Is your electric hot water system not working? Contact us for advice.
Fast help. All Sydney suburbs. We fix all makes and models.
We received a call recently from a customer in Northbridge (Sydney’s North Shore) whose old Dux water heater was not working. Our North Shore hot water specialist, Steve, was close by so was able to attend the home within the hour.
The customer explained over the phone that there was a fair bit of water pooling around the old hot water system and their hot water temperature was lukewarm.
A leaking hot water system is one of the most common problems we encounter and, when caught early, can prevent extensive damage to property – particularly if the hot water heater is located indoors. Thankfully, this customer’s hot water system was outside so the damage from the leak was minimal.
The bottom of the old hot water system had rusted and was leaking.
Once onsite, Steve could see that the leak was worse than the customer had indicated over the phone. The old Dux water heater had been installed directly onto the soil and it was likely the bottom of the tank had rusted out causing the leak (this was confirmed when Steve removed the tank).
Important: It is not recommended that a hot water system be installed directly onto the soil. In time, the bottom of the tank will rust out, drastically reducing the lifespan of the tank. Outdoor hot water systems should always be installed on a concrete slab or, if not available, a concrete paver large enough to support the weight and size of the tank.
Reasons why your hot water system is not working
Below is a list of common reasons why hot water systems can stop working causing you to run out of hot water or have no hot water at all.
- Electricity supply problem : If you have an electric hot water tank, make sure it is receiving electricity. Check your circuit breaker or electricity fuse box to ensure nothing has been tripped or a fuse hasn’t blown. If this is the case, contact our friendly team for advice.
- Gas supply problem : If you have a gas hot water tank, check the gas supply is turned on and there aren’t problems with the gas line. We are gas hot water specialists and can assist if you’re not sure if this is the problem.
- Gas pilot light : If you have a gas hot water tank, check that the pilot light is on. If not, relight it according to the instructions in the manual or follow the instructions here if you have a Rheem Stellar or Rheem 5 Star gas hot water system. Not sure how to relight the gas pilot light? Contact us for assistance.
- Thermostat setting : Check the thermostat on your hot water tank is set to an appropriate temperature for hot water. Setting the temperature of your water heater »
- Electric heating element : In an electric water heater, a faulty or broken heating element can lead to no hot water. Contact us for water heater element replacement and repair.
- Gas burner : If the gas burner is faulty or broken, this can lead to no hot water. Contact us for gas burner replacement and repair.
- Tank capacity : If the capacity of your hot water tank is inadequate you may run out of hot water or have no hot water at all whilst you wait for it to heat up again. If this is happening regularly, you may need to replace your old water tank with a larger one that is sufficient for your hot water usage requirements. Get in touch for advice on the best hot water tank to suit your usage requirements and budget.
New hot water system installation
Unfortunately, this customer’s old Dux water heater was beyond economical repair and needed to be replaced with a new hot water system. Steve discussed with the customer their daily hot water usage requirements and provided several options that would cater to their needs.
Since the old hot water system had been installed, the customer’s usage requirements had changed. Young children had grown into teenagers and family from interstate regularly came to stay. The customer explained that they often ran out of hot water. A bigger hot water system was needed.
Vulcan hot water systems offer high quality at an affordable price.
The customer decided on a new Vulcan 250 litre electric hot water system (model: 6D1250R7).
Vulcan hot water systems are part of Rheem’s builders’ range and come with a generous 10 year warranty. They offer high quality and performance at a very affordable price. This model has a 270 litre capacity with a 250-litre hot water delivery and is suitable for large households of 3-5 people.
Within a few hours, the customer was back enjoying trouble free hot water and can be confident that the bottom of the new Vulcan hot water system will not rust out.
Particulars of the hot water system repair and replacement service
- Attend the Northbridge (North Shore) property to diagnose why the customer’s electric hot water system wasn’t working.
- Assess the site for safety and make appropriate arrangements.
- Isolate the old water heater from the electricity supply. Retest the system with an external device.
- Determine that the bottom of the old hot water system had rusted out, due to being placed directly upon soil, causing the leak.
- Drain and remove the old Vulcan water heater.
- Supply and install a new Vulcan 250 litre electric hot water system (model: 6D1250R7) back in the same location.
- Install new tempering valve to comply with AS3500 Plumbing Codes.
- Reconnect the new hot water system to the existing power circuit.
- Adjust and reconnect to the existing hot and cold water pipes.
- Commission and test the system.
- Dispose of and recycle the old hot water heater.
- Clean up the site and dispose of any associated rubbish.
Hot water system not working? We’re here to help.
Our trucks are on the road right now stocked with new hot water systems (of all sizes), ready to get you back to enjoying trouble-free hot water quickly. Our licenced hot water heater installers service all Sydney suburbs and offer a fast installation service (often same day*). We service all Sydney suburbs and are accredited service technicians for all water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot and more. Contact us to arrange a convenient time to supply and install your new hot water system.
* While our same day hot water installation service is often available, it is dependent upon our availability on that day and the time of day you contact us. To check availability, please give us a call. We’re here to help and want all our customers back enjoying trouble-free hot water as soon as possible.
Cheapa Hot Water Sydney
Hot water is our business – it’s not a sideline. Each year we repair and install hundreds of hot water systems in homes across all Sydney suburbs.
- We offer free delivery of your new hot water system and complimentary disposal and recycling of your old water heater.
- As one of Sydney’s largest hot water system suppliers, our enormous buying powers and ability to buy direct from the manufacturer means we can pass attractive savings on to our customers.
- Our fully qualified, licensed hot water heater installers have 30+ years of experience each. We are fully insured and pride ourselves on our old-fashioned customer service.
- We are accredited service agents for all the hot water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot and more.
- We are qualified to undertake all the plumbing and electrical work required to install a new hot water system. There is no need to waste time and money employing multiple trades.
- We have all the equipment needed to install your hot water system today. We don’t have to hire or wait for other trades to arrive with the required equipment.
Your hot water heater is an expensive appliance. Don’t risk voiding your warranty.
Additionally, most manufacturers won’t cover the terms of your hot water system warranty if it isn’t installed by a licensed hot water technician or qualified plumber. Hot water tanks are an expensive appliance so why would you risk voiding your warranty by installing it yourself or employing the services of someone who isn’t licensed?
