Hot Water Breaks Down? Get it Fixed Fast

Identify If You Have A Hot Water Issue

Several indicators can alert you to issues with your hot water system:

• No hot water - A complete lack of hot water or rapid exhaustion of hot water signals a malfunction in your system.
• Inconsistent water temperature - If your water unpredictably changes from hot to warm, your system may be malfunctioning.
• Noisy operation - Rumbling, banging or hissing noises from your water heater may indicate high water pressure, sediment accumulation or failing parts.
• Leaking valves or compromised hot water supply connections that lead to visible leaks require immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Regular monitoring of your hot water system can promptly identify and mitigate common issues. Prompt identification of issues leads to quicker diagnoses and repairs, saving costly future problems.

For persistently low hot water temperatures, consider consulting our expert Cambridge Park plumbers for quick resolution. With substantial experience, our team has the know how to precisely identify and mend hot water system issues.

Check Power and Electric Circuit Breaker

When your hot water system suddenly malfunctions, immediately check the circuit breakers to ensure a continuous power supply. Here’s what do to ensure proper assessment:

1. Find your home’s main switchboard, which typically resides in the garage, laundry, or meter box, to check the power supply.
2. Check for any circuit breakers that have tripped to the 'off’ position. Circuit breakers connected to the hot water system may trip when there is a fault.
3. Address electrical issues by resetting tripped circuit breakers from 'off’ to 'on’ and closely inspecting your system.
4. If the circuit breaker promptly trips again, there could be an electrical fault within the system. Do not attempt to reset it again.
5. Examine for blown fuses and replace them with new ones, ensuring they have the correct amperage rating to resolve electrical problems.
6. If you don’t feel safe performing these steps, seek assistance from a licenced electrician to inspect the electrical supply.

Tripped circuits and blown fuses can prevent your water heating system from functioning properly. Identify who can expertly check your system if basic electrical troubleshooting fails to revive your hot water function.

Inspect Your Hot Water System and Pipes

It’s important to thoroughly inspect your hot water system and connected pipes when troubleshooting issues. Look for:

• Water leak check - Inspect valve connections, pipe joints and the water heater for dampness that may indicate leaks. Even minor drips can lead to pressure loss; be ready to replace defective components.
• Blockages in your pipes - Sediment buildup and corrosion can restrict water flow. Scrutinise for blockages that could affect water flow, and remove any impediments in pipes and connectors.
• Damage - Examine your system for dents, cracks or broken piping that you might try fix on your own. Rust around the water tank is also concerning.
• Flame issues - For gas water heaters, particularly those with a gas burner, ensure that the pilot light is ablaze and operating optimally. Should you detect a gas leak, immediately call the gas company without delay.

After reheating, test the system by running a hot tap to assess any water pressure issues. A reduced stream or splutter at the cold water inlet signals a possible pressure quandary.

Our team can skillfully diagnose subtle faults, ensuring your hot water system operates reliably in your Cambridge Park home. Contact us to discuss any signs of issues you’ve found during your hot water system inspection.

Attempt Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before calling a professional, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try yourself when your hot water system breaks down:

1. Ensure the power supply to your hot water system is on. Check that circuit breakers are in the correct position to restore hot water.
2. Check external system components such as pipes, valves, and connections for leaks, corrosion, or damage, and tighten fittings or shut off the water supply if required.
3. For systems reliant on a water pump, verify its operational status just as you would check that a pilot light is lit for gas systems. Relight it if needed and follow the lighting instructions printed on your unit.
4. For electric water heaters, make certain your heating element is unspoiled and that switches are set to the "on" position.
5. Examine your home’s water pressure; turn a hot water tap on after the system re-heats - a low flow suggests a pressure issue.
6. To drain sediment, attach a hose and open the pressure relief valve.
7. Test thermostats and heating elements with a multimeter if comfortable doing so.

If you’re still without hot water after basic troubleshooting, our skilled Cambridge Park plumbers can swiftly resolve the issues. We accurately pinpoint and remedy faults, ensuring your system resumes its safe and efficient operation.

Relight the Pilot Light

If you have a natural gas hot water system, a common issue is the pilot light going out. To relight it, follow these safe steps:

1. Turn off gas to the system by shutting the gas supply valve to eliminate any risks.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes for any gas to dissipate.
3. Remove the access panel to expose the pilot light.
4. Push down the pilot light control knob and light the match/lighter to ignite the gas coming out of the pilot tube.
5. Hold the knob down for 30 seconds after the pilot light ignites.
6. Release the knob and ensure the pilot light remains lit.
7. Replace the access panel.
8. Slowly turn the gas supply back on.
9. Should the pilot light falter, get in touch with your professional plumber stat, and keep off gas supply until help arrives.

Repeated pilot light failures, despite correct lighting, suggest a deeper system issue that necessitates a licenced plumber’s assessment. Our team can investigate the reasons why it won’t stay lit and restore normal hot water function.

Drain and Flush the Hot Water Tank

The bottom tank sediment build-up, over time, might compromise your unit’s ability to heat efficiently. Draining and flushing your tank helps remove this sediment.

