What Happens If You Don’t Service Your Hot Water System? Risks & Costs

Avoid cold showers, high energy bills & costly repairs. Learn why regular hot water servicing is essential for safety, savings & system longevity.

Been a while since your last round of hot water maintenance? If so, you might be putting a lot at risk. Much like a car, even relatively new hot water systems need regular servicing to deliver the best performance and prevent serious issues from occurring.

Although our hot water systems are used daily, we give little thought to how they’re functioning until something goes wrong. With this in mind, we’re going to spell out the risks, implications, and costs of not getting your hot water system checked.

From unexpected cold showers to full-blown water damage, here’s why neglecting your hot water unit could cost you far more than a routine service.

How Often Should You Service a Hot Water System?

While the frequency of servicing depends on the type and age of your system, a good general rule is to get your hot water system professionally inspected every two years. If your unit is older or showing signs of trouble, more frequent attention may be required. This is especially important in areas with hard water where mineral build-up tends to happen faster.

An experienced plumber will be able to assess the condition of your unit, flush the tank, inspect key components, and make any necessary adjustments to keep it running efficiently. Of course, if the unit runs off gas, a licensed gas plumber will need to be called in.

What Are You Putting at Risk?

Hot water heaters are prone to a variety of issues that range from inconvenient to very expensive. Here’s what you’re putting at risk when you forego regular servicing:

Sudden Breakdowns

One of the biggest risks of skipping regular maintenance is an unexpected breakdown. No one wants to be caught off guard by a freezing shower in the middle of winter, but that’s exactly what can happen if your system isn’t inspected and maintained over time.

Hot water systems are constantly under pressure, working day in and day out to deliver warm water to your taps, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Over time, sediment builds up, components wear out, and small faults develop.

Without professional attention, minor issues may quickly take the shape of major failures, often at the worst possible time. Of course, if you are dealing with an issue and need emergency hot water repairs in Melbourne, give us a call straight away!

Higher Energy Bills

As noted by EnergySafe Victoria, “water heating is the second largest segment of household energy use, ranging from 15% to 30%.” (Source: EnergySafe) This is why it’s a really good idea to keep track of how much it may be costing you each month.

On a fundamental level, a neglected hot water system doesn’t run as efficiently. That build-up of sediment in the tank we mentioned? It acts like insulation between the heating element and the water, forcing the system to work harder and longer to reach the desired temperature.

The result? Higher energy consumption and more expensive power bills. So, if you’ve already noticed a slow creep in your electricity or gas charges, your hot water service could be the culprit.

Inconsistent Water Pressure

A low or inconsistent water pressure flow is annoying enough, let alone when it leads to further property damage or system failure. If your hot water service isn’t regularly flushed or maintained, sediment and mineral build-up is likely to cause blockages that restrict the flow of water.

In some cases, water pressure drops slowly over time; so slowly, in fact, that you may not even realise it’s happening until the problem is well advanced. Fortunately, regular checks and servicing can catch these build-ups early and restore pressure before it becomes a real issue.

Invaliding Your Warranty

Most major hot water system manufacturers will require regular servicing as part of their warranty terms and conditions. This means that if you’re not following the recommended service schedule, you could find yourself footing the entire bill for repairs or replacement—regardless of whether the system is technically still under warranty.

It’s a small effort to book a service once every couple of years, especially when it could save you thousands down the track.

Leaks and Water Damage

Water leaks can be sneaky. Sometimes, they show up as a small puddle near the tank, but often, they’ll go unnoticed until more serious damage has occurred. If they’re left unchecked for too long, a slow leak may lead to mould, rot, and, in some circumstances, even cause structural damage to your property.

During regular service, a hot water plumber will check for signs of wear and tear, including cracks in the tank, loose valves, or faulty temperature and pressure relief valves (TPRs)—all of which can be sources of leaks.

A licensed plumber with the right training, equipment, and experience will be able to catch these issues early, and this is exactly what you can expect when hiring MCN Plumbing.

Should I Book a Service? Here’s What to Look Out For

No one likes to deal with faulty hot water heaters, especially when they start affecting your daily showers or the dishwashing routine. With that in mind, here are some additional signs we recommend keeping an eye on:

Dirty or Rusty Water

Noticed brown, murky, or metallic-smelling water coming out of your taps? This could be a sign that corrosion has started to occur inside your tank.

Hot water tanks come with an internal anode rod that attracts corrosion and prevents rust from affecting the tank walls. However, this rod slowly wears away over time. If it’s not replaced, rust and sediment have the potential to contaminate your water, damage your system, and even pose health risks.

Murky water is always a red flag, and by the time you see it, the internal damage may already be done.

Strange Noises? Act and Don’t Ignore

If your hot water system is making strange banging, screeching, popping, or rumbling sounds, it’s easy to brush it off, but promise us when we say it’s best to act on it! In many cases, these noises are caused by sediment build-up within the tank. As the water heats up, the sediment hardens and shifts around, leading to those unsettling sounds.

Not only is this a sign your system needs attention, but it also increases the risk of overheating and cracking. Flushing the system (which is usually a part of the servicing process) can prevent this, keeping everything running smoothly and quietly.

Need to get your hot water checked? We offer same-day hot water repairs across Melbourne. Whether you’re after a plumber in Coburg, Elsternwick, or Templestowe, no suburb is beyond our reach. Call us now and get your plumbing sorted today!

Hot Water Running Out Too Quickly

Another tell-tale sign that your hot water system is struggling is when you start running out of hot water faster than usual. You might be halfway through a shower when the water suddenly turns cold—or find that you need to wait longer between uses to allow the system to “reheat”.

This could be a sign of a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or simply too much sediment in the tank. All of these issues can be avoided with regular servicing and professional inspection.

The Cost of Not Servicing? More Than You Think

When you consider all the potential problems that can crop up from neglect—breakdowns, energy inefficiency, dirty water, leaks, damage to your home, or an early replacement—the cost of not servicing your hot water system quickly adds up.

A routine service every 1 to 2 years is a small investment compared to the risks and long-term costs of ignoring your system. Even something as simple as replacing a worn anode rod or flushing out the tank can make a world of difference.

Replacement Costs Can Be Avoided—or Delayed

Hot water systems aren’t cheap. Replacing one can cost you thousands, especially if it fails suddenly and you’re forced to make an emergency decision. But here’s the thing—most units can last between 10 to 15 years if they’re looked after properly.

On the flip side, a lack of basic maintenance can slash years off your system’s life. On the other hand, regular servicing is a great way to extend its lifespan, improve performance, and help you plan ahead for replacement (rather than being caught off guard).

Trust MCN Plumbing for Your Hot Water Servicing

If it’s been a while since you last had your hot water system checked—or you’ve noticed any of the warning signs we’ve mentioned, now is the time to book a service.

At MCN Plumbing, we offer both regular maintenance and hot water repairs in Melbourne for all major brands. From Rheem to Rinnai and Aquamax, there’s no hot water we can’t handle. Whether it’s gas, electric, solar, or continuous flow, our licensed plumbers have the tools and know-how to keep your system running smoothly.

We’re locals, and we understand Melbourne homes and their plumbing setups better than anyone. Our services are timely, affordable, and tailored to your needs. We’ll never recommend a replacement unless it’s absolutely necessary—and if it is, we’ll help you find the most cost-effective solution.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to remind you how important your hot water system really is. Give us a call today and keep your hot water flowing.