No Hot Water? Here’s What To Do

What to check first when you have no hot water

Experiencing a lack of hot water can be quite inconvenient. However, there are several troubleshooting steps you can undertake before seeking professional help.

1. Check to make sure your hot water system is switched on and has power connected. Ensure that all isolating switches are set to the on position.
2. Inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure the hot water system circuit has not tripped. Reset any tripped breakers.
3. Inspect the hot water unit for leaks, strange noises, or error codes, particularly if your water remains cold. Also check the temperature and pressure relief valve has not opened.
4. For gas systems, ensure the pilot light is lit. If not, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for relighting instructions.
5. Make sure your digital controllers or thermostats are set correctly and try adjusting the temperature higher.

Given that hot water heating constitutes about 21% of household energy consumption in Australia, it’s crucial to address issues promptly. If after these initial checks your hot water system is still non-operational, shut off the hot water supply and reach out to a licensed plumber for help.

Troubleshooting your electric water heater

If you have an electric hot water system and find you have no hot water, there are a few troubleshooting steps to try yourself before calling a professional.

1. Ensure your hot water system is powered by verifying that isolating switches are in the on position.
2. Inspect the electrical circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure the circuit for the hot water system has not tripped. Reset any tripped breakers.
3. Examine the water heater for any leakage or corrosion, unusual noises or error codes displayed. Also check if the temperature and pressure relief valve has opened.
4. Ensure the thermostat is set correctly, between 50°C and 70°C is recommended. Try adjusting it to a higher temperature setting.
5. To rule out sediment buildup drain and flush the hot water tank yearly to maintain efficient water flow. Refer to the user manual for instructions.

Always turn off your water system before investigating electrical faults to protect yourself and your household. If these steps don’t restore your hot water, seek assistance from a licenced electrician for your electric hot water system.

Testing the thermostat

The thermostat is a critical component of your electric hot water system. It regulates the temperature of the hot water your electric system produces by controlling how much the heating element operates.

To test your thermostat’s performance:

1. Rotate the thermostat dial fully clockwise to the highest temperature setting. If the heating element isn’t activated, it may require proper adjustments.
2. After around 30 minutes, feel the pipework leading out of the top of the hot water tank. It should feel hot to touch. If it does not, the thermostat may be faulty.
3. Try adjusting the thermostat to a lower temperature setting and wait for the heating element to turn off. Check again after some time if the pipework still feels hot.
4. If the thermostat does not seem to control the heating element as expected, contact a licenced electrician to inspect and potentially replace the thermostat.

Ideally, keep your thermostat set between 50°C and 70°C. Temperatures higher than recommended on your hot water heater can pose a scalding risk, while settings that produce cold water may not adequately prevent bacterial growth.

Inspecting the heating element

The heating element is the internal component that heats the water inside your electric hot water system. To inspect if it is functioning correctly:

1. Turn off the power supply to the hot water unit at the isolating switch and circuit breaker.
2. Drain the water from the tank. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide for instructions as this varies by model.
3. Remove the electric heating element housing and carefully extract the element.
4. Visually inspect the element for cracks, corrosion, or burn marks that may impede water heating. Replace the element if you find damage.
5. If in good physical condition, use a multimeter to test it electrically. Replace if it does not show continuity.
6. Refit or replace the heating element, refill the tank, and restore power to test if hot water is now functioning.

If at any point you do not feel safe completing these steps it is best to contact a licenced electrician for assistance. Take care working around electrical components and connections.

Resetting the circuit breaker

The circuit breaker is the safety switch that cuts power to your hot water system if there is a fault. It is located in your switchboard or fuse box.

1. Locate the circuit breaker that controls the power to your hot water system. It may be labelled or you can identify it by switching circuits on and off to see which one affects the hot water system.
2. Switch the circuit breaker to the off position, then back on again, as this resets the switch if there no hot water issue persists.
3. Verify if the hot water supply has been restored. If not, there may be an underlying electrical fault that still requires attention.

If the circuit breaker trips repeatedly or no longer resets properly, contact a licenced electrician to inspect the wiring and electrical connections.

Troubleshooting your gas water heater

When troubleshooting gas hot water systems, prioritise safety. Address any issues with caution.

Begin with a visual inspection of the water heater tank, pipes, and connections for leaks. If you smell gas or find leaks with soapy water, immediately turn off the gas supply valve and report the leak to your gas company.

1. Check that the gas supply valve is turned on fully. Make sure any isolation valves are open.
2. Examine the pilot light assembly. If the pilot light is out, refer to the user manual for relighting instructions.
3. Inspect the gas control valve and thermocouple, as these components can also deteriorate and cause problems.
4. Check the water heater burner for obstructions or debris. Use a soft brush to gently clean if required.
5. Flush the water heater yearly to thwart sediment accumulation, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your gas hot water system still fails to operate correctly after trying these steps, contact a licenced plumber to troubleshoot further. Do not attempt repairs yourself on gas appliances due to safety risks.

