Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Unvented Water Cylinder

Your home’s unvented cylinder is the key to enjoying hot, mains pressure water right from the tap. Gone are the days when you had to manually heat the water before using it for bathing or washing up.

Today’s unvented water cylinders offer outstanding performance, and they last a long time. However, they will eventually need to be replaced. How do you know it’s time to replace your aging cylinder? Here are a few critical signs to watch for.

Age

The first thing isn’t so much a sign or symptom to watch for, but a threshold you’ll pass. On average, unvented cylinders last around 12 years. So, if yours is 10 years old or older, it’s definitely time to consider a replacement. Not only will replacing your cylinder now help ensure that you have continual access to hot water with no interruptions, but chances are good the new cylinder will be much more efficient, helping you save money at the same time.

Rusty Water

If you open the hot tap and brownish water comes out, it’s a very good sign that you should replace your unvented cylinder. This is rust, and it forms when the interior of the cylinder begins to break down. Eventually, the cylinder will rust through, and it will begin to leak. Note that this could also be a sign of anode failure, which is repairable. A trusted plumber from EasyFlow can help you determine which is the case.

Cloudy Water

This isn’t necessarily a sign that you need to replace your water heater, although it could be in severe situations. If your hot water is cloudy, it means that sediment has built up on the bottom of the cylinder. Over time, it hardens and reduces efficiency and operability. Eventually, it will turn into something closer to concrete, and then your cylinder will need to be replaced. This eventuality can be avoided by having your cylinder professionally maintained every year.

Leaks

Finally, if you notice water on or around your unvented cylinder, it is definitely time to replace it. This may be an indication that the cylinder itself has been compromised. However, note that leaks can also occur for other reasons, including failed valves. If you notice that your unvented cylinder is beginning to leak, contact a certified plumber to inspect it and determine whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

When Should You Replace It?

If your unvented water cylinder is close to aging out, or you’ve noticed rusty water, you have a decision to make. When should you replace it? On one hand, it’s tempting to leave it in place as long as possible to reduce your costs. On the other, that could mean going a long time without hot water if it fails outright. There’s also the potential for water damage due to leaks, which could increase your costs. The best option is to replace your unvented cylinder as soon as possible.

Get in touch with the EasyFlow team. We’ll inspect your unvented cylinder and advise you on the best path to take.