Why Servicing Your Hot Water System Matters
What We Found Inside a 7-Year-Old Unit
Recently, our team carried out a routine hot water system service on a unit that was around seven years old. While on site, one of our plumbers captured a short video showing the internal build-up inside the tank.
It is the sort of footage most homeowners never see – and it explains exactly why regular servicing is so important.
The amount of sediment and internal corrosion present at only seven years of age was significant. Without intervention, this type of build-up can shorten the lifespan of the system, reduce efficiency, and in some cases contribute to avoidable safety risks.
We have embedded the video on this page so you can see firsthand what develops inside a hot water system over time.
What Actually Builds Up Inside a Hot Water System?
Most storage hot water systems, whether electric or gas, gradually accumulate:
- Mineral sediment from mains water
- Rust particles from internal corrosion
- Scale build-up on heating elements
- Deterioration of the sacrificial anode
In areas with harder water, the accumulation can be even more pronounced.
Over time, this sediment settles at the bottom of the tank. As it thickens, it forms a layer between the heating element and the water, forcing the system to work harder to produce the same amount of hot water.
That additional strain increases energy use and places more stress on components.
The Role of the Anode Rod
Inside most storage systems is a sacrificial anode rod. Its purpose is to corrode instead of the steel tank. It is a protective component designed to extend the life of the unit.
However, an anode does not last forever.
By the five to seven year mark, many anodes are heavily deteriorated. Once depleted, the tank itself begins to corrode more rapidly. This is one of the most common causes of premature tank failure.
Replacing the anode during routine servicing can add years to the life of a system.
Why We Recommend Servicing at Around Five Years
While many homeowners wait until something goes wrong, preventative servicing is far more cost-effective.
We generally recommend servicing a storage hot water system at approximately the five year mark because:
- It allows sediment to be flushed before it becomes excessive
- The anode can be inspected and replaced if required
- Heating elements and thermostats can be checked
- Pressure relief valves can be tested
- Early corrosion can be identified
By seven years, as seen in the recent service we completed, internal build-up can already be substantial.
Regular servicing helps avoid:
- Sudden tank leaks
- Reduced hot water capacity
- Higher energy bills
- Component failure
- Unexpected replacement costs
Efficiency and Running Costs
Sediment at the base of the tank acts as insulation between the heating element and the water. The element must run longer and at higher temperatures to achieve the same result.
This leads to:
- Increased electricity or gas consumption
- Slower hot water recovery
- Inconsistent water temperature
A flushed and maintained system operates more efficiently and delivers more reliable performance.
Safety Considerations
While hot water systems are generally safe when properly maintained, neglected units can present risks.
Heavy sediment and scale build-up may:
- Overheat heating elements
- Cause components to fail prematurely
- Contribute to pressure-related issues
In extreme cases, poor maintenance can increase fire or electrical risk, particularly with older electric systems.
Routine servicing ensures safety valves are functioning, electrical connections are secure, and the system is operating within safe parameters.
Signs Your Hot Water System May Need Attention
If your system is five years or older, it may be time to consider servicing, particularly if you notice:
- Discoloured or rusty hot water
- Rumbling or popping noises from the tank
- Reduced hot water supply
- Water pooling around the unit
- Rising energy bills without explanation
These symptoms often indicate sediment accumulation or internal wear.
Repair vs Replacement – Timing Matters
A common situation we see is homeowners contacting us only after the system has failed. By that stage, internal corrosion has usually progressed beyond economical repair.
Proactive servicing can significantly delay full replacement.
While no storage system lasts forever, regular maintenance can add several years to its operational life, improving value and reducing the likelihood of emergency call-outs.
What’s Included in a Professional Hot Water Service?
A thorough service typically includes:
- Flushing sediment from the tank
- Inspecting and replacing the anode if required
- Testing pressure and temperature relief valves
- Checking electrical or gas components
- Inspecting for leaks and corrosion
- Assessing overall system condition
Each system is different, so servicing is tailored to the unit type and age.
The Takeaway
The footage from this recent seven-year-old system clearly shows what can accumulate inside a hot water tank over time. What looks fine externally may tell a very different story internally.
Servicing at around the five year mark is a practical step that can:
- Extend system lifespan
- Maintain efficiency
- Reduce running costs
- Improve safety
- Prevent unexpected failure
If your hot water system is approaching five years of age, or if you are unsure when it was last serviced, it may be worth having it inspected.
Preventative maintenance is almost always less costly than emergency replacement.
Call today on
(08) 6118 6883 and book in your Hot Water Service.
About the Author
Shenol Arslanovski is a qualified plumber and gas fitter with hands-on experience across residential maintenance, hot water systems, leak detection and general plumbing repairs. Working daily in the field, Shenol specialises in diagnosing issues early, preventing costly failures and ensuring systems operate safely and efficiently.
With practical experience servicing and repairing storage hot water units, Shenol has seen firsthand how sediment build-up and neglected maintenance can shorten the life of a system. His approach focuses on preventative servicing, safety, and delivering reliable outcomes for homeowners.
Through his work, Shenol aims to educate customers on the importance of routine maintenance and practical steps that extend the lifespan of essential plumbing systems.