Hot water system maintenance checklist

The Importance of Regular Hot Water System Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your water heater functions reliably, efficiently, and safely for years to come. In a hard water area like Kareela, or coastal cities exposed to saltwater corrosion, heaters are particularly prone to mineral buildup, sediment, rust and other issues over time if not properly maintained.

Your water heater maintenance should include draining the tank, inspecting heating elements, testing temperature and water pressure, checking for leaks or corrosion, and replacing anode rods every 5 years.

Routine water heater maintenance optimises performance, enhances energy efficiency, and safeguards against unexpected breakdowns that can result in expensive emergencies.

Annual maintenance by a licensed Sydney plumber will help keep your water heater in optimal condition.

As experienced Kareela plumbers helping homeowners and businesses for over 15 years, we grasp how very important the role of plumbing preventive maintenance service is. Investing in regular maintenance checks can prevent costly repairs, saving you time, money, and inconvenience.

Add water system maintenance to your to-do list. A thorough maintenance checklist can help ensure your water heater’s safe and reliable operation for years.

A Step-by-Step Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Following a routine water heater maintenance checklist is vital for sustaining your unit’s efficiency and longevity. For peace of mind, follow this straightforward maintenance for your heater on the homeowner’s checklist annually:

1. Check your water heater’s age by first shutting the water valve, then finding the serial number sticker to record the year of manufacture, indicating when replacement might be necessary.
2. Examine all pipes and valves - Check hot water supply and gas lines for corrosion or damage. Tighten fittings or seek a plumber’s help if problems are found.
3. To flush the system, turn off the power and gas supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and open it to remove sediment until the water runs clear.
4. Test the TP valve as part of backflow prevention - Gently lift and release the lever handle on the valve to ensure water flows freely through the drain line.
5. Test the TPR valve as part of backflow prevention - Gently lift and release the lever handle on the valve to ensure water flows freely through the drain lines.
6. Check the heating element - Unscrew access panel and inspect the heating element for mineral buildup or damage. Descale or replace if needed.

Annual draining as per these steps helps keep your water heaters safe and efficient over time. If you require assistance with your plumbing system, contact our licensed Kareela plumbers for professional water heater maintenance.

How to Inspect Your Hot Water System for Issues

Visually inspecting your hot water system every six months is crucial for early identification of potential problems. Begin with a thorough scan of the unit, including all connecting pipes, valves, and fittings, for leaks, corrosion, or damage. Look for warning signs like:

• Rust coloured staining
• Green corrosion buildup
• Dripping water
• Puddles beneath the tank
• Loud rumbling noises
• A drop in water pressure

These signs should prompt immediate preventive action for your water heater to prevent costly failures. If you spot anything suspicious, shut off the power and gas supply immediately and contact our Kareela plumbers for repairs.

During your biannual visual checks, also take note of factors like the water heater’s age, flaking paint, dents or abnormal sounds, and have a licenced Sydney plumber assess if replacement is due. Depending on your water quality and the condition of your pipes and level of use, storage tanks typically last 8-12 years before needing a swap out.

Staying vigilant with your water system maintenance protects your property, ensures consistent hot water supply, and helps catch issues early.

Flushing Your Hot Water System

Sediment from minerals and corrosion particles can accumulate at the bottom of your hot water tank over time, which impacts maintenance. Flushing the tank annually helps remove any sediment buildup before it can damage heating elements, restrict water flow, and reduce efficiency.

Follow these steps for safe draining of your water heater:

1. Turn off the unit’s power supply by flipping the circuit breaker and ensure the cold water supply is shut off as well.
2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, directing it to a secure drainage area.
3. Gradually open the drain valve to let sediment-laden water flow from your water heater until it runs clear.
4. Close drain valve once complete and restore power supply to water heater.

Use flushing as an opportunity to assess overall performance, prevent sediment damage, and prolong your hot water system’s operation. Hard water areas may require more frequent flushing every 4-6 months. Contact our Kareela plumbing team if you need assistance maintaining your hot water system.

