Why you should deter ants from living in your water heater.
During Winter, it’s not just us who are looking for warm places to beat the cold. Ants and other insects are also seeking warmth and protection where they can – sometimes, it’s your hot water system.
Water heaters are warm and dry, providing the perfect refuge for ants and other tiny invaders.
But, water heaters are complex appliances that rely on a variety of components, working in unison, for reliable operation. The movement of ants and their waste can cause damage or dislodge these components.
Detering ants from living in your hot water system is recommended.
Signs you may have ants living in your water heater
- Ant trails: Clear lines of ants moving to and from the heater.
- Debris and dirt: Accumulation of dirt and debris around the heater area.
- Unusual noises: A faint rustling sound coming from inside the heater.
- Ant activity: Ants moving around and/or on the water heater.
Removing ants from your water heater
Before trying to remove the ants yourself, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice first. Often ant infestations are around important electrical components. Moving the ants and their nest can dislodge these components, causing costly issues. A quick call to our friendly team could prevent a more expensive issue from occuring.
Depending on the location of the ants, the size of the nest, and the extent of the infestation, you may be able to rectify the issue yourself.
When we’re called to a client’s home to remove an ant infestation and repair any associated problems, we typically follow the process below.
1. Inspection – First, we turn off the water heater to ensure the safety of our technicians. We can then open the access panel to get a better look inside. Usually, this is where the ants nest will be located and infestation is clearly evident.
2. Removing the nest – Depending upon the size of the nest, we can carefully vacuum out the ants and any associated debris. Sometimes, we will do this manually to avoid damaging any components of the heater.
3. Sealing entry points – To prevent future infestations, we may seal up gaps and entry points. It’s important that this is done by a hot water specialist to ensure this inhibit operation of the water heater or restrict the inspection of important parts.
4. Setting up deterrents – Around the base of the heater we may place ant deterrents. Natural remedies may include vinegar and essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree oil. For a more robust solution, ant baits and traps can be used however take care around pets, children and native wildlife.
5. Monitoring and maintenance – Regularly checking the water heater and surrounding area should become part of regular water heater maintenance – particularly in Winter when ants are looking for a warm refuge. Keep the area around the water heater clean and free of food crumbs and spills that could attract ants. Ants are drawn to food sources, so maintaining cleanliness is crucial. Regularly apply deterrants. Early detection is key to preventing a minor issue from becoming a major problem.
Ants in your water heater? Book a hot water heater service
To organise a service for your hot water system, including removal of ants or ant nests, contact our friendly team. We offer fast service to all Sydney suburbs. If required, once onsite, we can undertake a hot water service to inspect it is working correctly and, if required, replace any parts that are not functioning correctly. Our trucks carry thousands of replacement parts and can fix problems on the spot.
Cheapa Hot Water Sydney
Hot water is our business – it’s not a sideline. Each year we repair and install hundreds of hot water systems in homes and businesses across Sydney.
- We offer free delivery of your new hot water system and complimentary disposal and recycling of your old water heater.
- As one of Sydney’s largest hot water system suppliers, our enormous buying powers and ability to buy direct from the manufacturer means we can pass attractive savings on to our customers.
- Our fully qualified, licensed hot water heater installers have 30+ years of experience each. We are fully insured and pride ourselves on our old-fashioned customer service.
- We are accredited service agents for all the hot water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot and more.
- We are qualified to undertake all the plumbing and electrical work required to install a new hot water system. There is no need to waste time and money employing multiple trades.
- We have all the equipment needed to install your hot water system today. We don’t have to hire or wait for other trades to arrive with the required equipment.
Save time and money by employing a local hot water expert
Did you know that often the repair and installation of a hot water system requires the expertise and qualifications of both a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician?
We are qualified to undertake any plumbing and electrical work required to ensure your hot water heater is repaired quickly and within budget. Plumbers who do not specialise in the installation of hot water heaters may need to outsource the electrical work required to another tradesperson, thereby holding up your hot water system repair or installation, adding extra expense due to additional call-out fees charged by employing two tradespeople.
Your hot water heater is an expensive appliance. Don’t risk voiding your warranty.
Additionally, most manufacturers won’t cover the terms of your hot water system warranty if it isn’t installed by a licensed hot water technician or a qualified plumber. Hot water tanks are an expensive appliance so why would you risk voiding your warranty by installing it yourself or employing the services of someone who isn’t licensed?
