Without a constant supply of hot water, many Australian households would simply grind to a halt. From showering, bathing, doing the laundry and washing the dishes, hot water is viewed by most as a necessity, and when you don’t have access to it because your hot water system isn’t doing what it should, things can quickly become challenging and inconvenient.
But it isn’t always easy to know whether your system needs to be replaced or simply repaired.
To help you determine whether your failing hot water system needs to be replaced, here is a 7 point checklist:
Your hot water system is ageing
The majority of hot water systems in Australia won’t continue to work efficiently past this number of years:
- Gas systems – 8 to 12 years
- Heat pumps – 10 to 15 years
- Electric storage – 10 to 12 years
Systems exceeding or approaching these ranges are more likely to show signs of failing when you’re least expecting them to, and certainly when you least want them to!
Even if your system is ageing but still working, the chances are that it isn’t running as efficiently, and will almost certainly be costing you more. If this is the case, replacing hot water system will be more cost-efficient than paying for ongoing repairs.
The supply of water is lukewarm or inconsistent
A shower that never quite gets as hot as it used to, or that runs hot and cold without warning, is a clear indicator of a potentially serious problem that could be cause by any of the following:
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- A failing thermostat
- Internal corrosion
- Buildup of sediment in the tank
- Faulty heating element
Some of these problems can easily be repaired by a professional, but if the water temperature is consistently fluctuating, it usually points to a failing system that may need to be replaced.
Water is discoloured or rusty
Not to be ignored, if your tap water is yellow or rusty in colour, it could mean the following:
- The internal tank has corroded
- The systems internal pipes are rusty
- The anode rod is deteriorating
Unfortunately, once the tank has started to corrode it’s difficult (sometimes impossible) to reverse the damage, and a replacement hot water system may be necessary. It’s worth noting however, that regular servicing of the system can stop rust from ever becoming a problem.
The system is making funny noises
A hot water system that’s working efficiently shouldn’t make a lot of noise. So if you start hearing your system make odd sounds such as banging, popping, whistling or rumbling, it usually indicates that the system is dealing with something like a buildup of sediment, and is struggling to function.
Over time, a buildup of sediment can make hot water systems less efficient and you’ll likely notice your energy bill rising. A professional may flush the tank, but in many instances, this is only a temporary solution. When the problem persists, replacing the system is often a better solution in the long-term.
You’re paying out for repairs more frequently
If your hot water system keeps failing and you’re having to pay for a professional to repair it more than twice a year, it could point to a system that it’s no longer cost-effective to maintain.
From having the thermostat or heating element replaced, to fixing leaks and issues with the valve, repeated issues could see you spending hundreds of dollars a year on a system that would be better replaced:
- Replacing thermostat: from $150 to $300
- Replacing heating element: from $200 to $400
- Fixing valve issues: from $150 to $250
- Repairing leaks: from $200 to $500
Individually these costs are manageable, but when problems persist, the cost of repairs can mount up, making an investment in a new system a more worthy expense.
One rule experts follow, is that if the cost of repairs go beyond the cost of buying a new system, the latter is typically the most cost-effective solution.
Visible leaks or pooling of water around the unit
If you notice any of the following, there’s a strong possibility that your hot water system has sprung a leak:
- Water pooling around the unit’s base
- Damp spots around the fittings
- Water dripping from a pipe or valve
Although leaks usually spell trouble for a hot water system, some minor issues, such as those with a leaking valve, can easily be repaired. Internal tank leaks on the other hand, are often caused by a structural failure or internal corrosion, and cannot usually be repaired.
If you suspect your hot water tank is leaking, call a professional at the earliest; delaying action can cause water damage to those areas of your home that surround the system.
Energy bills that are rising despite usual usage
If you’ve noticed that despite your energy consumption being at its usual level, your energy bills are going up, it could be down to a failing hot water system.
If your system is ageing, it may be demonstrating the following:
- Loss of heat due to poor insulation
- Reduced performance due to buildup of sediment
- Reheating constantly
When these problems are observed, it usually means that the system is using more energy than usual to provide you with the same amount of hot water, which is typically reflected in higher energy bills.
To keep your energy bills lower, you may need to upgrade to a more modern gas or heat pump system.
How to decide whether to repair or replace your hot water system
It can be easy to panic when your hot water system starts to fail, but not every problem means that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a completely new system.
Consulting with a trusted local plumbing professional is the best way to determine what needs to be done when your hot water system develops a problem, but you can also consult the straightforward guide below to give you a rough idea:
Consider repairing your system if…
- It is less than 8 years old
- The issue is a minor one, such as a faulty thermostat, element, or valve
- There is no history of major or repeated problems
- Your energy bills haven’t skyrocketed, and the system is still considered efficient
Consider replacing your system if…
- It is 10 to 12 years old
- You’re having to repair it more often
- The tank has sprung a leak or has begun to corrode
- Your energy bills have increased
- The temperature of the water isn’t consistent
The benefits of replacing your hot water system
If a trusted professional has recommended that you replace your hot water system, here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:
- Energy bills that are lower – efficiency levels are much higher in modern systems, making the cost of running them significantly lower
- Enhanced reliability – you can take a hot shower every day, and enjoy a reliable supply of hot water
- Enhanced performance – modern systems are capable of heating water much faster and keeping it at a consistent temperature
- Friendlier to the environment – heat pump and solar hot water systems help reduce your carbon footprint
While a good hot water system that is regularly serviced can continue performing efficiently for many years, even with minor repairs, there will always come a time when it needs to be replaced. But by being able to identify the early warning signs, you can reduce the risk of expensive repairs or unexpected breakdowns, and invest in a modern hot water system that won’t let you down for many years to come.
If you’re unsure whether your hot water system needs to be repaired or replaced, a professional can guide you towards the most cost-effective long-term solution.
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