Nobody wants to be woken by an icy morning shower so unless you’re a cold-plunge fanatic, it might be time to check on your hot water system. Photo: Ross Helen.
The humble hot water system tends to stay out of sight and out of mind. Most households just leave theirs alone to do its thing, unaware that it could be the sneaky culprit behind weak, lukewarm and cloudy showers.
Think about how many times a day you turn the hot tap on – especially this time of year. Consider bathing, laundry, dishes, cooking and hand washing.
How frustrating would it be if you suddenly had no hot water? What if your storage tank split and dumped hundreds of litres of water into your home? Emergency plumbing bills are notoriously high, not to mention the cost of flood repairs.
Here’s how to spot a failing system before you’re left high and dry (and freezing).
The first step is figuring out how old your current water heater is and whether it’s still under warranty. Look for a metal compliance plate with the date of manufacture.
“Most systems last eight to 12 years when properly looked after, so if yours is pushing the decade mark, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection,” Contemporary Plumbing service manager Dom Thornton says.
“Once the tank is outside the warranty period, you’re better off getting a new one before repairs are needed. Replacing it on your own terms could save hundreds in call-out fees.”
Red flags to watch out for include low pressure, temperature fluctuations, running out of hot water faster than usual and electricity bills rising for no apparent reason.
Discoloured water with a metallic smell or taste suggests rust in the tank. External leaks are another sign of corrosion, especially around the tank base.
Your system should also operate quietly, so any banging, hissing or knocking sounds should be investigated right away.
Rust marks and leaks like those shown on the left above are a tell tale sign that it’s time to upgrade. Photos: Contemporary Plumbing.
When the time comes, what are your options for replacement?
The ACT Government is actively phasing out fossil-fuel gas, so Dom suggests an electric, solar or hot water heat pump system.
Don’t forget the Sustainable Household Scheme offers eligible residents low-interest loans up to $15,000 for energy-efficient upgrades. Solar hot water and hot water heat pumps are both on the list.
“Heat pumps are one of the cheapest and most efficient systems to run in our local climate, but they’re very expensive upfront. If you can’t afford to drop $6000 on one, we recommend a Thermann Smart Electric system,” Dom says.
“They work just like normal electric hot water, but have advanced controls built in so you can track energy use and choose when your water heats from an app on your phone.
“Heating water during off-peak and shoulder periods when power is cheaper, or when your solar system produces the most energy, is the easiest way to shave down your electricity bill.”
For more information, visit Contemporary Plumbing.
