In Australian homes where the bathroom uses more than half of the hot water, the laundry uses a third, and the kitchen uses the remainder. Thus, faulty water heating systems are undeniable. It may be a complete disaster if your hot water system fails. Not only are cold showers inconvenient, but the expense of repairs, depending on what's wrong, might be prohibitive. However, there are things you can do to carry out the proper functioning of your present hot water system and decrease your chances of having costly repairs.

Plumber SouthBank is here to provide you with a few tips for the maintenance of your water heater system. If you're willing to avoid costly hot water repairs, then follow these tips. 

1. Shorter usage time

Every one of us prefers to take a hot, lengthy shower. We all do, don't we? But the point is that most of our homes have their hot water system cranked up too high, due to poor maintenance. This not only costs more to run but also puts additional stress on the tank, reducing its lifespan. 

It also causes the thermocouple to burn out faster, reducing the burners' life span. As a result, do yourself and your system a favor and turn it down.

2. Release the PTR

What exactly is the PTR, you might wonder? It's a Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve. When your system is heating, it's the PTR valve on the right-hand side that functions as a safety release valve. Releasing this every six months allows the valve to fully open, ensuring that it will function when you need it. 

3. Avoid covering your system

Covering your unit can limit air passage into and out of the system, affecting combustion and, in extreme circumstances, preventing the system from operating at all. Thus, avoid using homemade coverings for your water heater system's better performance. 

4. Keep your garden grass short 

This may sound simple, but once the grass starts growing inside your heater system, it may affect the performance. Keeping the access panel turned on and the grass away from your system guarantees that it functions properly. 

5. Restrict pets to dig beneath your system

Dogs like to dig under the system. Some dogs, on the other hand, may consider your foundations beneath your hot water as the ideal spot to practice their digging abilities. Unfortunately, if the foundations are shifted and the system begins to lean, you'll need to contact your emergency plumber in Melbourne right away since the system will ultimately shut down and you'll have to start over. So, instead of digging up your hot water system, make sure your dogs dig up the roses.

6. Regular inspection for cracks or wear

Choose a date in the month and inspect your hot water system from top to bottom once a month. Firstly, examine the area for cracks, wear or water leaks, and call your plumber for inspection preventing you from wasting water and allowing you to address minor issues before they become more serious. 

7. Caution while gardening around your system

Gardening should be avoided if your system is situated in a grassy area close to your home. A whipper snipper, for example, might do serious damage to the pipes that power your system, and severe bumps from the mower could cause fractures or dents. Simply be cautious when working in proximity.

8. Get expert services once a year

The most prevalent reason for hot water system failure is a lack of regular maintenance. Don't wait until there's a problem, which may be quite expensive, to get your system serviced once a year with your emergency plumber in Melbourne. 

Our expert at Velaqua Plumbing will be able to identify any potential faults before they become major ones and will ensure that your system is operating at peak efficiency. It's also a good idea to replace the sacrificial anode every five years because it might corrode and cause problems with your hot water cylinder. 

Velaqua Plumbing will be delighted to take care of these routine maintenance activities for you so that your hot water system is always ready when you need it. To discover more about our plumbing services and how we can assist you with your home or business, contact us now at 0402 417 328.  We have the knowledge and experience to keep everything running well for many years. As usual, contact us if you have any questions regarding your hot water system or are unsure about performing some of these maintenance activities yourself. We were delighted to help you at any time.