Hot Water Not Working? Common Issues and Fixes for Melbourne Homes

It's 6:30am on a cold Melbourne morning, and you've just turned on the shower to icy cold water. We get calls like this almost daily at Apex Trades, especially during those bitter winter weeks when your hot water system gets tested the most.

After servicing hot water systems across Melbourne's inner suburbs for years, I've learned that most hot water problems fall into predictable patterns. The good news? Some you can fix yourself in minutes. Others need a licensed plumber and knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a lot of cold showers.

Quick Troubleshooting: Check These First

Before you call anyone, run through this 2-minute checklist:

For gas hot water systems: Look through the viewing window on your unit. See a small blue flame? Your pilot light is on. No flame means it's out, often from Melbourne's strong winds, especially in exposed areas like St Kilda or Port Melbourne. 

For electric hot water systems: Head to your switchboard and check for tripped breakers. Electric systems draw serious power, and Melbourne's summer storms can trigger breakers. Also check the power switch at the unit itself hasn't been accidentally turned off.

For both types: Test multiple hot taps around your home. If only one tap runs cold, the problem is that tap or pipe, not your system. If you're in an apartment in Docklands or Southbank, check with neighbors, sometimes it's a building-wide issue.

Common Reasons for No Hot Water in Melbourne Homes

Gas Hot Water Not Working

Pilot light out. This is the number one cause of gas hot water heater not working. To relight it, turn the gas control knob to "pilot," hold it down, press the igniter button, and keep holding for 30 seconds after it lights. If it won't stay lit after several attempts, you likely have a faulty thermocouple time to call Apex Trades.

Gas supply issues. I've been to jobs in Fitzroy and Carlton where the gas meter was accidentally switched off during renovations. Simple check, but easy to overlook.

Thermostat set too low. Your thermostat should be between 50-60°C. Below that, your water won't get properly hot, especially during winter when incoming water is colder.

Electric Hot Water System Not Working

Faulty heating element. The heating element can burn out, particularly in Melbourne's hard water areas like Templestowe and Eltham where mineral buildup accelerates wear. You'll have some hot water initially from what's already in the tank, but it won't reheat. Replacing elements involves electricity and water definitely a job for a licensed hot water plumber in Melbourne.

Thermostat failure. If your thermostat fails or gets knocked out of position, your water won't heat properly. The thermostat is usually behind a panel on the tank's side.

Tripped breaker that keeps tripping. If resetting the breaker works temporarily but it trips again, there's an underlying electrical fault that needs professional diagnosis.

Hot Water System Not Heating Properly

Sometimes your system runs but doesn't get water hot enough. Common causes include:

Sediment buildup. Melbourne's water quality is excellent, but it does contain minerals that settle at the bottom of tanks over time. This sediment layer insulates the heating element from the water, killing efficiency. If you haven't flushed your tank in 3-5 years, this could be your problem.

Failed tempering valve. This valve mixes hot and cold water to prevent scalding. When it sticks or fails, you get lukewarm water. We see this frequently in 7-10 year old systems.

Undersized system. Did household size change recently? That 135L system that worked fine for two people struggles when four people need morning showers.

When to DIY vs Call a Licensed Plumber

You can safely handle: Relighting a pilot light, resetting tripped breakers, adjusting thermostat settings, checking gas valves are open.

Call Apex Trades immediately for: Any gas smell (turn off supply first), electrical problems beyond the breaker, replacing elements or thermostats, persistent pilot light problems, water leaking from the unit, or systems over 10 years old with multiple issues.

Here's why professional help matters: Gas systems operate under pressure with flammable fuel. Electric systems combine high voltage with water. In Victoria, working on these systems without proper licensing isn't just illegal it's genuinely dangerous. The risks of explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, or serious water damage aren't worth skipping a licensed plumber. Learn more about our emergency plumbing services.

Why Hot Water Systems Fail in Melbourne

After hundreds of service calls across Melbourne, clear patterns emerge:

Winter surge. June through August, systems that were already struggling can't keep up with demand for hotter, longer showers. The increased workload exposes underlying problems.

Storm damage. Melbourne's intense summer storms cause power surges that trip breakers or damage electric systems. Always check your switchboard after major weather events.

Age-related failures. Most systems last 8-12 years realistically. If yours is approaching this age with problems, replacement often makes more financial sense than repair. We'll give you honest advice during a service call.

Hard water areas. Outer eastern and northern suburbs experience faster sediment buildup. Annual tank flushing is particularly important in these areas.

Preventing Hot Water System Problems

The most cost-effective approach is prevention. Here's what actually works:

Annual professional servicing. We check the anode rod (prevents tank corrosion), flush sediment, test the pressure relief valve, and inspect all components. This catches small issues before they become expensive emergencies. We typically find problems in 70% of systems we service before they cause complete failure.

Test your pressure relief valve. That small valve on your tank's side with the copper pipe leading outside? Lift the lever every few months to ensure it releases water freely. A failed pressure relief valve can lead to dangerous pressure buildup.

Watch for warning signs. Rumbling, popping, or hissing sounds, rusty water, longer heating times, or water pooling at the base—these are early warnings. Don't wait for complete failure.

Last month we attended an emergency call-out in Richmond on a Saturday night. The system needed a new heating element, but parts suppliers were closed until Monday. Total cost: $450 for after-hours service, parts, and labor. That household had declined annual servicing a year earlier for $150, which would have caught the failing element before it died completely.

Need Help With Your Hot Water System in Melbourne?

If basic troubleshooting hasn't solved your hot water problem, Apex Trades provides same-day service across Melbourne's inner and middle suburbs. We offer transparent pricing before starting work, use quality parts, and guarantee all repairs.

Whether it's a quick fix or you need honest advice on repair versus replacement, we'll give you clear recommendations based on what we find. Call Apex Trades on 1300 102 158 today for fast, reliable hot water system repairs throughout Melbourne.

For emergency hot water repairs, contact Apex Trades licensed, insured, and experienced with all gas, electric, and heat pump systems.