Troubleshooting Tips for Common Hot Water System Problems

Understanding Your Hot Water System

The first step to troubleshooting your hot water system’s issues is to understand the type of hot water system you have and know the components that it’s made up of. There are many types of hot water systems available in Victoria, but the most common and popular are electric, gas and solar. Each of these has components that can cause issues over time, including:

• Sacrificial anode rod: This rod helps prevent corrosion of your tank by attracting corrosive minerals and elements to itself. It will usually look like a plug or bolt in the top of your tank.

• Temperature pressure relief valves: These valves are designed to regulate the pressure inside your storage tank. They are the brass valves near the top of your tank, depending on your hot water system, they may have a lever or a ring-pull to operate them. 

• Tempering valves: These valves regulate the temperature of your water to keep your household safe from scalds and burns. They are a legal requirement of all hot water systems in Victoria and must be set at a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius. They are a ‘T' shaped valve with a hot inlet on one side and a cold on the other and a tempered (or mixed) valve at the bottom.

• Heating elements and thermostats: These are the elements that heat your water. On most electric hot water systems they will be located under a metal or plastic panel in the bottom half or base of your tank.

• Drain valve: This is where the water in your tank can be drained for cleaning or in the case of repairs or replacement. It will be located at the bottom of your tank.

• Gas control valve: If you have a gas hot water system, this valve will control the gas supply to your tank. They are generally located on the lower external portion of your unit.

It’s important to know the names and locations of these key components so that if an issue occurs you can fix it or at least explain it clearly to your plumber when making an appointment Additionally, checking each of these components regularly can help to ensure that your hot water system is functioning properly, or allow you to catch any issues early to prevent disasters.

Troubleshooting Common Hot Water System Problems

No Hot Water

One of the most common problems people face with hot water systems is a sudden lack of hot water. If your shower or tap suddenly runs cold it could be due to a faulty thermostat, heating element issues, or power supply problems. 

To DIY this problem you can start by checking that the power supply or gas pilot light is connected correctly and turned on. If everything is connected correctly you can try to reset the thermostat by pressing the reset button near the thermostat. If the power has tripped it can take up to an hour for the water in your tank to reheat. 

However, if your water is still cold after an hour or if your system continues to trip, the problem is likely more extensive and we recommend that you call a professional plumber for repairs or replacement.

Inconsistent Water Temperature

Inconsistent water temperature is another common issue that you may face due to a buildup of sediment, a malfunctioning thermostat or improper connections. The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to inspect the connections to ensure everything is installed correctly, and then check the thermostat settings and reset them if they appear to be incorrect.

If everything is connected correctly and the thermostat appears to be functioning as it should, you may need to flush out the tank to remove sediment by connecting a hose to the drain valve.

Discoloured or Odorous Water

If the water coming through your shower or taps from your hot water system appears to be off-colour or has a strange smell, there is likely corrosion in your tank. Rust and corrosion can cause your water to turn a deep red or brown colour and give off a metallic smell.

When this happens you need to inspect your tank, particularly the sacrificial anode rod, for corrosion or rust. If it’s just the anode, you can purchase a new one and replace it as per the manufacturer’s instructions, however, if your tank itself is corroded it may require replacement to prevent further issues.

However, if you can’t find any signs of corrosion or rust, it could be a water quality issue. In this situation, you can consider flushing out your tank or trying water treatment solutions. We recommend consulting a plumber for an inspection first though.

Leaking Water Heater

Over time water heaters can spring a leak due to corrosion, damage or faulty valves. The first sign of a leak is generally an unexplained loss of water pressure or heat. If you notice this, you will need to inspect the area around your tank for wet spots or puddles and then trace it back to find the source. Inspect the base of your tank for cracks, corrosion or rust and valves for drips. 

Once you know the source of the leak you can take steps to minimise further damage, such as adjusting the valves to relieve pressure or calling a plumber to complete the necessary repairs or replace your tank if it’s too far gone. 

Running Out of Hot Water Too Quickly

The final issue that many homeowners report is that they run out of hot water quickly. If this happens from the get-go or just when you have guests, then it may be that your hot water system is not big enough to cover your hot water usage. If this is the case, you may need to consider replacing your tank with a larger one or installing a second tank.

This is also common with solar hot water systems, as they struggle to heat up on cloudy or rainy days which can lead to a lack of hot water. To compensate for this you may want to consider installing a gas or electric system as a backup.

However, if you generally have enough hot water and then suddenly don’t, it could be a problem with your system. Start by inspecting your tank for leaks and then if you find any, call a plumber to have them repaired quickly.

Preventing Hot Water System Problems From Escalating

Many of these common hot water system problems can escalate into major issues quickly if not managed properly and in a timely manner. By knowing what to look for and the common causes, you will now be more prepared for any unfortunate situations that could pop up and leave you with an unpleasant cold shower.

But most importantly, if you encounter any of these issues or any other problems with your hot water system we are the team to call! Our experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services have worked with all types and brands of hot water systems and know how to repair or replace them all.