Brisbane recorded a maximum of just 22.1°C on 1 September before temperatures climbed into the mid-30s only a few days later. It is a reminder of just how quickly conditions can change as we move out of winter and towards another Queensland summer.
While most people start thinking about air conditioning, gardens and getting the outdoor areas ready, it is also a good time to take a look at some of the plumbing systems around the home.
Some problems become obvious during winter. Others become more noticeable once water use increases during warmer weather.
Here are five things worth checking around your home this spring.
1. How Did Your Hot Water System Handle Winter?
If your hot water system struggled during the colder months, spring can be a very good time to do something about it.
Common warning signs include:
- Hot water running out sooner than it used to
- Water taking longer to heat
- Temperature fluctuating during showers
- Rust or corrosion around the tank
- Water leaking from the system
- Unusual noises during heating
- A noticeable increase in electricity or gas usage
Winter can expose weaknesses in an ageing hot water system because incoming water is colder and households often use more hot water.
Once the weather starts warming up, those symptoms can become easier to ignore. The problem is that the system itself has not necessarily improved.
Instead of waiting for it to fail completely, spring gives you an opportunity to compare replacement options while you still have working hot water.
Hot Water Is One of the Biggest Energy Users in the Home
Hot water is not a small part of household energy consumption.
The Australian Government estimates that water heating can account for around 15% to 30% of household energy use, making it one of the largest energy users in a typical Australian home.
That means replacing an old system is not simply about getting hot water working again. Choosing the right replacement can potentially affect household running costs for years.
Depending on the property, options can include:
- Electric storage hot water
- Heat pump hot water systems
- Gas continuous-flow systems
- Gas storage systems
- Solar hot water
There is no single system that is automatically best for every household. The right choice depends on household size, existing plumbing and electrical infrastructure, available space, usage patterns and how much hot water the household actually consumes.
2. Consider a Heat Pump Before Your Current System Fails
Heat pump hot water systems have become increasingly popular because they use electricity differently from a traditional electric resistance system.
Rather than directly generating all of the heat, a heat pump transfers heat from the surrounding air into the water.
According to the Australian Government, a heat pump water heater can use around 30% of the energy of a conventional electric hot water system.
They cost more upfront than a basic electric storage system, so whether the numbers make sense will depend on the property and household.
The important point is that you have far more opportunity to assess those options when your existing system is still operating.
If the tank suddenly fails and there is water pouring onto the ground, most homeowners understandably want the fastest available replacement.
Planning ahead gives you a choice.
3. Drinking More Water? You May Want to Look at Kitchen Water Filtration
As the days get hotter, most households naturally start reaching for cold drinking water more often.
South East Queensland’s town water is treated and continually monitored to ensure it meets Australian drinking water requirements. However, that does not mean everybody likes the taste.
Chlorine is intentionally used within the water network to protect drinking water from contamination. Depending on where you live and operational conditions within the network, the taste or smell can sometimes be more noticeable.
For households that regularly buy bottled water or use filter jugs, a plumbed kitchen filtration system can be a much more convenient option.
You Don’t Necessarily Need to Filter the Whole House
Whole-home filtration systems have their place, but they are not necessary for everybody.
If the main objective is simply better-tasting drinking and cooking water, a point-of-use filtration system installed beneath the kitchen sink may be all that is required.
Depending on the system, filtered water can be supplied through:
- A dedicated filtered-water tap
- A compatible mixer tap
- A multi-stage under-sink filtration system
This allows you to filter the water you actually drink without unnecessarily filtering water going to toilets, showers, washing machines and outdoor taps.
4. Check for Small Leaks Before Water Use Increases
A leaking tap or toilet may not seem particularly urgent, but small amounts of wasted water add up when they continue 24 hours a day.
Spring is a good time to check:
- Dripping kitchen and bathroom taps
- Toilets that continue running after flushing
- Water around the base of toilets
- Outdoor taps and hose connections
- Flexible hoses beneath sinks and vanities
- Hot water systems and relief valves
- Unexplained wet areas around the property
If your water meter continues moving while every tap and appliance in the house is turned off, there may also be a concealed leak that needs further investigation.
5. Get the Plumbing Ready Before Summer Gets Busy
One of the advantages of looking at these things now is that you are dealing with them before they become emergencies.
A hot water system that is clearly reaching the end of its life can be properly assessed.
A kitchen filtration system can be selected based on what you actually want removed from the water.
Minor leaks can be repaired before they become bigger problems.
And if you’re planning renovations, outdoor entertaining areas or other work around the home this spring, plumbing changes can often be incorporated at the same time.
Not Sure What Your Plumbing Needs?
You do not need to replace something simply because it is old, and you do not need the most expensive system available.
A good starting point is simply understanding what you already have, how well it is performing and what your options would be if you decided to upgrade it.
RJT Plumbing & Gas can inspect existing hot water systems, diagnose plumbing problems and provide advice on hot water replacement and point-of-use drinking water filtration options for homes across North Brisbane and surrounding areas.
If your hot water system struggled through winter, you’re noticing a leak, or you’ve been thinking about getting filtered drinking water directly from the kitchen tap, get in touch with RJT Plumbing & Gas to discuss the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that a hot water system may need replacing?
Common warning signs include hot water running out sooner than usual, inconsistent water temperature, longer heating times, leaks around the system, visible corrosion, unusual noises and increasing energy costs. An inspection can help determine whether the system can be repaired or whether replacement is the better option.
Is spring a good time to replace a hot water system?
Spring can be a good time to assess an ageing hot water system, particularly if it struggled during winter. Replacing or upgrading a system before it fails completely gives homeowners more time to compare different hot water options rather than making an emergency decision.
Are heat pump hot water systems suitable for Brisbane homes?
Heat pump hot water systems can be suitable for many Brisbane and South East Queensland homes. They use electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water and can use substantially less energy than conventional electric resistance hot water systems. Suitability depends on the property, household hot water usage, available installation space and existing services.
Do I need a whole-house water filtration system?
Not necessarily. If the main goal is improving the taste or smell of drinking and cooking water, an under-sink or point-of-use filtration system may be sufficient. This allows drinking water to be filtered without filtering water supplied to toilets, showers, washing machines or outdoor taps.
Can a plumber install a water filter under the kitchen sink?
Yes. A licensed plumber can install suitable under-sink water filtration systems and connect them to a dedicated filtered-water tap or compatible kitchen mixer, depending on the filtration system and kitchen configuration.
How can I check my home for plumbing leaks?
Check for dripping taps, toilets that continue running after flushing, leaking outdoor taps, water around plumbing fixtures, wet areas around the property and leaks around the hot water system. If the water meter continues moving while all taps and water-using appliances are turned off, there may be a concealed leak that requires further investigation.
