Turn on the shower expecting hot water and get nothing but cold? Before assuming you need a new hot water system, there are a few things worth checking first.
An electric unit may have lost power or developed a problem with the thermostat or heating element. On a gas system, the gas supply, ignition or burner could be involved. Water around the unit can point to a leaking pipe connection, valve or tank.
Why Is There No Hot Water?
The System Has Lost Power
If you have an electric hot water system, check the switchboard to see whether the circuit breaker has tripped.
You can reset the breaker once. If it trips again, leave it switched off and have a qualified professional investigate the problem. Repeatedly resetting the breaker is not a fix and can leave an electrical fault unresolved.
The Water Is Only Lukewarm
You may still get some hot water when the system is not working properly. The water might take longer to heat, never reach its usual temperature or run out much sooner than it normally would.
On an electric unit, a faulty thermostat or heating element can affect the water temperature.
Think about what happens in the shower. Does the water start hot and then turn cold after a few minutes? Or has it been lukewarm from the start? This can provide useful information when the system is inspected.
A Gas System Is Not Heating
Gas hot water systems rely on the gas supply, ignition and burner to heat the water. A problem with any of these can stop the unit from operating properly.
If you smell gas, do not try to locate the source or work on the appliance yourself. Move away from the area and follow the relevant emergency gas safety advice.
There Is Water Around the Unit
Water around a hot water unit is worth investigating, particularly if the amount is increasing.
It could be coming from a pipe connection, valve or another component. If the tank itself is leaking, it may be deteriorating and require professional attention. Water can also run along pipework before reaching the ground, so the puddle may not be directly underneath the leak.
A steady or rapidly increasing leak should be dealt with promptly. Where it is safe and appropriate, you can turn off the water supply while waiting for assistance.
What Can You Check Before Calling a Technician?
You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself. Simply noting what has changed can make the service call more straightforward.
Before booking a service, note:
- When you first noticed the loss of hot water
- Whether the water is completely cold or just cooler than usual
- Whether you are running out of hot water faster than before
- Whether the unit is making any unusual sounds
- Whether you have noticed water, rust or corrosion around it
- Whether a circuit breaker has tripped
- Whether anything changed shortly before the problem started
- Whether you have an electric, gas, heat pump or solar system
If the make, model or approximate age is easy to find, have that information available too.
Keep your checks to what you can see from outside the unit. Do not remove covers or interfere with electrical components, gas connections or internal parts.
When Is a Hot Water Fault Urgent?
A loss of hot water is frustrating, but some signs need attention straight away.
Seek urgent assistance if you notice:
- A substantial leak or water escaping from the tank
- The smell of gas
- A circuit breaker that repeatedly trips
- A burning smell or visible signs of overheating
- Water near electrical components
- An unusual noise followed by a sudden loss of hot water
If you suspect a gas leak or electrical fault, stay away from the affected area and follow the relevant emergency safety advice.
The Energy People provides 24/7 emergency hot water repairs across Canberra when a problem cannot wait until normal business hours.
Should You Repair or Replace the Hot Water System?
A system that has stopped working does not necessarily need to be replaced. If the tank and major components are still in good condition, repairing the failed component may be enough to get things working again.
Age is worth considering, particularly if the unit has also needed several repairs or developed recurring leaks. Inconsistent water temperatures and declining performance can also be signs that an older system is nearing the end of its service life.
It is also worth looking at how much hot water your household uses. A system that was suitable when it was installed may struggle after a household grows or water usage changes. Several people showering in the morning, for example, can put considerably more demand on the available hot water.
An inspection can show whether the existing unit is in good enough condition to repair and whether its capacity still suits the household. From there, you can decide whether a repair is sufficient or whether replacement is the more practical option.
Hot Water Repairs in Canberra
The Energy People repairs, services and installs electric, gas, heat pump and solar hot water systems across Canberra.
With more than 25 years of experience and over 30,000 hot water installations completed, the business has extensive experience across residential hot water systems.
If a hot water fault occurs outside normal business hours, 24/7 emergency repairs are available across Canberra.
Final Thoughts
A hot water fault does not always mean the entire system needs replacing. The right next step depends on what has changed, the condition of the unit and whether it still meets your household’s needs. Simple visual checks can help, but faults involving gas, electricity or significant leaks are best left to a qualified professional.
Need Hot Water Repairs in Canberra?
If your hot water has stopped working or is no longer meeting your household’s needs, The Energy People can inspect the system and explain the available repair options. Emergency hot water repairs are available 24/7 across Canberra when the problem cannot wait until normal business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Type of Hot Water System Affect the Repair?
Yes. Electric, gas, heat pump and solar systems work differently, so the checks required will depend on the type of unit you have. If you know the make, model or approximate age, provide those details when booking a service.
Why Does My Hot Water Run Out Faster Than It Used To?
A fault can cause this, but increased household usage can also be a factor. If more people are using the hot water or your routine has changed, the existing unit may no longer have enough capacity for the household.
What Will a Technician Check?
The technician will inspect the unit and relevant components based on the symptoms you have reported. They can then explain what they have found and whether a repair is suitable.
