Most people don’t think about their hot water system until something goes wrong. And when it does, it’s rarely at a convenient moment. There is nothing worse than a cold shower on a winter morning, or discovering a leak that has been quietly causing water damage behind the scenes.
The good news is that most hot water systems give you warning signs before they fail completely. Knowing what to look out for means you can deal with it on your own terms, rather than in a panic.
Know your system
Before diving into the warning signs, it helps to know what you’re working with. At Curran we install and service gas, electric, solar and heat pump hot water systems. Each one works a little differently, and some warning signs are more relevant to certain types than others.
Not sure what type you have? Have a look at the unit itself. Tank-style systems (gas or electric) will have a cylinder somewhere in your home, usually outside, in the garage or in a utility area. Solar systems will have panels on your roof plus a tank. Heat pumps look similar to a tank but have a fan unit on top. If you’re still not sure, give us a call and we can help you work it out.
Here’s what to watch out for, no matter what type of system you have at home.
You're running out of hot water faster than usual
If your system used to handle the whole family’s morning routine easily but now struggles to make it through everyone’s showers, something has changed.
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For gas and electric storage systems, this often points to a failing heating element, a problem with the thermostat, or sediment buildup in the tank reducing its effective capacity. Solar systems can also struggle if the booster (gas or electric) isn’t kicking in properly, particularly during overcast stretches. Heat pumps may take longer to recover in cooler weather, but a significant drop in performance is still worth getting checked.
The water looks rusty or discoloured
Hot water that comes out brown, orange or murky is a red flag. It typically signals that the inside of your tank is corroding, which happens as systems get older and the sacrificial anode rod that protects the tank from rust starts to break down.
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Once corrosion takes hold inside the tank, it can’t be reversed. Discoloured water is often one of the last warning signs before a leak or full failure.
You can hear strange noises coming from the unit
A healthy hot water system runs quietly. If yours has started making popping, rumbling, banging or hissing sounds, that’s a sign something isn’t right and it’s worth getting checked sooner rather than later. When left alone, this can accelerate the wear and significantly shorten the life of the system.
There's water pooling around the base of the unit
Any moisture around your hot water system deserves attention straight away. It could be a loose fitting or a minor valve issue, but it can also mean the tank itself is leaking. A cracked or corroded tank can’t be repaired, so replacement is the only option for a leaking tank. The sooner you act, the better because a failing tank can let go without much notice.
Your energy bills have gone up without explanation
A hot water system that’s working harder than it should will use more energy to do the same job. If your electricity or gas bills have crept up and your usage habits haven’t changed, it could be because your hot water system is getting older or failing. Systems that struggle with sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat or worn components will lose efficiency over time.
This applies across all system types. A gas system with a failing thermostat, an electric system struggling with sediment buildup, a heat pump working overtime, or a solar system relying too heavily on its booster can all quietly drive up your running costs over time.
The system is more than 10 years old
Most hot water systems have a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years. If yours is approaching or past that mark, even if it seems to be working fine, it’s worth getting checked. The components most likely to fail gradually, including the anode rod, the pressure relief valve and the thermostat, often give no obvious signs until something goes wrong.
Not all hot water systems are serviced the same way
Here’s what to know before you call someone out:
Electric: Needs a licensed plumber for tank, element and thermostat work
Gas: Needs a licensed gas fitter for any repairs, including connections, pressure and flue checks. If you smell gas, see a yellow or orange flame, or notice soot around the burner, turn off the gas supply and call straight away
Solar: Has more components to maintain including roof panels, the tank and a booster unit. A licensed plumber can handle the tank and booster side
Heat pump: The refrigerant circuit requires a technician with an ARCTick licence. Curran holds ARCTick accreditation, so we can cover the full service
If you want to verify a tradesperson’s licence before they work on your system, you can check their NSW plumber’s licence through NSW Fair Trading.
What should you do if you notice these signs?
Don’t wait for a complete breakdown. A licensed plumber can inspect your system, test the components and give you an honest assessment of whether a repair will buy you meaningful time or whether a replacement makes more sense. In most cases, catching problems early gives you time to make a considered decision about your next system, rather than having to replace it urgently and under pressure.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, call Curran on 1300 792 082 and one of our team can take a look sooner rather than later.
