How to Make Your Hot Water Tank Last Longer? Tips for Hot Water Service Maintenance

Day by day, we take hot showers and wash the dishes without a second thought to how everything’s functioning in the background. Although a hot water system is one of the fixtures in your home that you tend to forget, this certainly isn’t the case when there’s a problem. 

This brings us to today’s question; is there a way to make your hot water tank last longer? Although most heaters have an average shelf life, there are many measures you can take to preserve its condition, prevent costly repairs, and most importantly, get the most out of your system. 

Let’s get started.

Understanding the Lifespan of a Hot Water System

The lifespan of a hot water system depends on its type, quality, and how well it is maintained. Here’s a general guide:

1. Mild-steel & enamel-lined tanks: 5-10 years
2. Copper tanks: 7-10 years
3. Stainless steel tanks: 10+ years
4. Heat pumps: 10-15 years
5. Gas and electric continuous flow systems: 15-20 years

While these are general estimates, regular maintenance from a licensed hot water plumber can make a significant difference. With proper servicing, you’ll prevent ongoing issues, premature failure, and maintain coverage for any warranty programs. 

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Hot Water System

So, what steps can you take to extend the overall lifespan of your hot water system? Whether it’s gas, electric, heat pump or instantaneous, we recommend the following:

1. Schedule a Regular Service

Although there are certain telltale signs that you need to replace your water heater, some underlying issues can be much harder to pinpoint. Fortunately, an experienced plumber can perform a range of checks and balances during a routine hot water service.

A professional plumber will typically inspect everything from the pressure relief valve to the anode rod and the heating elements, performing a range of checks to verify that everything is in good working order.

Recommended Servicing Schedule:

1. Annual Check-Up: Even if there are no noticeable issues, a yearly inspection can help identify minor wear and tear before they lead to costly repairs.
2. Comprehensive Service Every 3-5 Years: This includes flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod (for storage tanks), and testing all components.
3. More Frequent Servicing for Hard Water Areas: If you live in an area with hard water, mineral build-up can shorten the lifespan of your unit. In these cases, servicing every 1-2 years is recommended.
   

2. Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod is a crucial component for storage water heaters, as it protects the tank from corrosion. Over time, it tends to deteriorate, and once it’s completely worn down, rust will begin to attack the tank itself.

How often should you replace the anode rod?

1. It’s best to check it every 3-5 years and replace it if more than 50% has corroded.
2. If you have hard water it may deteriorate faster, so more frequent checks are recommended.

3. Flush the Tank Annually

Sediment and mineral deposits both build up at the bottom of your tank over time. This not only affects efficiency, but also has the potential to cause damage. If you’re feeling competent and confident enough, flushing the tank once a year helps to remove these deposits and maintain optimal performance.

Here’s How to Flush a Hot Water Tank:

1. Turn off the power (for electric units) or gas supply (for gas units).
2. Connect a hose to the drain valve and place the other end in a safe drainage area.
3. Open the drain valve and let the water run until clear.
4. Close the valve, remove the hose, and refill the tank before turning the system back on.

If you’re unsure how to do this, a professional plumber can handle it during your annual service.

4. Maintain the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve prevents your hot water tank from over-pressurising and potentially exploding. If this valve isn’t functioning correctly, it could lead to a dangerous build-up of pressure.

Here’s How to Test the Pressure Relief Valve:

1. Lift the lever on the valve and let a small amount of water discharge.
2. If water doesn’t flow out or keeps running after you release the lever, it’s time to replace the valve.

5. Insulate Your Hot Water Tank and Pipes

Insulation serves a range of purposes, such as reducing heat loss, improving efficiency, and lowering energy costs. You can use a specialised hot water tank blanket and foam pipe insulation to keep the heat where it belongs.

Benefits of Insulation:

1. Reduces energy consumption by minimising standby heat loss.
2. Helps maintain water temperature in colder months.
3. Extends the lifespan of your system by reducing strain on the heating elements.

6. Set the Right Temperature

Setting your hot water temperature too high can put unnecessary strain on your system and increase energy bills. The recommended setting for most households is between 60-65°C.

Why is this the ideal temperature? This setting is recommended because it:

1. Reduces energy consumption.
2. Prevents overheating, which can damage internal components.
3. Keeps the water hot enough to prevent bacterial growth (such as Legionella).

7. Address Leaks and Rust Immediately

If you notice rust-coloured water, pooling around the base of your tank, or visible corrosion on the exterior, it’s time to act fast. Why? Rust often means the tank is deteriorating, and leaks can quickly escalate into major water damage.

Here’s what to do if you notice leaks or rust:

1. Call your local PlumbCall team immediately to organise an inspection.
2. If the tank is rusted internally, replacement is usually the only option.
3. If the rust is limited to external components, a plumber may be able to repair it.

8. Upgrade to a More Efficient System

Hot water heater technology has come a long way in recent years. In a recent blog, we provided some tips for choosing the best hot water system, outlining the differences between electric, gas, solar, and heat pump powered units.

Newer hot water systems are, on average, are likely to be more efficient, durable, reliable, and cost-effective than your current setup (see the graph below). Another benefit that comes with upgrading is you may have access to government rebates and incentives. 

What Happens During a Professional Hot Water Service?

Although we touched on the basics of hot water servicing earlier, you may still have questions about what this process looks like, so let’s cover it in a little more detail.

After a time has been arranged, a qualified plumber will arrive at your property equipped to perform a thorough check-up. In most cases, this includes the following tasks:

1. Flushing the tank to remove sediment.
2. Inspecting and replacing the anode rod (if needed).
3. Checking for leaks, rust, and corrosion.
4. Testing the pressure relief valve and replacing if necessary.
5. Calibrating the thermostat and heating elements.
6. Checking gas connections and burner efficiency (for gas systems).
7. Inspecting solar panels and refrigerant levels (for solar and heat pump systems).

The exact service will depend on the type of unit you have, its age, and its current condition. Of course, if you own a gas-based system, the plumber conducting the service must have the correct level of training and certification. 

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Upgrade?

Even with the best maintenance, all hot water systems eventually reach the end of their lifespan. If your system is over 10 years old, struggling to provide consistent hot water, or frequently breaking down, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Modern water heaters are far more energy-efficient, helping you save money on your energy bills while providing better performance. Whether you opt for a new gas, electric, heat pump, or solar system, a licensed plumber can help you choose the right option for your home.

Book Your Next Hot Water Service with PlumbCall

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your hot water system running efficiently for years to come. If it’s been a while since your last service, now is the perfect time to schedule an inspection.

With mobile plumbers available across the country, PlumbCall is here to provide expert hot water servicing, repairs, and installations. We take great pride in our ability to deliver a professional and reliable service—backed by our promise: “25% off the bill if we don’t arrive when we say we will!”

Need hot water servicing in Bendigo, Bundaberg, or anywhere else in Australia? Book online today and get a detailed quote within 48 hours!