Hot Water System Not Working? Here's What to Check First

Waking up to a cold shower is one of life's more unpleasant surprises. Before you panic, there are a few simple things worth checking — some don't require a plumber at all.

1. Check the Circuit Breaker

Electric storage hot water systems are one of the highest draw appliances in your home. If there's been a power surge or the element has developed a fault, the circuit breaker for the hot water unit may have tripped.

Head to your switchboard and look for any tripped switches — they'll usually sit in the middle position rather than fully on or off. Reset it and see if the system heats up over the next few hours.

If it trips again, that's a sign of a fault that needs a licensed plumber to investigate.

2. Check the Pilot Light (Gas Systems)

If you have a gas hot water system with a pilot light, check whether it's still lit. Instructions for relighting are usually on a label on the unit itself. If the pilot won't stay lit, the thermocouple may need replacing — a straightforward repair.

3. Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The TPR valve is a safety device on all storage hot water systems. It can sometimes open and release water if the pressure in the tank gets too high — you might notice a drip from a small pipe coming from the side or bottom of the unit.

A dripping TPR valve doesn't always mean the system needs replacing, but it does mean a plumber should inspect it soon.

4. How Old Is Your System?

Electric storage hot water systems typically last 10–15 years. If yours is older than that and starting to play up — inconsistent temperatures, slow recovery, visible rust or leaks — it's usually more cost-effective to replace it than repair it again.

When the same system needs the element replaced twice, or the tank starts showing rust staining on the outside, that's a sign the end is near.

5. Running Out Rather Than No Hot Water

If you're getting hot water but it's running out quickly, the issue might be the tank size rather than a fault. A 125L system works fine for 1–2 people but will struggle for a family of four. It's also worth checking whether someone in the house has been taking marathon showers.

Another cause is a faulty thermostat set too low — the tank fills but doesn't heat to the right temperature.

When to Call Us

If the circuit breaker keeps tripping, the system is more than 10 years old, there's rust or water around the base of the unit, or you simply can't get hot water no matter what — call us.

Khaki Plumbing services all of Brisbane Northside for hot water repairs and replacements. Call 1300 158 895 — we answer 24/7.