Hot water tank repair near me. Fast help. Advice you can trust.

hot water tank repairs near me

We repair of all hot water tank makes and models, and service all Sydney suburbs.

Is your hot water tank leaking?  Do you have no hot water or inconsistent supply? Is your water heater making weird noises? Call us for fast help.

Our team of licensed hot water plumbers are authorised and trusted service agents for all major hot water brands, including Rheem | Vulcan |  Bosch | Conergy | Aquamax | Solahart |  Everhot | Rinnai | Edwards Solar |  Apricus | Hocking / Wilson | Stiebel Eltron, Chromagen, and more.

With our fully stocked trucks carrying thousands of spare parts, we’re ready to repair, service, or replace your hot water heater without delay. Hot water is our specialty so you won’t be left waiting weeks for parts to be ordered and delivered.

Best of all, we’re fully licensed and qualified to handle all necessary hot water tank repairs, eliminating the need to rely on other tradespeople, and potentially saving you hundreds!

Scroll down to read about common hot water tank repairs.

Call 0410 693 532  |  Send an SMS

hot wter tank repair near me

Save time and money and employ our hot water plumbers.

Your hot water system is a big investment and may require the installation and setup of plumbing, gas and electric components. This requires the experience and qualifications of both a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician.

We are qualified and licensed to undertake all the necessary work required.

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.

Our hot water specialists are licensed to undertake all work required for the successful repair of all hot water system.  Save money by calling Cheapa Hot Water.

We offer emergency hot water tank repair to all Sydney areas 

  • Campbelltown
  • Eastern Suburbs
  • Hills District
  • Hornsby
  • Inner West & Leichhardt
  • Liverpool & Blacktown
  • Northern Beaches
  • North Shore
  • Penrith
  • St George
  • Sutherland
  • Western Suburbs / Western Sydney

Common hot water tank repairs

Common hot water repair problems

  1. My how water heater is making weird noises »
  2. I keep running out of hot water »
  3. Broken and / or malfunctioning parts »
  4. Why is my hot water orange? »
  5. Why is my hot water discoloured and dirty? »
  6. My hot water heater is leaking »
  7. My hot water smells »

1. “My hot water heater is making weird noises”

Hot water heaters naturally make some noise as they heat water and send it to your pipes and appliances. However, if you notice a change in the usual sounds or they become increasingly loud every time you turn on the hot water tap, it might be time to investigate further.

Common noises made by hot water systems

Gurgling, Crackling, or Popping
These sounds are often caused by the expansion and contraction of the tank during normal operation. However, they can also result from sediment buildup in the tank, trapping water beneath a layer of deposits. When the water heats, it forces its way through the buildup, creating a “popping” sound. Generally, these noises are harmless, but a quick call to our hot water specialists can help ensure everything is in good condition.

Screeching or Screaming
If the valves on your hot water heater are not opening properly, water forced through them under pressure can produce a screeching or screaming noise. A whining sound, on the other hand, often indicates scale buildup on the heating element.

Bubbling
A bubbling noise is a more serious concern. It usually signals overheating or pressure buildup in the hot water heater, which can be dangerous. If you hear bubbling, contact our hot water specialists immediately. Our emergency repair technicians are available to provide prompt assistance.

When to Call Us

While gurgling, crackling, or popping sounds are often not a cause for concern, a quick consultation with our team can offer peace of mind. Screeching or screaming noises typically point to a faulty valve that needs replacement. This is a straightforward and affordable repair, usually completed in under an hour.

For expert advice or to schedule a service, call us today at 0410 693 532. Don’t ignore unusual noises—let us ensure your hot water system is running safely and efficiently.

Hot water heaters 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.

2. “I keep running out of hot water”

Your hot water heater may be too small

The most common reason for running out of hot water is that your tank simply isn’t big enough to meet your household’s needs. We recommend tracking your household’s hot water usage to see if any recent changes in habits might be causing the issue.

