Water Heater Maintenance Tips for your home or business

Jarrad Smith • July 24, 2023

Water heaters work extra hard during the winter days to help you with your household hot water needs. To prolong their life and effectiveness, it is important to take care of them as well in order to avoid any costs due to unexpected repairs.

Why do you need regular water heater maintenance?

As in any property, damage and wear and tear are common reasons to keep your water heater well-maintained. If left unkept for a long period of time, water sedimentation occurs, which could lead to corrosion and rusting. Instead of just a small fee for a simple maintenance job, damage to your heater could cost you thousands of dollars for repair or replacement.

There are a few things you can do to avoid plumbing problems due to an ill-maintained water heater.

1.Flush your water heater tank. If you see your hot water coming out rusty or discoloured, some corroding must be happening inside your tank. While this is usually an indication that your water heater needs replacement, if you’re not ready for the high cost, you can do a temporary fix by flushing your tank to get rid of the rusty water.

Flushing regularly, at least twice a year (or more if you have harder water), can do so much to prevent plumbing emergencies from happening.

2. Inspect the anode rod. The anode rod plays the important role of attracting sediments and minerals so that they do not stick to your tank. They help in protecting your tank from corrosion which causes irreparable damage. Regular inspection of your rod can ensure that it is still working as it should or if it needs replacement.

Some common things to check for are rod deterioration and calcium carbonate. Calcium Carbonate can sometimes build up on your rod, which prevents it from corroding. When your anode rod doesn’t corrode, it does not do its job properly. The contaminants and other elements go to your tank instead.

To check for corrosion on your anode rod, you need to make sure that your water system is turned off and your tank is drained. If your anode rod is corroded, you can remove it yourself using a wrench and replace it with a compatible one. If you are unsure of how to do this, you can contact a local plumber to help you out.

3. Check your Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve. This valve is responsible for making sure that pressure and temperature do not go over the prescribed limit. For safety reasons, it is highly critical that your valve is working properly and not faulty.

To check if your P&T valve is working, all you need is a bucket and closed-toe shoes to avoid scalding. Locate the valve, place the bucket below the discharge tube and check if the tube is securely fastened. Discharge about ¼ cup of water into the bucket by pulling the valve’s lever. Release the lever, and if it doesn’t snap back into place, your valve is faulty and needs a replacement.

4. Check for water heater leaks. To check for water leaks, you could listen for water dripping. If you hear something but don’t see any water pooling around your water tank, the leak could be inside. Inspect the pipes that go into your tank. The leak could be where the pipes meet with the entry points. You could also check under the tank for water pools. If this is the case, your drain valve could be the problem.

5. Clean your water heater exterior. Dust, debris, and sediment can also build up outside your water heater. Regularly wipe your heater with a clean cloth and sweep for debris collected over the past months. Maintaining a clean and safe surrounding area can help in prolonging the life of your water heater.

Regular Professional Maintenance and Inspections

Always make sure you schedule regular water heater maintenance to avoid plumbing emergencies. You can do this or have your local water heater experts help you. Contact Ausco Plumbing for all your water heater maintenance needs.

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Step Into a Trade: How to Become a Plumber in Newcastle

