Gas hot water systems
So, what are your options?
- Do some simple troubleshooting (or just skip straight to step 2 if you’re not a DIY’er)
- Have a plumber repair the hot water unit
- Have a plumber replace the entire hot water system
Simple DIY Troubleshooting
A handy person with time to spare can easily take care of a few important hot water system tasks to try to get them functioning again.
Step 1: Confirm you have a gas hot water system.
A gas hot water system has a manufacturer’s blue star rating sticker that says ‘gas’ and has three pipes.
(FYI – An electric hot water system has a manufacturer’s sticker that states ‘electric’ and has two pipes are coming into/going out of the unit.)
Step 2: Troubleshoot a gas hot water unit
- Hot water is cold, cool or when the temperature is fluctuating
- There is a leak from the bottom of the tank
- Rusty water is leaking from the hot water system or is coming out of the taps
- You smell sulphur or “rotten eggs” around the hot water unit
- A leak from a valve (=tap) and/or pipe that enters/exits the unit
If there’s a leak, you need to stop it to prevent water damage or damage to the tank unit if it’s allowed to run dry.
Repair or Replace?
Consider this:
An average hot water system will only lasts 8 to 12 years if it hasn’t been maintained properly.
If your system has been regularly maintained – you may get as much as 25 years of service!
But DO consider replacement instead of repair if:
- Your gas hot water system is over 10 years old. Its efficiency deteriorates by 50% and your running costs will be much higher than they should be – and who needs that!
- You have an old system and simply want to save money with a more energy-efficient unit.
Book our friendly team today to discover Pipe Perfection Plumbers’ difference.
