How long does a hot water system last for, is a very common question. Unfortunately, it is not a simple answer. In Australia, it is said that a hot water system should last for 8 or 12 years. Although the lifespan of a hot water system is really dependent on several factors. The good news is there are things you can do to help your system run as efficiently. Ultimately, helping to extend the life of your hot water system.

Quality of the System

The first thing to consider is the quality of the system itself. The most common reason these systems fail is because the water tank corrodes from holding water over time. Generally, if you spend a little more on a system, you can expect the quality to be a lot stronger and the system will therefore last longer.

Tank Material

Secondly, the material from which the tank is made is important. This influences how durable the system is against corrosion.

Type of Hot Water System

Next we have the type of hot water system. That is, whether it’s gas, electric, instantaneous or solar. This will have a huge impact on the lifespan of the system. For example, hot water systems that use tank storage are more likely to have shorter lifespans since stored water corrodes over time.

Water Quality

Many people don’t realise the importance of the water quality that is running through their hot water system. The water quality plays a huge role in the durability of a hot water system. For example, if your hot water system is processing hard water day in day out, it can cause corrosion much more quickly.

Usage

Finally, it’s all about usage. The more you are using your hot water system, the more it will wear down. So, if you have a big household to manage, be prepared for more frequent changeovers.

Are there things you can do to extend the life of your hot water system?

Of course there are! We all know servicing, and especially replacing a hot water system can be a costly exercise. So here are a few things you can try to make sure your hot water system stays in good shape for as long as possible.

Give your Hot Water System some space

It may sound simple, but you would be surprised at the number of times simple issues could have been avoided just by taking this simple step. You want to make sure your hot water system has plenty of free space surrounding it. This increases airflow and minimises the risk of fires. You should also be sure to keep any cleaning products such as vacuums or mops away from the area. Once you have done this, you will start to notice just what a difference this extra space makes. Especially when you are conducting routine maintenance checks or trying to access the system.

Try Installing Insulation

When you are installing insulation, this should be done around the pipes and the heater itself. Cover as much of the pipes as possible with insulation to keep them from sweating or forming condensation. This will become especially important during summer.

       Be Aware of your System’s Temperature

This is super important! Setting the right temperature is quite easy and doesn’t need to be done that often. If you are leaving the home for a long period of time however, it is recommended that you set the temperature as low as possible, or even turn it off until you are back in the home. Don’t forget to turn it back on though, or you may be forced to have a cold shower before you start the day that is not by choice!

Add an Expansion Tank

An additional option is adding an expansion tank to your system. This can greatly improve its lifespan, especially with heaters that have closed systems. These systems don’t allow for backflow into the water main. As a result, when the water expands, there is simply nowhere for it to go! By adding an expansion tank, the water can then have an outlet which reduces stress on the overall system.

Install a Water Softener

This really depends on the area you live in. If you are living in an area with hard water, or water where the mineral content is high, a water softener can help reduce the risk of mineral content building up in your system which accelerates corrosion and adds strain to your hot water system.

Are the other things the professionals at Service Today can do to help extend the life of my hot water system?

Yes, there are. Regular servicing is of course a no brainer, but what else can be done?

Service Today and our plumbers and technicians can replace certain parts and components to not only extend the life of your hot water system, but to also help it to run better. This can then save you $$ by decreasing your energy bill.

The best thing to do is to call out one of experienced Hot Water Technicians and after investigating your system, we can go over your best options. If you do need to purchase a new system, our buying power means we get some of the best deals in town, on the very best systems. So, whatever you need, servicing, replacement parts or a whole new hot water system, the team at Service Today have you covered!