5 Simple DIY Hot Water System Maintenance Tips
A properly functioning hot water system is essential in any household and we don’t realise how much we rely on hot water until the unit decides to stop working! In our experience as Adelaide hot water plumbers, we have seen that a hot water system always seems to stop working at the most inconvenient of times. Like the middle of the night in winters or on a public holiday or at wee hours in the morning on a weekend. So, what can you do to make sure that your hot water system is always running properly and to reduce the chances of it failing unexpectedly? We’re sharing with you our top 5 hot water system maintenance tips that you can easily conduct yourself to ensure it not only works more efficiently but also prolongs its life. These tips can apply to all hot water systems including gas, electric, heat pumps or even solar hot water systems.
Simple Hot Water System Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance is the key: Investing in maintaining your hot water system can help save you money on heating costs, lengthen the lifespan of the tank and prevent pricey repair expenses in the future that result from neglect.
Conduct regular visual check: When was the last time you inspected your hot water system? As the most neglected appliance and plumbing fixture in a house, it is important to inspect your unit from time to time. It is recommended to visually check your hot water system to see if there are any signs of damage, leaks, rusting, or any other sign of distress. Check the piping and valves closely and inspect the unit from top to bottom to see if everything looks good. When inspecting, look for cracks and any wear and tear. It only takes five minutes, but it can save you from wasting precious water and enables you to deal with small issues before they escalate and get worse, costing more money and time.
Follow manufacturers guidelines: Every hot water system comes with a set of guidelines set by the manufacturer. Such as:
- All tempering valves of the hot water system should be set at the right temperature to prevent scalding and these valves should be replaced every 5 years to prevent rupturing of the tank.
- The sacrificial anode in the hot water tank should be replaced every 5 years to prevent internal corroding of the tank which can shorten the life of the tank. It is a good idea to check the condition of the anode rod every year.
- If these steps are ignored it can void the manufacturer’s cylinder warranty and reduce the longevity of your hot water system.
Turn your hot water system off if you’re going away: If you are planning on going away for more than a week it is a good idea to turn off your hot water system. You do not want it to keep heating water even when you are away and not using it. This can extend the life of your system as well as save you in energy bills.
Clean your hot water tank from time to time: It’s highly recommended to flush out your tank every six months to increase efficiency and reduce clogging. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your water heater lasts longer, is more efficient and saves you money.
Adelaide Hot Water Plumber 24×7 – We Are Always Around the Corner!
Here at ABA Plumbing & Gas, we’re proud to have the opportunity to provide our customers with 24×7 hot water plumbing services you need to have a comfortable and smoothly functioning home. With a crew of seasoned professionals, we know how to get the job done efficiently and on time every time. If you ever have any Adelaide hot water system questions or concerns or need a hot water repair, replacement, or installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with ABA Plumbing & Gas by calling our plumbing helpline or filling out our online service request form. If you’re having any issues with your hot water system, do not delay any further, get in touch today.