How to Tell if Your Hot Water System is Failing

Introduction to Hot Water Systems

A reliable hot water service is essential for your daily comfort and convenience. Your hot water heater systems heat water for use in bathing, washing dishes and clothes, and more. There are a few main types of hot water heaters, also referred to as various hot water systems, used in homes and businesses:

• Gas storage water heaters heat water in an insulated tank using natural gas or LPG. They can supply hot water to multiple taps without interruptions, which can lead to a steady flow of hot water throughout your home.
• Electric storage water heaters use electric heating elements to heat water in a tank. These heaters are designed for either single-tap applications or to meet the demands of an entire household.
• Tankless or instantaneous water heaters heat water on demand instead of storing hot water. Gas tankless heaters use burners, while electric tankless units use heating elements.
• Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat, making them very efficient.
• Solar water heaters use the sun’s thermal energy to pre-heat water before it enters another heating system.

Understanding your hot water system is key to early problem detection and ensuring timely repairs with professional assistance.

Average Lifespan of Hot Water Systems

Hot water systems typically last 8-12 years on average before needing major repairs or replacement. Regular maintenance can mitigate water system issues and considerably extend your water heater’s lifespan. With regular use, critical components wear out over time.

Tankless water heaters, which may be a combination of gas electric or a hybrid of both, often last up to two decades because they meet hot water demand immediately, avoiding continuous maintenance of stored hot water. Electric hot water systems often remain operational for 12 to 15 years.

Knowing the age of your water system can inform decisions to replace it before problems arise.

Warning Signs Your Hot Water System is Failing

Several indicators suggest when a hot water system may be failing and could require repair or replacement:

• Strange noises - Clanking, rumbling, or banging noises can signify loose parts, sediment buildup, or other issues inside your hot water tank.
• Changes in water temperature - If you experience fluctuating hot water temperatures even when the tap is steady, this points to a heating system problem.
• Changes in water pressure - Decreased water pressure alongside hot water issues usually means there is a problem with the heating mechanism.
• Rusty or discoloured water - Rust particles or dirty brown water could suggest corrosion and sediment buildup inside the hot water tank.
• No hot water - No hot water, or a persistent lack of hot water emerging whatsoever is an unmistakable alert that a hot water system repair is necessary, or a replacement might be needed.

Paying attention to these indicators can prompt a hot water system inspection to uncover and address any concealed issues quickly.

Discolored/Rusty Water

Discoloured or rusty water emerging from your taps requires attention right away, as it’s a worrying sign that corrosion and sediment buildup is occurring inside your hot water system. Over time, the interior metal components of heaters corrode, releasing rust particles into the water.

Increasing discoloration often means it’s time to enlist a professional to examine potential corrosion. Rusty water is not safe to drink or cook with due to the metal contaminants. If you notice rusty water coming out of your taps, avoid using it for consumption.

One potential cause is a failing anode rod inside the new hot water heater tank. The anode rod attracts corrosion away from the metal tank itself. When it corrodes significantly, that protection disappears, allowing the tank walls to begin eroding.

Replacing an anode rod can extend the water unit’s lifespan if corrosion is not too advanced. If rust persists after installing a new anode rod, vital system components are likely decaying internally beyond ordinary repair, necessitating new water heater considerations.

The extent of corrosion may exhibit signs of a system failing, potentially necessitating the installation of a new hot water system.

Temperature Fluctuations

Inconsistent or fluctuating temperatures could be a sign your hot water unit, even when the tap flow is steady, often signals an issue with the heating mechanism.

For gas hot water systems, Maintaining consistent hot water is important, with fluctuating temperatures often indicating burner or thermocouple issues that require attention. The functionality of electric hot water systems is crucial since heating elements generally have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years. As they deteriorate with age and corrosion, they struggle to evenly heat water, which might warrant a call to an emergency plumber.

In your gas water heater, fluctuating temperatures show potential problems with the gas supply or heating apparatus. Sediment buildup, airflow issues, or a failing thermocouple can cause the pilot light to go out or prevent the burner maintaining an even flame.

Inconsistent temperatures often indicate underlying issues that require prompt resolution for effective hot water system operation. Have a technician inspect your water heater, as they are equipped to address the most common issues and identify any repairs needed.

Low Water Pressure

If low water pressure occurs when using your hot water tap, it likely indicates a problem with the water heater rather than your house’s main water supply. There are various reasons why such occurrences manifest:

• Sediment buildup - Years of corrosion and rust gathering at the bottom of the tank can obstruct water flow, indicating your hot water system might be going bad.
• Leaking valves/pipes - A leak coming from around inlet pipes, valves, and fittings can allow water to escape, reducing pressure and indicating a need for repairs.
• Failing heating mechanism - In gas systems, burner and pilot light issues can reduce hot water flow. In electric heaters, a deteriorating element can’t heat water properly.

If you notice low water pressure from hot taps, we advise having your system and heater inspected by a professional plumber. They can assess water flow, check for leaks, and determine if internal parts need repair or replacement.

Troubleshooting Tips by System Type

Troubleshooting often depends on the specific model of your water heater. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

Electric Storage

• Begin by turning off the water and power supply, then inspect circuit breakers and fuses, resetting any that have tripped.
• Turn off power, then inspect heating element for cracks/damage. Replace if needed.
• Test the element thermostat and high-limit switches, replacing any when they are found to be defective.
• Utilise the drain valve to flush the tank annually and remove sediment.
• Replace your tank’s anode rod if corroded.

Gas Storage

• Check pilot light. Relight if extinguished.
• Inspect burner assembly and clear obstructions.
• Test thermocouple. Replace if not providing current.
• Drain and flush tank to remove sediment.
• Ensure proper gas line pressure to keep your unit functioning optimally.

