Regardless of the type of hot water installation you have, faulty systems tend to go unnoticed for a while until an emergency occurs. So, we've produced this list of the seven indicators to look out for, which might mean your hot water system needs expert repairs or a completely new hot water installation.

Alan Oxford's professional plumbers are frequently asked by homeowners if hot water repairs can solve their system problems or whether a new hot water installation is the only option. As a general answer, the severity of the hot water installation will decipher if repairs are adequate or not, as hot water repairs can often cost MORE than a new hot water installation. 

If you have a hot water emergency, call our service team immediately to schedule a professional Sydney plumber to examine your situation. Or schedule maintenance, as regular upkeep will keep your hot water installation working smoothly and prevent minor issues from becoming significant ones.

  1. How Old is Your Hot Water Installation?

As with all household appliances, the age of your hot water installation significantly affects if hot water repairs are possible. As the older the system, the less likely repairs can fix the problem and the more likely you will need a new hot water installation. 

The life expectancy of your hot water installation may be determined by the year, make, and model. Whether you have an electric hot water heater, a gas hot water heater, a solar hot water heater, or a heat pump, age is a factor in how efficient a system can function and might suggest a water heater replacement.

  1. Have You Noticed a Change in Water Colour?

Is your hot water a different colour than your cold water from the faucet? This might indicate a problem with your hot water installation.

Sacrificial anodes are installed inside a hot water installation tank, and their purpose is to attract anything that might erode your hot water heater installation. Your tank's anodes should be replaced by a professional plumber every five years or as needed to ensure the safe operation of your hot water installation.

If you see discolouration in your hot water, it's most likely because your storage tank's sacrificial anodes are failing, and materials are leaking into your water. Taps running cloudy water is an indication that you'll need to replace your hot water installation as soon as possible. 

  1. Have You Noticed Any Water Leaks?

Any water leaks from your hot water installation is a clear indication that your system has reached the end of its useful life, as your system is no longer be energy efficient. Implying that hot water repairs are no longer feasible as they will cost more money, and instead, the most appropriate option is a new hot water installation.

The causes and solutions for water leaks vary greatly. However, a prevalent cause of leaks is caused by the hot water installation's tempering pressure relief valve. While this valve is a safety device meant to protect a hot water installation and works to alleviate the excessive pressure that can occasionally build up in your hot water installation. The TPR valve easily leaks; a small amount of water leaking is natural, but a steady trickle or flow of water is not, and it might raise your operating costs.

  1. Have You Noticed Any Rust Stains?

Rust stains are a sure sign that your hot water installation must be replaced. Rust indicates that your hot water installation is leaking, which could be caused by a mix of issues from the installation age, the sacrificial anodes no longer working, or external damage to the hot water installation.

In any event, whether you have a gas hot water heater, an electric hot water heater, or a heat pump, you should contact a Sydney hot water professional like Alan Oxford to examine the hot water installation situation. Regardless of the hot water installation you have, our professional gas plumbers have worked with various manufacturers and can usually find you a way to save money.

  1. Have You Noticed a Variation in the Temperature of Your Hot Water?

A malfunctioning heat exchange in your hot water installation may be causing your hot water to fluctuate. Depending on your hot water installation type, this symptom may simply be fixed with hot water repairs, as, for example, changing hot water temperatures are expected in gas hot water systems. Generally, regular service with a gas plumber will keep a gas hot water heater in good working order.

  1. Does Your Hot Water Installation Make a Lot of Noise?

If you hear banging, hissing, or pounding coming from your hot water installation, it's a sign that your system needs hot water repairs. Loose or moving components on gas, solar, or electric hot water installations necessitate a professional plumber's inspection of your hot water installation, as well as any parts that require servicing or replacement. 

  1. Has Your Household Increased Its Hot Water Usage?

A new hot water installation is strongly suggested if your household circumstances change, as your current hot water installation may no longer manage the demand.

Life progresses, and so do our requirements!

When choosing a new hot water installation for more extensive household usage, endeavour to focus on the energy-efficient capacity of the system. For example, you must inquire whether the hot water installation can cover the number of bathrooms and sinks in your home to guarantee that the new hot water installation can fulfil your household needs.

In Need of Affordable Hot Water Repairs or New Hot Water Installation in Sydney?

No matter how much homeowners take care of their hot water installations, they will eventually be overworked and require hot water repairs or even a new installation entirely.

Most importantly, if your household has noticed any of the hot water installation issues mentioned in this article, you must call a professional gas plumber for hot water repairs, so the problems can be fixed immediately to avoid further problems. 

Alan Oxford's expert gas plumbers in Sydney will come to your property and advise you on your specific circumstances detailing which plumbing upgrades can help you save the most.

Are you looking for a Gas Plumber Near Me? Alan Oxford's Plumbing & Electrical are your local expert Sydney Gas Plumbers for hot water repairs or a new hot water installation. At Alan Oxford's Plumbing & Electrical, we have specialist emergency gas plumbers who can help you keep your water usage efficient and cost-effective for customers in Parramatta, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, and The Hills Shire.

Alan Oxford's Plumbing & Electrical provides a Customer Service Guarantee and a 24hr emergency plumbing & electrical service to ensure we can help you if a dangerous electrical or plumbing issues do emerge. For more information about our LED downlight installations, ceiling fan installation and more services, arrange a booking by contacting our friendly team on (02) 9894 9623.

Our Testimonials

  • I highly endorse Alan Oxford Plumbing for Plumbing & Electricals to any potential client. I have been using the services of Alan Oxford Plumbing for the past 3+ years, and during this time, they have carried out various plumbing maintenance and refurbishment projects in Hills Districts.

    Not only have they always performed to our time programmes, they also offer a professional consultancy to overcome any difficult situation as well as providing cost saving advice.

    I do not hesitate to recommend Alan Oxford Plumbing to any business.

    — Wayne

  • Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical have maintained an excellent working relationship with our company.

    The service, reliability and professionalism displayed by Alan Oxford’s are qualities that stand them apart from other companies. It is a pleasure to deal with Alan Oxford at all stages of our projects from tendering to installation and commissioning.

    I highly recommend the services of Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical to any organisation.

    — John

  • Alan Oxford is the preferred supplier for all our plumbing maintenance to the Sydney villages. They are also the preferred supplier for the contractor who currently completes all upgrades in units within the villages in both the Sydney and the Central Coast regions.

    Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical are fully compliant with the changes to the Occupational health and Safety laws in 2013.When called upon for service they are always prompt and complete the job quickly and efficiently.

    I have no hesitation in recommending Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical as a plumbing and electrical contractor.

    — Deborah

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    Thank you for your assistance and look forward to continuing our future dealings. 

    — Sam

  • We are a large portfolio of Strata, Neighbourhood & Community schemes throughout NSW and currently engaged the services of Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical for our plumbing and electrical services.

    The staff members provide professional advice and quality service, and where necessary provide reports from site when further repairs are necessary. In addition, the company is supported by friendly and knowledgeable office staff who respond to calls and/or emails in a prompt and efficient manner.

    Currently Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical are our after hour’s emergency contact for all our owners. We have no hesitation in recommending Alan Oxford Plumbing & Electrical to any company.

    — Donna