How often you should service your hot water systems? The answer is it depends on the system type whether you have a gas storage and electric storage systems should have a full service, including anode rod inspection and replacement if needed every 5 years as a minimum, with an annual visual safety check recommended.
Gas continuous flow systems should be serviced every 2 years. Heat pump systems should be serviced every 2 to 3 years. Solar systems need an annual visual check and a full service every 3 to 5 years. The specific components checked, replaced, and tested at each service vary by system.
Most Melbourne homeowners have never had their hot water system serviced at all. Let’s breakdown why it is important to have your hot water system checked.
Recommended service interval: Full service every 5 years. Annual visual check recommended.
Gas storage systems have the longest list of service components because they involve both a gas supply system (burner, gas valve, pilot light or electronic ignition) and a storage tank system (anode, TPR valve, tank body, connections).
Annual visual check (between 5-year services): Check the base and surrounding area for moisture. Check the TPR valve discharge pipe for dripping (intermittent discharge is normal; continuous dripping is not). Listen for unusual sounds during heating cycles. Call My Plumbing Services if anything has changed.
Recommended service interval: Full service every 5 years. Annual visual check recommended.
Electric storage servicing covers the same tank-related components as gas storage: anode, TPR valve, tank body, connections, but replaces the gas-specific components with electrical components.
Off-peak system consideration: If your electric system is on an off-peak (controlled load) tariff, the service should also confirm that the off-peak timer and control wiring are functioning correctly and that the system is being given adequate heating time overnight for your household's demand.
Recommended service interval: Professional hot water service every 2 years.
Continuous flow systems don't have a storage tank or an anode, so the tank corrosion concern doesn't apply. But they have more mechanically complex components that require more frequent attention: the heat exchanger, the flow sensor, the gas burner, the fan (on balanced flue models), and the control board.
Why 2 years, not 5? Continuous flow systems work harder than storage systems. Every hot water draw cycles the burner on and off, whereas a storage system burner cycles only a few times per day. The higher operating frequency means the heat exchanger, burner, and flow sensor accumulate wear and scale faster, making a shorter service interval appropriate.
Recommended service interval: Professional hot water service every 2 to 3 years.
Heat pump systems combine a standard storage tank (with an anode) and a mechanical heat pump unit (with a compressor, refrigerant circuit, fan, and controls). Servicing covers both.
The refrigerant consideration: If a heat pump system is running but not heating water efficiently, refrigerant pressure is often the cause. Refrigerant handling in Australia requires a licensed person to hold an ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council) licence. Our plumbers work with licensed refrigerant technicians for this component where needed.
Recommended service interval: Annual visual check; full service every 3 to 5 years.
Solar systems have the most components spread across the most locations, roof-mounted collectors, roof-mounted or ground-mounted tank, pump (on split systems), controller, and booster (gas or electric). Each needs attention at different intervals.
Annual visual check (owner-conducted, from the ground):
Don't wait for something to go wrong. A scheduled service is always cheaper than an emergency repair.
Call My Plumbing Services at 03 9071 4424. Or book a plumber in Melbourne online.
