Your electric storage hot water system is built to provide years of reliable hot water, but like any major household appliance, it requires regular maintenance to remain safe, efficient and covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Many manufacturers specify routine maintenance throughout the life of the system. Following these recommendations helps maximise the lifespan of the unit, maintain safe operation and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Homeowner Maintenance – Every 6 Months
Every six months, homeowners should carefully operate the Pressure & Temperature Relief (PTR) Valve and Expansion Control Valve (ECV) (where fitted).
This simple maintenance helps:
- Confirm the safety valves are operating correctly.
- Flush away mineral deposits that can cause the valves to seize.
- Prevent excessive pressure from building inside the tank.
- Extend the life of the safety valves.
Why is this important?
Over time, minerals naturally found in water can build up inside the valves. If they are never operated, they may become stuck or fail when they're needed most.
A seized PTR or ECV valve can lead to:
- Excessive pressure inside the tank.
- Continuous leaking from the valve.
- Reduced system efficiency.
- Premature component failure.
- Potential safety risks.
Important: Always follow your manufacturer's instructions when operating the valves, as hot water will discharge during testing. If you're unsure or unable to perform this maintenance safely, contact a licensed plumber.
JR 6-Month Hot Water Health Check
Recommended Service – $99
While homeowner maintenance is important, a professional inspection provides additional peace of mind and can identify issues long before they become expensive repairs.
Our JR 6-Month Hot Water Health Check includes:
- Inspection for water leaks and corrosion.
- Testing of the PTR valve.
- Testing of the ECV (where fitted).
- Checking electrical operation.
- Inspecting wiring and electrical connections.
- Checking thermostat operation.
- Inspecting the element for signs of failure (where possible).
- Inspecting insulation and pipework.
- Checking for unusual noises or signs of sediment build-up.
- Confirming correct operation and water heating performance.
- Identifying any components showing signs of wear.
Service Price: $99
Regular inspections help detect small problems early, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and helping maximise the life of your hot water system.
Recommended 5-Year Major Service
Current Price: $449
Most electric storage hot water manufacturers recommend replacing several key components approximately every five years to maintain reliable operation and protect the storage tank.
Our comprehensive 5-Year Service includes:
- Replacement of the sacrificial anode.
- Replacement of the Pressure & Temperature Relief (PTR) Valve.
- Replacement of the Expansion Control Valve (ECV).
- Full inspection of the hot water system.
- Electrical safety and operational testing.
- Inspection of pipework, valves and fittings.
- Leak and corrosion inspection.
- System performance testing.
Why These Components Matter
Sacrificial Anode
The sacrificial anode protects the steel tank from internal corrosion.
Instead of the tank rusting, the anode slowly corrodes over time. Once it has been consumed, the tank itself begins to rust from the inside, often leading to leaks and complete tank failure.
Replacing the anode is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of a storage hot water system.
Pressure & Temperature Relief (PTR) Valve
The PTR valve is one of the most important safety devices on your hot water system.
It automatically releases water if pressure or temperature inside the tank becomes too high, protecting both the system and your home.
Over time, scale and mineral deposits can prevent the valve from operating correctly, making regular testing and replacement essential.
Expansion Control Valve (ECV)
The ECV manages pressure created as water expands during heating.
A correctly functioning ECV:
- Reduces stress on the storage tank.
- Protects plumbing components.
- Helps extend the life of the hot water system.
- Reduces unnecessary water discharge through the PTR valve.
If Your Hot Water System Isn't Working
Before arranging a service, there are a few simple checks you can perform:
- Ensure the power is switched on at the electrical switchboard.
- Check whether the hot water circuit breaker or safety switch (RCD) has tripped.
- Confirm the isolation switch near the hot water system is turned on.
- Check whether your electricity supplier has scheduled an off-peak interruption.
- Look for obvious water leaks around the system.
- Check whether water is continuously flowing from the PTR or ECV valve.
- Listen for unusual noises such as excessive boiling, rumbling or banging.
- Confirm the system has had sufficient time to reheat after heavy water usage.
If your system still isn't producing hot water, contact JR Gas & Water for professional diagnosis and repair.
General Signs Your System May Need Attention
Arrange a service if you notice:
- Water leaking from the tank.
- Constant dripping from relief valves.
- Rust-coloured or dirty hot water.
- Reduced hot water capacity.
- Water taking much longer to heat.
- Unusual noises during heating.
- Visible corrosion.
- Fluctuating water temperature.
- Repeated electrical trips.
Early repairs are often significantly less expensive than replacing a failed hot water system.
Protect Your Warranty & Maximise System Life
Regular maintenance not only helps keep your hot water system operating safely and efficiently—it can also assist in meeting manufacturer maintenance requirements.
Ignoring recommended servicing may result in:
- Premature tank corrosion.
- Seized or leaking safety valves.
- Reduced efficiency and higher running costs.
- Unexpected loss of hot water.
- Avoidable repair costs.
- Shortened system lifespan.
- Possible reduction or loss of manufacturer warranty, depending on the manufacturer's maintenance requirements.
A small investment in preventative maintenance can add years to the life of your hot water system and help avoid the inconvenience and expense of an unexpected replacement.
