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5 common hot water heater repairs we encounter each week.

We have been repairing hot water heaters for Sydney residents and business owners for 30+ years. During this time, we’ve seen just about every problem that could eventuate with a hot water heater. Below is a summary of common problems and hot water heater repairs.

Most people realise their hot water heater needs repair when it starts to disrupt their dailing routine. Whether it’s a cold shower, strange noises coming from the tank, or inconsistent hot water deliver, we’ve seen it all. Understanding common hot water heater repairs can save you from unnecessary stress and costly replacements. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common issues we encounter and how to address them, including:

No hot water
Running out of hot water
Leaking water heater
Odd noises from your water heater
Discoloured or strange smelling hot water
Hot water is taking too long to reheat

1. No hot water

No hot water is usually a sign that there is a problem with the heating element or thermostat. Often it’s just a matter of us coming onsite and replacing the heating element or thermostat. This is a quick and inexpensive fix.

If you’ve got a gas hot water system, check that the pilot light isn’t out. If it is, you can try relighting it according to the manufacturers instructions. If you’re not confident doing this, call us for advice. If you relight the pilot light and it won’t stay lit, it could be as sign that the thermocouple is faulty and needs replacement. Contact us for assistance.

Further reading

2. Running out of hot water

Sometimes your hot water usage requirements changes and you start running out of hot water. Often this happens because there is more demand from people in your household. For example, kids grow into teenagers or you more people live at the property.

If your household hot water usage has changed, the best solution is to upgrade to a larger storage tank. The good news is, new hot water systems are now very energy efficient so a newer water heater may actually be cheaper to run that your old one.

If this is not the case, running out of hot water could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken dip tube, or sediment buildup in the tank.

Thermostat: Check the thermostat settings. It might be set too low. A typical setting is 49°C.
Dip tube replacement: The dip tube directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If it’s broken, cold water may mix with hot water at the top, reducing the overall temperature. Replacing the dip tube can fix this.
Sediment build up: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can reduce efficiency. Draining the tank and flushing out the sediment can improve performance.

Further reading

3. Leaking water heater

Water pooling around your heater is typically sign of a leak. Sometimes the cause of the leak is simple and easily fixed, other times it requires professional intervention.

Water heater tank corrosion : Over time, the tank can corrode due to minerals in the water, leading to small holes or cracks where water can leak out. Early detection of hot water tank corrosion can prevent leaks from occurring.
Leaking pressure relief valve (PRV) : The PRV is a safety feature designed to release excess pressure in the tank to prevent explosions. If it’s faulty or malfunctioning, it can cause leaks.
Temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve) : Similar to the pressure relief valve, the TRP valve releases water if the temperature or pressure inside the tank becomes too high. If it’s faulty or malfunctioning, it can cause leaks.
Failing due to old age : Like any appliance, hot water heaters have a lifespan. As they age, they are more prone to develop leaks due to wear and tear.
Sediment build up at the bottom of the tank : Sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, causing corrosion and weakening the tank’s structure, leading to leaks.
Loose pipes and fitting connections : Sometimes connections of your hot water heater like pipes, fittings and or valves can become loose, causing leaks. If your pipework or fitting connections are loose and you’re not confident tightening them yourself, contact us for advice. We can organise a service call-out and rectify any problems. Call or text us on 0410 693 532 for advice.
Damage to the tank or cylinder : Physical damage to the tank from external sources or internal issues like excessive pressure can cause leaks.
Internal component or part failure : Components such as the heating element or the tank’s internal lining can degrade or fail, leading to leaks.
External condensation : And finally, sometimes condensation can form on the outside of the tank, especially in humid environments, which can be mistaken for a leak. If you suspect condensation, wipe down the area that’s leaking and monitor it to see if the leak continues. If you’re still concerned or have questions, contact us for advice. We’re here to help.

Further reading

4. Water heater is making odd noises

Is your water heater making strange noises? If you notice banging, popping, or rumbling sounds coming from your water heater, it’s typically a sign of a problem.

While hot water heaters do make noise whilst they go about their job of heating cold water and sending to your pipes and appliances, if you notice a change in the noises coming from your hot water heater or it because increasingly audible each time you turn on the hot water tap, then it might be a good time do some further investigation.

Further reading

My hot water heater is making weird noises »

5. Discoloured or smelly hot water

Yellow or rusty coloured hot water, or hot water that smells like metal or rotten eggs, is a clear sign of a bigger problem. It can be due to corrosion inside the tank or bacterial growth.

Once the inside the internal tank of your water heater starts to rust and corrode the hot water turns orange. To prevent and deter this, some hot water systems have anodes are installed inside. These steel core rods, also known as ‘sacrificial anodes’, are surrounded by either magnesium, aluminium or zinc. They have been a staple of hot water heaters for decades and are very useful in preventing water tank damage and regular and expensive replacement costs. The rod will corrode instead of the water heater’s exposed steel through a process called electrolysis which occurs when two pieces of submerged metal rod react to a voltage. This protects the water heater from rusting and prevents the water from turning orange.

Anodes typically last between 3-5 – 5 years. Once the anode has fully spent, it fails to protect the tank which will start to deteriorate. In time, a rusting water heater will cause problems which are typically more expensive to repair than simply replacing the anode. Regular anode replacement ensures your water heater continues to operate as intended and lasts longer therefore saving you money in the long term.

If your water heater is over 3.5 years old, we suggest you contact us on 0410 693 532 and we can advise whether your anode may require replacement. If you supply us with the make and model of your water heater we will be able to determine whether a service call is required. Some anodes last longer than others, depending upon the material of which they are made, so a quick phone call will give us the information we need to make such an assessment.

Further reading

Why is my hot water orange and tastes like metal?

6. Lukewarm hot water or taking too long to reheat

If you’re encountering lukewarm hot water or it’s taking too long to reheat, it can be because the tank size is too small for your household usage requirements.

It can also be that your water heater is faulty and needs to be repaired. Common signs include:

Inconsistent water temperature and fluctuations between hot and cold water.
Extended times for hot water to reach the tap.
Water temperature is too hot or too cold, despite setting adjustments.

Your water heater element or tempering valve may need replacement. Contact us for advice.

Fast hot water heater repairs

While this list is in no way conclusive, it should provide an insight into the common hot water heater repairs we encounter each week. While some hot water heater repairs are simple enough for a handy homeowner to rectify, others may require the services of a hot water specialist like us. We’re here to help.

To ensure your hot water heater is operating safely and efficiently, we recommend a service call-out every five years. Our trucks are on the road right now, stocked with thousands of spare parts and replacement hot water heaters, ready to get you back enjoying trouble free hot water quickly. By staying vigilant and addressing issues quickly, you can keep your hot water heater running smoothly and enjoy consistent hot water year-round.

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 and businesses across Sydney.

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.

Save time and money by employing a local hot water expert

Did you know that often the repair and installation of a hot water system requires the expertise and qualifications of both a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician?

We are qualified to undertake any plumbing and electrical work required to ensure your hot water heater is repaired quickly and within budget. Plumbers who do not specialise in the installation of hot water heaters may need to outsource the electrical work required to another tradesperson, thereby holding up your hot water system repair or installation, adding extra expense due to additional call-out fees charged by employing two tradespeople.

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 a 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?