Why You Should Regularly Service Your Hot Water System

Unless we encounter an issue, we tend not to think about our hot water system. The issue with this is that these systems need to be serviced regularly. Without the regular care and maintenance a hot water system requires, you’re more likely to experience issues and be left with more significant and inconvenient problems.

In this article, we will look at why it is essential to service your hot water heater and provide information to help determine if it is time for you to have yours looked at. If you find that it needs a check-up, call our North Shore plumbing service, and we will give it the servicing it needs.

How Regularly Should Your Hot Water System Be Serviced

While a few factors determine how often it should be serviced, it also depends on the model, type and makes of the hot water system you have. Generally, the different kinds of heating require the following regularity:

1. Electric & Gas

Electric and gas hot water systems need servicing with regularity. Ideally, a minor service is recommended each six months. The steps undertaken：

• Lifting the pressure relief and temperature valves to release any pressure.
• Visual inspection to locate any blockages, wear and tear or leaks in the drain line or throughout the unit.

For a more thorough inspection, it’s recommended that a major service be undertaken every 2-3 years. This isn’t a DIY job and must be conducted by a plumbing professional.

1. Continuous & Instantaneous Flow

A system that heats water when needed is relatively durable and requires servicing once every 12 months.

1. Heat Pumps

Heating pumps require servicing at least once every 12 months.

1. Solar Heating

Solar heating looks after itself relatively well. Servicing every 3-5 years will keep it functioning well and effectively.

Regardless of your system, servicing ensures that your heating works well long-term and is likely to pick up any issues before they escalate.

Understanding Hot Water Heaters

These systems are an essential part of a home because they supply all the hot water for showers, doing the dishes and all sorts of houseworks. They can be:

• Solar-powered
• Gas
• Or electric

Hot water systems are available in a range of sizes from 25L up to more than 400L.

Why is Servicing Required?

As with any appliance for your home or business, a regular service is required by a licensed and qualified professional, so it continues to run smoothly. There is plenty that can go wrong if you don’t upkeep your system, including the following:

• Leakage can occur and can cause significant damage to your home.
• Being inclined to rust, it may need replacing if not serviced and managed quickly.
• Higher power bills 
• Overheating can cause a fire.
• It can stop working when least expected.

How To Tell if Your Hot Water Heater Needs a Service

If you are experiencing issues of the following nature, you need your system checked as soon as possible:

1. Water isn’t as hot as usual

If your hot water isn’t reaching temperature or takes considerable time to heat, it’s a sure sign it needs a service.

1. Leaky System

A leaking hot water system can indicate that your pipes are fitted poorly, there is something not quite right with the valve that releases pressure, the tank is damaged, or your water pressure is high. If a leak is evident, call a professional plumber.

1. Strange noises

If you hear strange noises like rumbling, banging, hissing, screeching, screaming, and other noises that are not usual, your hot water system could have a serious issue. 

1. Outdated Hot Water Heater

Age is a factor to consider when getting your hot water system serviced. The installation date is usually on the side of your system on the manufacturer label. The older it is, the more often it needs to be serviced and eventually replaced.

1. Your System Turns Off and On

Varying factors can cause hot water systems to turn on and off randomly. It’s easily a very annoying issue to have and should be managed quickly for your family and home safety.

Servicing Benefits

You have already discovered in this article that your safety is a huge factor in keeping your servicing up to date. Other benefits：

• Leaks and overheating are less likely.
• A build-up of sediment and other issues can be prevented.
• Your hot water system will be longer lasting.
• Money is saved on energy bills because it runs more efficiently.

Contact Your Local Plumber for All Your Servicing

When it’s time to service your heating system, contact North Shore plumber or Hornsby plumber to do the job for you and keep it running smoothly.

Our professional team is committed to ensuring your hot water system has all the care it needs to run efficiently and keep you and your family warm. Ask us how.