Your hot water system is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, yet it's often the most neglected. Regular maintenance can extend its life by years, improve energy efficiency, and prevent the unpleasant surprise of a cold shower on a winter morning. Here are our top maintenance tips from the licensed plumbers at Nolo Trades Group.
1. Know Your System Type
The first step in maintaining your hot water system is knowing what type you have. Each system has different maintenance requirements:
- Electric storage: The most common type in Australian homes. Has a tank that stores heated water.
- Gas storage: Similar to electric but heated by gas. Requires additional gas safety checks.
- Gas continuous flow (tankless): Heats water on demand. Generally lower maintenance.
- Solar: Uses roof-mounted panels with an electric or gas booster. Requires panel and booster maintenance.
- Heat pump: Extracts heat from the air. Has a compressor unit that needs periodic servicing.
2. Check the Temperature Setting
Your hot water system should be set to 60°C at the tank to prevent Legionella bacteria growth, but delivered to taps at no more than 50°C (using a tempering valve) to prevent scalding. If your water seems too hot or not hot enough, the thermostat may need adjustment — a job for a licensed plumber.
3. Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is a critical safety device on storage hot water systems. It releases water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank gets too high. You should test it every six months:
- Lift the lever on the valve briefly
- Water should flow freely from the overflow pipe
- Release the lever — the flow should stop immediately
- If the valve doesn't operate correctly, call a licensed plumber immediately
4. Check the Sacrificial Anode
Storage hot water systems contain a sacrificial anode rod — a metal rod that corrodes instead of your tank, extending its life. Over time, the anode deteriorates and needs replacing. A plumber should inspect the anode every 3–5 years. Replacing a $50 anode rod can prevent a $2,000 tank replacement.
5. Flush the Tank Annually
Sediment builds up at the bottom of storage tanks over time, reducing efficiency and potentially causing rumbling noises. Annual flushing removes this sediment and keeps your system running efficiently. While some homeowners do this themselves, we recommend having a professional handle it to avoid damaging the tank or connections.
6. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, hot water pipes running through uninsulated areas (like under the house or through the roof space) lose heat unnecessarily. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and can reduce heat loss by up to 80%, saving you money on energy bills.
7. Watch for Warning Signs
Between maintenance checks, keep an eye out for these warning signs that your hot water system needs attention:
- Rusty or discoloured hot water
- Fluctuating water temperature
- Unusual noises (rumbling, popping, hissing)
- Water pooling around the base of the unit
- Reduced water pressure from hot taps only
- Higher-than-usual energy bills
When to Call a Professional
While basic checks can be done yourself, most hot water system maintenance should be performed by a licensed plumber. Gas systems in particular require a licensed gas fitter for any maintenance or repairs. At Nolo Trades Group, we offer comprehensive hot water system servicing across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Call 1300 665 687 or book online to schedule your maintenance visit.
Nolo Trades Group
Licensed plumbers serving Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Available 24/7 for emergency and general plumbing services.