Have members of your household changed their habits recently? For instance, hot water usage tends to increase during colder months when we take longer, warmer showers. Adults and teenagers often spend more time in the shower compared to younger children, who are more likely to take baths.

A recent bathroom renovation might also be affecting your hot water supply. If older low-flow taps and showerheads were replaced with standard fixtures, they may now consume more water. Similarly, the installation of a deeper bathtub or larger vanity basin could increase overall water usage.

What can you do?

One solution is to encourage shorter showers and educate household members about conserving hot water. However, if this isn’t practical, upgrading to a larger hot water system that better suits your needs may be the best option.

We stock a wide range of gas, solar, and electric hot water heaters and can help you choose the right system for your household and budget. A quick chat over the phone will allow us to recommend the most suitable options. Many older systems, whether gas, electric, or solar, are less energy-efficient than modern models. Upgrading to a new system—or even switching from electric to gas or solar—can save you money on energy bills and quickly offset the cost of the upgrade.

Stop running out of hot water today!

Call our friendly team for expert advice and a free quote.  Call 0410 693 532 or send an SMS.

3. Broken and/or malfunctioning parts

Hot water heaters—whether gas, electric, or solar—rely on various components working together seamlessly. If one of these parts malfunctions or breaks, you may experience a complete loss of hot water. In some cases, you might still have hot water but notice it runs out quickly, often after a single shower. This typically occurs because a broken component prevents the system from heating water fast enough after use or keeping the water in the tank hot and ready for use.

Faulty thermostat or heating elements

A malfunctioning thermostat or heating element within the hot water system is a common cause of these issues. If the water in the tank isn’t heating up efficiently—or at all—one of these parts is likely to blame.

Some hot water heaters have two heating elements: one at the top and one at the bottom. If the top element is faulty but the bottom one is still functioning, your hot water supply will be limited. However, if the bottom element fails or both are compromised, you’ll likely have no hot water at all, as these elements are designed to work together.

Quick and simple repairs

A qualified hot water plumber (like our team) can quickly identify and replace faulty elements or thermostats with new parts. In most cases, repairs can be completed in under an hour, and there’s no need to replace the entire hot water system.

If you’re experiencing hot water issues, contact us today for fast, reliable repairs and get your hot water system back in perfect working order. We can quickly replace faulty parts so you’re back enjoying hot water.  There may not be any need to replace the hot water tank.

Leaking valve(s)

At the side of every storage hot tank there is a temperature pressure relief valve.  This valve can malfunction and may leak. If it leaks constantly you could lose enough hot water, even in a short period of time, to run out.  If this is discovered then it needs to be determined why it is leaking – it could be a water pressure issue, water temperature related (usually too hot) or sediment build up in the valve.  You can try flushing out the valve to remove the sediment.  If this doesn’t work, it is likely to be a bigger problem and requires the assistance of a specialist hot water plumber such as us.

Leaking water pipes

If any one of the water pipes that lead from your hot water heater to the various appliances and taps develop a leak that can, depending on the extent of the leak, cause you to run out of hot water.  If pipes start leaking within the cavity you will probably notice this quickly as water damage will start to appear. Additionally, if pipes that are concealed under the property, could develop a leak. This may go unnoticed for some time. When you start to run out of hot water or notice an uncharacteristically high energy bill, further inspection of these pipes is recommended.

4. “Why is my hot water orange?”

If the water coming out of the hot water taps is discoloured, usually orange, then it could be due to a spent anode inside the hot water heater. It may also have a metallic smell about it.

First, to determine whether the problem lies with your HWS, test the colour of the cold water supply too.  If the cold water is orange too then this could be a problem with your water supply and you should contact Sydney Water (or your water supply company) or you might have an old galvanised steel water pipe between the meter and building, which is rusting internally.

If only your hot water is orange (or a rust colour) then it is a sign that the sacrificial anode inside your tank is spent, reaching the end of it’s useful life inside your tank.   Anodes are magnesium core rods installed at the top of the hot water tanks during production to prevent rust and corrosion. Once the inside of your water heater starts to rust and corrode your hot water turns orange.

