Date Published: September 14, 2021, Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Brian Doherty
When should you replace your hot water system? Be it your workplace or household, the prospect of upgrading your hot water unit can be overwhelming. If you notice any of these signs that your hot water unit needs to be replaced, give us a call! Our licensed and experienced plumbers at Doherty Plumbing Solutions can fix minor issues to keep the hot water unit ship-shape and enhance its longevity.
However, there are certain signs that would tell you when it is the right time to consider replacing your hot water unit.
We list a few of the common tell-tale signs below:
1) Age of the hot water unit
A standard hot water unit operates for around 10 years on average, whereas a quality hot water unit can last for at least 15 years. This, however, depends on the type of hot water unit and its usage since its installation.
If your hot water system has had frequent use and has catered to multiple appliances needing hot water supply, the chances of the system ageing are greater.
When a hot water system is at least 10 years old and it is requiring frequent servicing, this is not a cost-effective long-term solution. Doherty Plumbing Solutions can help you with hot water unit repairs or installation. Don’t hesitate to give us a call!
2) Household/Workplace capacity
When choosing a hot water unit, one of the biggest considerations is the number of people who will be regularly using it.
If your household or workplace has outgrown the designated capacity that your current unit can handle, it can accelerate the ageing process of the hot water system.
This can lead to frequent breakdowns, and a constant pinch in your pockets due to hundreds of dollars spent on ongoing hot water repair bills.
3) Inconsistent hot water output
A hot water unit – as the name suggests – is supposed to consistently produce a supply of hot water.
Storage type hot water systems heat water through ignition from a main burner and store this hot water ready for use. Once the stored hot water capacity is used, it takes time to reheat more water.
Alternatively, instantaneous hot water units only heat the required amount of water as it flows through a heat exchanger, and do not heat a large reservoir of water, unlike storage type systems. They only heat the water as the tap is turned on, with no water being actually stored in a container.
They offer better energy ratings due to only heating the water as it is required, and also are capable of producing an endless supply of water.
However, if the temperature of the running water changes frequently, or you are getting only cold water, there might be a critical underlying issue.
In most cases, the thermostat controlling the water temperature is the root cause and can be easily replaced/repaired. But if this problem is persistent and leads to frequent visits from the plumber, it is time for a system overhaul. Doherty Plumbing Solutions can assist you with a hot water unit replacement.
4) Leakage
Any signs of water leaking from your hot water unit are matters of concern. These should be dealt with immediately. Give Doherty Plumbing Solutions a call right away!
Leaving it until late could cause long-term damage to not only the unit itself, but also damage adjacent walls and flooring if the leaking water begins to accumulate.
Slow leaks, which are not always promptly detected, can further cause irregular water flow from the hot water system.
The leakage can occur from various points of the system, including the inlet/outlet pipework, dripping valves, or from the container tank.
5) Discoloured and sedimented water
Rusting can take hold of the insides of a hot water system, with corrosion of the steel tank or the connecting pipelines. This leads to sedimentation, which begins to enter the water flow. If the hot water unit is nearing the last legs of its lifespan, this can become a long-term problem.
The issue is more prominent if the water output from your tap is often brown, red or murky with rusty particles, which can be potential health hazards.
6) Rumbling noises in your hot water unit
The formation of a solid layer on the tank floor is another byproduct of sedimentation inside the hot water unit storage tank. This reduces the system’s efficiency.
When the heated water escapes through this sediment build-up inside the tank, it creates a rumbling noise.
Again, the accumulated sediment can be flushed out as a short-term remedy if the hot water unit still has several years of service left in it. However, older systems displaying these signs might need to be replaced, to prevent future maintenance costs. Give Doherty Plumbing Solutions a call if in doubt.
Where can you get hot water plumbing service in Melbourne?
When your hot water system starts to act up, and you are frustrated by the sudden inconvenience, the team of expert plumbers at Doherty Plumbing Solutions can help.
Our licensed plumbers provide complete hot water services in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including repairs, maintenance and replacements/installations.
When you choose Doherty Plumbing Solutions for your Melbourne hot water services, you will receive top-of-the-line, quality workmanship.
In the event a hot water unit repair is not possible, we will work with you to determine a replacement that is suited to your home, budget, family, and lifestyle.
We work with industry-leading Australian brands for hot water units, and can make the necessary arrangements to order and install it in your Melbourne home or business.
