Your hot water system is one of those things you rarely think about—until it stops working. When your morning shower turns icy, or your kitchen tap takes ages to heat up, you suddenly wonder, ‘How old is this thing?’ or ‘Do I need a new hot water system?
When your hot water system acts up, even if it’s relatively new, it’s one plumbing headache you can’t afford to ignore. While other plumbing dramas might wait, a dodgy hot water system requires immediate attention.
Imagine stepping into a shower on a chilly winter night only to find the hot water runs out quickly. That’s a hint your heater may be playing up. In these situations, call emergency plumbing services without delay.
Hot water isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for daily life. From your morning routine to household chores, reliable hot water makes things run smoothly. If yours isn’t doing the job, getting an emergency plumber could stop small issues from becoming big dramas.
Swapping out your old hot water system might seem simple, but it’s a job best left to the pros. A licensed plumber can install it safely and correctly—saving you from costly mishaps later.
Keep reading for tips and suggestions on when to replace your water system and indicators of a failing tank.
Do You Need A New Hot Water Tank?
Need a Plumbing Service?
A faulty water heater can be hard to spot if you don’t know what to look for. The general rule is to replace your hot water unit every 8-12 years. You can check for the installation date on the hot water system. If the date states it’s been over five years, it may be time to look at a hot water system replacement.
Even if your hot water system seems to be humming along fine, time has a way of wearing things down. Like any hard-working appliance, years of daily use could mean it’s not heating water like it used to.
Older hot water systems can affect the quality and delivery of heating. Even though you carry out regular servicing on the tank, you may need to look at an upgraded heater.
Lifestyle changes like a growing family will impact your heating needs. More family members mean more showers and an increase in heating. Your hot water system needs to work effectively and provide adequate heating.
A bigger household means more hot water demand. If your system is too small, you’ll run out of hot water just when you need it most. Choosing the right size system ensures everyone gets their fair share of warm showers.
The Signs Of A Hot Water Heater Going Bad
Corrosion
Rusty pipes and tanks signify a sacrificial anode rod that must be replaced. The anode rod will rust, so your heater doesn’t have to. This can make the water in your house turn brown and change the taste. Rust around the hot water system could be an indicator of its environment. For instance, if your water system is damp, rust could form at the bottom of the tank.
Noise
Various reasons can cause noisy water heaters. The most common cause is sediment and minerals floating around inside the water. The sediment can get trapped underneath the heater and form a blockage. Steam bubbles will form if the water has been reduced inside the heater.
Noises indicate issues with the heating element or something loose internally.
Leaks
A leaking water heater can indicate a burst valve or pipe connection. If water leaks at the top of the hot water heater, it may be a faulty water supply pipe. Rapidly leaking water from fittings and pipework is dangerous as the water heater bursts.
A water leak at the base of the hot water system signifies a broken heating element. Corrosion can form at the system’s bottom, weakening the fittings and valves connected to the water heater.
Pressure build-up might be another culprit. When hot water is in the mix, steam isn’t far behind.
Dirty Water
If you notice cloudy or dirty water from your taps, sediment may float inside the water system. You could also have corroded pipework that is contaminating your water.
Valves
Your hot water system comprises various valves, such as pressure relief and tempering valves. These are important as they regulate the temperature and pressure safely. These valves do fail and need to be replaced regularly or repaired.
The water temperature is low.
Hot water systems suffer from low-temperature issues if there is a leak in the valves, fittings, or pipework. The heating element in an electric hot water system may be burnt, or the thermostat could be faulty.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure is a problem that can originate from faulty plumbing and pipework, or your hot water system cannot keep up with the heated water demands of your household.
You must replace faulty valves and ensure all fittings run optimally.
Also, the position of the heater in the house will determine the time it takes for hot water to reach your shower and taps.
Should I Repair or Replace My Hot Water System?
Need a Plumbing Service?
You’ve got the final say, and there’s a lot to weigh up. Upgrading to a new system could be more cost-effective in the long run. Repairs might get you by for now, especially if your system’s under five years old. But if it’s over ten years, a new tank could save you from endless repairs and fees.
If repairs aren’t cutting it anymore, it might be time to accept the inevitable: your hot water system has run its course. It’s time to start looking for a replacement that suits your needs.
You can try new models or stick to your old and tested brand. But you need to consider your budget. A hot water system is a significant investment, but you could save on your bill rather than maintain a faulty one or buy a low-quality one.
You must also consider how much hot water you need and whether to have a water tank or go tankless. You must also consider your water usage, property, and household size. Think about how energy efficient you want to be. Every model and type has advantages and disadvantages.
Get in touch with a licensed plumber. They can chat with you about finding a new hot water system tailored to fit your needs.
If it’s time for routine maintenance or you need a shiny new hot water system, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumbing team for assistance.
