Hot water system maintenance isn’t only important because it helps to keep the water at the perfect temperature at all times. Systems that go without proper maintenance can wear down, and even sustain damage, which may put you and your family at risk of potentially dangerous heat fluctuations. The system can easily give you 8 to 12 years of uninterrupted service but that’s only if it’s serviced regularly. At this point, you may be wondering how often you should conduct water heater maintenance, and how to spot signs that you may already be due for a service. We’ll go over that below…
Homeowners only worry about this when water isn’t getting as hot as it used to but it’s important to know this information. When it comes to how often you need servicing for your unit, it is entirely dependent on the type that you have on your premises. Electric and gas storage systems, as well as solar-powered systems only need a full service every 5 years or so. For every other type, the best approach is to call in a professional once every year for an annual service. It is also important to take into account the manufacturer’s guidelines to clearly stipulate the way forward.
This is a clear sign that you’re in need of some hot water service. Reduced water pressure is likely a sign of the build-up of minerals or something else in the system. If it isn’t that, there may be a structural issue at hand. Something like a kink in the pipe may have occurred because of faulty installation.
Don’t start worrying straight away – some random sounds are considered normal when it comes to your system’s operation. However, when you start hearing more consistent clicking, clanging, or rumbling sounds, then this is likely a sign of a more serious issue. This may indicate that your unit is overheating because it’s overcompensating for clogs in the system. This could lead to an increased risk of burn-causing water temperatures.
As soon as you start seeing a change in the clarity of the water, that should already signal that something isn’t quite right. Take a close look at the hot water that’s coming out of your faucets. If it contains sediments or looks reddish-brown in colour, then you need to call in a professional immediately. This indicates an issue with the pipes which may have sustained a significant degree of wear or damage.
Hot water maintenance can be minimised if you rely on a professional to regularly replace the sacrificial anode. It plays a critical role in your system’s function but that doesn’t mean you should forget the importance of regular maintenance. A professional will also regularly check in on the temperature and pressure relief valve because it also needs frequent replacement. It regulates the system by venting hot water when needed.
Historic Plumbing is a family-run plumbing company helping Perth residents with their plumbing and gas fitting problems for more than 10 years.