Checking the pilot light

The pilot light is a small gas flame that ignites the burner on a gas hot water system. Checking it is an important troubleshooting step if you have no hot water.

1. Locate the pilot light assembly on your gas hot water heater. It is typically found at the base of the main burner.
2. Inspect the pilot light. If lit, the flame should be steady and blue in colour. If not lit, the pilot light will need to be relit.
3. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to safely relight the pilot. Usually you depress and turn the gas control knob to the pilot position, then press the igniter button until the pilot flame ignites.
4. Hold the gas control knob down for 30 seconds after the pilot flame lights for the thermocouple to heat up, before releasing the knob.
5. If the pilot will not stay lit, give us a call as the thermocouple may need replacement by a licenced professional.

A clean, consistently lit pilot light is crucial for the burner operation and hot water flow. Take care when inspecting gas appliances and address any issues promptly.

Inspecting gas lines for leaks

It’s vital for safety to check for gas leaks in your hot water system. If you detect the odour of gas or suspect a leak occurs:

1. Turn off the gas supply valve immediately if you detect no water outflow.
2. Extinguish any naked flames and don’t operate electrical switches.
3. Open windows and doors for ventilation.
4. Evacuate the area and call your gas company to report the leak.

To inspect for leaks:

1. Apply leak detection fluid or soapy water to the gas pipelines connected to your water heater.
2. Check pipe joints, valves, the gas control unit and anywhere pipework is connected.
3. Look for growing bubbles, which indicate a leak.
4. If leaks are detected, turn off the gas supply and call a licenced plumber for urgent repair.

Contact a professional promptly, as leaks also breach Residential Tenancy Agreements requiring functioning hot water services.

Identifying and addressing water leaks

Water leaks commonly affect hot water systems. Early detection is crucial to preventing excessive water waste, property damage, and mould.

Be alert for these indicators of a water leak:

• Visible water damage on floors, walls or ceilings
• The sound of dripping or running water
• An increase in your water bill
• The hot water system failing to heat water properly

Start by inspecting all water connections and joints on the hot water system, looking to see if there any moisture or corrosion. Use a flashlight to check under and around the tank for pooling water.

Minor leaks from connections or seals might be fixable by someone adept at home repairs. Turn off water supply first and ensure all parts have cooled before attempting any fixes.

If the leak is significant or originates from the tank, engage a licensed plumber for assessment and necessary repairs or replacement. Left unchecked, leaks can cause water damage, mould, and potential electrical issues.

When to call a professional

In certain scenarios, it’s more prudent to seek assistance from a professional plumber for your hot water problems instead of DIY fixes:

• If you smell gas or detect leaks on a gas hot water system
• If the pilot light repeatedly goes out
• For suspected problems with gas lines, valves or pressure
• If the hot water unit makes odd noises, leaks excessively or is otherwise critically damaged
• If there has been flood or fire damage to the hot water system
• For recurrent circuit breaker tripping or electrical faults
• If the thermostat, heating element or other electrical parts need testing or replacement
• When the hot water system requires flushing or descaling
• For installing a new hot water system

The expert team at Quakers Hill Plumbing boasts more than a decade of servicing and repairing gas and electric hot water systems in the Hills district. For swift service, email our licenced gas fitters and electricians at [email protected] or call us on 1300 349 338.

We also offer emergency plumbing services, This enables us to promptly address any urgent hot water problems.

Is lack of hot water an emergency?

Lack of hot water is considered an urgent water service issue rather than an emergency, except in certain situations. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must facilitate repairs to hot water systems within 2 days of notification.

Hot water would be deemed an emergency when:

• There is a suspected gas leak from the hot water system
• Failure of the hot water supply poses an immediate health risk (e.g. for infants/elderly)
• The lack of hot water threatens serious property damage via burst pipes in freezing weather

In such emergencies where a lack of hot water poses a safety risk, immediately contact your gas provider if it’s a gas-related issue, or a plumber for other critical concerns.

For other issues like blocked drains or an absence of hot water, although inconvenient, it’s reasonable to allow up to the 2-day maximum for repairs. Contact your property manager or landlord right away and follow up to ensure a plumbing professional attends promptly.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance is vital for keeping your hot water system functioning efficiently and helping avoid breakdowns or failures.

Simple steps you can take to maintain water heaters include:

• Conducting annual inspections of your unit for corrosion or leaks
• Examining water connections and gas lines for deterioration or damage
• Ensuring electrical connections remain clean and secure
• Regularly cleaning the tank and flushing out sediment
• Replacing the anode rod every 5 years in the tank

It’s also recommended to have a qualified plumber service your hot water unit every 1-3 years, based on the system’s type and age. This professional maintenance helps identify and address minor faults before they become major issues.

Attending promptly to any leaks, odd noises or operational changes in your hot water system means problems can be rectified before failure occurs. Early repairs often cost less than emergency response or complete unit replacement.