Summer Plumbing Nightmares: Avoid Disaster with a Hot Water Check
By Sydney Hot Water Systems|February 07, 2025
The scorching Australian summer. Barbecues, beaches, and… cold showers? Nothing ruins a hot summer day faster than a hot water system on the fritz. Unfortunately, the increased strain of summer heat and higher water usage make hot water systems vulnerable to breakdowns. Dealing with an emergency water heater repair during the peak of summer is a major inconvenience, not to mention potentially expensive. Therefore, proactive maintenance and regular checks are essential to ensure a consistent flow of hot water throughout the warmer months. This article will explore the common plumbing perils of summer, provide a step-by-step guide to DIY inspections, highlight the warning signs of a failing hot water system, and explain when it's crucial to call a professional plumber to avoid a summer plumbing nightmare.
Summer plumbing perils: Uncover hidden water heater woes
Summer throws a double whammy at your hot water system. The already high ambient temperatures put extra strain on the unit, mainly if it's located in a confined space like a roof cavity. More showers, laundry loads, and garden watering push the system to its limits. For part of the year, things can be extreme in an even moderate climate, which brings out any existing weaknesses in the system. Think of it like running a marathon in the midday sun, after all – it is only to be expected that your body will hurt, and so will your hot water system. Some of the typical summer hot water problems include:
A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your hot water system survives the summer heat. A regular water heater check helps detect potential problems and address them before these problems escalate into major disasters. This is particularly important with a hot water installation to be sure everything gets off to a good start and is working correctly. Here are a few essentials to check:
Water heater trouble indicators
In most cases, your water heater does not hesitate to declare when it will finally die on you. Of course, unless you heed the pre-frozen-shower-and-steeper-repair bill warning, you can likely avoid the very scenario. For your benefit, watch out for these:
Do It Yourself- Self-Testing Water Heater by Homeowners
Although most hot water system maintenance is better left to professionals, there are some easy checks you can do yourself. Remember, safety first. Before inspecting or maintaining the unit, always turn off the power or gas supply.
Professional plumbing assistance
There are plenty of situations, no matter the level of a person's do-it-yourself skills, wherein an experienced and seasoned DIYer would want a professional plumber to handle the problem in his hot water system. It might become dangerous or void your warranty if you lack the proper training or equipment to face complex issues, which often plague hot water system problems. Call the pros when you detect any of these:
Conclusion: Having this summer comfortable
Respect of use Summer cannot be enjoyable with this type of unreliable hot water system when encountered in Sydney. Knowing the potential problems, doing the checks regularly, and knowing when to call in the professionals will ensure you never have a cold shower nightmare as you enter the season with comfort and confidence. Preventative maintenance will go a long way to keep your hot water running smoothly all summer long so that you can concentrate on the essential things: sunshine and the festive season. A well-maintained hot water system is an investment in comfort and peace of mind.
Summer plumbing perils: Uncover hidden water heater woes
Summer throws a double whammy at your hot water system. The already high ambient temperatures put extra strain on the unit, mainly if it's located in a confined space like a roof cavity. More showers, laundry loads, and garden watering push the system to its limits. For part of the year, things can be extreme in an even moderate climate, which brings out any existing weaknesses in the system. Think of it like running a marathon in the midday sun, after all – it is only to be expected that your body will hurt, and so will your hot water system. Some of the typical summer hot water problems include:
- Overheating: The unit cannot hold to a set temperature due to its extreme heat.
- Building pressure: At high temperatures, the water in the tank is bound to expand, thereby adding pressure.
- Agitation of sediment within the tank: A higher water movement rate within a tank will likely disturb the sediment, which may form blockages or reduce efficiency.
- Leaks: Those temperatures and building pressure break down the seals and leak through the pipes.
- Corrosion: heat and mineral water can cause more rapid corrosion.
A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your hot water system survives the summer heat. A regular water heater check helps detect potential problems and address them before these problems escalate into major disasters. This is particularly important with a hot water installation to be sure everything gets off to a good start and is working correctly. Here are a few essentials to check:
- Check temperature: The thermostat should be adjusted to the correct temperature for suitability and comfort; the recommended temperature is about 60°C.
- Checking for leakage: Look for water at the bottom of the unit or on the pipes.
- Check the pressure relief valve: It should be working. You can test it by lifting the lever and letting it snap back into place. Water should discharge briefly. If not, or if water continues flowing, you must call a plumber.
- Flush the tank: This will help remove sediments and improve efficiency. Check your owner's manual for instructions.
- Rod test: Use this rod as a sacrifice to the tank and prevent corrosion from taking over. Replace it periodically.
Water heater trouble indicators
In most cases, your water heater does not hesitate to declare when it will finally die on you. Of course, unless you heed the pre-frozen-shower-and-steeper-repair bill warning, you can likely avoid the very scenario. For your benefit, watch out for these:
- Lukewarm water: The problem is probably in the thermostat, heating element, or gas supply.
- No hot water: The total loss of hot water might be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty pilot light in a gas system, or perhaps something more serious about the unit.
- Rumbling, banging, or hissing indicate sediment build-up or faulty valves.
- Leaks: Any amount of water near the unit shall warrant an investigation.
- Rust or discolouration in water: This is an indication of corroding in either the tank or pipes.
- Poor water pressure: It could result from sediment or water supply issues.
Do It Yourself- Self-Testing Water Heater by Homeowners
Although most hot water system maintenance is better left to professionals, there are some easy checks you can do yourself. Remember, safety first. Before inspecting or maintaining the unit, always turn off the power or gas supply.
- Visual Inspection: Observe for leaks, rust, or other damage.
- Temperature Check: Ensure that the thermostat is adequately set.
- Pressure relief valve test
- Briefly raise the lift lever to verify that it's operational
- Tank Flushing, if Comfortable with DIY: Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions to the letter
Professional plumbing assistance
There are plenty of situations, no matter the level of a person's do-it-yourself skills, wherein an experienced and seasoned DIYer would want a professional plumber to handle the problem in his hot water system. It might become dangerous or void your warranty if you lack the proper training or equipment to face complex issues, which often plague hot water system problems. Call the pros when you detect any of these:
- You leak your gas.
- You have a question concerning any part of the inspection or maintenance.
- You have a problem you cannot diagnose or fix yourself.
- It is still under warranty for hot water systems
- Your installation should be a new hot water system.
Conclusion: Having this summer comfortable
Respect of use Summer cannot be enjoyable with this type of unreliable hot water system when encountered in Sydney. Knowing the potential problems, doing the checks regularly, and knowing when to call in the professionals will ensure you never have a cold shower nightmare as you enter the season with comfort and confidence. Preventative maintenance will go a long way to keep your hot water running smoothly all summer long so that you can concentrate on the essential things: sunshine and the festive season. A well-maintained hot water system is an investment in comfort and peace of mind.