Checking and Replacing the Anode Rod

The anode rod is a sacrificial component inside your hot water tank that helps prevent corrosion by attracting it instead of allowing the metal tank to corrode. Checking and replacing your anode rod in the water heater tank every 3-5 years is essential maintenance.

Follow these steps to inspect and replace your water heater’s anode rod if needed:

1. Turn off the power and water supply to allow the tank to cool down.
2. Open the anode access port on top of the water unit with a hacksaw if needed.
3. Use non-conductive pliers to unscrew and remove the anode. Examine the level of corrosion and pitting.
4. If wear is over 50%, replace with a new magnesium or aluminium anode rod, ensuring it’s screwed in snugly with pliers without overtightening.
5. Restore water supply and power.

In coastal areas or places with high mineral content water like Kareela, inspect the sacrificial anode every 1-2 years due to accelerated deterioration. Replacing your anode rod is a significant step to ensure your tank is protected from corrosive damage and has an extended lifespan.

Testing the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Testing the temperature pressure relief valve is a critical safety measure to prevent explosions by releasing excess pressure. Failing to confirm this valve is working puts your property, and what your water heater needs, at serious risk.

Follow these steps every 6-12 months to test your T&P relief valve:

1. Locate the T&P valve on the side of the tank. It will have a lever handle and discharge pipe leading away.
2. Check the discharge pipe runs to a safe location without any blockages or kinks.
3. Briefly lift the lever and release. This should allow a small flow of water to release.
4. If no water is released or the valve is stuck, shut off the gas/power supply at once and call a licensed plumber for repair.

Regularly testing the pressure relief valve is crucial to avoid tank failures or scalding incidents, thereby extending your water heater’s lifespan. Malfunctioning T&P valves are a serious safety hazard - make this valve check top priority next time you maintain your Kareela hot water system.

Signs You Need a Professional Hot Water System Maintenance

There are certain signs indicating your hot water system requires professional servicing from licenced plumbers. These include:

• If you notice fluctuating water temperature or reduced flow rate, the thermostat or heating elements probably require inspection.
• Discoloured water - Rusty, brownish or cloudy water points to internal corrosion or sediment that requires flushing.
• Strange noises - Rattling, rumbling or banging from your water heater may signal loose piping fittings or failing components.
• Low water pressure - Poor hot water flows often stem from restrictive piping, faulty heating elements or excessive tank corrosion.
• Leaking water - Drips, puddles or damp areas around the heater indicate cracks, loose fittings or failing valves that require prompt repairs.

If you notice any of these warning signs, shut off gas/power to your hot water system and contact our professional Kareela plumbers for comprehensive inspection and maintenance of your plumbing.

With over 15 years of dedication to prolonging the life your hot water system, our fully licenced technicians have the expertise to quickly diagnose issues and keep your system operating safely.

For fast, affordable repairs, installations or preventative maintenance plans for your hot water system, call our friendly team on 1300 349 338 or email jobs@kareelaplumbingservices.com.au. As trusted Kareela plumbers, we are here when you need us!

Conclusion and Next Steps for Maintenance

Implementing the maintenance routine outlined here offers numerous benefits for homeowners and businesses in Kareela.

Conducting thorough checks ensures your water heater meets demands with optimised performance, promotes energy efficiency, prevents leaks and corrosion damage, extends equipment lifespan, and avoids costly emergency repairs.

We recommend building the following tasks into your schedule:

• Visually inspect all pipes, fittings, and valves to protect your water heater units biannually
• Flush sediment from the tank annually
• Test T&P relief valve every 6-12 months
• Replace anode rod every 3-5 years
• Check heating elements and descale as needed

Kareela Plumbing’s licenced technicians have 15+ years of experience maintaining hot water systems across the Sydney area, ensuring your preventive measures are up to par. For maintenance queries, repairs, or installations, email us or call 1300 349 338 to consult our expert team.

Investing in preventive care extends the life of your water heater, ensuring a steady hot water supply and the reassurance that your system is safe, efficient, and durable.