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How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?

Solar Hot Water Heater On The Roof

When you’re installing or updating your hot water system, you’ll naturally want to think about longevity. The good news is that hot water systems tend to last a long time – until they break down! Wondering how long you can expect your system to last, and how you can ensure it operates as long as possible? Read on for our helpful tips and tricks. In this article, we will discuss different types of hot water systems and their lifespan.

How long will my system last?

The lifespan of your hot water system will depend on various factors, but it generally centres on the type of system, the frequency of maintenance and the quality of your water. At Expert Plumbing and Solar Services Bathurst, we proudly install electric, water and gas hot water systems. These systems operate in two ways:

  • Continuous: These tankless systems – also known as instant hot water heaters – heat water whenever needed, and can last up to 20 years.
  • Storage: These systems heat water and store them in tanks. As tanks are prone to corrosion, leakage and faults, these systems usually come with a 5-10-year warranty. Storage systems tend to last around 10 years.

Generally, electric and solar hot water systems tend to last longer than gas. As modern water systems come without tanks, they tend to last twice as long as traditional heaters. With the right care, you could even increase the lifespan of your system by almost 10 more years.

How can I keep track of my system’s lifespan?

Checking the manufacturing date of your system will help give you an idea of its anticipated lifespan. The manufacturer’s label is usually located on the upper side of the cylinder and should include the manufacturer’s date or serial number. If you can’t find the date, search on the manufacturer’s website for the serial number. If your system is nearing 10-12 years of age or is having a lot of issues, an upgrade might be in order.

What can I do to extend the life of my system?

As we tend to use more hot water in winter, and the colder temperatures make our systems work harder, electric hot water systems are more likely to fail during the cooler months. Breakdowns can also be attributed to improper or infrequent maintenance.

Regularly maintaining your system can give it a new lease on life. With a licensed plumber, you’ll have the assurance your system is running properly, and any issues are promptly diagnosed and resolved before they become disasters. We recommend you have your system serviced twice a year.

You can also conduct your own inspections of your system. Be on the lookout for cracks, corrosion, and leakage. These issues can quickly turn into problems and regular checks can ensure you have any faults or defects resolved as soon as possible. We also recommend you arrange to have anode rods, pressure and hot water tempering valves replaced every 5 years, or as needed.

Trust the experts at Expert Plumbing and Solar Services

It doesn’t take much to extend the longevity of your hot water system. If you’ve got a plumbing emergency, if you’ve noticed issues with your hot water system, or if you think it’s time for a service, call the friendly and professional team at EPSS Bathurst today on 02 6332 4992.