Your DIY guide for Hot Water System Maintenance
You don’t realise how much you rely on hot water, until your hot water system decides to go belly up. And it always seems to stop working at the most inconvenient of times – like the middle of winter! A hot water system maintenance schedule is important to ensure the longevity of your hot water unit and can sometimes prevent many of the issues that cause your hot water system to stop working. Here are some tips on keeping your hot water system maintained. These tips can apply to all hot water systems with storage tanks including gas, electric, heat pumps or even solar systems.
Book a regular hot water unit service
Did you know most manufacturers recommend your hot water system should be serviced annually? The reason for this is to ensure you get the most out of your hot water unit and to check that some of the key parts of your hot water system are working efficiently.
Your local plumber, like Gladesville Plumbing, can conduct this service for you as they will do a thorough check and will know what to replace should they find a fault.
Typically, some of the major valves on your hot water unit require replacement every 5 years by a licensed plumber. These guidelines are set by the manufacturers.
- Check the temperature output from the tempering valve. All tempering valves should be set at 50 Degrees Celsius to prevent scalding. The valve itself should be replaced every 5 years.
- The temperature relief valve needs to be replaced every 5 years to prevent rupturing of the tank.
- The sacrificial anode should be replaced every 5 years to prevent internal corroding of the tank which can short the life of the tank.
These valves must be replaced every 5 years by a licensed plumber. If they’re not, it can void the manufacturer’s cylinder warranty and reduce the longevity of your hot water system.
Check your temperature relief valve every six months
One check that you don’t require a plumber for is checking your temperature relief control valve every 6 months. This hot water system maintenance check is for storage hot water units. A TPR valve ensures your hot water unit works efficiently and prevents your hot water unit exploding.
Simply lift the tempering valve (which has a lever and usually located near the top of your hot water unit) and lift the lever for 10 seconds. Water should flow out of the relief pipe at the bottom of the tank. When you release the lever, the water should stop. If it doesn’t you may need to get your relief valve replaced, which is a job for your plumber.
Check for unusual water puddles around your hot water unit
A simple inspection around your hot water unit and underneath the bottom of the unit is important to check for tank leaks or simple water leaks from a loose fitting. The tanks in old hot water units eventually corrode inside. If you find water leaking from the bottom of the tank, this could be a sign your hot water unit is on its way out and you may need to replace it.
If you have any issues with your hot water system, please call Gladesville Plumbing on 9817 4777.
Our experience plumbers can investigate and solve your hot water system problems to avoid damage to your heater and ensure you have hot showers all year round.
