YOU know the story: It's a cold winter morning and you hop into the shower only to find that the water is freezing and there's no hot water.
Your hot water system has died — and it's time to call the plumber in a panic!
But there are some steps you can take to avoid the cold water blues.
Rheem Service manager Keith Dawber said hot water systems were usually out of sight and out of mind until they failed.
"But if you have the system checked on a regular basis, then you can extend the life of your system, improve efficiency and ensure your water heater is operating and performing as designed, highlight any repairs which need to be done, not to mention ensuring it has been installed correctly in the first place," he said.
"Signs your hot water system might be in need of attention include: water coming from the tap is rusty or brown in colour, the water is muddy or has sediment in it, the hot water system is making cracking or popping noises, the pilot light keeps going out, the hot water has a strange smell or metallic taste, there is less hot water, water is leaking out of the system, there are frequent fluctuations in temperature, the water pressure or flow rates vary."
Mr Dawber recommended having domestic hot water systems checked about every three years for gas and electric systems, bi-annually for solar systems, or whenever you feel something has changed or you have noticed any warning signs.
"There are a number of factors which will affect the length of service the water heater will provide," he said.
"These include water chemistry, water pressure, water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern."
■ More information: Rheem Service, 13 10 31.
