Repairs and Maintenance on Your Hot Water System Can Help It Last Longer
Your hot water system is critical for the functionality of your home’s plumbing. As anyone who’s experienced a failed water heater can attest to, few things are less pleasant than cold water to the face when you go to take a shower on a brisk July morning. All water heaters will need to be replaced as they reach the end of their service life, but timely repairs to your hot water system can help to maximise its service life.Â
At S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, we provide hot water system maintenance, repairs, and water heater replacements for homeowners throughout Brisbane. Having your hot water heater serviced regularly is essential to extending its operating life. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?
From the time of installation, the typical lifespan of hot water heaters is around 10 years across the board. After this point, water heaters tend to lose effectiveness and efficiency, and they can become prone to failure. If a water heater is presenting problems and it is nearly 10 years old or older, it’s typically best to replace it.
Why Is Replacement Recommended at 10 Years?
While hot water systems can certainly outlive their expected lifespan, repair costs quickly become more expensive in the long run than a full replacement. Once the 10-year mark is reached, many elements of the hot water system must be replaced. Parts and labour for these replacements begin to add up quickly, and replacing broken elements of an old water heater may only add a year or two to the system’s service life while costing only slightly less than a full replacement.
Service Your Hot Water System Every 5 Years
When not properly maintained, hot water systems can fail prematurely. The best way to avoid this is through regular servicing and repairs. The recommended rule of thumb is to service your water heating system every 5 years. This will keep the system performing at its best and prevent common issues.
During a water heater service, your plumber will replace critical elements of your water heating system. This includes elements such as tempering valves and sacrificial anodes, which protect the critical parts of your water heater from impurities that eat away at the materials.
Avoid the Risks of Poor Maintenance
Putting off needed hot water system repairs or your regular 5-year service is not a wise decision. While it may seem like a way to save money, you’ll likely wind up paying more in the long run.
Though it may not seem like it, water erodes just about every material it comes into contact with due to minerals and impurities, along with its own chemical composition. In fact, water heating systems are designed to account for this, with sacrificial anodes that are slowly eaten away over time as they protect your tank from impurities. As mentioned above, these anodes are replaced as part of your regular 5-year service—but if you don’t complete the service, the anodes will be eaten away completely, and the tank will be subject to this erosion instead.
Typically, when water heaters fail and cracks form in the tank—one of the most common issues with water heaters—it’s because of a failure to complete needed maintenance and repairs. When a tank cracks, it leaves you with an emergency need to replace the water heating system and deal with potential flooding in your home.
Call S&J for Hot Water System Repairs and Maintenance!
Whether you’re experiencing problems with your hot water system or if you’re overdue for your 5-year service, S&J is the plumbing expert to call. With more than 20 years in the industry, we’re the go-to experts for Brisbane homeowners in need of hot water system repairs or replacements. Contact us to schedule your service today!