Recommended solutions if your hot water is orange.

Anodes typically last between 3.5 – 5 years.  Once the anode is 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 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 as assessment.

5. “Why is my hot water discoloured and dirty?”

First, to determine whether the problem lies with your HWS, test the colour of the cold water supply too.  If the cold water is discoloured too then this is a problem with your water supply and you should contact Sydney Water (or your water supply company).

If it’s just your hot water that’s dirty or discoloured (see above for orange hot water) then it is usually caused by sediment build.

Corroded pipes can also discolour your hot water supply. Replacing the pipes may be the only solution here. We can undertake simple tests to determine if this is the case as it goes beyond the simple solutions we can supply in this blog post.

Recommended solutions for discoloured or dirty hot water. 

Flushing out the hot water tank and cleaning the heating element(s) will usually remedy these issues. If you’re not confident to undertake this yourself, contact our hot water specialists to book in a service. A service usually takes under one hour and is a small price to pay for trouble free hot water usage.

6. “My hot water smells”

Does your hot water have a rusty or metallic smell?

If your hot water has a metallic or rusty smell, it’s usually due to hard water or internal corrosion within your hot water heater. While this is uncommon in Sydney due to soft water, it can occur in areas with hard water, such as Adelaide, or in households using bore water.

To determine if the issue lies with your hot water system (HWS), test the cold water supply.

  • If both hot and cold water have an orange or rust-like colour, the issue is likely with your water supply, and you should contact Sydney Water or your local water provider.
  • If only the hot water is orange or rusty, it’s a sign that the sacrificial anode inside your hot water tank has corroded.

The sacrificial anode is a steel core rod installed at the top of hot water tanks to prevent rust and corrosion. When the anode deteriorates, the tank interior begins to corrode, leading to rust-colored water.

When your anode may need replacement.

Anodes typically last 3.5 to 5 years. Once fully corroded, the anode can no longer protect the tank, which then starts to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs or even tank replacement. Regular anode replacement ensures your water heater operates efficiently and lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.

If your water heater is over 3.5 years old, contact us to check if your anode needs replacing. By providing the make and model of your water heater, we can determine whether a service call is necessary. Some anodes last longer depending on their material, and a quick phone call will allow us to assess your situation.

Other hot water smells and odours

Bacteria growth in your hot water system can also cause unpleasant smells. This is common if:

  • The hot water hasn’t been used for an extended period (e.g., after a holiday).
  • The system has been turned off for some time.
  • The thermostat is set too low, encouraging bacterial growth.

What You Can Do:

  • For rusty or metallic smells, replacing the anode is often the solution. Contact us to arrange an inexpensive and quick anode replacement service—typically completed in under an hour.
  • If you’ve been away or the system was turned off, try flushing out the tank to see if the smell dissipates.
  • Check the thermostat settings. Australian law requires hot water heaters to maintain a minimum internal temperature of 60°C to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safe operation.

IMPORTANT: Adjusting your hot water thermostat yourself is not recommended. Incorrect adjustments could damage the system, void the warranty, or lead to serious injuries from electrocution or illness from bacteria such as legionella.

Get expert assistance

For prompt help, call 0410 693 532 or send an SMS.  Let us take care of your hot water system safely and effectively.

7. “My hot water heater is leaking”

This is one of the most common emergency calls for assistance we receive from customers every day.

The outside location of most gas, electric and solar hot water systems mean that most people don’t realise their hot water heater is leaking until they start running out of hot water prematurely. Worse, it may not be until they completely run out of hot water that they take measures to locate the problem and, only then, discover the leak.

Of course, a leaking indoor hot water heater can also go unnoticed and usually causes bigger issues caused by internal water damage.  This is why we strongly recommend that your hot water system should be serviced every few years as this should identify and resolve problems even before they arise.

Unfortunately, in time, all hot water heaters will eventually fail and need replacing.  For storage water heaters this is usually evident by water leaking from the storage tank continuously. You can often temporarily maintain the supply of hot water by turning off the cold water supply valve on the inlet to the water heater in between usage periods.

