Hot water systems are one of the essential things we use daily. However, we usually don’t think about these systems much until they malfunction or need replacement.
Hot water systems are not cheap either, and it may be costly to get them repaired or replaced. It is best to care for your water heater to prolong its lifespan.
In this article, we will run you through the factors that can affect the lifespan of your water heater and how you can maintain it to last longer. Here are some factors you must consider:
1 – Quality Brands and Installation
When you buy a water heater, it is always best to buy from a reputable brand. This is because you can expect only a certain amount of years from a cheap product of poor quality.
The quality of the installation also plays a vital role in the lifespan of a hot water system.
Choose a reputable water heater installation company that has been in the industry for years. They will have technicians with the right tools to install your water heater properly.
2 – Materials Resistant to Corrosion
If your water heater is made of materials prone to corrosion, it will likely not last for long. The primary materials used to manufacture water heaters are steel, glass, and enamel. As long as you buy a product made of premium quality materials such as stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion, you can expect it to last for a long time.
3 – The Type of Hot Water System
Different types of hot water systems have different life spans. A solar hot water heater may not have the same lifespan as a gas or electric water heater.
An electric system lasts a little longer than gas, and an instantaneous system can keep churning for longer than a system that stores water.
4 – How Often You Use the System
How often you use your system will also affect how long it will last. A hot water system used by a family of ten daily will wear down faster than a system hardly used by a couple who loves to travel.
You will want to get a system that can handle the frequency of usage depending on your family’s needs.
5 – The Quality of Your Water
Water is not purely H2O, and it will likely carry other minerals from all parts of the water system. Your water quality may vary depending on where you are from.
Some cities have water with higher levels of calcium, magnesium, and other contaminants. Water with higher amounts of minerals, rust, and other impurities will shorten the lifespan of your system.
Prolonging Your Water System’s Lifespan
Your system can last up to 7 to 15 years, depending on your maintenance and the factors mentioned above. Here are a few tips to prolong the lifespan of your water system.
- Set a Maintenance Schedule: You can set a regular plumbing inspection and maintenance schedule to keep your water heater running at its best.
- Regularly Check Your Valves: Pressure valves keep your water pressure under control and prevent bursting. Regularly check for faults in your valves.
- Check Your Water’s Temperature: If your water temperature gets too high, it will increase the pressure on your system and cause problems.
- Give It an Annual Flush: If you have a tank in your water heater, it is best to flush it annually to minimise mineral deposits, corrosion, and leaks.
Conclusion
When it comes to hot water systems, you should be aware that they are complex machines that must be maintained regularly.
By following the above tips, you will prolong the lifespan of your system and be able to use it for up to 7 to 15 years.
Are you looking for a plumber on the Sunshine Coast? Sunny Coast Plumbing and Gas has plumbers that specialise in hot water system installation, maintenance, and repair. Get a free quotation today!
