A significant portion of Australians have lived in their homes for more than a decade. If that’s you, you might be wondering how long your hot water system is designed to last.
Hot water systems last between 8-20 years, but many factors influence a hot water system’s lifespan. From type and usage to water quality and maintenance, this guide will show you how to maximise the life of your hot water system and help you spot a failing hot water system early.
First, let’s take a quick look at the average lifespan of different sorts of hot water systems.
Electric hot water systems generally last anywhere from 8 to 12 years. However, your climate can greatly affect this. For example, if you live in a coastal area, corrosion caused by salt air can shorten the lifespan of external components. If you live in a very cold climate, your system may wear out more quickly due to a higher workload.
Poor water quality can also cause corrosion and mineral buildup in the storage tank. This is especially problematic in Adelaide, Perth and regional NSW, which have hard water due to high mineral content.
With regular maintenance, such as flushing sediment buildup from the tank and inspecting the anode rod, gas hot water systems with storage tanks can last up to 15 years. However, if you live in a household with high hot water demands, your system is likely to wear out faster.
Warranty periods for parts are often around the 5-year mark, which can be helpful when deciding whether to repair or replace a failing hot water system. You should also keep in mind that running costs for gas have risen significantly in recent years and are likely to keep rising in the future.
The good news for homeowners with tankless hot water systems is that they typically have a longer lifespan than those that rely on storage tanks, lasting around 15-20 years before they need to be replaced.
Brands like Rinnai and Rheem have a great reputation for delivering reliable continuous flow systems. However, this type of hot water system can be prone to mineral buildup, which can damage internal components and reduce efficiency, so regular flushing is required for optimal performance.
Solar hot water systems can last from 15-20 years. Professional installation is crucial to reduce the risk of premature failure of a solar hot water system. It also ensures that the system functions as efficiently as possible. And, being that rooftop systems are so exposed to the elements, corrosion and harsh weather conditions can also affect longevity.
A typical warranty ranges from 5-10 years. Often, this covers only the collector panels and the tank. Other parts, like valves, may only have a 1-year warranty, so be on the lookout for this if you are buying a new hot water system.
Heat pumps are growing in popularity in Australia due to the energy efficiency, low carbon emissions and cost savings, but they don’t last as long as other types of systems, such as solar, with a maximum lifespan of around 15 years. However, they are ideal when used in conjunction with a PV solar system, because this can effectively deliver hot water for free.
Brand and build quality are particularly important when it comes to heat pumps, with moderate environments the ideal scenario for a longer lifespan. Professional installation is also crucial for performance and longevity.
There are several different types of warranties available for hot water systems, depending on the brand and model of your appliance. Coverage can vary significantly; some warranties cover both parts and labour for major components (like the tank) for the main warranty period, while others may only cover parts. Additionally, be aware that there may be different warranty periods for various parts of your hot water system.
Hard water, which is often found in Adelaide, Perth and parts of NSW, causes mineral buildup, or limescale, in a hot water system. This can significantly shorten lifespan and reduce efficiency.
As the system is forced to work harder, particularly if it affects the diameter of pipes, this leads to greater wear and tear. Hard water also causes corrosion, and it can see components, such as the anode rod, fail.
Professional installation is not only the foundation for optimal long-term performance of a hot water system, but it’s also necessary to validate the manufacturer’s warranty.
Professional installation ensures the system is set up safely and that all parts are working correctly. This reduces the chance of premature failure, poor system performance and even things like leaks that can cause early failure.
Regularly checking, cleaning and replacing parts before they fail can greatly extend the lifespan of your hot water system.
DIY maintenance and professional servicing ensure the system runs as efficiently as possible, reducing wear and tear, and help to keep your energy bills low.
When choosing a hot water system, it’s important to accurately assess your household demands.
When a hot water system is too small for the household, it has to cycle on and off more frequently to heat water. As it has to work harder than it’s designed to, it will wear out faster. A system that’s too large will be less efficient, waste water and use larger amounts of energy than required.
Australia is a land of climate extremes, and this can play havoc on our household appliances. This is particularly so if your hot water unit is located outside, where it’s exposed to greater temperature fluctuations and less protection from the elements.
Hot and humid weather can accelerate corrosion, as can coastal environments. In colder climates, hot water systems need to work harder to heat and store water, so it’s critical to protect the system from heat loss.
