How Often Should You Service Your Hot Water System?

How Often Should You Service Each System Type?

Electric and gas storage – Every 3-5 years

Electric and gas storage systems are two of the most common types found in Perth homes. These units heat and store water in a tank, which means they’re under near-constant pressure and heat stress. To keep them running efficiently and safely, a comprehensive service every X to Y years is recommended. This typically includes checking the sacrificial anode, inspecting valves, and testing the thermostat. For an overview of how these systems work and compare to others, our guide to hot water systems is a great place to start.

Instantaneous/continuous flow – Every 5-8 years

Instantaneous hot water systems, also known as continuous flow systems, heat water on demand and don’t store it in a tank. While they’re efficient and space-saving, they still require servicing X-Y to stay reliable—particularly to inspect gas burners, filters, and heat exchangers. If you’re deciding between different system types, our comparison of instant vs storage hot water systems breaks down the pros and cons of each.

Solar and heat pump systems – Every 3-5 years

Solar and heat pump hot water systems are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, but they rely on more complex components like pumps, collectors, and heat exchangers. These systems should be professionally serviced every X to Y years, especially to check for leaks, corrosion, and electrical issues. Because solar units are exposed to the elements, timely maintenance is essential to avoid performance drops and premature failure.

Minor vs major servicing

Not all servicing is the same. Minor services can include inspecting external components, flushing sediment, and testing valves—some of which you can do yourself. Major servicing, typically performed by a licensed plumber, involves internal inspections, replacing parts like the sacrificial anode or thermostat, and ensuring safety compliance. Sticking to both minor and major service intervals helps extend your system’s lifespan while keeping your energy bills in check.

Key Components That Need Regular Servicing

Sacrificial anode

The sacrificial anode is a metal rod inside your hot water tank, designed to attract minerals and impurities in the water. This helps prevent internal rust and corrosion. Over time, the anode degrades—and once it’s spent, your tank becomes vulnerable to damage. Replacing the anode every 3-5 years can significantly extend the life of your system. If you’re unsure what this looks like in practice, our guide on maintaining your hot water system outlines this and other essential maintenance steps.

Temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve

The TPR valve is a crucial safety feature that releases water if your system builds up too much heat or pressure. If this valve seizes or fails, it could lead to dangerous conditions, including system rupture. It should be manually tested every six months to ensure it opens and closes freely. If it’s stuck or leaking, it should be replaced immediately.

Thermostat and heating element

The thermostat regulates the water temperature, while the heating element does the hard work of warming it. If either component fails, you might experience lukewarm water, inconsistent temperatures, or no hot water at all. Regular testing and inspection during servicing can catch faults early, ensuring efficient performance and avoiding energy waste.

Expansion and pressure-limiting valves

These valves protect your hot water system and plumbing from excessive pressure build-up caused by heat expansion. Like the TPR valve, they can degrade over time—especially in Perth’s mineral-rich water. Routine servicing ensures these valves remain functional and responsive, preventing leaks and extending the overall lifespan of your system.

Why Regular Servicing Is a Smart Investment

Improved system efficiency = lower energy bills

A well-maintained hot water system doesn’t just perform better—it runs more efficiently. Regular servicing helps remove sediment build-up, fine-tune temperature settings, and check for minor issues that could be causing your unit to overwork. This means your system uses less energy to heat the same amount of water, directly reducing your utility bills.

Avoid emergency repairs and replacements

No one wants to be caught without hot water on a cold morning or during a weekend. Regular servicing helps catch problems before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of sudden breakdowns. In cases where issues do arise, fast action is essential—which is why Proud Plumbing and Gas also offers same day hot water system repairs to get your system back online quickly and safely.

Extend the life of your unit

Most hot water systems have a lifespan of 8–12 years, but many fail earlier due to lack of maintenance. Servicing protects key components like the anode rod, pressure valves, and heating elements from wear and tear, helping your unit last longer and perform reliably throughout its life.

Protect your warranty

Many manufacturers require proof of regular servicing to honour warranty claims. Skipping scheduled maintenance can void your warranty, leaving you to foot the bill for what would otherwise be covered. Keeping up with servicing not only maintains performance but also ensures you’re protected if anything goes wrong.

Ready to Book Your Hot Water System Service?

Regular servicing is the key to avoiding costly surprises and ensuring your hot water system performs reliably year-round. If your unit is due—or overdue—for a check-up, now is the perfect time to act. Staying ahead of issues means fewer emergency callouts, better efficiency, and more peace of mind for your household.

At Proud Plumbing and Gas, we make servicing simple. Whether you have an electric, gas, solar, or continuous flow system, our licensed hot water plumbers are ready to help. We offer transparent pricing, expert care, and service that’s tailored to Perth homes. Contact our team today to book your next hot water service.

Further Reading About Hot Water Systems

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Hot Water System?