When hot water systems fail due to leaks, noise, lack of hot water or other common issues, most homeowners need a professional plumber for inspection and repairs to get them working properly again before complete failure occurs.
A functional hot water system is vital for comfort at home, and when it fails, the impact on your daily life is significant.
Some common signs that your unit may be on the verge of failure include inconsistent water temperatures, discoloured or smelly water coming from your taps, strange noises from the tank, leaks around the unit, or complete lack of hot water.
While some issues are easily fixed, others may demand professional repair. This guide outlines typical water heater problems, provides practical troubleshooting tips, and advises when to engage a licenced plumber.
Several universal issues can cause hot water system failures:
Regular maintenance is critical to prevent early system failure.
The heating element in electric hot water systems converts electrical energy into heat, warming the surrounding water.
Over time, mineral build up and corrosion can damage heating elements. Signs of a faulty heating element include:
Suspecting a faulty heating element, you should first switch the power off at the circuit breaker, then on again to reset it. If your hot water is still cold, verify with a multimeter if electricity is reaching the heater.
If there’s no power to your unit, an electrician is required to diagnose and fix electrical problems. Should the power be sufficient but the issue persists, it’s time to call a licenced plumber for a proper fixing.
The thermostat manages your gas water heater by controlling the temperature of the hot water, signaling the heating elements when to engage. If it malfunctions, you may experience:
First, try adjusting your thermostat before considering a call to the plumber. Gas water heaters usually have a dial that you should set to your preferred temperature level. For electric water heaters, remove the access panel and adjust the thermostat dial inside.
After adjusting, turn on the hot water tap for a few minutes to test if the temperature meets your expectations. Should the water remain too hot or cold, the thermostat may need professional replacement.
A faulty thermostat can lead to energy waste and hinder the efficiency of your new hot water system’s lifespan. For persistent temperature inconsistencies, contact our team for a definitive solution to your water heater’s issues.
Despite proper installation, over time, a water heater tank may corrode, causing leaks and functional faults.
If you see water or any damp patches around your water heater, there could be a slow leak from corrosion at the seams or weld joints threatening the sanctuary of your home. Discoloured water coming out from your hot water taps can also indicate a tank corrosion issue releasing sediment and metal contaminants into your hot water supply.
Regularly inspecting your tank for leaks, rust, or scaling prevents major issues. An annual inspection and maintenance check from a licenced plumber can help prevent major tank deterioration. They will assess the anode rod and may recommend replacing it if excessively corroded.
Identifying the source of small leaks is crucial to prevent potential burst tanks and significant flood damage. We can help you get touch with the appropriate solutions and determine the full extent of the issue, ensuring you get reliable hot water restored to your Pennant Hills home.
At the first sign of any tank corrosion, when theres an indication your hot water needs attention, contact our team.
No hot water could signal a tripped breaker to your water heater. Persisting issues warrant professional help.
Ensure your water heater has power or gas supply. Check that the circuit breaker is on and power is reaching the system. For gas systems, ensure the pilot light is on, the gas valve is open, and the pressure relief valve is operational.
If you’re finding your hot water working inefficiently, it usually comes down to incorrect thermostat settings or excessive sediment buildup in the tank. Increase the thermostat temperature and check if the water from the taps is suitably hot. If not, a plumber can flush and descale your tank so your water heater is working properly.
Detecting leaks quickly prevents tank corrosion and pipe damage, so seek professional aid promptly. Inspect around your water heater monthly and call us immediately if you see any moisture or rust streaks. A small repair now is better than a whole water heater replacement—check your hot water function regularly if you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us.
For hot water issues beyond simple fixes, our licenced plumbers can provide the support you need.
Our skilled technicians can address your water heater issues, offering accurate diagnoses and necessary repairs or replacements.
Some water heater problems require the expertise of a professional plumber beyond do-it-yourself fixes:
If your gas hot water system pilot light repeatedly goes out, you suspect a gas leak, the burners make popping noises or show irregular flames, or you have another gas-related issue, immediately shut off the gas supply and call a plumber. Remember, DIY repairs on gas lines are unsafe; contact a professional for any gas hot water system issues.
Large leaks suggest component failure or severe corrosion, which can damage your property’s infrastructure. Professional plumbing assistance is then imperative. Shut off the water supply to the heater and call a plumber for emergency repairs.
If your storage tank has ruptured, heating elements repeatedly malfunction, or you experience no water due to a complete loss of hot water not resolvable by basic troubleshooting, your system likely needs replacing. Our qualified technicians can perform a water system installation for a suitable heat pump, tankless water heater or new solar hot water system tailored to your household’s needs.
When troubleshooting fails to fix issues like absence of hot water, leaks, or unusual noises, it’s time to call a professional. Contact our plumbers for expert diagnosis and lasting repairs.
With more than 10 years of plumbing expertise, your local Pennant Hills Plumbing serves the community, efficiently handling any hot water system repair or installation job. Call us on 1300 349 338 or email for same-day assistance.
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