First, Don’t Panic
A sudden loss of hot water is frustrating, especially when you’ve got a household to run. The good news is that many causes are simple to identify, and a few of them can even be solved without calling a plumber. This guide walks you through the safe checks to make first, what to look for and when to pick up the phone.
Step One: Identify Your System Type
The right troubleshooting steps depend on what kind of system you have. Before doing anything else, work out whether your hot water is:
- Electric storage (a tank in the laundry or external cupboard, no flame, hardwired)
- Gas storage (a tank with a gas line and pilot light, often in a side cupboard or external)
- Continuous flow gas (a smaller wall-mounted unit with no tank)
- Solar (panels on the roof with a tank below or beside them)
- Heat pump (a tank-and-compressor unit located outside)
Knowing the type makes both DIY checks and calling for help much faster.
Step Two: Check the Power or Gas Supply
For electric systems, head to your switchboard and check whether the hot water circuit breaker has tripped. Switch it off, then back on, and wait a few hours to see if hot water returns.
For gas systems, check that the gas isolation valve at the unit is open. If you’re on LPG bottles, check that you haven’t simply run out. For continuous flow gas units, the digital display will often show an error code, which you can note down before calling for service.
For heat pumps, check the power supply at the unit and the breaker at the switchboard.
Step Three: Look for Visible Leaks
Walk around the unit and check for water pooling at the base of the tank, dripping from valves at the top, or running down the side of an external wall. A small drip from the pressure relief valve from time to time is normal. Constant water running, water around the base, or visible rust streaks are not.
If you find significant water, isolate the cold water inlet to the tank by turning the valve clockwise. This stops more water entering the system and limits the damage while you wait for help.
Step Four: Pilot Light (Older Gas Systems Only)
If you have an older gas storage tank with a pilot light, check whether the pilot is still lit. The instructions for relighting are usually on a sticker on the unit itself. If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple or gas valve has likely failed and will need professional repair. Do not keep relighting it repeatedly.
Step Five: When to Call a Plumber
Call straight away if you find any of the following:
- Water pooling around the base of the tank
- Water marks or rust streaks down the side of the tank
- Smell of gas anywhere near the unit (also call the gas emergency line)
- Sparks, scorching or burning smell at the switchboard
- An error code on a continuous flow display you can’t clear
- No hot water after a circuit reset and a few hours of wait time
Safety Notes
Never attempt to remove panels, access internal components or test wiring on your own. Hot water systems involve high pressure, very hot water, electricity and in some cases gas. The risk of injury or property damage from DIY repairs far outweighs any cost saving.
What to Expect From Our Team
When you call us, we’ll talk you through any safety steps if needed, give you an attendance window and bring stock parts and replacement units where the situation calls for it. Most hot water emergencies across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Region are diagnosed and resolved within the same visit.
