There are few things more frustrating than turning on the shower expecting hot water and getting nothing but cold!
Whether you've suddenly lost your hot water altogether, your water is only lukewarm, or your hot water seems to be running out much faster than usual, there can be a number of different causes.
Some problems are relatively simple, while others can indicate that your hot water system needs professional repair or may be reaching the end of its working life.
Here are eight common reasons your hot water system may not be working properly – and what to do about them.
1. Your Hot Water System Has Lost Power
If you have an electric storage hot water system or a heat pump, one of the first things to consider is whether the system is receiving power.
A tripped circuit breaker, electrical fault or switched-off isolator can prevent the system from heating your water.
If you've noticed that the hot water stopped working suddenly, it's worth checking whether the circuit breaker has tripped.
However, if it keeps tripping, don't simply reset it repeatedly. This can indicate an underlying electrical fault that needs to be investigated by a qualified professional.
If your hot water system isn't receiving power and you can't identify an obvious reason, it's best to have it checked rather than attempting to repair the electrical components yourself.
For help with a hot water system that isn't heating properly, Tomlinson Plumbing provides hot water repairs in Geelong and surrounding areas.
2. The Heating Element May Have Failed
Electric storage hot water systems use a heating element to heat the water inside the tank.
Over time, the element can deteriorate or fail. When this happens, you may find that your water is only lukewarm or that you're getting no hot water at all.
A failed element doesn't necessarily mean you need a completely new hot water system.
If the rest of the system is in good condition and isn't too old, replacing the faulty component may be a sensible repair.
On the other hand, if the system is already getting towards the end of its expected lifespan, it may be worth comparing the cost of repair with the cost of replacement.
If you have an electric or gas storage system, you can also find out more about gas and electric storage hot water systems and the options available when an older unit needs replacing.
3. There Could Be a Problem With the Thermostat
Your hot water system's thermostat plays an important role in controlling the temperature of the water.
If the thermostat develops a fault, the system may:
- Stop heating the water
- Produce water that's only lukewarm
- Produce inconsistent water temperatures
- Cause the system to overheat
A thermostat problem can occur in both electric and gas storage systems, although the way the fault presents itself will depend on the type and model of your hot water system.
Because thermostats form part of the system's temperature and safety controls, it's not something you should attempt to dismantle or repair yourself.
A plumber can assess the system and determine whether the thermostat or another component is responsible.
4. There Could Be a Problem With the Gas Supply
If you have a gas hot water system and suddenly have no hot water, there could be an issue with the gas supply or the system's ignition.
Gas continuous-flow systems are particularly different from traditional storage systems because they heat water as you use it rather than storing a large tank of pre-heated water.
A problem with the gas supply, ignition system or another component can prevent the unit from heating the water.
If other gas appliances in your home are also affected, that can be an important clue that the problem may be related to the gas supply rather than the hot water unit itself.
Gas appliances should only be inspected and repaired by appropriately licensed professionals.
If you're considering a new system, you can learn more about continuous-flow gas hot water systems and whether this type of system may be suitable for your home.
5. Your Hot Water System Could Be Leaking
A leaking hot water system is something you shouldn't ignore.
There are several different reasons why water may be coming from around your hot water unit. It could be a valve, connection or other component – or, particularly with an older storage system, the tank itself may have developed a leak.
If the tank has started leaking, repairing the individual components may not solve the underlying problem.
What if the leak is coming from a valve?
Some valves on a hot water system can release a small amount of water as part of their normal operation.
However, if you notice continuous dripping, a significant amount of water, or water collecting around the unit, it's worth having the system inspected.
If you're unsure where the water is coming from, don't assume it's harmless.
A leaking hot water system can potentially cause significant water damage, particularly when the unit is located inside or close to a garage, laundry or other part of the home.
6. Your Hot Water Is Working – But You're Running Out Too Quickly
Sometimes the problem isn't that your hot water system has stopped working completely. Instead, you may find that you're running out of hot water much sooner than you used to.
This can happen for a number of reasons.
For example:
- Your household's hot water usage has increased
- The system is too small for your current needs
- A heating component isn't working correctly
- The thermostat isn't operating properly
- The system is becoming less efficient as it ages
If your family has grown, you've added another bathroom, or your hot water usage has changed significantly, your existing system may simply no longer be the right size for your household.
