There’s nothing quite as frustrating as turning on the tap and being met with a stream of cold water when you’re expecting it to be hot. Especially on a cold winter morning! Whether you’re dealing with no hot water at all, or hot water not working but the cold is, we understand this problem can be a major inconvenience that disrupts your daily routine. In this article, we will explore common problems that might cause your hot water tap to stop working and provide some solutions so you can try to get your hot water system running smoothly again before calling your plumber for help.
Need a plumber’s advice? Don’t hesitate to contact Swan’s Professional Plumbing for all hot water system services!
Common reasons you might have no hot water coming from the taps
The first step in figuring out what to do about the lack of hot water coming from your taps is understanding the common causes. When the hot water tap is not working but the cold is or you’ve got cold water coming out of the hot tap, in most cases, this relates to a fault with the hot water system itself. There could be a few issues including:
Sediment build-up in your hot water tank
Sediment build-up in the hot water tank of your storage tank hot water system can lead to several issues that result in a lack of hot water supply. As minerals and debris from the water supply settle at the bottom of the tank, they create a barrier between the heating element and the water, reducing heating efficiency. This means the water heater has to work harder and longer to heat the water, leading to increased energy consumption and potentially causing the heating element to overheat and fail. Additionally, the sediment takes up space in the tank, reducing the amount of hot water available for use and causing noisy operation due to steam bubbles escaping through the sediment layer.
Tripped circuit breaker
A tripped circuit breaker can be a common reason for no hot water in homes with electric hot water systems. The circuit breaker protects an electric hot water system by cutting off power when there is an overload or a short circuit. If the breaker for your electric water heater trips, it cuts the power supply to the water heater, preventing it from heating water. This can occur due to reasons such as an electrical surge, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit. When dealing with a potential electrical fault, it’s important to engage in professional inspection and repair to ensure safe and reliable operation of your electric hot water system.
Broken thermostat
A broken thermostat in your hot water system can lead to a lack of hot water by failing to regulate the water temperature correctly. If the thermostat malfunctions, it might not signal the heating element or burner to activate, leaving the water to run cold through the hot tap. Additionally, it can cause inconsistent water temperatures or trigger safety shut-offs if it overheats the water. Signs of a broken thermostat to look out for may include temperature fluctuations and the heater not turning on.
Broken heating element
A broken heating element in an electric hot water system is a common reason for no hot water. The heating element is responsible for warming the water inside the tank. When it fails, the water remains cold despite the heater being operational. This can happen due to wear and tear, sediment build-up, or electrical issues. Signs of a broken heating element include no hot water, lukewarm water, or the water heater taking unusually long to heat up.
Problem with the gas supply
Gas hot water systems need a reliable gas supply to ensure adequate hot water supply. Common problems with your gas connection may include a closed or partially closed gas valve, which prevents a gas hot water system from receiving sufficient gas. The pilot light, essential for igniting the burner, may also go out, requiring a relight. A faulty thermocouple can cut off the gas supply even if the pilot light is on, necessitating replacement.
Additionally, obstructions in the gas line or interruptions in the gas supply from ATCO can affect your gas hot water system’s performance. Inadequate gas pressure due to regulator issues or supply system problems can also impede proper heating. Gas leaks are also a common problem to watch out for. If you smell rotten eggs, you likely have a gas leak.
When it comes to gas issues, you shouldn’t attempt to resolve them on your own. Always contact a licenced gas plumber for advice.
A hot water system too small for the household size
Has your household grown in size recently? Or maybe your need for hot water on demand has increased? If that’s the case, the reason you may have no hot water is because you’ve simply outgrown your existing hot water system! With storage tank hot water systems, once you’ve depleted the hot water tank, hot water will stop flowing through.
If that’s the case, you may want to consider upgrading from a storage tank hot water system to a continuous flow system or if you’ve already got one, upgrading to a larger system that’s designed to provide enough hot water to meet your demands.
At Swan’s Professional Plumbing, we have no call out fees! Don’t hesitate to call out one of our Perth plumbers for a free quote and advice on what hot water system would be most suitable for your needs.
Hot water system tank leaking
If you notice water leaking around your hot water system, the lack of hot water coming through your taps could be due to a leak within the hot water system. There isn’t a single cause of a leaking hot water system, however, some common reasons could include corrosion, sediment build up (especially common in Perth due to hard water) or loose connections.
Old hot water system needs replacing
Hot water systems don’t last forever, with proper hot water system maintenance and servicing, most people will get around 10-15 years of use before it needs replacing. If your hot water system is older than this, chances are the problem is old age.
Remember, as there are so many different types of hot water systems, there could be plenty more reasons as to why the hot water tap isn’t working that we haven’t covered here. If you can’t figure out why your hot water system isn’t delivering you hot water as it should, don’t hesitate to call your local plumber at Swan’s Professional Plumbing ASAP for a speedy solution.
What you can do to try fix the no hot water issue
If you’re experiencing no hot water, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue yourself before calling a plumbing professional.
However, if at any time you don’t feel comfortable, it’s best to call a plumber straight away. Tampering with a hot water system when you don’t know what you’re doing can cause more harm than good. You don’t want to accidentally break something and cause a plumbing emergency!
Troubleshooting no hot water from a gas hot water system
If you have a gas hot water system, try following these steps:
- Check the pilot light: Ensure the pilot light is lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple might be faulty and need replacement.
- Inspect the thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If it’s dirty or misaligned, clean or adjust it. If it’s damaged, it may need replacing.
- Examine the gas supply: Ensure the gas valve is fully open. Check for any obstructions in the gas line and ensure there are no gas leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply and contact a gas fitter immediately.
Troubleshooting no hot water from an electric hot water system
If you have an electric hot water system, try following these steps:
- Check the circuit breaker: Locate your home’s electrical panel and check if the circuit breaker for the water heater has tripped. If it has, you can try resetting it by switching it off and then on again. If the breaker continues to trip, there may be an underlying electrical issue that needs attention from a plumber.
- Inspect the thermostat: Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker. Open the access panels on the water heater to check the thermostat settings. Ensure they are set to the desired temperature typically around 49°C.
- Check the heating elements: After turning off the power, drain the water heater to expose the heating elements. You can use a multimeter to test the elements for continuity. If one or both are defective, they will need to be replaced by a plumber.
Troubleshooting steps for all hot water systems
The next steps are relatable to any type of hot water system.
- Flush the tank: Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing efficiency and causing issues. Turn off the water supply and power/gas to the heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank. Flush the tank by opening the cold water supply valve briefly while the drain valve is open.
- Check for leaks: Inspect the tank and connections for any signs of leaks. Tighten loose connections as these may have been the cause of the water leak.
- Adjust temperature settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature. A setting of around 49°C is recommended for optimal performance and safety.
When should you call the experts for help with no hot water coming from the hot water system?
By performing these checks and maintenance tasks, you may be able to resolve common issues that cause no hot water. If these steps outlined above do not fix the problem or you don’t feel comfortable carrying them out, we recommend contacting a professional plumber to inspect and repair your hot water system.
How you can prevent being left with no hot water
Prevent being left without hot water by scheduling a free annual health check from Swan’s Professional Plumbing! This comprehensive inspection ensures your hot water and plumbing systems are in optimal condition. During the check up, one of our professional plumbers will examine your hot water system for potential issues like sediment build-up, faulty thermostats, and heating elements. They will also inspect for leaks and assess the overall efficiency of your system. Regular maintenance can identify and address problems before they lead to a complete lack of hot water, ensuring a consistent and reliable hot water supply throughout the year. Book your free plumbing health check today!
Call Swan’s Professional Plumbing Today!
We don’t expect you to have to figure out your own plumbing problems, that’s what we’re here for! If you’re dealing with no hot water or cold water coming from the hot tap, don’t stress. Our friendly team of expert plumbers us here to solve the problem so you can get back to enjoying your showers with an endless supply of hot water. Call us today or submit an online enquiry for prompt hot water system services.
