Hot water is important to life's activities like showering, dishwashing and cleaning so temperature, pressure, water quality changes, unusual noises or leakage should not be overlooked. While it may differ in the different types of gas, electric, solar and heat-pump systems, the following are early indicators that can alert Geelong homeowners to potential future problems before they escalate. If issues continue to occur, a hot water plumber Geelong can evaluate the system to determine the cause and suggest a solution, and make sure any technical work is performed safely.

Take note of these typical hot water issues that Geelong households should not ignore.

1.   There is no hot water or some of the water is hot, some is cold.

There aren't many simpler hot water issues than if you open the shower and the water doesn't even warm up. But you don't have to experience a complete loss of hot water to know something is amiss.

You could also add that the water:

• May take longer than usual to warm up
• Colds quickly and easily
• Alternates between hot and cold
• Never reaches its normal temperature
• Provides different temperatures at different times of the day

There are multiple possible causes for these symptoms.

Depending on the system, potential issues may involve a thermostat, heating element, electrical supply, gas burner, ignition system, temperature-control component or other internal parts. Other factors such as sediment build-up or if the system no longer serves the household's needs can also lead to performance changes.

2.   A leaking Water Heater

Even if the water from the leaky hot water system seems insignificant, it should not be neglected.

Water may come from a variety of sources and the source is important to the proper response.

Possible sources include:

•                    Pipe connections

•                    Valves

•                    Fittings

•                    Pressure-related components

•                    Corroded sections

•                    Tank connections

•                    The tank itself.

Small leaks may come from a connection or large corrosion may be present in the tank.

3.   Low or Reduced Hot Water Pressure

A weak hot water flow can be extremely annoying especially if the cold-water supply is strong.

The first useable step is to determine if it is a problem with one fixture or multiple outlets.

The problem may be limited to the shower or tap and be related to the individual fixture, fitting or area of pipework.

If several hot water taps have been adversely affected and have noticed a reduction then it could be because of a larger plumbing problem or hot water equipment.

Some possible causes are:

•            Restricted pipework

•            Sediment

•            Mineral accumulation

•            Valve problems

•            Tempering valve issues

•            Plumbing restrictions

•            Component faults

These, however, are potential causes and not necessarily diagnoses.

4.   Weird sounds from the hot water system.

Homeowners should keep an eye out for a hot water system making operational sounds, but if a system starts making a new sound or an existing sound persists or it is louder than normal, there is a problem.

Examples of sounds you may hear are:

•            Banging

•            Rumbling

•            Popping

•            Hissing

•            Clicking

•            Whistling

A specific sound can have different meanings based on the specific system and the time of the sound.

Sediment and mineral deposits may also cause abnormal noises when heating some storage systems. Other sounds can be related to pressure changes, expansion or the functioning of the individual components.

That is how it's better to treat unusual noises as clues, rather than a diagnosis.

5.   Damaged or faulty hot water tank elements.

Other helpful indicators of change in the water are the physical changes in its appearance or smell.

If you see that your hot water is brown, yellowish or rusty in color, it may be due to a number of problems such as corrosion, sediment, hot water system or plumbing problems.

The first question to ask is if the issue impacts hot water only or hot and cold water.

If the hot water is discolored, but the cold water is clear, the hot water system or hot water pipes may require investigation.

If both hot and cold water are impacted, it is likely the problem does not lie in the hot water system itself.

What about unusual odors?

A strange smell should also be looked into instead of pointing to one particular fault.

Take note of:

•                    Can the smell happen when the hot water is turned on?

•                    Did it impact all hot water fittings or just some?

•                    The frequency of the occurrence

•                    If the water is clear or muddy.

To see if other hot water issues are present

If discoloration or strange odors persist, talk to a licensed professional, particularly if they are accompanied by leaks, temperature fluctuations or peculiar noises from the equipment.

So, what can you do safely before you call a plumber?

Don't attempt the diagnosis of your hot water system yourself to ensure that you can give a useful input to the professional.

Record observations before making a service call.

Check multiple outlets

Check hot water in kitchen, bathroom, laundry (if possible).

This will help determine if the problem is isolated or if it is a property wide problem.

Check for leaks (look for wet areas)

Examine the vicinity of the hot water system to see if there is standing water or dampness without removing any components.

Record fault information

Record error codes that are presented on the system or consult the manufacturer's user manual.

Also record:

•            Brand

•            Model

•            System type

•            Approximate age

Explain the occurrence of the problem:

Indicate if the problem is:

•            Constant

•            Intermittent

•            Worse at certain times

•            Associated with heating

•            With unusual noises

These observations can help the plumber get a better idea of how to proceed with the investigation.

So, when is a hot water issue an urgent matter?

Not all hot water problems are emergencies but in certain cases, a quick response by a professional is necessary.

