A hot water failure in Melbourne is classified as an urgent repair in rental properties — and it’s a genuine disruption in any home. The troubleshooting steps depend on which type of system you have.
Gas Storage Hot Water System — No Hot Water
- Check the pilot light: Many older gas storage systems use a standing pilot light. If it’s out, the system won’t fire. Relight following the instructions on the unit label. If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple has likely failed — this is a $150–$250 plumber repair.
- Check the gas supply: If other gas appliances aren’t working, the issue is supply, not the unit itself. Contact your gas network.
- Check the pressure relief valve: If it’s releasing water continuously, the system may be over-pressurising or the valve itself has failed. Call a plumber.
- Age: If the system is over 10 years old and won’t restart after multiple attempts, the burner assembly may have failed. Replacement is often more cost-effective than repair.
Gas Continuous Flow — No Hot Water
- Flow rate: Continuous flow systems require a minimum flow rate to activate (typically 1.5–3.5 L/min). A partially closed isolating valve or very low water pressure may prevent ignition. Ensure the cold inlet valve is fully open.
- Error code on display: Most continuous flow systems display an error code when they fail. Google your model and error code for the specific diagnosis.
- Gas supply: Same as storage — check other appliances are working.
- Ignition failure: If you can hear the unit trying to fire but not igniting, the igniter or gas valve may have failed. Call a plumber.
Electric Hot Water System — No Hot Water
- Check the circuit breaker: Electric hot water systems have a dedicated circuit breaker. If it has tripped, reset it. If it trips again, there’s a wiring fault — call an electrician.
- Off-peak systems: If your system is on an off-peak tariff, it only heats during certain periods (typically overnight). If you’ve had unusually high hot water usage, the tank may simply be empty and not yet reheated.
- Element failure: If the circuit breaker is on but there’s still no hot water after a full heating period, the heating element has likely failed. This is typically a $300–$600 repair or a trigger to replace if the system is old.
Heat Pump — No Hot Water
- Check the error code on the controller display
- Check the ambient temperature — some heat pumps go into boost mode (electric resistance) in very cold conditions (below 5°C). Melbourne rarely hits this, but winter nights in elevated areas can
- Check the unit isn’t in holiday/away mode from a previous setting
Sedcon Plumbing responds same-day to hot water failures across Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 | Available 24/7 | VBA Lic. 120392