There are a bunch of items in our homes that we don’t even consider replacing unless they are absolutely beyond repair. Many of these items are plumbing related and due to the cost and complex nature of installations, homeowners try and prolong replacement for as long as possible. 

When your water system doesn’t seem to be working the way it’s supposed to, your first call may be to the emergency plumber Melbourne residents rely on to keep everything flowing smoothly. However, there are times when a simple repair is no longer an option and replacement is vital. 

Pointers to Consider When Buying a New Hot Water System

Buying a new hot water system can be a bit challenging, especially if you’re not sure what features to take into consideration. Fortunately, our plumbing specialists have shared a few pointers to keep in mind as you start looking for a new hot water system. 

1. Re-evaluate the Size You Need

It’s important to assess whether you want to upgrade the size of your current hot water system. This usually happens when you’re moving into a house with an older system that may not match the needs of your current family. 

Replacing the system is the ideal time to buy a bigger hot water system. It’s estimated that the average Australian household uses 40 to 50 litres of hot water per day, per person. Keep in mind that a system that’s too big will result in increased energy bills while a unit that’s too small may mean someone’s always showering in cold water!

2. What Do You Need Hot Water For?

Assessing the size tank you need depends largely on what you need hot water for. Consider these pointers to help you determine how often and how much hot water you use every day:

• Number of people currently living in your household: A smaller unit may be better suited to a home with only two people whereas a larger family may benefit from an upgrade. 
• Bath or shower: It’s estimated that showering with an older non-water-saving showerhead uses about 15-20 litres for a 10-minute shower. A modern, water-efficient showerhead only uses a fraction of that. On average, a bath uses 50 to 150 litres of water per fill, depending on the water level. It may be a good time to change your shower head to a water-saving option and encourage your family to switch from bathing to showering. 
• Consider how you wash dishes: To wash dishes by hand, Australians use around 11 litres of water every day for a typical 3-member household. Washing dishes three times a day could result in about 35 litres of water usage every day. A dishwasher on the other hand will cut this down by at least 15 litres. 
• Other activities you need hot water for: How often do you need hot water for other household functions such as washing laundry? All these factors will give you an idea of the size hot water system you want to upgrade to. 

3. Consider Environmentally Friendly Options

With the focus on sustainability, manufacturers, suppliers and plumbers are moving away from the traditional energy-guzzling systems. In fact, newer models have been designed with sustainability in mind, so it’s an excellent way to reduce overall water consumption. 

4. Consider Where You Live

Once your plumber has done the water leak detection Melbourne residents request for leaking systems, it’s time to decide whether a repair or replacement would be a better option. Keep these two pointers in mind with reviewing your location and property: 

• System storage: To ensure sufficient airflow, the hot water tanks are often stored outside. If you want a larger system, speak to your plumber to establish if the space you have available will accommodate the bigger tank. If you want to relocate your unit indoors, it will be necessary to install the necessary flutes. Keep in mind that this will affect your initial cost.
• Water quality: If you have hard water in your area, this can create corrosion inside your storage tank. Over time this could also lead to extensive damage to the hot water unit’s piping as well as the plumbing that leads from the tank. Speak to your plumber about the best options to minimise the effects of hard water. 
• Solar requirements: There are solar hot water systems that make use of solar panels to heat the water. While this option is the most sustainable, it’s also the most expensive to install. If you have been considering moving off the grid and going solar, this may be an option worth considering. But do make sure the climate in your area and the position of your home will make this work. 

Final Thought

Replacing your hot water system is about a lot more than simply choosing the cheapest option in your plumber’s catalogue. Reviewing your water usage, as well as your commitment to sustainability will help you choose the best system available. Opting for a more efficient unit will avoid arguments over who gets to have a hot shower AND it can save you money on your water bill. It’s a win-win!