🔥 Common Issues with Storage Hot Water Heaters — and When to Replace Them
Expert Advice from Fox Plumbing & Drainage, Serving Melbourne’s Western Suburbs
If you live in Melbourne’s west — from Bonnie Brook and Weir Views to Melton South and Tarneit — you know how essential reliable hot water is for daily comfort.
But when your storage hot water heater starts leaking, running cold, or making strange noises, it’s a sign something’s not right.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common issues with storage hot water systems, how to identify them, and when it’s time to call a licensed plumber for a replacement.
💧 1. Leaks Around the Hot Water Unit
Leaks are among the most common problems, especially in areas with hard water like Strathtulloh, Aintree, and Harkness.
If you notice water pooling around your heater, it could be caused by:
A faulty pressure relief valve
A cracked tank
Corrosion inside the cylinder
Ignoring leaks can lead to serious water damage, higher bills, and even safety risks if electrical components are exposed.
💡 Tip: Shut off your water supply and call a plumber immediately if you spot any moisture around your unit.
🔊 2. Strange Noises — Rumbling or Popping Sounds
If your hot water system sounds like it’s boiling or knocking, it’s likely due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.
We see this often in Cobblebank and Brookfield, where mineral-rich water leaves behind residue that hardens over time.
That sediment acts like insulation — forcing your heater to work harder, use more energy, and wear out faster.
A simple tank flush or descaling service can often fix the issue before permanent damage occurs.
🚿 3. Not Enough Hot Water or Cold Showers
If your showers are turning cold too quickly, your hot water system may be struggling to meet demand.
Common causes include:
A faulty thermostat
A broken dip tube (which directs cold water to the bottom of the tank)
Sediment buildup reducing water capacity
In high-demand households in Deanside, Harkness, and Melton South, insufficient hot water can become a daily frustration.
If your system is more than 10 years old, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model is usually the best fix.
🧱 4. Rusty or Discoloured Water
Brown or rusty water flowing from your hot taps is a serious red flag.
It usually means the tank’s inner lining is corroding, which can eventually cause leaks or complete failure.
We’ve seen this frequently in older homes in Melton West, Kurunjang, and Plumpton.
Once corrosion starts, the only real solution is replacement — repairs are temporary at best.
⚡ 5. Rising Energy Bills
A sudden increase in your gas or electricity bill may point to an inefficient hot water system.
When sediment accumulates or components age, the unit needs more energy to heat the same amount of water.
In suburbs like Tarneit, Delahey, and Bacchus Marsh, where energy costs continue to rise, upgrading to a new high-efficiency unit can significantly reduce long-term expenses.
🔧 When It’s Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater
Not sure whether to repair or replace?
Here are the key signs it’s time to say goodbye to your old unit 👇
🕒 1. Age of the Unit
Most storage hot water systems last around 10–15 years.
If your unit is nearing that age — common for homes built in the early 2000s in Exford, Weir Views, and Aintree — it’s likely on borrowed time.
Older systems lose efficiency and become more prone to leaks and corrosion.
🧾 2. Frequent Repairs
If you’ve had to call a plumber multiple times a year to fix leaks, replace valves, or relight the pilot, it’s probably time for a replacement.
We’ve helped homeowners in Brookfield and Melton save hundreds by upgrading to new systems instead of patching failing ones.
⚙️ 3. Out of Warranty
Once your heater’s warranty expires, repair costs can skyrocket — and replacement parts may be hard to find.
Installing a modern, energy-efficient hot water system in newer suburbs like Cobblebank, Aintree, and Deanside offers better reliability and long-term savings.
🌱 4. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Today’s systems are smarter, safer, and greener.
Upgrading can mean:
Lower running costs
Reduced emissions
Better water pressure and recovery rates
For eco-conscious homeowners in Bacchus Marsh, Darley, and Bonnie Brook, it’s a great way to reduce your environmental footprint while saving money.
👨🔧 Local Hot Water Specialists in Melbourne’s West
At Fox Plumbing & Drainage, we repair, service, and replace all major brands of storage gas and electric hot water systems.
From minor leak repairs in Tarneit and Harkness to full replacements in Bacchus Marsh and Melton South, we’re your trusted local hot water experts.
We offer:
✅ Hot water system repairs & maintenance
✅ New system installations
✅ Tank replacements & upgrades
✅ Temperature and pressure valve checks
✅ BPC compliance certification
Our licensed plumbers service Melton, Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Taylors Lakes, Aintree, and surrounding suburbs — with honest advice and upfront pricing every time.
📞 Contact Fox Plumbing & Drainage Today
Don’t wait until your hot water system fails completely.
If you’re in Kurunjang, Weir Views, Strathtulloh, or any surrounding area, call Fox Plumbing & Drainage today for expert advice and a free quote on repairs or replacements.
📞 Call 0405 900 418 or send us a message online.
We’ll get your hot water flowing reliably again — fast.