Tankless

• Inspect heat exchanger for leaks or damage.
• Check filters for a faulty hot water heater. Clean if blocked.
• Test heating elements and flow sensor. Replace defective parts.
• Flush heat exchanger annually.
• Verify proper gas pressure or voltage.

If issues persist after troubleshooting, seek a professional inspection and repair to ensure a comprehensive system check-up.

Electric

Some common issues with electric hot water systems include:

• Thermostat failure - The thermostat maintains the right water temperature. If defective, water may not heat evenly or at all.
• Heating element failure - Element corrosion over 5-8 years can lead to cracks and warping, which is a common sign of the heater failing to perform effectively.
• Sediment buildup - Buildup on elements acts as insulation, slowing heat transfer into the water.
• Leaks - Small leaks around plumbing fittings and valves reduce water pressure.

Try these basic troubleshooting tips for your electric water heater:

• Turn off power to the unit, check the power supply, and reset the circuit breaker if tripped.
• Test the upper and lower heating elements using a multimeter. Replace if defective.
• Inspect the thermostat and high-limit switch. Replace any faulty parts.
• Professionally drain and flush the tank annually to prevent any potential water leak.

Be sure to call your technician if system problems linger despite your troubleshooting efforts. They can assess system issues and determine if repairs or replacement are needed.

Gas

Gas hot water systems can develop issues like:

• Pilot light problems - If the pilot light goes out, the burner can’t ignite to heat water. A dirty thermocouple or airflow issues can cause this.
• Burner and heat exchanger failures - The burner may corrode over time, developing cracks and unable to maintain a steady flame for heating water.
• Sediment buildup - Years of corrosion in the tank causes scale accumulation that can block pipes and valves that supply gas.
• Gas leaks - A gas leak in supply pipes, joints and valves could due to faulty components, and prevent proper gas flow to the burner.

Basic troubleshooting for gas systems involves:

• Verify and relight the pilot light if it’s extinguished
• Inspect burner assembly for obstructions
• Evaluate the gas pressure and inspect for leaks

Gas issues warrant immediate attention from qualified professionals to mitigate risks. If difficulties continue, it’s wise to contact a technician.

Solar

Solar hot water systems can run into issues like:

• Limited solar gain - On cloudy stretches with little direct sunlight, the solar panels may not sufficiently heat the water. The back-up electric heating element will activate to boost temperature.
• Misaligned solar panels - If the panels tilt away from direct sun exposure, inadequate solar energy will transfer into the fluid, reducing hot water output.
• Pump failures - Circulation pumps that convey or pump hot water from rooftop panels to the tank might fail with years of use.
• Glycol cooling fluid leaks - Glycol mixtures that collect heat in the solar loop system can leak from fittings, pipes, and valves.

Solar hot water system troubleshooting demands skill to assess solar gain, examine components, and manage glycol fluids. Contact a solar specialist to optimise system performance and longevity through proactive maintenance.

Qualified technicians should manage complex repairs to pumps, heat exchangers, controllers, and leaks to prevent damage and inefficient repairs.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your System

Determining whether to repair or replace your failing water heater depends on several factors:

• Age of the system - When water heaters become more than 10 years old and need major repairs, it’s often time to replace them since newer models are more energy efficient.
• Repair costs - Compare repair estimates to replacement costs. In some cases, a new system is the more economical option long-term.
• Frequency of breakdowns - Frequent or difficult-to-diagnose problems usually indicate an ageing system prone to issues.
• Parts availability - For older or discontinued models, replacement parts can be hard to source, making repairs impractical.

Upgrading an outdated and inefficient water heating system can improve performance and deliver energy savings over 5-10 years, offsetting upfront replacement costs. There are also rebates and incentives for installing certain energy efficient systems.

For intricate repairs involving leaks, corrosion, or electrical problems, our technicians can gauge the damage and decide if the system is irreparable. Replacement may be the best route to restore reliable hot water supply.

Maintenance Tips

Ongoing maintenance is crucial for maximising your hot water systems lifespan and performance. Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Check the pressure relief valve annually by lifting the lever. Let water release for several seconds to flush sediment and ensure proper operation.
• Inspect the anode rod every 2-3 years, replacing it if its over 50% corroded to prevent tank corrosion.
• Regularly flush your water heater to maintain efficient water supply and prevent sediment obstruction. Draining 5-10 gallons will remove loose sediment.
• Hire a professional to service your thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) annually as legally required for commercial buildings. TMVs mix hot and cold water to prevent scalding.
• For tankless heaters, clean the heat exchanger, burner, and heat sensor annually to maintain hot water all year round.
• Clear debris around outdoor units and ensure proper airflow to gas burner and ventilation systems.

Preventative maintenance can reduce operating costs and the incidence of breakdowns. Local licensed technicians can offer maintenance plans for hassle-free upkeep.

Conclusion

Access to dependable hot water is essential for everyday life. Identifying signs of a failing hot water unit enables you to address issues swiftly to prevent escalation.

Frequent temperature changes are a common sign that your system requires professional servicing. They can assess repair options or determine if replacement is the wiser choice.

Hot water units’ essential components typically degrade within 8 to 12 years of regular usage. Upgrading older heaters provides better energy efficiency and reliability.

Preventative maintenance is key for maximising lifespan. Simple tasks like flushing sediment or checking valves catch issues early and reduce breakdowns.

Cecil Hills Plumbing provides trustworthy services for the installation of new systems and repairs of any complexity. To arrange a consultation, please email us or call us at 1300 349 338.