Hot Water Not Working? Here's How to Work Out What's Wrong

Losing hot water is one of those problems that goes from mildly inconvenient to genuinely disruptive very quickly — especially in a family home. Before you call a plumber, there are a few things worth checking. And if it does turn out you need a plumber, understanding what type of system you have will help us fix it faster.

What Type of Hot Water System Do You Have?

Storage systems heat water and store it in an insulated tank, ready to use. They can be gas, electric or heat pump powered. If you run out of hot water mid-shower, you have a storage system.

Continuous flow (or instantaneous) systems heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. You never run out, but the flow rate is limited.

Solar systems use roof-mounted panels to heat water, usually with a gas or electric booster for cloudy days.

Common Problems and What They Usually Mean

No hot water at all:

• Electric system: Check your circuit breaker. A tripped breaker is a common culprit.

• Gas system: Check that the pilot light is on and your gas supply is connected.

• Both: The element, thermostat or gas valve may have failed.

Running out of hot water faster than usual:

• The element may be failing and only heating part of the tank.

• Your household demand has increased (new people, longer showers).

• The thermostat may have been turned down or failed.

• Sediment build-up in the tank reduces its effective capacity over time.

Lukewarm water:

• The thermostat may be set too low (it should be set to 60°C to prevent legionella).

• The element is starting to fail.

• On a solar system, the booster may not be working.

Water coming out of the pressure relief valve:

• This is the valve on the side of your tank with a pipe leading to the ground. Some dripping is normal, but a constant flow means the pressure or temperature inside the system is too high. This needs attention promptly.

Rusty or discoloured water:

• The anode rod inside your tank (which prevents corrosion) may have worn out.

• The tank itself may be starting to corrode internally — a sign the system is nearing end of life.

When to Repair vs. Replace

If your hot water system is under 10 years old and the problem is a failed component (element, thermostat, valve), repair usually makes sense. If it's over 10–12 years old and having problems, replacement is often the better investment — you'll spend less in the long run and get the benefit of a more energy-efficient system.

At WickyLeaks Plumbing, we can diagnose your system, give you honest advice on whether to repair or replace, and help you choose the right system if you do need a new one.

No hot water? Call Tom on 0416 705 086 — we offer same-day service across Port Macquarie.