When is it time to Replace your Hot Water System?

If you're asking the question is it time to replace your hot water system? Your hot water system is probably showing signs of wear and tear. Network Know How is here to answer all your questions on a hot water system replacement. What are the visible signs your hot water system needs replacing and what might be the underlying issue?

Hot water is a luxury we often take for granted. The ease of use of a hot water system rarely passes our thoughts... that is until you need either a new hot water system installation or a hot water heater repair. Hopefully, you're reading this article before you've been caught in the crosshairs of needing a new hot water system installed and it's just the warning signs we're talking about before a hot water system replacement is an imminent job. If you are currently experiencing a hot water emergency, you can find our easy action plan on safe steps to take here or simply call our service team to book in a professional Sydney plumber to come and assess your hot water problem. 

Signs you need to replace - Hot Water System

We have all experienced the disappointment and inconvenience of getting into the shower only to be confronted with freezing cold water. There are usually signs your hot water system is struggling before your plumbing completely fails you. Regardless of the type of hot water system you have, we have compiled our top 7 signs you may need a new hot water heater that can get the job done. You want your hot water system to be efficient to reduce running costs, whether we're talking about a continuous flow system that's tankless or a water heater that has a storage tank. Efficient running to heat water will save money in the long run, reducing costs.

• Age of the hot water system - Like all appliances, age is a factor for hot water systems too. By checking the year, make and model of your hot water heater you'll be able to determine the life expectancy of the appliance. No matter the chosen energy source, with this knowledge you can make a more informed decision about either carrying out hot water system repairs or understanding that the existing hot water system may need to be replaced. Whether you have an electric hot water system, a gas hot water system, a solar hot water heater, or a heat pump, age is a contributing element of how efficient a system is able to work and may indicate if your hot water heater needs a replacement service.

• Discoloured hot water - Has the colour of your hot water changed? When running your hot water straight from the tap,  is it a different shade compared to that of your cold water? This could be an indication of a hot water heater problem. Hot Water systems that function with a storage tank will have sacrificial anodes inside the system tank. These anodes in theory sacrifice themselves. They attract all the materials that might rust your hot water heater tank. These anodes should be replaced by a professional plumber who can install new ones every 5 years or as often as required to safe guide your hot water systems.  If you are seeing discolouration of from your hot water system, this usually means your storage tank is breaking down and those materials are finding their way into your drinking water. It's a sign you may need a hot water replacement asap. A hot water system installation can be organised by Network Plumbing.

• Noisy working water heaters - Does your hot water system have a lot to say? If you can hear banging, hissing, or knocking, all of these sounds imply your water heater is in need of attention. Loose or moving parts on either gas hot water systems, solar hot water systems and electric hot water heaters require a professional plumber to check your initial hot water system installation or if any parts need a service or hot water system replacement. 

• Signs of hot water leaks - Not all water leaks are the same. A hot water heater that stores water in a tank also has a Tempering Pressure Relief Valve. Hot water escaping from this valve is normal. It acts as a way to release the extreme pressure that can sometimes build up in your hot water tank and is actually a safety mechanism designed to protect hot water systems. The TPR valve can be found at the top of your hot water tank. However, while minimal water escaping is normal, a constant drip or flow of water being released is not and can increase your running cost.

       Any other water leaks coming from your hot water heaters is a major sign your system has reached it's life expectancy and is in need           of a new hot water installation.  It's time to investigate beyond hot water system repairs and consider hot water replacement as an               option. The system is no longer energy efficient and could cost you more in the future.

• Fluctuating hot water temperature - Have you noticed a difference in your hot water temperature? If you are experiencing fluctuations from your hot water heater it may be due to a failing heat exchange in your system. Gas hot water systems often suffer from this symptom of fluctuating hot water temperatures. This symptom may only require a hot water service depending on your hot water heater system. A gas hot water heater can easily be maintained through regular servicing.

• Rust stains - Rust stains are a clear indication that you may need a new hot water system installation. It may be a combination of a hot water heater leaking, age of the hot water heater, sacrificial anodes in the water tank not working anymore, or external damage caused to the hot water systems.  In any case, whether it's a gas hot water heater, electric hot water, or a heat pump, your best bet is to call a Sydney hot water specialist here at Network plumbing to assess the hot water systems job. Regardless of the type of hot water you might have, we're experienced with many brands and can usually offer a solution to save you increased costs.

