Why Bother with Winter Maintenance?
Here’s the deal…
Winter is the toughest season for your hot water system. The water coming from your mains is colder, so your system has to work harder to heat it up. Add in those extra-long showers, more laundry, and dishwashing, and you’ve got a recipe for wear and tear. If you don’t stay ahead of it, you could end up with no hot water right when you need it most. A bit of maintenance now means fewer headaches and a system that keeps running strong all season long.
Pre-Winter Hot Water System Inspection Checklist
Before the cold really sets in, take a few minutes to check over your hot water system. Catching small issues early can save you from a freezing cold shower (and a big repair bill) down the track.
- Visual Inspection
Leaks: Check around the base of the tank, pipe connections, pressure relief valve, and drain valve. Even a tiny drip can spell trouble, don’t ignore it!
Tank Exterior: Look for rust or weird discoloration. A bit of surface rust isn’t a big deal, but if you see serious corrosion, your tank’s lining might be failing.
Pipe Insulation: Make sure all hot water pipes, especially those in garages or under the house, are properly insulated. Missing insulation means wasted energy and, in a cold snap, frozen pipes.
Temperature Relief Valve: This safety valve shouldn’t be dripping or corroded. If it is, it’s time for a professional to take a look.
Want peace of mind? Book a pre-winter inspection with Ezy-Plumb’s licensed techs and tick this off your to-do list.
- Testing the Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve)
Your TPR valve is the MVP of hot water safety. Here’s how to check it:
- Put a bucket under the valve’s discharge pipe.
- Lift the test lever for a few seconds - water should flow out.
- Release the lever - water should stop completely.
If the water doesn’t flow (or keeps flowing after you let go), don’t mess around. Call a licensed plumber. Ezy-Plumb recommends testing this valve every six months, and definitely before winter hits.
Essential Winter Maintenance Tasks
- Insulate Your Hot Water System Piping
Pipe Insulation: Wrap any exposed hot water pipes (especially in unheated areas) with foam insulation. Focus on the first two metres from the tank and any pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or outside walls.
Good insulation means less heat loss, lower energy bills, and hotter water at your taps - win, win, win!
- Check and Adjust Temperature SettingsYour system should keep stored water at least 60°C (to kill nasty bacteria), but water at your taps shouldn’t go over 50°C (to avoid burns). If your hot water feels lukewarm or runs out fast, the thermostat might need a tweak. But don’t DIY this. Get a licensed plumber to make sure everything’s safe and up to code.
Not sure if your system’s running right? Ezy-Plumb can test and optimise your setup for you.
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- Service Your Gas System Components
- Burners should be clean and free of dust or spider webs.
- Make sure the flue or vent isn’t blocked. Remember, carbon monoxide is no joke.
- If you smell gas, shut it off and call a licensed gas fitter immediately.
- Pilot Light should burn steady and blue. Yellow or flickering? Time for a professional check.
- Optimise Heat Pump Performance for Winter
Keep the air intake clean by clearing away leaves and debris so the fan can work properly. Make sure the automatic defrost cycle is functioning, especially on frosty mornings when the system needs extra support. If possible, position the unit in a sunny, sheltered spot to help it perform better during colder weather. And if your system includes a backup heating element, check that it switches on when needed to maintain consistent hot water.
- Prepare Solar Hot Water Systems
Keep your solar collectors clean by wiping away dust and leaves so they can capture as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Test your gas or electric booster before winter starts to ensure it steps in when sunlight is limited. Cold weather can reveal issues you may not have noticed earlier, so inspect the entire system for leaks. Also, ensure your system has proper freeze protection, especially if you live in a colder part of Bayside, where temperatures can drop even further.
Tips to Maximise Hot Water Efficiency This Winter
Spread Out Your Hot Water Use
Don’t pile all your showers and laundry into one time slot. Give your system a chance to recover between uses for better efficiency and fewer cold surprises.
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
If you’re on an off-peak electricity plan, set your system to heat water overnight when it’s cheaper. Timers and smart controllers can help you save without lifting a finger.
Reduce Standby Heat Loss
Every degree your system keeps above room temperature costs you money. Insulate well and use vacation mode (if you have it) when you’re away to cut down on waste.
Fix Dripping Taps ASAP
Even a slow drip wastes hot water and energy. Winter can make tap seals shrink and leak, so fix any drips right away to save money and keep your system from cycling unnecessarily.
Use Cold Water When You Can
Modern detergents work great in cold water, so switch your washing machine to cold for most loads. Save hot cycles for really dirty stuff or when you need to sanitise.
When to Call in the Pros
Some jobs are best left to the experts. Here’s when you should pick up the phone:
Annual Servicing: Get a licensed plumber to check everything before winter.
Repairs: Anything beyond minor tweaks should be handled by a pro. This includes heating elements, thermostats, gas parts, tank replacements, and leaks.
Weird Symptoms: Call Ezy-Plumb if you notice:
- No hot water or not enough
- Loud banging or hissing noises
- Leaks or water pooling
- Fluctuating temperatures
- Discoloured or smelly water
- Gas smells
Don’t wait for a cold shower to remind you - schedule your winter service with Ezy-Plumb before the chill really sets in!
Environmental Considerations
Beyond personal comfort and cost savings, efficient hot water system operation benefits the environment. Water heating contributes significantly to household greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for electric systems powered by grid electricity.
Reducing your hot water system’s energy consumption through proper maintenance and efficient operation decreases your household’s carbon footprint. This becomes increasingly important as Victoria works toward net-zero emissions targets.
Consider upgrading older, inefficient systems to modern alternatives that offer superior performance with reduced environmental impact. Government rebates and incentives often offset upgrade costs whilst delivering ongoing operational savings.
Planning for System Replacement
If your hot water system is approaching 10-15 years old, exhibits multiple problems, or requires frequent repairs, winter preparation might involve planning replacement rather than maintenance. If your hot water system is regularly serviced and maintained, it can last up to 10-15 years, depending on the type and usage.
Replacing a failing system before winter avoids the inconvenience and expense of emergency replacement during the coldest months when demand for plumbing services peaks. Ezy-Plumb can assess your current system’s condition and recommend whether maintenance or replacement offers better value.
Modern systems offer significant improvements over units installed 10-15 years ago:
- Better insulation reduces standby heat loss
- More efficient heating elements or burners
- Improved temperature controls and safety features
- Longer warranties and better reliability
- Compliance with current Australian Standards
FAQs
1: How often should I service my hot water system before winter?
It’s best to service your system once a year, ideally before winter starts.
2: Why does my hot water run out faster in winter?
Cold incoming water makes your system work harder, reducing how quickly it recovers.
3: Why is pipe insulation important in winter?
Insulated pipes prevent heat loss and help keep your water hotter for longer.
4: When should I call a professional plumber?
Call a professional if you notice leaks, strange noises, temperature issues, or no hot water.
5: Is it normal for my hot water to feel cooler during winter?
Yes, colder water entering the system can lower output temperatures.
6: Can solar hot water systems work well in winter?
They can, but they rely more on boosters during cloudy or shorter winter days.
Don’t wait until you’re facing an icy shower on a freezing morning to discover your hot water system wasn’t ready for winter. Take action now to inspect and optimise your system for the demanding months ahead.
Get your hot water system winter-ready today! Book your pre-winter service with Ezy-Plumb and enjoy reliable hot water all winter long. Same-day service available across Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs
