Imagine this—you wake up at 6 AM, looking forward to a long, soothing hot shower. You turn on the tap… and get nothing but icy water. And it’s the middle of winter. Just got a cold shiver? Few things are more frustrating, and it’s definitely not the start to the day you were hoping for. Hot showers are one of life’s luxuries we take for granted until there’s a problem with the hot water system. And figuring out the cause can be tricky.
In this article, we’ll look at common hot water system issues, from pilot light problems to electrical faults, and help you determine whether a DIY plumbing fix or a full replacement is needed.
Before diving into troubleshooting, start with a few quick checks to narrow down the issue, and potentially save you the cost of calling in a professional plumber.
First, test multiple taps—if only one tap has no hot water, the issue is isolated to that tap or its piping, not the system itself.
Next, check your power or gas supply. Your home likely has one of three types of hot water systems:
Finally, inspect the unit itself for any leaks, rust, or unusual sounds like hissing or rumbling—these could mean you’re due for a hot water system upgrade. If there are no visible or audible signs of damage, consider calling in a professional to inspect.
There are several reasons why you might have no hot water at all, and the cause largely depends on your type of hot water system. There are also several different scenarios you may be in with your hot water problems—let’s explore them all.
The most common cause we see with electric hot water heater systems is a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. As such, checking your switchboard is a good first step. You can try resetting the electric hot water system to resolve the problem, especially if it’s due to a tripped breaker or a small glitch. But if that’s not the issue, the thermostat or heating element could be faulty and may need replacing.
For gas water heaters, a common issue is a pilot light that has gone out… If that’s not the case, there could be a gas line supply issue preventing the system from heating. As such, you should call the gas utility company immediately. A less common cause is a malfunctioning thermocouple or gas burner that can stop the hot water unit from igniting properly.
For solar hot water systems, a lack of sunlight, especially during winter or cloudy weather, can impact the heating element. Unfortunately, you or a professional plumber cannot control this. However, investing in a solar battery for backup storage could solve this problem in the future.
But if your system isn’t heating even with a backup booster, the booster element itself may have failed.
If your hot water is running out too quickly, it most likely means your system is struggling to keep up with demand. Do you have a large household with multiple showers and multiple people using back-to-back? Combine this with a small storage tank, then your hot water system can easily be overwhelmed.
If demand isn’t the issue, another possible cause is sediment buildup inside the tank. This can reduce the amount of available hot water and, over time, minerals from the water settle at the bottom, making your system less efficient.
Finally, sometimes, the problem is as simple as a thermostat set too low. If the temperature isn’t high enough, the system won’t heat water fast enough to meet your needs.
Are you struggling to get the ideal water temperature? If your water is too hot or too cold, the thermostat is the first thing to check. If it is set too high, your water is going to be scalding. Too low, you’re getting it lukewarm. As such, simply adjust it to the recommended setting—as a rule of thumb, we suggest around 60°C for storage systems.
Another culprit could be a faulty tempering valve. This valve mixes hot and cold water to regulate temperature. And if it malfunctions, you may get water that’s either too hot or not hot enough.
If you have an electric system, a broken heating element can cause inconsistent temperatures. For gas systems, however, there might be a burner issue preventing proper heating.
Hearing odd sounds is usually a sign that something isn’t working as it should and different sounds signal different issues.
For example, a popping or rumbling sound often means there’s sediment buildup inside the tank. Flushing the tank can help, but before flushing your hot water system, make sure to open the drain valve to allow the water to flow out properly. If the buildup is severe, you’re going to need a professional to step in to manually clean the system.
Are you hearing a whistling or hissing noise? If so, it could point to pressure valve issues. If too much pressure builds up inside the system, the valve struggles to release it properly. This can be dangerous if left unchecked and we recommend calling in a pro if you’re hearing these noises.
If there is water pooling around your hot water system, it needs attention. A small amount of water coming from the pressure relief valve is normal—it’s designed to release excess pressure. But if it’s constantly leaking, you may have a faulty valve or the system could be overheating.
Leaks can also come from loose plumbing connections or cracked pipes, which may just need tightening, sealing or pipe relining before they cause bigger problems.
If the tank itself is leaking, it usually means a corroded or burst tank. As a result, it’s reached the end of its lifespan and it’s time to replace your hot water system.
If you’re dealing with any of these issues and DIY plumbing isn’t quite cutting it, it’s time to call a professional. We imagine you want to get your hot water back up and running as soon as possible, especially if it’s winter!
A reliable and professional plumber is the best way to make it happen efficiently. If your hot water system needs replacement, you’ll want to get a new one installed the same day, which is where we can help here at Same Day Hot Water.
Regular maintenance is key to prevent future problems with your hot water system. Flushing the system once a year can help remove sediment buildup.
Checking the anodes can prevent corrosion, and don’t forget to inspect the pipes for any wear and tear, especially if your system is getting older. And remember to listen out—if you hear unusual noises, don’t ignore them.
Investing in timely servicing can save you money in the long run by catching the small issues before they become big ones.
If you want to get your hot shower back up as soon as possible, then quick action is essential. By choosing Same Day Hot Water Service, you get what it says on the tin—same day hot water.
Contact us to book a repair or new system installation today.
The reason for your hot water suddenly not working largely depends on the type of hot water system you have, i.e., gas or electric. It could be due to issues like a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, a gas supply problem, or a faulty thermostat.
You can reset your hot water heater by turning off the power, waiting for a few minutes, and then turning it back on; refer to your manual for specific instructions.
Check the power or gas supply to ensure your system is receiving the necessary energy to function.