Most households take for granted having hot water available at all times. We expect to be able to shower, do laundry, and wash dishes without issues. But when your gas hot water system unexpectedly stops working correctly, it quickly becomes a frustrating disruption to your daily routine.
Preventing problems with proper maintenance is key to ensuring your gas hot water system continues operating efficiently for years to come. Like other household appliances, gas hot water systems require regular servicing and periodic repairs to keep everything in good working order.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything Brisbane homeowners need to know about maintaining their gas hot water heater. This advice lets you keep your gas hot water system running optimally, avoiding unexpected breakdowns and expensive emergency repairs down the line.
Why Yearly Maintenance Is Crucial For Gas Hot Water Systems
Maintaining your gas hot water system is essential for reliability, safety, and efficiency. Regular servicing ensures smooth operation, extends system lifespan, and avoids costly repairs.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Gas hot water systems, including storage hot water systems, require periodic inspections to identify issues before they escalate. Over time, components like gas valves, ignition controls, and pressure relief valves can wear out due to regular use and exposure to minerals, sediment, and water. Ignoring these issues can result in a complete system breakdown or even dangerous gas leaks.
A licenced plumber can inspect your gas supply, check fittings, and ensure all parts of your existing hot water system operate safely. Flushing out sediment during maintenance prevents performance problems, which are common in storage systems and heat pump models.
Benefits of Professional Servicing
A qualified professional’s yearly service includes testing all system components and addressing wear and tear. Worn anode rods and valves can be replaced before they fail, avoiding sudden system malfunctions. Flushing sediment from the tank improves water flow and energy efficiency, ensuring a consistent hot water supply for your household.
Preventative maintenance saves money over time by reducing the likelihood of emergency callouts and expensive repairs. A well-maintained system can perform reliably for up to a decade, while neglected systems may struggle after just a few years.
Maximising Longevity
Replacing ageing parts is key to keeping your system efficient and extending its lifespan. The anode rod prevents internal corrosion for storage hot water systems, while clean valves and pipes maintain a steady gas supply and water pressure. Regular checks also allow early identification of potential safety hazards, ensuring the ongoing protection of your family.
Regular servicing delays the need for a complete hot water system replacement, saving significant costs in the long term. Whether you rely on a traditional gas unit, heat pump, or storage system, professional maintenance keeps your system reliable and energy-efficient for years.
Warning Signs Your Gas Hot Water System Needs A Service
Common Warning Signs
Strange new noises from the unit, such as rumbling or squealing, often indicate problems with the heating element or gas burner. These parts may wear out over time and need servicing.
Water leaks around the tank or outlet pipe are serious concerns that should be addressed immediately. If left unchecked, leaks can result in water damage or even electrical hazards.
If the temperature and pressure relief valve is faulty, it may drip or discharge hot water, requiring prompt replacement. Rust accumulation on the exterior signals internal corrosion, especially in an old hot water system, where a metal rod constructed to prevent rust may have deteriorated.
Reduced Performance
Lower hot water flow or weaker pressure at the hot water tap often indicates sediment build-up inside the tank. Removing sediment build-up regularly is essential to maintain efficiency and prevent damage. Increased energy consumption or sudden spikes in gas usage can also highlight inefficiencies within the system.
Foul odours, such as rotten eggs, could indicate a gas leak, which is a serious hazard. Turn off the system and contact a professional and licensed plumber immediately.
External Indicators
Chimney smoke from the flue may signal issues with combustion that require expert attention. Regular checks of the heating element and metal rod can help avoid sudden malfunctions in heating water. High energy bills can also indicate a faulty gas hot water system.
Always consult a professional and licensed plumber to address any abnormalities. Prompt repairs reduce the risk of further damage and extend the lifespan of your hot water system.
Simple DIY Maintenance You Can Do
While it’s ideal to have a licensed plumber handle your annual hot water system maintenance, there are a few basic tasks you can DIY in between professional servicing.
Here are some simple maintenance steps to keep your gas hot water system operating correctly:
- Inspect the pressure relief valves – Located near the top of the tank, the TPR valve is an important safety component that should be tested 1-2 times yearly. Briefly lift the lever and check that the water flows out as expected. Replace it if the valve is stuck shut or leaking.
- Drain and flush the tank – Sediment build-up reduces efficiency over time. Once a year, attach a hose to the drain valve and flush out a few gallons to clear sediment. Let it refill, and repeat 1-2 times.
- Check supply lines and fittings – Inspect all gas and water lines for leaks, corrosion, kinks, or cracks. Tighten any loose pipe fittings. Replace deteriorated rubber washers and hoses.
- Test for gas leaks – Wipe gas fittings with soapy water and look for bubbles. Bubbles indicate a leak that needs professional repair for safety.
- Inspect exhaust flue – Ensure the flue remains clear of obstructions and vents properly outside.
- Clean the burner – Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris from the burner.
- Check water filters – Replace any old water filters connected to the hot water system.
These simple maintenance tasks occasionally let you keep your gas hot water system running smoothly and minimise repair needs between professional servicing. But call a plumber immediately if you encounter any issues beyond your DIY abilities.
Making the Repair vs Replacement Decision
If your aging gas hot water system needs a major repair, you may be faced with deciding whether to fix it or replace the entire unit. This can be a difficult decision. Here are some factors to help determine if repairing or replacing your system makes the most financial sense:
Repair Considerations:
- Age of the system – Older systems over 8-10 years are reaching the end of their lifespan when repairs are no longer worthwhile.
- Extent of damage – Comprehensive repairs involving the heat exchanger, gas valve or other core components may not be cost-effective.
- Frequency of repairs – Constant repairs due to pervasive issues indicate replacement should be considered.
- Availability of parts – Obsolete systems where parts are difficult to source favor replacement.
- Efficiency benefits – Repairs will not improve energy efficiency like a new system.
Replacement Considerations:
- High upfront cost – The substantial price of a new system may not fit your current budget.
- Installation costs – All replacement costs, like removal and installation labour, should be calculated.
- New warranty – An extended 5-10-year warranty offers better protection than continued repairs.
- Improved efficiency – A new Energy Star-rated unit will significantly save costs.
- Later replacement – Replacing a marginally functioning system now prevents emergencies later.
Carefully weighing all these factors will determine if replacement or repair is the smarter choice in the long run. Please consult a licenced Brisbane plumber for their professional recommendation. They can assess if your system is beyond viable repair and guide you on selecting a suitable new one if needed.
Contact Brisbane's Gas Hot Water Experts
While some basic gas hot water system maintenance can be done by hand, there are many scenarios in which a professional plumber is essential. Never attempt complex repairs or work with gas lines yourself.
At The Brisbane Plumbers, our gas-certified plumbers have the experience, skills and tools to quickly identify and resolve any problems with your gas hot water system. We handle repairs, maintenance, installation and replacement of all makes and models.
Don’t wait till you have an urgent hot water crisis. Schedule annual maintenance now with Brisbane’s top-rated plumbers to keep your system running reliably for years. Call us on 0450 932 850 or use our online booking form to request a service.