7 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hot Water Unit

7 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hot Water Unit

For most Aussie households, hot water is something we don’t think about until it stops working. From morning showers to the kitchen sink, a hot water unit is one of those hidden essentials that quietly makes life easier. When it fails, it means cold showers, extra stress and an emergency call to a plumber.

The good news is, with a bit of care and attention, you can keep your hot water system going for much longer than you think. While the average life is between 8-15 years, some well maintained systems can go beyond that. Here are 7 practical tips to help you prolong the life of your hot water unit and avoid sudden breakdowns.

1. Get Serviced Regularly

Think of your hot water unit like a car. It works hard every day and if you never service it, problems will build up. Most manufacturers recommend having your system serviced every 1-2 years.

A licensed plumber will check for leaks, test the thermostat, check the valves and make sure everything is working as it should. If you have a gas system, they will also inspect the burner and flue for safety. Servicing not only helps your unit last longer but also gives you peace of mind that it’s running efficiently and safely.

2. Insulate Pipes and the Tank

Hot water can lose a lot of heat before it even reaches your tap if the pipes are not insulated. That means the system has to work harder to keep the water at the right temperature. In cooler parts of the country like Tasmania or regional Victoria this can be especially noticeable in winter.

According to metropolitanhotwater.com.au, insulating the hot water pipes connected to your system helps to minimise heat loss and maintain water temperature during transportation, resulting in energy savings. 

By insulating exposed pipes and sometimes even wrapping the tank, you can reduce heat loss further. It’s an inexpensive upgrade that reduces strain on your hot water unit and helps it last longer while also keeping your energy costs down.

3. Keep an Eye on the Anode Rod

Inside most storage tanks is a part called the sacrificial anode rod. Its job is to attract minerals and corrosive elements in the water so the tank doesn’t rust. Over time the rod wears out and needs replacing.

In many parts of Australia, especially where the water is hard or mineral rich, this can happen sooner than expected. A plumber can check the rod during servicing and replacing it every few years can add significant life to your hot water system. Ignoring it will usually lead to rust in the tank and once that happens the whole unit is on borrowed time.

4. Flush Out Sediment

If you have a storage hot water system, minerals in the water settle at the bottom of the tank over time. This build up, known as sediment, forces the unit to work harder and can reduce efficiency. In gas systems it can even block the heat from reaching the water properly.Flushing the tank once a year helps prevent this. The process involves draining out the water, letting the sediment wash away and refilling the tank. It’s a fairly simple job for a plumber and well worth doing because it not only extends the life of the system but can also reduce energy bills.

5. Set the Right Temperature

Most systems in Australia are set at around 60°C which is recommended to prevent harmful bacteria like Legionella from developing. Some units however may be running hotter than they need to which puts extra strain on the thermostat and heating element.

If you think your water is coming out scalding hot it’s worth getting a plumber to check and adjust the temperature. Keeping it at the right level makes your system more efficient and safer for your household while also avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.

6. Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Your hot water unit often shows signs of trouble before it breaks down completely. Some of the most common signs include:

• Rust coloured water from your taps

• Popping or rumbling sounds coming from the tank

• Water that runs hot and cold or doesn’t last as long as it used to

• Small leaks or puddles around the base of the unit

If you notice any of these don’t ignore them. Early intervention can often save the system. For example a leaking valve is usually a quick fix but left alone can cause lasting damage to the tank.

7. Don’t Delay Small Repairs

A lot of people put off repairs if the system is still producing hot water. But even minor problems like a faulty thermostat, a dripping relief valve or a weak pilot light can reduce the life of your unit if not fixed quickly.

Calling a plumber when you first notice something is far cheaper in the long run than waiting for the whole system to fail. In many cases a small inexpensive repair can add years to the life of your hot water unit.

When Replacement is the Better Option

No matter how well you look after it every hot water system will eventually reach the end of its life. If yours is over 10 years old and starting to show regular problems it may be time to think about replacing it.

The benefit of planning ahead is you can take your time to choose the right system for your household rather than rushing into an emergency replacement when the old one fails completely. With modern systems including heat pump and solar options you may also find a new unit is more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

Keeping Your Hot Water Reliable for the Long Haul

Maintaining your hot water unit doesn’t take much effort but it can make a big difference. Scheduling regular servicing, keeping an eye on the anode rod, flushing out sediment and fixing small issues early are all simple steps that help extend the life of your system.

Hot water is something we use every single day. A little preventative care goes a long way in keeping it reliable, efficient and safe for years to come.