No Hot Water in Your House? Here’s How to Fix It Quickly

If you have witnessed a cold winter morning in Australia, you’d know that the only thing as good as your warm, cosy bed is stepping into the shower. But imagine being greeted by a blast of freezing water instead, followed by a sudden realisation that you don’t have hot water, again! 

Unfortunately, it’s not merely an inconvenience but also a disruption to your entire routine.

Whether you’re getting ready for work in the morning or hoping to unwind with a hot bath after a long day, not having hot water can be a hassle. It throws off your comfort, peace of mind, and sometimes your overall schedule.

However, before you pick up the phone to call a plumber, it’s important to know that in many cases, the issue might be something simple that you can fix yourself. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your hot water might not be working, how to troubleshoot and resolve these issues, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Understand your hot water system first

Before beginning your efforts to restore the hot water, you must identify the type of hot water system installed in your house. The most prevalent kinds in Australia are as follows:

Electric storage systems in which water is heated and stored in big tanks

Gas (storage or instantaneous) water heater, which is a system using LPG or natural gas.

Solar hot water systems, which often have a backup gas or electric booster.

Heat pump water heating system, which includes energy-saving devices that draw heat from the atmosphere.

Understanding your system is essential because every type has a unique set of possible problems and solutions. Checking the pilot light, for instance, makes sense if you have a gas system, but not for an electric one.

Common reasons for not having hot water

Disruption of the Gas or Power Supply

Sometimes, the issue is as straightforward as a gas valve that has been turned off or a power outage. Look for any tripped circuit breakers on your switchboard if you have an electric water heating system.

The switch may only need to be reset.

If you have a gas storage or instantaneous water heater, however, make sure you have a steady gas supply and that the gas meter is turned on.

Those using bottled LPG must ensure that the cylinder is not empty and the valve is not closed.

The pilot light on gas systems

For households depending on a gas system, another common reason for water going cold is the pilot light being blown out. 

So, if you are hit with cold water, check to see if the pilot light is still glowing.

Usually, the system itself has instructions on how to relight it. However, you must refrain from trying to relight it by yourself if you smell gas or are unsure; instead, call a qualified gas fitter right away.

Issues with the thermostat

A thermostat regulates the water temperature in the majority of water heating systems. Your water may not be heating up adequately if it is broken or has been inadvertently turned off.

While some thermostats can be adjusted, some need to be inspected by a professional.

Fuse blown, or safety switch tripped

Users of electric water heating systems must be aware that many safety features are frequently integrated into such electrical systems. Therefore, you may check your fuse box or safety switchboard if your system has abruptly ceased working.

While a reset might fix the problem, frequent tripping indicates a more serious issue, like a heating element malfunction.

Mineral or Sediment Deposition

The mineral content of the water supply usually varies by the region of Australia that you live in.

In regions with hard water, such as sections of Western Australia or South Australia, minerals may build up inside the pipes or tank. This eventually lowers the system’s efficiency and may cause the hot water to stop flowing.

Pipes (literally) frozen

Although it is uncommon, water pipelines in Tasmania, the ACT, or highland regions may freeze overnight. If thawed incorrectly, frozen pipes can fracture and obstruct water flow.

Avoid using open flame or boiling water. Alternatively, if the pipe is within reach, use a hair dryer set on low or gently apply a warm cloth.

DIY Check Inspections and Quick Fixes

Is the Hot Water Out Everywhere, or Just One Tap?

First thing that you must do is figure out the scale of the problem; is it just one tap that’s bothersome, or are all the taps of the house running cold water?

If it’s just one shower or sink, your hot water system might not be the issue at all. It is likely just a local concern, such as a damaged pipe beneath the sink, a blocked aerator, or a malfunctioning mixer tap.

However, if the showers and taps all around the house are affected, there’s certainly a need to investigate further.

Check Your Power or Energy Supply

If you have an electric storage water heating system, check to see if the breaker has tripped on your switchboard. If yes, turn the hot water switch back on and let the system warm up for about an hour.

When using gas heaters, make sure your other gas appliances, such as the heater or hob, are operational. If not, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your energy provider, as there might be a problem with the gas supply.

If you use a solar hot water system, which is common in Australia’s sunny regions, think about how long the sun has been out recently.

Overcast winter days might make heating less effective. The majority of the solar systems have a gas or electric booster. During the colder months, make sure the booster is turned on.

Check the hot water unit for any signs of malfunction

Check for a humming noise.

A broken heating element or thermostat could be the cause of the silence for an electric storage tank system. Also, look for water collecting around the base, which is a blatant indication that something is amiss.

Examine the pilot light because your water won’t heat if it’s out. Relighting instructions are often printed on the unit of most systems. There can be an issue with the gas valve or thermocouple if it won’t stay lit.

Sometimes, error codes are frequently displayed by tankless or on-demand devices when something is amiss. Look up the meaning of the code in your user manual or on the brand’s website.

Set the thermostat

Sometimes the water may be “hot,” but not hot enough. Verify that the thermostat is set between 60°C and 65°C, which is the standard for the majority of systems. Anything less might feel lukewarm.

Additionally, anti-scald devices are installed in certain systems, especially in houses with the elderly or children. These gadgets might keep the water from being as hot as you want.

When to contact a professional

If there is no hot water in your house, a thorough inspection of every system component might save you money, time, and a very cold shower. 

Yet, there are times when hiring a qualified plumber is not just wise, but necessary. Here’s when you should seek professional help:

• You think there may be a leak or smell gas.
• Despite repeated attempts to relight it, the pilot light would not remain lit.
• The unit produces sounds like boiling or slamming.
• Your system is nearly a decade old and continues to malfunction.

In Australia, you should always choose a licensed gas fitter or plumber.

State portals such as NSW Fair Trading, VBA (Vic), or QBCC (QLD) allow you to verify their credentials. Remember that addressing an issue properly is always better than running the risk of making it worse, and safety is just as important as compliance.