No matter where in Australia you live, there’s one thing that all homeowners can agree on. And that’s the importance of hot water in your home when you need it. However, no matter how well you maintain your hot water system, there’s always the risk of a component becoming worn or breaking.
When this happens, it’s crucial to consider the hot water replacement Canberra locals opt for when their systems become old. Smaller hot water system issues can be repaired by your local plumber if addressed quickly. What are the signs that indicate you may be dealing with a potential hot water system issue? This post takes a look at the most common indicators.
Signs are Easier to Look for Than You Think
The thought of replacing your hot water system may not be something you want to give much thought to. However, older units or those that haven’t been regularly maintained may require an upgrade at some point. Here are the signs that highlight issues with your hot water system.
1. Your Hot Water Comes and Goes
The number one sign that you may be dealing with a potential hot water system issue is a sudden and seemingly unexplained fluctuation in the regular water temperature. Keep in mind that this can vary depending on what’s wrong with your heater.
In some cases, temperatures can go from one extreme to another (very hot to very cold) or simply display as mild, but still noticeable fluctuations. This is often an indication that the heating element or thermostat may need to be replaced.
In addition to fluctuating water, you should also look out for instances where your hot water runs out quicker than you’re used to. You may also be struggling with hot water not having the right water pressure. Don’t wait for these issues to get worse. Give your plumber a call for a comprehensive assessment. With a bit of luck, replacing faulty components may be all that you have to deal with. The good news is that this is considerably more cost-effective than replacing the whole unit.
2. Brown or Rust Coloured Water Comes Out of Your Taps
Another clear sign that your plumber wants you to be aware of is the presence of brown or rust coloured water coming out of your taps. This is often caused by old or rusted components. You may also notice a metallic smell every time you open the tap.
This sign is often overlooked because the water could turn clear after a few minutes. It’s important to know that this doesn’t mean that everything is fine with your system. The water turning clear only means that the issue is still developing, and it will get worse over time. Avoid a major issue by referring this issue to your plumber as soon as you become aware of it.
3. Your Hot Water System Appears to be Leaking
The most obvious sign that your hot water system is speeding toward becoming a major issue is signs of leaks around or under it. Of all the signs to look out for, leaks and drips are the most ominous as they indicate that your system can no longer be repaired.
Ignoring this issue will soon lead to a total failure of your hot water system sooner than you think, and ongoing leaks will also damage your flooring or roof area (if the heater is inside). It’s essential to call your emergency plumber as soon as you first notice the leaks. For severe leaks, you should turn the water supply off to avoid continuous water flow into the heater.
4. The Hot Water System Seems to Be Making a Noise
It’s not unusual for your hot water system to make a few sounds. This is especially the case if you’re dealing with an older unit, or the unit expands and contracts as the outdoor temperature changes. The trick here is to know which sounds are normal and which are new or unusual. These are the ones that may indicate a problem.
One of the more typical examples of this is the banging and rattling that happen when your heating element is faulty. These sounds will come from the inside of your heater and could be sorted out by simply replacing the element.
5. You Notice Your Energy Bill is Higher than Usual
No one enjoys receiving a higher-than-usual energy bill. If you’ve received one of these and don’t have any explanation for the sudden increase, you may be dealing with a faulty water heater. This happens when worn components make your heater work harder than usual to heat water, resulting in increased energy.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your hot water system can be costly. It’s therefore essential to keep an eye out for the signs that indicate a problem is brewing. An early call to your Canberra plumber will ensure that the issue can be assessed and handled as quickly as possible. This will ensure that your repair costs are kept at a minimum and, more importantly, you’ll have hot water when you need it!