These can include:

Any significant or worsening leaks that occur quickly

•                    Gas smells

•                    Smoke

•                    Electrical burning smells

•                    Visible electrical damage

•                    If water is too hot or hotter than usual

•                    Repeated system shutdowns

•                    The tank is so badly damaged it is out of use.

•                    The hot water is completely lost and other symptoms are present

In case of a suspected leak, follow the emergency instructions and refrain from avoiding ignition sources.

Likewise, homeowners should never attempt to repair electrical components, gas burners or safety devices.

Troubleshooting should be a problem-solving process to determine the symptoms and give helpful information, rather than to encourage unsafe repair work.

When considering replacing or repairing a hot water system, what should you do?

Just because you find a problem, doesn't mean you have to get rid of your system.

Repair might be considered if:

•                    There are no other issues with the system.

•                    The fault is isolated.

•                    There is an appropriate replacement part available.

•                    The repair is feasible.

•                    Cost is reasonable for replacement.

Consider replacement when:

•                    Large scale corrosion in the storage tank.

•                    Repeated faults have been developed in the system.

•                    Repair needs are becoming more common.

•                    Replacement parts are not readily available.

•                    The system is no longer adequate for the needs of the home.

•                    The condition overall has deteriorated to such an extent.

•                    Age may be a factor but not the only one.

A professional evaluation should take into account the condition of the system, the type of problem, the type of repair, and the hot water usage of the home or apartment, along with the feasibility of continuing to use the existing system.

This is more useful than a "blanket" provision like replacing every system after a certain number of years.

Reducing the problems of hot water in Geelong homes

Preventative attention does not ensure that nothing will ever go wrong, but it can help homeowners to become aware of changes in time.

Pay attention to:

•                    Worsening hot water efficiency

•                    Temperature fluctuations

•                    Reduced pressure

•                    Unusual sounds

•                    Small leaks

•                    Discolored water

•                    Unusual smells

•                    Repeated fault indicators

Having your documentation and service history for your system is very helpful too.

Information about the type of system in your home (gas, electric, solar, heat-pump, storage or continuous-flow) will also come in handy in explaining issues to the plumber.

Most importantly, don't wait until the system completely fails if you have already noticed persistent warning signs.

The following is a checklist of problems with the hot water system.

When calling a hot water plumber Geelong, it is important to note the following:

•                    What is going on?

•                    When did there begin to be any problems?

•                    Is hot water completely unavailable?

•                    Is the problem the result of an issue with one tap or multiple outlets?

•                    Is there any impact on water pressure?

•                    Do you see any leaks?

•                    Are there unusual noises?

•                    Has the water turned color?

•                    Is there an unusual smell?

•                    Is there an error code in the system?

•                    What is the type of system?

•                    What is the approximate age of the unit?

•                    Has it recently been serviced or repaired?

Giving this information at the outset can help to make the first assessment more productive.

Frequently Asked Questions

•                    What's causing my hot water heater not to heat properly?

It may be caused by a few things, depending on the system and components. The symptoms can be caused by a variety of electrical, heating, gas or control problems and a professional assessment will be required to determine the actual problem.

•                    Why does my hot water go cold so easily or after so short a period of time?

This could result from system capacity, household demand or a heating/temperature-control issue. Before a particular cause is confirmed there must be an assessment of the system.

•                    What causes hot water systems to leak?

Leaks may be from fittings, valves, connections, pipework or storage tank. Depending on the extent of the leak, the leak may be repairable or a more extensive job.

•                    How does the hot water pressure loss happen?

Restriction, sediment, valves, pipework or components in the hot water system. If it's a widely occurring problem, comparing a few outlets can help determine if it is a local problem.

•                    What is causing my hot water to turn brown?

Brown or rusty water may be due to corrosion or sediment. If the issue continues, especially if it's only hot water, then it's worth calling a professional in to assess the situation.

•                    Do I need to repair or replace my hot water system?

The right one to choose is based on the condition of the system, fault, repair needs, age, parts availability and the needs of the household. For example, you can make some comparisons by having a professional evaluate the situation.

•                    When to call a plumber?

When a problem continues, the cause isn't clear, the system is leaking, hot water isn't available or other signs of concern, call a professional. Appropriately licensed professionals should perform gas and electrical work.

Conclusion

If there is even some hot water in the system, it's easy to brush those hot water issues off. But the temperature change, pressure, sound, change of water appearance and change of system behavior can be helpful early warning signs.

None of the five problems we're going to cover here tend to point to a specific problem. Hot water systems vary greatly, and determining the cause of a problem requires knowing the type of equipment and conditions.

The best solution is to watch what is happening, jot down helpful details and refrain from unsafe DIY fixes. Any problem relating to gas, electricity, large leaks or parts that are not familiar should be evaluated by a licensed professional who is qualified to perform the task.

If there are continued warning signs, then taking action can help the homeowner and preserve the time and hassle of an inevitable system failure and help determine if system repair, maintenance, or replacement should be considered.