer trustworthy plumbing services for failing hot water systems. Our team has the tools, skills and equipment needed to resolve the issues with your hot water system.
