6 Signs Your Hot Water System is Failing

The average hot water system typically lasts between 8-12 years, though its life expectancy varies based on factors such as water quality and environmental exposure. In over 25 years of experience with hot water systems, we have encountered systems that have surpassed 20 years of service. Recognising the signs of a failing hot water system is crucial, as no one wishes to be without hot water or to risk harm to their home and family. So let’s take a look at some common hot water system problems that you might encounter as your hot water unit nears the end of its natural lifespan.

1. Your Water is Rust-Coloured

Water from your hot water system should be crystal clear. If at any time your water is coming out cloudy, murky or even looks a rusty colour, then this is a sign your water heater is dying.

Metal rusts when it gets wet, and your hot water tank is made of metal. Inside hot water storage tanks are sacrificial anodes which are made of a certain type of metal. These anodes are designed to preferentially rust over your storage tank, in effect preserving its structural integrity.

To prevent your tank from rusting you need to replace these anodes roughly every 5 years. Failing to do so may lead to rust forming in your tank, which can then contaminate your water. Although rusty water does not pose a health risk, it’s probably the last thing you want to be drinking or showering in!

Leave it too long, and your tank could split and leak water everywhere! If you notice rusty-looking water, then you might be looking at a water heater failure in the near future if you don’t address it promptly.

2. Inconsistent Water Temperature

If your hot water system is not heating water consistently like it once was, this is another sign your hot water system is failing. Alternatively, if you find yourself having to change the thermostat frequently, then this could be another sign of failure.

Inconsistent water temperatures could be due to a faulty thermostat, heating element or a number of other components. Leave these faults too long, and it might not be cost-effective to repair them anymore. You might find yourself actually needing a new water heater!

3. Your Hot Water System Makes Unusual Noises

While hot water heaters aren’t exactly silent, they certainly shouldn’t be making any banging or rattling noises. Noises like this could be due to anything from a build-up in the storage tank to a faulty heating element.

For the most part, you can avoid these problems by scheduling regular hot water system services. A licensed hot water heater technician can identify faults before they become a major problem and affect other components such as heating elements and sacrificial anodes. Once again, if you leave them too long, these faults can build up and become severe enough that you need a complete hot water heater replacement.

4. Water is Leaking From Your Hot Water Heater

If you notice water leaking from your hot water system, this is more than just a sign that your hot water system is failing. It has likely already failed! Small leaks can be a sign of early water heater failure. However, if you have it serviced promptly, you can often repair these problems without any major issues. Depending on where the water leak is pooling, it could also cause water damage to your home! If your pressure relief valve is leaking, however, this typically indicates that it cannot handle the heat and pressure from the storage tank.

Moreover, electric hot water systems pose a greater risk of electric shock when a water leak occurs. It’s important to attend to these leaks quickly so no one is put at risk in this dangerous environment.

5. There is a Rotten Egg Smell

For gas hot water systems, the smell of rotten eggs is a major sign of hot water system failure. This is the familiar smell of a gas leak.

Gas leaks not only put your home at risk of a possible explosion, but there are also severe risks to your health as well. On top of this, your energy bills will also spike to reflect the leak!

When you smell gas coming from your hot water heater, your first priority should be to call a fully licensed gas fitter like those at Metropolitan Plumbing. A gas leak is a problem you simply cannot ignore.

6. The Pilot Light Flame is Yellow

A yellow pilot light flame on the gas burner of a gas hot water system is a sign that there is not enough oxygen for the flame to combust properly. This is potentially one of the worst signs your hot water system is failing and can have deadly results if not attended to.

When a pilot light is blue, this means it is fully combusting. A yellow flame means incomplete combustion and the potential to produce carbon monoxide. This gas is colourless and odourless and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion

In extreme cases, carbon monoxide can even cause death. For this reason, it is critical that your hot water system failure is corrected.

Call On The Experts In Hot Water System Problems

The next time you notice any of these signs of water heater failure, contact Metropolitan Plumbing for our hot water services. Our licensed plumbers and gas fitters can repair or replace a faulty hot water system. We can also upgrade you from an older electric hot water system to a newer and more energy-efficient gas or solar-powered unit. Whatever your hot water heater needs, we can help you pour cold water on any problems you might encounter.