As the weather begins to cool down and we head towards the depth of winter, the importance of a reliable hot water system becomes increasingly important to your household. When the frost is settling on your grass and car windscreen – it’s important to know that hot water will be consistently running through your taps and showers. There are some obvious signs you can look out for which can indicate an imminent breakdown and that your system may need servicing, replacing or upgrading.
1. THE 10 YEAR ITCH
Most hot water systems have a life span of around 10 years. If your system is approaching this age, you may want to consider having a plumber take a look over it for you. They can ensure everything is in working order as efficiency can begin to decline as internal parts begin to break down and it is important to constantly monitor your hot water system as it ages. Hot water systems can even age prematurely as they work overtime to keep up with the demand of your home which may now have a washing machine and multiple bathrooms accessing the system.
2. LEAKING
Potentially causing health problems, a hot water system that is leaking can cause mildew or mould to grow. These problems usually originate from the inlet and outlet connections, at the pressure relief valve or from the tank itself. Depending on the location of the unit, leaking water could damage walls, flooring and cabinets meaning a difficult and costly clean-up operation.
3. BANG, CRACKLE, POP
If your hot water system is on the noisy side – it could be trying to tell you there is a serious underlying issue that needs attention from your plumber. Sediment build up can cause corrosion, overheating and overworking of your system and cause it to make noises that are not normal.
4. WATER DISCOLORATION
Corrosion or rust inside the storage tank will produce brown, red or rusty coloured water. Should you notice this, your plumber can advise you on the best cause of action whether that be a service or a replacement.
5. ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR
Have you encountered no hot water at times? Or the hot water running out too quickly and taking longer than usual to restore? This unpredictable behaviour is a sign that things could quickly head downhill. Discussing your options with your plumber allows you to put a plan of action in place that can be considered and informed. Emergency replacement often results in a rushed and panicked decision where the best choices may not be made. A planned upgrade of your system is a wonderful opportunity to install a more energy efficient product, potentially saving money on your electricity bill.
To put your mind at ease and to ensure you and your family continue to enjoy a nice hot morning shower – call Rowe Plumbing Co on 0439 657 442 to take a look over your hot water system today.