1. Turn off power at the switchboard and shut off the gas or water supply to your gas or electric water heater.
2. Attach a garden hose to the tank’s drain valve and feed the hose outdoors to an area where drainage won’t cause property damage.
3. Open the pressure relief valve and the drain valve at the bottom of your hot water heater so sediment and water can be expelled.
4. After emptying the tank, close the drain valve and refill the tank, ensuring clear water returns as you turn the water supply back on.
5. Open the drain valve again to flush out any loose sediment until the water runs clear, effectively cut off the sediment issue.
6. Close the drain, remove the hose, restore gas/power, and check water flow as you reignite the pilot light if needed.

Annual draining of your water heater prevents mineral buildup and extends its lifespan. Contact our team if you’re experiencing any issues.

Replace Damaged Parts Like Heating Elements

If there no hot water and your system is malfunctioning, one of the issues could be a damaged internal component that needs replacement. Some parts that commonly fail and require replacing include:

• Heating elements - If your electric tank could be malfunctioning if it isn’t supplying hot water, it’s often a sign the metal heating elements have failed, but this is something a technician can rectify.
• Thermostats - Faulty thermostats cause water temperature fluctuations or failure to heat the water. Digital controllers are complex to replace.
• Pressure relief valves - Leaking relief valves must be replaced since they are crucial to properly heat water in your system. Make sure the pressure rating matches the old valve.
• Anode rod - A depleted anode rod can lead to tank corrosion in water heaters. Have them checked annually.

Replacing specific hot water system parts can restore function, but may require electrical or plumbing expertise. Do your research in repair manuals or consider engaging our professional Cambridge Park plumbers if you are wary of replacing components yourself.

When to Call a Professional Plumber or Electrician

It’s essential to seek professional help from a licensed plumber or electrician who knows leading water heater brands when:

• You’ve inspected the system and pipes but can’t find the reason for the hot water failure.
• Struggling with fixes? If you discern a shortfall in hot water despite your initiatives, it might be the juncture to seek expert aid to repair your system.
• The pilot light won’t stay lit after repeated attempts.
• Leaks, peculiar sounds, or overt damage imply complex fixes are required as soon possible.
• Electrical work such as replacing circuits or components is required.

Our qualified Cambridge Park plumbers, specialists in local hot water systems, have over a decade of experience in diagnosing and repairing faults across various brands and models. Should your DIY attempts falter, our team can assess whether to repair or replace your hot water system; contact us for prompt assistance.

For Leaks, No Hot Water, Low Pressure

Here is some troubleshooting advice:

For Leaks

Inspect your solar hot water unit, valves, pipe connections, and fittings closely for any dampness or drips.

Detecting a leaking hot water system early is essential to avert water damage. Shut off water supply immediately if large leaks are present. For small leaks, you might just need to tighten fittings or replace worn washers and valves.

For No Hot Water

Check power supply, relight gas pilot if needed, and inspect heating elements and thermostat controls. Drain and flush unit as the steps take to remove sediment buildup. If straightforward steps fail to resuscitate hot water supply, components such as the heating elements, thermostat or tempering valve may require replacement.

For Low Water Pressure

Low hot water pressure may be due to issues with the expansion control valve, a vital component.

Inspect valves, strainers and pipework for blockages. Drain and flush the water heater to remove sediment. Examine all taps and showers to isolate the issue source.

When faced with undiagnosable or unresolved leaks, lack of hot water, or low pressure, you may need a plumber; our Cambridge Park professionals provide prompt support. We service all hot water systems and can quickly diagnose and repair issues.

If Basic Troubleshooting Did Not Resolve

Should your hot water system remain faulty after basic troubleshooting, it’s time to consult a professional.

There are a few signs that indicate you need professional assistance:

• You’ve checked the power supply, circuit breaker, gas supply, heating elements, thermostat, valves, pipes, etc. but cannot find the reason for the hot water failure.
• Attempting basic repairs or parts replacement yourself has not restored hot water.
• The pilot light keeps going out after repeated attempts at relighting it.
• There are leaks, noises or visible damage that suggest more complex repairs are required.
• The pressure relief valve needs replacement.
• Electrical work is needed.

With extensive experience, our licensed and insured Cambridge Park plumbers can tackle various water heating problems and install systems from all major brands. We have the expertise to:

• Accurately diagnose system your faults that basic troubleshooting cannot resolve.
• Undertake complex repair work if your system needs more attention, to get your hot water restored promptly and safely.
• Provide maintenance to improve operation and extend system lifetime.
• Install a suitable new system if replacement is required.

With round-the-clock readiness for urgent callouts, our emergency plumbers stand prepared to resolve your hot water issues at a moment’s notice. Contact Cambridge Park Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email [email protected] for prompt assistance.

Understand Hot Water System Lifespans

The lifespan of your hot water system varies depending on its type and build quality. Tankless water heaters have a lifespan around 20 years for gas models and 10-15 years for electric. Heat pump systems last the longest - up to 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

Gas storage tanks typically have an average lifespan of 8-12 years.

Clear signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life include declining efficiency and rust accumulation. With time, the likelihood that systems will break down increases. Replacement should be planned before complete failure occurs to prevent being without hot water.

Our Cambridge Park plumbers can evaluate your hot water system’s condition and recommend whether it’s time for a replacement. We handle new installations for all makes and models. Contact us today on 1300 349 338 for reliable hot water solutions.