Do Hot Water Systems Need Servicing?
Hot water systems require servicing to keep them in good condition. Without maintenance, they may fail, increasing long-run costs.
Australians require hot water during the winter months. Unfortunately, boiler problems often emerge in June or July, just as you become reliant on your heating systems. Depreciation that accumulated in the previous year rears its ugly head and, in some cases, hot water may not be available at all.
Fortunately, such events are avoidable with regular preventative maintenance. That’s why regular servicing is critical.
How Often Do Hot Water Systems Require Servicing?
Most professionals recommend that you service your hot water system once per year. However, this blanket recommendation doesn’t apply to all boilers and setups. The following list details different types of boiler setups and their maintenance frequency requirements:
- Solar heating units: every five years
- Heat pump: every year
- Electric and gas storage units: every five years
- Instantaneous or continuous flow systems: every year
Because of the differences in service intervals, you’ll want to double-check which system you have. Boilers that require more frequent maintenance usually have a sacrificial node that you must replace before it completely discharges, otherwise, you run the risk of more serious damage to the unit.
Why Do Hot Water Systems Need Servicing So Often?
There are several reasons why boilers require regular replacement. The first is the sacrificial node. This component is usually an anode metal rod that hangs inside the water tank. It attracts corrosion, sparing other parts of the system that could cause it to disintegrate. If it is functioning, your hot water system will remain largely pristine. But if it reaches the end of its life and you don’t replace it, it increases the risk of system-wide damage.
Temperature and pressure release valves are also prone to significant damage. These release pressure due to hot water’s expansion and automatically vent it to stop the system from dangerously overheating. However, they can wear out and require replacement. If the value is crumbling, stuck, or falls off, you need to get a new one fitted.
How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?
Even with the best servicing, hot water systems don’t last forever. Eventually, components wear out and break down to the point where the entire unit requires replacement. Most systems, including solar, can survive for 12 to 20 years if you look after them well. If you don’t care for them, they may struggle to reach the 10-year mark.
How Do You Know If You Need A Hot Water Service?
There are several signs that you might need a hot water service. These include:
- Sediment in your water
- Water leaking out of the hot water system
- Constant water pressure changes
- Variations in water temperature
- Pilot light flickering on and off
Conclusion
In summary, getting regular hot water system servicing is essential. Long-term, it dramatically reduces costs.
If you want to maximise the life of your hot water system, contact Cuttle Plumbing today and get the maintenance services you need.
