Hot water system maintenance.
Your water heater works hard behind the scenes, quietly delivering reliable hot water every day. Until something goes wrong! With just a bit of regular maintenance and attention every few months, you can keep it running efficiently and avoid unexpected (and often costly) breakdowns.
Why regular water heater maintenance matters.
- Catch small issues early – Don’t let minor problems turn into costly breakdowns.
- Extend the life of your water heater – Regular maintenance protects your investment.
- Improve water heater efficiency – A well-maintained water heater uses less energy and lowers your power bills.
- Stay safe – Faulty components can be dangerous if left unchecked.
Simple DIY water heater maintenance checks.
To keep your water heater running efficiently and prevent catastrophic breakdown, we recommend a professional service every 5 years. Between visits, we’ve put together a list of some easy check you can do yourself.
Electric Hot Water Systems
- Flush the tank yearly to remove sediment.
- Check the anode rod every 3–5 years.
- Keep the thermostat set at 60°C to kill bacteria.
- Check pipework for leaks
- Check valves are working correctly
- Check electrical components
- Check electrical meter board
- Book a full service every 5 years.
Gas Storage & Instantaneous Systems
- Check the pilot light and pressure relief valve.
- Listen for strange noises or uneven heating.
- Inspect the venting system—proper airflow is critical for safety.
- Check pipework for water or gas leaks.
- Check valves are working correctly.
- Check gas meter.
Solar Hot Water Systems
- Keep solar panels clean and free from shade. Solar panel cleaning »
- Look for leaks or corrosion in the tank and pipework.
- Watch for inconsistent hot water, especially after cloudy days.
- Check valves are working correctly.
- Check pump and sensors are working correctly.
- Check electrical components.
- Check electrical meter board.
Heat Pump Systems
- Clear away any debris around the fan and air intake.
- Have refrigerant pressure checked annually.
- Listen for unusual sounds that may signal compressor problems.
- Check pipework for leaks.
- Check valves are working correctly.
- Check electrical components.
- Check electrical meter board.
General Maintenance Tips – Five minute water heater checks.
Every few months, quickly check:
- For leaks or rust around the tank or pipes.
- Look for ants around the bottom of your heater in cooler months.
- If the water looks, smells, or sounds unusual.
- Water temperature at the tap is lower than normal.
- Water flow at taps is lower than normal.
- That solar panels or heat pumps aren’t blocked or dirty.
The importance of water heater service every 5 years.
Getting your hot water system serviced by Cheapa Hot Water every 5 years will ensure it is in good working order and running efficiently. We can replace parts that may be showing signs of imminent failure, preventing unexpected and catastrophic breakdown, whilst increasing the life expectancy of the appliance.
It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and trouble-free hot water.
To ensure you don’t void your warranty, any repair or service of your hot water heater should be undertaken by an experienced and licensed hot water plumbing technician.
The water heater service process:
- Flushes sediment and checks components
- Replaces the anode rod
- Inspects for wear and tear
- Diagnoses temperature or pressure issues
- Prolongs the life of your hot water heater
Servicing your hot water system typically takes between 30 – 45 minutes and can save you hundreds in repairs or, worse, complete breakdown!
IMPORTANT: To maintain your warranty, water heater services and repairs must be done by licensed professionals (like our team at Cheapa Hot Water).
Book a hot water service
If you’re not comfortable or able to complete the recommended water heater maintenance checks yourself, contact our friendly team for assistance. We can drop in and give your water heater a quick inspection, giving you peace of mind that things are working correctly.