Let’s face it - dealing with problems with your hot water system is stressful, unhealthy and can majorly disturb your day, workflow and productivity. Cold water, leaking hot water tanks, or a complete breakdown can bring your home to a standstill. Often, these aren’t sudden failures but are the result of small signs that have been left unchecked.

To help reduce expensive replacement bills later down the track, our plumbers have put together a guide of the common warning signs that your hot water system needs professional repair.

Inconsistent Water Temperature

Are your showers ruined by inconsistent temperatures? Or are you constantly adjusting the taps to maintain the perfect temperature? If your shower can’t decide whether to be hot or cold, it could be caused by a faulty tempering valve not mixing the cold and hot water properly or a failing thermostat. Inconsistent water temperatures don’t just interrupt your bathtime, but it also has a knock-on effect on your dishwasher, washing machine and increase the risk of burns and scalding.

Strange Noises Coming From Your Unit

Hissing, banging, gurgling or rumbling coming from your hot water heater isn’t normal. A hot water system that is completely silent generally means that your unit is struggling. But where do those sounds come from?

Hissing: Hearing hissing noises often means there is a leak or a heating element has failed.

Banging/Rumbling: Sounds like banging or water hammering are caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. In some suburbs of Brisbane, there is hard water, which contributes to sediment buildup.

Your Hot Water System is Old

Typically, hot water systems last around 8 to 12 years. If you don’t know how old your hot water heater is, you can simply check by looking at the manufacturer’s sticker on the back of your unit.

Just because your unit is old doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace it. A thorough inspection and service from our team can help to extend its lifespan for a couple more years.

Smelly, Discoloured or Rusty Water

If the water coming out of your taps is brown, muddy or smelly, then it means that something is corroding inside your tank. This rust is typically caused by a component called an anode rod. The anode rod is designed to rust instead of your tank - seeing rust in your water means that your anode rod has disintegrated, leaving the inside of your unit vulnerable to corrosion.

Besides the obvious brown water, make sure to pay close attention to how your tap water smells. If you smell a rotten egg or sulphur smell, it’s often a sign of corrosion and bacterial infection.

To get your water clear and safe to drink again, our professional plumbers perform a thorough inspection of your hot water tank as well as flush it out. This saves the structural integrity of your unit as well as cleanses your drinking and bathing water.

Your Hot Water Flow and Pressure Are Reduced

If your hot water pressure suddenly drops while your cold water pressure remains stable, you most likely have a blockage. Over time, sediment and calcium from hard water can build up in your pipes or the tank’s outlet valve, restricting the flow of water.

Your Hot Water Unit is Leaking

This is probably the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater. If water is pooling around the base of your unit, you’re likely dealing with a worn-out valve, internal corrosion or loose plumbing connections. Water leaks from the top of your unit are often caused by inlet/outlet issues, while leaks from the bottom are due to sediment buildup, anode rod rust or a cracked internal tank.

Lukewarm Water and Faulty Tempering Valves

Nobody likes a lukewarm shower. If your shower is always lukewarm, chances are your tempering valve is to blame. A tempering valve mixes hot and cold water together to ensure a safe temperature and prevent burns and scalding. However, if your water is too cold, too hot or you can see the valve visibly leaking, it’s time to call our professional plumbing team.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! Call Our Hot Water Experts Today

Ignoring a small drip or temperature problem might seem like a non-issue. However, the longer you leave it, the bigger the problem gets. Recognising the common signs that your hot water system is failing is critical to help reduce unexpected replacement bills, extend the lifespan of your hot water system and keep your family safe from burns.

If your water heater is on its last legs, call our plumbers today on 1300 754 072 or fill out our online booking form.