This is one reason it's important to consider your household's actual hot water requirements when replacing an older system.
7. Your Continuous-Flow System Isn't Igniting
Continuous-flow hot water systems work differently from traditional storage systems.
Instead of keeping a tank of water hot, they heat the water as it flows through the unit.
This means that if the system isn't igniting or isn't responding when you turn on a hot water tap, there could be an issue with the gas supply, ignition system, water flow or another component.
Some systems may also display a fault code that can help a plumber identify the problem.
If your continuous-flow system has stopped providing hot water, it's best not to start dismantling the unit yourself. A qualified plumber can diagnose the problem and determine whether the system can be repaired.
8. Your Hot Water System May Simply Be Getting Old
Sometimes the reason you're having hot water problems is simply that your system is reaching the end of its useful life.
Most hot water systems have an expected lifespan of around 8–15 years, although this varies depending on the type of system, how it has been maintained and the conditions in which it operates.
For homes around Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and other coastal areas, environmental conditions can also affect the lifespan of some systems.
If an older system starts needing repeated repairs, it's worth looking at the bigger picture rather than simply repairing one problem after another.
A replacement may give you a more reliable system and the opportunity to consider newer, more energy-efficient hot water technology.
What Should You Do If You Have No Hot Water?
If you've suddenly lost your hot water, there are a few simple things you can safely check:
- Has the power to the system been switched off?
- Has a circuit breaker tripped?
- Is there an obvious fault code on your system?
- Are other gas appliances working normally?
- Can you see any water leaking from the hot water unit?
If there's an obvious issue you can safely identify, such as a switched-off power supply, you may be able to resolve it yourself.
However, don't attempt to dismantle a gas or electrical hot water system or repair components you're not qualified to work on.
If you can't identify the problem, the system is leaking, or you're simply not sure what's wrong, it's best to have a qualified plumber assess it.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Hot Water System?
If your hot water system has stopped working, the immediate question is usually: Can it be repaired, or do I need a new system?
There's no single answer because it depends on the age and condition of the system, the problem that's occurred and the cost of the repair.
Repair may make sense when:
- The system is relatively new
- The tank and other components are in good condition
- The problem is isolated
- The repair is relatively straightforward
- The system has otherwise been reliable
Replacement may make more sense when:
- The system is around 10 years old or more
- The tank itself is leaking
- You're experiencing repeated breakdowns
- Repair costs are becoming significant
- Your household's hot water requirements have changed
- You'd like to upgrade to a newer or more energy-efficient system
At Tomlinson Plumbing, we'll assess your existing system and explain your options rather than automatically recommending a replacement.
When replacement is the better option, there are also several different technologies to consider, including heat pump hot water systems, solar hot water systems and traditional gas and electric storage hot water systems.
Need Hot Water Repairs in Torquay, Geelong or the Bellarine?
Being without hot water is inconvenient, particularly when you don't know what's caused the problem.
Tomlinson Plumbing provides hot water repairs, replacement and installation throughout Geelong, Torquay, Jan Juc, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Armstrong Creek, Leopold, Clifton Springs, Drysdale and surrounding areas.
We work with a wide range of hot water systems, including gas, electric, storage, continuous-flow, solar and heat pump systems.
If your hot water system isn't working properly, contact Tomlinson Plumbing for hot water repairs and replacements, or give us a call on (03) 5261 2422 and we'll help determine the best solution for your home.
Tomlinson Plumbing – your local hot water specialists for Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my hot water suddenly stopped working?
There are several possible causes, including a power or gas supply issue, failed heating components, thermostat problems or a system fault. An older system may also simply be reaching the end of its useful life.
How do I know if my hot water system needs to be replaced?
Age, repeated breakdowns, leaks and increasingly expensive repairs can all be signs that replacement may make more sense than continued repairs. Most hot water systems last around 8–12 years, although this varies depending on the system and conditions.
Can a leaking hot water system be repaired?
It depends on where the leak is coming from. Valves and connections may be repairable, while a leaking storage tank may mean the entire system needs to be replaced.
How quickly can you repair a hot water system?
Tomlinson Plumbing can assess your hot water problem and advise whether repair or replacement is the best option. The time required will depend on the problem, the type and age of the system, and whether replacement parts or a new system are required.