How Often Does My Hot Water Cylinder Need to Be Replaced?

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Let’s face it – you might not know when to replace a hot water cylinder, for the simple reason that most of us pay little attention to ours until something obviously goes wrong with it. It is a generally “out of sight, out of mind” part of an NZ home.

Unfortunately, this invisibility of your hot water cylinder means you may easily overlook the first signs of a problem. So, let’s take you through the essentials of when, and how often, you might need to replace your hot water cylinder.

Should You Simply Replace Your Hot Water Cylinder When It Gets Old?

Hot water cylinders in NZ tend to last around eight to 15 years. However, depending on the type and quality of the unit, 20-year longevity isn’t unheard-of. Equally, though, some unfortunate families find themselves having to replace parts of their hot water cylinder after just five years or so.

Age, then, probably won’t be the only factor dictating when you replace your hot water cylinder.

Signs That You May Need to Replace Your Hot Water Cylinder

If you notice any of the following issues with your hot water cylinder, it could be time to arrange a replacement:

  • Leaking. The likelihood of a leak increases as your hot water cylinder ages, and is the main reason why you may need to replace it. A leak can be caused by problems with the fittings to the tank, or issues with the outflow pipe’s pressure or temperature. If you see leakage in these areas, you should arrange for a plumber to look at it to determine the cause. But if the leakage is happening outside these parts, the cylinder itself will almost certainly be the problem – which means you will need to replace it.

  • Your hot water never seems to be hot enough. This doesn’t automatically indicate that your hot water cylinder needs to be replaced – it may be caused by an incorrectly set thermostat. However, it could be a sign that your hot water cylinder isn’t big enough for your household’s hot water needs. So, you might opt to replace the cylinder with a larger one.

  • Rust in your hot water. Whether you see it from the faucets or shower or in the bathtub, this is likely due to a corroded hot water cylinder. Bear in mind, though, that rusty water can also sometimes be caused by issues with the pipes, rather than the hot water cylinder.

  • Unusual noises. Over time, sediment can build up in a hot water cylinder, eventually leading to strange noises. If your system is banging, hissing, or producing other unusual sounds, you might soon need to replace it.

The question, “how often should a hot water cylinder be replaced?” will have different answers for different NZ households. So, if you believe you may need a hot water cylinder replacement, call our team at Matthews Plumbing & Gasfitting today, on 09 416 4084.