There is nothing worse than turning on the tap expecting a hot shower, only to be met with cold water. Hot water system failures are among the most common emergency calls we receive at Apex Trades Services, and they always seem to happen at the worst possible time. If your hot water is not working, do not panic. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and what you can do about them.
Understanding Your Hot Water System
Melbourne homes typically use one of these systems: electric storage tanks, gas storage tanks, gas continuous flow systems, solar hot water with boosting, or heat pump systems. Each system has different components and potential failure points.
Common Causes of Hot Water System Failures
No Power Supply for Electric Systems
If you have an electric hot water system and there is no hot water at all, a power issue is often the culprit. Check your switchboard for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Look for a safety switch that may have tripped. Check if other electrical appliances in your home are working.
If you find a tripped breaker, reset it. If the breaker trips again immediately, there is likely a fault and you should call a licensed electrician. Never attempt to access electrical components inside the unit yourself. Power issues commonly occur due to electrical faults in the heating elements, water damage to electrical components, overloaded circuits or storm damage.
Faulty Thermostat
If your water is lukewarm but never hot, or the temperature is inconsistent, your thermostat may be faulty. The thermostat controls the temperature your water heats to. When it fails, your water may not reach the desired temperature.
Call Apex Trades Services to test and replace the thermostat. Do not attempt to adjust internal components yourself. Thermostats fail due to age and wear, sediment buildup affecting temperature sensors, electrical faults or incorrect initial installation. Thermostat replacement typically takes one to two hours and will restore consistent hot water temperature.
Broken Heating Elements
Electric hot water systems typically have one or two heating elements that can fail over time. If you have no hot water or water that is only slightly warm, this could be the issue. If you have a dual element system, you may have some warm water if only one element has failed.
Contact a licensed plumber or electrician for element testing and replacement. If your system is over eight years old, consider replacing both elements. Elements fail due to sediment buildup, electrical faults, mineral deposits from hard water and natural wear. Element replacement usually costs between $300 and $600 including parts and labour, and your hot water will be restored the same day.
Pilot Light Out on Gas Systems
For gas hot water systems with a pilot light, if it goes out, your water will not heat. Look through the viewing window if your system has one to see if the pilot light is lit. If you are comfortable and it is safe, follow your system's instructions to relight the pilot. If the pilot will not stay lit or you smell gas, call Apex Trades Services immediately. Never continue trying to light a pilot that will not stay lit.
Pilot lights go out due to thermocouple failure, blocked pilot orifice, gas supply issues, strong winds affecting external units or faulty gas valves. Our gas fitters can diagnose and repair pilot light issues, usually within a single visit.
Leaking Tank
A leaking hot water tank is a serious problem that usually means the tank needs replacement. Look for water pooling around the base of your unit. Check for rust stains or corrosion on the tank. Notice if your hot water runs out faster than usual.
If you discover a leak, turn off the water supply to the unit if possible. Turn off power for electric systems or gas supply for gas systems. Place buckets or towels to catch water and call Apex Trades Services immediately. Do not attempt to repair a leaking tank yourself.
Tanks leak due to corrosion of the tank interior, anode rod failure, high water pressure, manufacturing defects or ground movement. Tank leaks usually require full system replacement. At Apex Trades Services, we can typically install a new system within one day.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, minerals and sediment settle at the bottom of storage tank systems, reducing efficiency and capacity. If your hot water runs out much faster than it used to, or you hear popping, cracking or rumbling sounds from the tank, sediment buildup may be the issue. Rusty or discoloured water is another sign.
Schedule a professional tank flush and maintenance service. Consider a water softener if you have very hard water. Regular maintenance every one to two years can prevent serious buildup. A professional tank flush typically costs $200 to $350 and can extend your system's life by several years while restoring full capacity.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve Issues
The TPR valve is a critical safety device that releases water if pressure or temperature gets too high. If water is continuously flowing from your overflow pipe, turn off your hot water system and call Apex Trades Services to inspect the valve and system pressure. Never block or cap the overflow pipe.
TPR valves activate due to excessive water pressure in your home, faulty valves, thermostat malfunctions causing overheating or expansion issues in sealed systems. TPR valve replacement is straightforward for licensed plumbers and usually takes less than an hour.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
Before calling a professional, safely check the power supply at circuit breakers and safety switches. Verify your gas supply by checking if other gas appliances are working. Check if the pilot light is lit on gas systems. Ensure water supply valves are fully open. Consider if any plumbing or electrical work was recently done and whether recent storms or extreme cold may have affected your system.
Do not attempt to open electrical panels, repair gas lines, remove major system parts or bypass safety valves or devices.
Why Choose Apex Trades Services
When your hot water stops working, you need reliable, fast service from qualified professionals. At Apex Trades Services, we have licensed and experienced plumbers, electricians and gas fitters who specialise in all hot water system types and brands. We offer same day service for urgent repairs and 24/7 emergency availability because we understand hot water cannot wait.
We provide comprehensive service including diagnosis and repair of all system types, full system replacements and installations, preventative maintenance programmes and hot water system upgrades. Our transparent pricing means upfront quotes before work begins with no hidden fees or surprise charges. All work meets Australian Standards with warranty on parts and labour.
Get Your Hot Water Running Again Today
Do not suffer through cold showers or disrupted routines. The team at Apex Trades Services is ready to diagnose and repair your hot water system quickly and professionally.
Contact Apex Trades Services on 1300 102 158 or email info@apextrade.com.au. We service all Melbourne metropolitan areas with emergency service available 24/7.
Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance or a new system installation, Apex Trades Services has the expertise to keep your Melbourne home comfortable.
Apex Trades Services is your trusted hot water specialist serving Melbourne. Our licensed plumbers, electricians and gas fitters have decades of combined experience keeping Melbourne homes running smoothly. All work is guaranteed and completed to the highest Australian Standards.