Hot water tanks are protected from corrosion using a long metal rod made of aluminium or zinc. This is called the anode rod, and it is designed to attract corrosive minerals to save the storage tank from premature corrosion.
Anode rods need to be replaced every 3-5 years because, without the protection of this sacrificial rod, the storage tank will begin to rust and potentially leak.
As you’ve read, age isn’t the only factor that can affect a hot water system’s lifespan. If you notice any of the following about your system, it might be a good idea to replace it before it fails.
The best way to make your hot water system last longer is to look after it properly! This requires a small amount of DIY maintenance as well as regular professional servicing to keep it working optimally.
Here’s your homeowners’ checklist of tasks that you can perform yourself:
Here’s what you can expect from a professional service:
When it comes to longevity, no brand is necessarily better than another. Rheem, Rinnai and Dux are all reputable brands, but the tank (or lack thereof), material, service history and water quality play the most important role in longevity.
Tankless systems tend to last up to 5 years longer because there is less risk of corrosion and sediment buildup. However, they do have a more complex heat exchange system, which can be costly to repair. To ensure your storage tank won’t let you down, a stainless steel option is often better than an enamel-lined tank that relies on an anode rod for corrosion protection, as stainless steel is generally more rust-resistant.
Heat pump lifespans can vary widely because how hard they have to work is largely determined by their site location and the environmental conditions they face. The quality of their components also plays in large part in their lifespan, so this is something to consider when choosing between different models.
When it comes to solar systems, collectors and tanks can often still be in good condition when mechanical or electrical parts such as pumps or sensors fail, so always look for long warranties on these parts.
It goes without saying that you should try to replace your hot water system before it fails, or else you risk cold showers and costly emergency repairs. Having a professional assessment can help you budget for a replacement system and give you time to discuss whether you should switch to a different type of system, such as a high-efficiency heat pump.
Seeing discoloured water, pooling water around the system or hearing unusual noises? There are signs your hot water system may need replacing. Here are some tips to help you choose a new hot water system.
A good rule of thumb is to only repair your hot water system if the repairs cost less than half of the price of a new hot water system. However, if it’s out of warranty and getting older, a replacement is usually the best option.
Not necessarily, but new systems often come with improved energy efficiency and better corrosion protection features. The biggest factors influencing the lifespan of any system remain the same: water quality, maintenance frequency, and correct usage patterns for your household size.
Hot water systems in areas with hard water generally have a shorter lifespan. Hard water causes limescale and mineral buildup, which forces the system to work harder, accelerating wear and tear. Without regular maintenance the lifespan of your storage tank system might only be 8-10 years.
Solar hot water systems are generally the longest-lasting type. Because they have fewer mechanical parts, they can last an average of 15–20 years. Continuous flow systems are also long-lasting, with a typical lifespan of 15-20 years.
Yes, performing tasks like flushing sediment out of storage tanks, replacing anode rods every 3-5 years and regularly inspecting components for damage and wear can significantly extend the lifespan of a hot water system. Professional servicing, where electrical and gas checks are performed and critical valves are cleaned, also helps.
To determine if your hot water system is under warranty, look for the manufacturing date on the appliance itself, along with the model and serial number. This will only give you a rough idea, as the warranty normally only begins from the date of installation. Contact the manufacturer directly for more information on their warranty conditions.
No, this is strongly discouraged and often illegal in Australia. Hot water systems involve complex connections, which must be installed and certified by licensed professionals.
Waiting until your old hot water system fails can lead to costly emergency repairs, so it’s best to have it replaced at the earliest signs of decline. If you don’t, you could be paying higher energy bills than necessary or be left without hot water.
The lifespan of your hot water system depends on more than just its age. It also comes down to how often it’s used, how hard it needs to work to deliver the hot water your household requires, the environmental factors it’s exposed to and how well it’s maintained.
The best way to prevent a hot water emergency is to use the anticipated lifespans as a guide only and replace your hot water system either before it fails or at the earliest signs of decline. In the meantime, look after your hot water system with regular maintenance and professional servicing. If you’re not sure how much longer your hot water system will last, a professional assessment can help.
At Same Day Hot Water Service, we make it easy to replace your old hot water system with a reliable model. Visit our website to search by hot water system type, or to get an accurate quote on models from more than 17 top brands.