IMPORTANT: If your hot water heaters TPR (Temperature and Pressure relief Valve) is leaking more than 2 – 5% of water each heating cycle, this could indicate a serious problem and requires specialist diagnosis. Please contact us for advice.

Identifying the source of the leak

There are several reasons why your hot water heater may be leaking. The most common are listed below.

A corroding hot water tank

The tank has corroded causing cracks or fractures to appear that enable water to leak out. Unfortunately this usually means a replacement hot water system is required.  Sometimes these cracks can be “mended”.  Your water heater type and location determines the best repair option. Speak with one of our hot water specialists for advice about what to do.

If you have a solar or electric hot water system and it is leaking from the top or bottom of the tank it’s important you turn off the electricity before inspecting the problem. Water and electricity don’t mix and can be extremely dangerous for the inexperienced. Typically your hot water system will run off its own fuse so you should be able to just turn off the electrical switch/ circuit breaker inside your electrical meter box. This switch is should be marked either HW or HWS. When this switch has been turned off, all other electrical devices will work as normal.

A faulty pressure relief valve

The pressure relief valve or pressure temperature relief valve toward the top of the tank may need replacing. Please note it is normal for these to leak a little water from time to time but not on a steady basis.  If the pressure valve is leaking try lifting the lever several times. This opens and closes the valve and can help clear any blockages. If the water keeps running, contact us for assistance as the valve probably needs replacement. This isn’t an expensive repair.

For substantial leaks from electric hot water systems you can completely turn off the water supply to the heater along with the power switch in your electrical meter board. If your gas hot water heater is leaking, turn off the gas valve beside the heater to isolate the gas supply.

Turning off the water supply : Turning off the water supply is the same for all solar, electric and gas hot water systems. Close to the HWS there should be a small tap or lever on a pipe feeding into the bottom of the system. Turn this off fully turning the tap clockwise. This only turns off the water to the hot water system, not the rest of the taps in the home so you can continue using them as normal.

If you can’t turn the tap or lever then it may have corroded and seized up over time. If this is the case you will need to isolate and shut off the mains tap which will be at your water meter.  Please note this will turn off the water supply not only to your hot water heater but the entire house.  It’s a good idea to fill a few buckets and bottles with water so you’ve got fresh water on standby until you resolve the leak.

Turn off the gas supply : If your gas hot water heater is leaking then you’ll also need to turn off the gas.  There should be another pipe running into the system, also with a tap or lever attached. Turn this off too.

hot water tank repair near me

Why call us for your hot water tank repair.

We’ve been providing residents and businesses across Sydney with fast hot water help for 30+ years. We are a specialist hot water repair and installation company, it is not a sideline to our plumbing business.   That’s why, when you deal with our highly skilled, specialist hot water plumbers, you’re assured of service and expertise that is second to none.

  • Experience – Each year we install thousands of hot water systems in homes and businesses across all Sydney suburbs.
  • Savings – 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.
  • Licensed – Our fully qualified, licensed hot water heater installers have 30+ years experience each.
  • Accredited – We are accredited service agents for all the hot water heater brands. Don’t risk voiding your warranty by installing your hot water heater yourself or employing unskilled tradespeople.
  • Service – Cheapa Hot Water Sydney is a local Australian family owned business offering reliable, old fashioned service.
  • Fast help – We pride ourselves on fast assistance for all electric, gas, heat pumps and solar hot water systems. Ask about our emergency, same day service.
  • Free delivery – Free delivery of your new hot water system and complimentary disposal, and recycling, of your old hot water system.
  • Qualified – 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 money employing multiple trades.
  • Equipment – We have all the equipment needed to install your hot water system quickly. We don’t have to hire or wait for other trades to arrive with the required equipment.
FAST HOT WATER REPAIRS

For advice and assistance choosing the right hot water system for your needs, contact our friendly team.  We’re here to help. When you call Cheapa Hot Water, you’ll speak directly with a hot water specialist (not a receptionist or call centre).