Losing hot water is one of the most disruptive plumbing problems a Melbourne household can face. Before calling a plumber, there are a few simple checks you can do yourself — and knowing which checks to make helps you describe the problem accurately, even if it does need a professional.
Gas Hot Water System: First Checks
If you have a gas storage or continuous flow (instantaneous) hot water system and have no hot water, check the following:
- Pilot light: On older storage systems, check if the pilot light has gone out. There will be a relighting procedure on the unit label.
- Gas supply: Check other gas appliances (cooktop, heater) — if none work, the issue may be with your gas supply. Check if your gas bill is paid. Call your gas distributor.
- Error code: Modern continuous flow systems display error codes on a digital panel. Note the code before calling a plumber — it tells us exactly what has failed.
- Temperature setting: Check the temperature controller hasn’t been accidentally turned down. Continuous flow systems usually have an external dial or digital controller.
Electric Hot Water System: First Checks
- Circuit breaker: Check your switchboard. The hot water circuit breaker may have tripped — reset it and see if hot water returns within a few hours.
- Off-peak timer: If your system is on an off-peak tariff, it only heats at certain times. It may simply not have heated yet today. Most systems should have hot water by mid-morning.
- Relief valve discharge: Check if there is water discharging from the temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve pipe (usually a small copper or stainless pipe discharging near the base of the unit). If it’s running continuously, the relief valve is failed or the thermostat is faulty.
Heat Pump Hot Water: First Checks
Heat pump systems are more sensitive to ambient temperature. In Melbourne winters, a heat pump in a poorly ventilated or very cold location may struggle to heat adequately. Check error codes on the display. Check that the unit has adequate clearance and airflow — restricted airflow is a common cause of poor performance.
Common Hot Water System Failures in Melbourne
The most common causes of hot water system failure we see across Melbourne are failed heating elements (electric systems, typically after 8-12 years), failed thermostats, failed igniter or gas valve (gas systems), tank corrosion and leaking (when the sacrificial anode has not been replaced and the tank begins to rust from the inside), and failed pressure relief valves. Some of these are repairable — others mean the system needs replacement.
Repair or Replace?
If your hot water system is under 8 years old and has a specific component failure, repair usually makes sense. If it is over 10 years old and has a significant failure — especially a leaking or corroded tank — replacement is almost always more cost-effective than repair. A new system also gives you the opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient model and avoid another breakdown in the near future.
Sedcon Plumbing — Hot Water Repairs Across Melbourne
We diagnose and repair all gas, electric, and heat pump hot water systems across Melbourne. Same-day service available. Call 0468 013 012 — we’re available 24/7 for hot water emergencies.
Learn more about our Hot Water Repairs Melbourne service, or see all suburbs we cover across greater Melbourne.