All any homeowner wants is hot running water to flow freely when they turn the tap. That’s about as much as anyone thinks about their hot water heater until it runs into trouble. However, you do need a basic understanding of what a hot water heater is and what it’s used for.

What Is A Hot Water Heater, And What Do You Use It For?
What is a hot water heater? It’s the unit that provides hot water to your home, whether it’s to clean your dishes, wash your hands, or fill your bath. Producing hot water for your home is the hot water heaters sole purpose. Unlike a boiler, which heats your water and heats your home. If you have a hot water heater, you will have another method of heating your home.
Hot water heaters are available in gas, electric, and solar options. You can also choose from a tank-type, tankless, or hybrid. The tankless option provides water on demand, which means it heats your water as you need it. This is in comparison to the tank option, which stores hot water. An Inner City plumbing provider can provide you with more information.
Signs You May Need A New Hot Water Heater
Your hot water heater will operate as needed the majority of the time. But, you need to know what signs to look out for if yours is acting up.
- Age
The first sign is age. If your hot water heater is reaching the ten-year mark, there’s a good chance it’s on its last legs. You can check the age of your heater by taking the serial number to the manufacturer’s website.
- Strange Noises
As water heaters age, they start to get noisier. This is due to sediment build-up, which naturally occurs over time. The sediment hardens when water heats, and this causes rumbling and banging noises.
- Rusty Tap Water
If your water is rusty or discoloured, it could be a sign of corrosion inside your hot water tank. If this occurs in a new system, call a 24-hour plumber in the Sutherland Shire. If it’s later in the system’s life, then a new installation would be more cost-effective. A trustworthy Manly plumbing service can walk you through your options.
- Less Hot Water
If your system isn’t producing as much hot water as it used to or as much as you need, it’s a clear indication that your system is on the outs. Running hot water is a basic necessity, and you may benefit from a tankless replacement. If you’re interested in an upgrade, speak with affordable plumbing in Sydney.
- Puddling
When a leak is serious enough that it puddles beneath the unit, you are approaching an emergency. Reach out to an emergency plumber in the Sydney Eastern Suburbs immediately.
What To Look For In A New Hot Water Heater
Before you select a new hot water heater, consult with high-quality plumbing services in the Eastern Suburbs. There are three factors to consider, which will allow you to make an informed decision.
- Budget
For most people, their budget is the ultimate deciding factor. However, it’s important to note that opting for the cheapest option will likely come back to bite you later. They aren’t built to last as long, and you will need to spend more on maintenance and replace them sooner. So, if you’re on a tight budget, try to stretch it to a mid-range model.
If you do reach out to a hot water repair plumber in Cronulla, they will consider your budget before offering advice.
- Demand
There are several factors to consider when thinking about your hot water demand.
◦ The size of your home.
◦ How many people live in your home?
◦ How often do you currently run out of water?
Someone with a family of eight with four bathrooms has a bigger demand than a childless couple with two bathrooms. If you need to run the dishwasher while multiple people shower and others get ready, you have demand.
- Consumption
Consumption is something else dictated by the size of your home. However, more to the point, it’s the number of hot water appliances and fixtures your home has. How many bathrooms are there? Do you have a dishwasher, three showers, a bathtub, several sinks, and a washing machine? You will need a larger model. With one bathroom and a single appliance, a smaller model would suffice.
How Service Fox Can Help
The best way to choose the perfect model is to call in the experts. Service Fox services a wide range of areas and can offer you advice. If you need an emergency plumber in the Eastern Suburbs for blocked drains or hot water heater advice from a plumber in the Sutherland Shire, call Service Fox for assistance. A reliable plumber in Sydney’s Inner West can install your hot water heater. A licensed plumber is legally required to carry out this job, and it will protect your warranty and insurance policy.