• Increased hot water demand - If your household circumstances change and your hot water system is no longer able to handle the demand, a new hot water system is strongly recommended. Life changes and so do our needs. When considering a new hot water installation for higher demand situations, be mindful of choosing a system designed to perform with energy efficiency at the forefront. If you select a hot water system that requires a storage tank, making sure the tank can hold enough hot water before refilling is advisable. Whereas with a continuous flow hot water system, which is usually tankless, you need to ask if that system can cover the amount of bathrooms and sinks found in the house to ensure the new hot water heater can meet the requirements once the install is complete.

 
Hot Water Systems

If you do require a new hot water system, there are 4 types of hot water systems you may consider when thinking about hot water replacement and their energy source.

Electric hot water system - The energy source of this heating system is as the name suggests, electric. This hot water system is usually associated with water storage tanks.

Gas hot water system - A gas hot water system is often a continuous flow unit. If you have the ability to connect your household to natural gas, gas water heating can be energy efficient. Hot water gas heating does not require a storage tank, it's tankless which is part of the beauty of this style of hot water heaters and the benefit of ever running out of hot water while in the shower.

Solar hot water heater - For the most part, these systems are powered by the sun but can also be connected to an electrical work source as a backup means for energy. Generally speaking as the majority of your energy is coming from the sun, this can significantly reduce your running cost, off setting the price of your initial investment.

Heat pump water system - A heat pump system works by extracting heat from the air and using that warmth to heat the water. A heat pump water system can be quite efficient to run.

To read more about the difference between types of hot water systems and which might best suit your needs click here.

Network Plumbing works with and provides all the major brands, from Rinnai hot water, Rheem hot water, and Dux hot water.

You can always call our friendly team to discuss a possible job and receive educated advice on hot water systems that are best suited to fit your shower times... and your plumbing needs.

Hot Water System Installation

Once the selection process has been completed for your new hot water system, installation is the next step. Network plumbing are both plumbing and electrical specialists able to offer hot water system installation regardless of your chosen hot water heater. From gas hot water heater, heat pump, electrical, solar hot water installation, storage tank or tankless... our plumbing or electrical expertise is ready to service all your hot water system needs.

Installation costs may vary depending on the chosen system, the location of the system if a new gas line needs to be connected to install the gas hot water heater or even if there are any government rebates available for your state. Network plumbing will always advise on the most cost-effective hot water system installation with energy efficiency top of mind, ensuring your water heater will be able to meet your household requirements. 

Hot water installation can be a painless process once you have engaged the right Sydney plumbers. Our service aims to be a 5-star rating. With just one phone call to Network Plumbing, you can begin a hot water installation process leaving all the hard work to us. If a hot water system replacement is on your to-do list, tick it off by contacting us instead and we'll do all the heavy lifting for you, ensuring you aren't left with any unnecessary installation costs.

Hot Water System Maintenance

After your hot water system installation is complete, maintenance of the hot water systems should be considered. The typical life span of a hot water system these days is around 10 years. While the majority of brands from Rinnai hot water to Rheem hot water have a manufactures warranty, servicing and maintenance is an important part of an efficient hot water system that will save you increased costs in the long run.

Regular maintenance can help increase the longevity of your hot water heater. Protecting your investment can save money in more ways than one. An efficient running hot water heater can reduce the chance of unnecessary repairs not to mention reducing the chance of that unwelcome surprise of a cold shower.

If your hot water system installation is with Network plumbing, we'll help you stay on track with the maintenance of your hot water system installation and manufactures warranty. Our professional plumbing experts can offer same-day service when dealing with maintenance call-outs. We will usually send out a reminder before the manufactures warranty expires when you have your hot water system install with Network.

If you are experiencing any of the hot water symptoms above, call our friendly team in the office and schedule a visit with our hot water technician.

 No matter what time day or night, Network Plumbing are available to help with all of your hot water system emergencies.