By Jarrad Smith • July 7, 2025

Plumbing is a trade that’s always in demand across Australia, and Newcastle is no different. With new builds going up, older homes needing updates, and steady growth in the region, skilled plumbers are needed in homes, businesses, and on construction sites. If you’re looking for a hands-on job that pays well and offers long-term security, plumbing could be the right fit. This guide will break it all down: from how to get qualified, where to find plumbing apprentice jobs, and where to study plumbing courses right here in Newcastle. Why Choose a Plumbing Career? A plumbing career isn’t just about fixing taps. It’s a licensed trade that covers drainage, gas fitting, roofing, water supply, and sanitation. In Newcastle, demand is steady thanks to local construction and renovation activity. With a plumbing qualification, you can work across different sectors, start your own business, or even move into supervisory or estimating roles later on. On top of that, plumbers in Australia earn competitive wages, and apprentices earn while they learn, making it easier to get started without the burden of university fees. How to Become a Plumber in Australia To become a licensed plumber in Australia, you’ll need to complete a Certificate III in Plumbing, which most people do while working as an apprentice. It’s a mix of practical, on-the-job experience and formal training. Once you’ve finished your apprenticeship, you’ll need to register and apply for your licence through your state’s regulator—NSW Fair Trading if you’re in New South Wales. After passing the required exams, you’ll be all set to work independently in the areas you’ve trained for. Plumbing Apprenticeships in Newcastle If you're in Newcastle and looking to start your plumbing career, a plumbing apprenticeship is usually the first step. It takes about four years and combines paid, hands-on work with classroom learning. To get started, you’ll need to find an employer to take you on. This could be a local plumber, a builder, or a maintenance crew. You can find openings through: Online job boards (like SEEK or Indeed) Group training organisations in the Newcastle area TAFE NSW career support services Word of mouth and local connections As a plumbing apprentice, you’ll work alongside licensed plumbers, gaining hands-on experience with drainage systems, pipework, roof plumbing, gas fitting, and more. You’ll also attend classes as part of your plumbing apprenticeship Newcastle pathway, building your knowledge of codes, safety, and the theory behind the tools. Plumbing Courses and Training in Newcastle Newcastle offers several training options for future plumbers. The most common qualification is the Certificate III in Plumbing, which is usually delivered over four years during your apprenticeship. You can study through TAFE NSW Newcastle, which provides practical facilities and experienced trainers. Some Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) also offer plumbing courses in the region. These courses cover: Water supply and drainage systems Sanitary plumbing Roofing and guttering Workplace safety and legislation Gas fitting fundamentals Some students start with a pre-apprenticeship plumbing course in Newcastle to build confidence and get a foot in the door. These short programs can help you land an apprenticeship by giving you basic trade skills and a better understanding of the job. Plumbing Jobs and Opportunities in Newcastle Once you’ve completed your training, there are plenty of plumbing jobs available across Newcastle and the Hunter region. You could work in residential maintenance, new home construction, commercial fit-outs, or large-scale infrastructure projects. There are entry-level jobs for those finishing apprenticeships, along with more advanced roles for licensed plumbers who want to specialise or manage teams. Plumbing jobs can also lead to roles in project management, estimating, or compliance. Keep an eye on local job boards, trade group websites, and talk to your trainers or mentors. Many plumbers get hired by companies they worked with during their apprenticeship. Exploring Trade Careers Beyond Plumbing While plumbing is a solid career choice, it’s also part of a wider world of skilled trades. If you're still exploring, you might also consider: Electrical Carpentry Air conditioning and refrigeration Tiling or waterproofing Metal fabrication or welding Each of these trades has its own training path and licensing process. They all share a common thread: practical, hands-on work with opportunities to grow and earn as you build your experience. If you start with plumbing but later discover a different interest, you’re still gaining skills that apply across many trades and careers. Tips for Success in Your Plumbing Career Stay curious : Ask questions on-site and during class. Every job is a chance to learn. Build your network : Stay connected with trainers, classmates, and employers. Many plumbing jobs come through referrals. Keep your attitude right : Be reliable, show up prepared, and take pride in your work. Invest in good tools : As you progress, start building your kit with quality tools that last. Consider future training : Once qualified, you can add new plumbing classes to your license or specialise further. Launch Your Plumbing Career If you’re based in Newcastle and looking for a practical, respected trade, plumbing might be the perfect fit. Begin exploring local plumbing apprentice jobs, get to know your training options, and take the first step into a career that keeps our homes and cities running. Ready to get started? Reach out to your local TAFE or trade group, talk to working plumbers, and learn more about plumbing Newcastle locals rely on every day.