A steaming hot shower after a hard day’s work or to get the blood pumping in the morning is a right of passage for most of us. But, what happens when your hot water system starts acting dodgy and takes away this right?
You call in the experts is what happens, but before we get to that part, we should explore what exactly “dodgy” is. So, let’s jump into the top seven signs that your hot water system may need repairs or replacement.
Top Signs Your Hot Water System Needs Repairs
1. Inconsistent Water Temperature
There’s little worse than your steaming hot water instantly turning ice cold while you’re in the middle of rinsing off the suds. So, when this happens, that’s your first red flag! Whether it stays ice cold or fluctuates, it’s still a problem.
This could be the thermostat, thermostatic mixing valve, a faulty heating element, or an issue with the connections among other more complex and serious issues. To figure out why your system is denying you consistent hot water and restore your steamy water you’ll need to call in a plumber for diagnosis and repairs.
2. Strange Noises
Funky noises from any household appliance are rarely a good sign, and your hot water system is no different. If your hot water system starts to randomly clunk, rattle, hiss, rumble or make any other unnatural noises, there’s clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
Hot water systems should operate silently; seen and felt but not heard. Noisy operation can generally be attributed to a buildup of minerals and silenced through a thorough flush-out and de-scaling. However, it’s always best to get it checked over by an expert.
3. Leaks or Moisture Around the Tank
The most obvious sign of plumbing issues related to any fixture is leaks or moisture where there shouldn’t be. A well-maintained hot water system should be bone-dry on the outside and in the vicinity, so if you notice puddles around the tank or pipes or water droplets on the outside of the tank: red flag!
Leaks and moisture can indicate rust holes, loose or broken connections or faulty valves, all of which require a professional touch to fix. If possible, we’ll try to repair the issue first, but unfortunately, significant rust and corrosion will often warrant a complete tank replacement.
4. Discoloured or Smelly Water
We shower to get clean and wash our dishes to get them clean enough to eat from, so if your hot water smells rank or runs any colour but clear it’s not doing its job. If your hot water is brown or deep red and has a metallic or rusty smell, you’re likely looking at some fairly significant corrosion.
The best-case scenario is that the sacrificial anode has eroded away, but at worst you could be looking at significant corrosion and a new hot water system. On the other hand, if your water smells off but runs clear you could be looking at a buildup of bacteria in the water, which can often be removed with a good flush and clean.
5. Unexpected Increase in Utility Bills
Wasting money is not something that any of us can afford to do in this economy, so you should have an idea of how much you generally spend on your water and electricity bills. Any unexpected or unexplainable fluctuations or increases should immediately throw up warning signs.
This could indicate that your hot water system has a hidden leak or is working too hard to heat your water. And while a plumbing callout and repairs will cost some money, leaving these issues unaddressed long-term will cost more.
6. Gas Leaks
Now, if you have a gas hot water system certain issues can be more hazardous so you’ll need to be a little more in tune with it. This means keeping an ear out for hissing noises from the pipes or connections and paying attention to any rotten egg smells as this indicates a gas leak.
If you notice these signs you’ll need to act quickly to protect yourself and your household. Evacuate the premises and then call for a qualified gas plumber to check your system and complete the necessary repairs.
7. Aged or Worn-Out
The final sign you should be aware of the age and state of your hot water system. Like all things in life, including ourselves, unfortunately, your water heater can age and become less effective.
Most hot water systems, when well-maintained, can last at least between 10 to 15 years. But after this age, you may start to notice and feel its age as it starts to struggle to heat the water effectively. Once you notice the aging signs it’s time to start searching for a new tank, unfortunately, nothing can turn back the gears of time.
Restore Your Steamy Water with Hot Water System Repairs or Replacement
By keeping these signs in mind and taking note of any changes in your hot water system or supply, you’ll be able to catch issues quickly. With a little attention to detail, fast thinking and professional assistance, you won’t have to suffer through too many icy showers.
So, if you’ve noticed any of these signs and think your hot water system is acting a bit dodgy, give your mates at Mario’s Plumbing & Drainage a call to schedule hot water system repairs or replacements.
