TDLR: Keeping your hot water system in good shape is simple: do small checks at home, and book a plumber for the big jobs. Annual servicing saves money, prevents leaks, and ensures safe, reliable hot water for the whole family.

Why Hot Water Maintenance Is Essential

Imagine waking up for your morning shower, only to be hit with freezing water. Or worse, a flooded laundry because of a leaking tank. These are the moments most people first realise how important hot water system maintenance really is.

The truth is, your hot water unit works hard every day, heating, storing and delivering water through your home. Without a little attention, things like sediment buildup, tank corrosion, or a faulty relief valve can creep in, reducing your system’s efficiency and leaving you with rising utility bills or an unexpected breakdown.

That’s why plumbers recommend a simple hot water heater maintenance schedule. Just like servicing your car, a little care now means fewer headaches (and expenses) later.

Who Can Look After Hot Water Maintenance?

When it comes to your hot water system, you’ll always be the first to notice when something isn’t quite right. A quick check here and there, like listening for strange noises or spotting a small drip, can go a long way in catching problems early.

But for the bigger jobs, like servicing gas hot water systems or testing the heating functions in electric hot water systems, it’s always best to call in a licensed professional plumber. Attempting these yourself can be unsafe and may even void your warranty.

EEAT Expert Quote: “Routine maintenance of a hot water system not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures your family’s safety. Ignoring issues like mineral buildup or faulty heating elements can increase the risk of breakdown.” – Refined Plumbing, Sunshine Coast

Booking a professional service means your system stays safe, compliant with Australian standards and functioning properly. It also means peace of mind for you, knowing your family’s hot water is in good hands.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

If you spot any of these red flags, it’s time to call a plumber sooner rather than later:

Rusty or discoloured hot water (a sign of tank corrosion)
Rumbling or banging noises from the hot water tank (often mineral buildup)
Fluctuating water temperature
Rising energy consumption or utility bills
Water leaks or damp patches near your system
Reduced pressure from your hot water pipes

These warning signs often mean your current system is struggling, or in some cases, that it’s time for a new hot water system.

With that in mind, let’s look at some practical maintenance tips you can follow to keep your hot water running smoothly year-round.

9 Practical Hot Water Maintenance Tips

Looking after your hot water system doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are nine practical steps you can take, some simple enough to do at home, and others that are best left to the experts.

DIY Maintenance You Can Do at Home

Test the pressure relief valve
Your relief valve (also called the temperature pressure relief valve) stops dangerous pressure build-up in your storage hot water system. Place a bucket beneath the pipe, lift the lever up and down a few times and check for a short burst of water. If nothing comes out, or if it drips constantly, call a plumber.
Flush the hot water tank
Over time, sediment buildup and minerals gather at the bottom of your water heater tank, reducing efficiency and causing strange noises when heating water. Open the drain valve every 6–12 months and flush a few litres until the water runs clear.
Check the anode rod
This little rod is an essential piece that protects your hot water tank from rust by attracting corrosive elements. Inspect the anode rod every 2–3 years. If you notice it is looking worse for wear, then it’s time to replace it.
Watch for leaks and rust
Do quick monthly checks around your water system. Look for damp patches, small water leaks, or rust marks on pipes and fittings. Catching these early can prevent bigger issues.
Insulate tank and pipes
Consider wrapping your hot water pipes to reduce heat loss, boost energy efficiency and keep water hotter for longer. It’s a simple way to save on energy costs.
Set a safe water temperature
Your hot water unit should store water at 60°C or above to prevent bacterial growth. Ask your plumber about tempering valves that deliver safe water at 45–50°C at the outlet. This improves safety and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

Jobs for a Professional Plumber

Service electric hot water systems
Only a licensed professional should check electrical connections, the power supply, and heating elements in electric hot water systems.
Service gas hot water systems
For gas hot water systems, annual servicing ensures the gas heater and burners are clean and safe. Poorly maintained gas hot water systems can waste fuel and put your household at risk.
Inspect complex systems
Heat pump systems, heat pump water heaters and solar systems need professional inspections to make sure everything is functioning properly.

How Often Should Hot Water Systems Be Serviced?

A common question we hear from homeowners is: “How often should I get my hot water looked at?” The answer depends on the type of system you have.

Here’s a quick guide:

Storage hot water system – A check-up every 12 months, with a major service every 5 years, helps prevent tank corrosion.
Gas hot water systems – These should have professional inspections at least once a year to make sure the burner and safety valves are working correctly.
Electric hot water systems – Yearly checks on the heating and electrical connections help avoid nasty surprises.
Heat pump systems – Like air conditioners, these benefit from regular maintenance to keep airflow clear.
Solar panels linked to hot water systems – These should be checked regularly to maximise your energy savings.

Skipping services might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to rising energy costs and even the need for a new hot water system much earlier than expected.

Think of it like this: small, routine maintenance costs now will always be cheaper (and less stressful!) than an emergency breakdown down the track. With routine maintenance and regular inspections, you’ll benefit from:

Longer unit lifespan
Better system’s efficiency
Reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills
Improved safety with properly working relief valves
Continuous, reliable hot water supply

Hot Water Maintenance and Sunshine Coast Living

For Sunshine Coast families, having a reliable hot water unit means peace of mind. Whether you’ve just moved into a home and inherited a current system, or you’re looking at installing a new hot water system, proper maintenance ensures your family enjoys comfort without surprise breakdowns.

Refined Plumbing offers professional inspections, hot water maintenance and full replacements for storage hot water systems, electric hot water and eco-friendly heat pumps.

Get in touch today

If you’d rather not worry about flushing tanks, checking anode rods, or testing relief valves, leave it to the experts. At Refined Plumbing, we take the stress out of hot water system maintenance with friendly, reliable service across the Sunshine Coast.

Whether it’s a quick routine maintenance check, a repair to keep your current system going, or advice on installing a new hot water system, we’re here to help.

📞 Call Refined Plumbing today to book your professional service and keep your hot water system running at its best.