Is it possible to repair a hot water system?

When you turn on your hot tap and there’s nothing but cold water, it doesn’t always mean you need to replace your hot water system. Often servicing your hot water heater and replacing any failed parts will be enough to get you bathing in hot water again.

There are several key components to a hot water heater that could be causing it to fail and each one will have a different outcome. The following the seven components in a hot water system can be replaced if they fail.

1. Thermocouple

When a thermocouple fails it causes the pilot light to go out. Without a pilot light the Unitrol gas valve will not allow gas to the main burner, meaning the water in the storage tank won’t heat up. The outcome is cold water at the faucet. A thermocouple is a relatively cheap item and can be replaced within an hour so your hot water will be operational again in no time at a limited expense.

2. Unitrol Gas Valve

A failed Unitrol gas valve can display several different outcomes. It can cause the pilot light to go out, it can cause the hot water system not to heat to its full potential or it can prevent gas being supplied to the main burner. All these scenarios will have the same outcome, NO hot water. Unitrol gas valves are considerably more expensive than a thermocouple so our experienced licensed gas plumbers will be required to diagnose if the Unitrol is the cause of the fault. Call us on 03 9335 4755 to determine the best outcome.

3. Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV)

If you notice water dripping or leaking from the PTRV, which is located on the side of your hot water storage tank, then it may need to be replaced. PTR valves are specific to each hot water system and need to be replaced with a like for like model. Incorrect installation of PTR valves can be extremely dangerous and, in some situations, could cause a storage tank to explode. Signs that your PTR valve is leaking may be fluctuating water temperatures, your water heater not heating up to full temperature or poor water pressure out of your hot tap. As storage hot water systems are a pressure vessel, they can be extremely dangerous to work on. Always use a licensed plumber to work on your hot water system and never risk a DIY solution.

4. Electric Element

Signs the element in your electric hot water system may have failed include cold water at the faucets, water not reaching temperature or a leaking hot water service. Electrical elements will need to be replaced by a licensed electrician or a licensed plumber with an electrical restricted disconnect/reconnect license. Elements are inexpensive to replace & can be completed within the hour. Our hot water service specialists hold restricted electrical disconnect/reconnect licenses allowing them to change over your electrical element without the need for an electrician, keeping it a cost-effective solution.

Call us on 03 9335 4755 and speak to one of our team.

5. Electrical Thermostat

The thermostat on your hot water system regulates the temperature of the water by controlling the heating element. When the water cools below a particular temperature the thermostat provides power to the electric element heating the hot water. If the thermostat stops working you may notice your water heats too slowly, you have no hot water at all, it produces less hot water than usual, or the water heats up to dangerously high temperatures. The above are all signs you might have an issue with your thermostat, and you should have your hot water system serviced by our experienced licensed plumbers.

6. Blocked Strainers

Blocked strainers will restrict the flow of water to your hot water system causing fluctuations in water temperature and flow. A common problem with blocked strainers is low water temperature. This is a relatively simple task, as it’s a matter of removing the strainers from the system and either cleaning them out or replacing them with new ones. Once replaced you may need to re set the temperature from your tempering valve.

7. Power Failure

Believe it or not, a power failure can cause your hot water system to fail or not operate at all. An electric hot water system can’t work without power, however a gas, solar and heat pump hot water system can also be affected by no power. A power failure can sometimes cause a water heater to trip and may just require a reset. Some hot water systems may simply need to have clocks reset before they can operate. The model of your hot water heater will indicate its reliance on power to operate.

So, do you think your Hot Water System need repairing?

Responding quickly is the key to a positive outcome, if you notice any of the above signs with the hot water in your home or business then immediately call us to diagnose the fault with your hot water system and determine which parts need to be replaced to get your hot water system up and running again.

For all your hot water service needs contact Essendon Plumbing Services on 03 9335 4755 or book online.