Electricians: Ignite a Spark and Learn About Electricy

What to do when your hot water system stops working

5 August 2017

Byron Holmes

Most homeowners have, at some time, experienced a feeling of surprise when a bathroom tap unexpectedly runs cold – the valuable home comfort of a reliable hot water supply so easy to take for granted!

Similarly, building managers responsible for communal hot water systems in offices, student accommodation blocks, hospitals and residences undoubtedly appreciate water heating systems that continue to function reliably, year after year. The greater the number of residents, the more important it becomes to maintain hot water supplies in full working order. 

Fortunately, defects tend to be infrequent – which might explain the concern (and even alarm) evident when faults present themselves. So, what are the best ways to deal with such incidences?   

Check for minor problems

Firstly, ensure that the power supply is connected to the water heater properly, that a contact breaker has not tripped (or a fuse has blown) and that the temperature setting on the thermostat is correct. If these avenues of investigation prove fruitless, even highly experienced and competent DIY experts will probably need to call in an electrician or a  plumber.  

When to call a plumber

Clanging noises or leaks from the area where the water heater element fits into the outer shell – or the pressure relief valve or supply pipes – indicate it is time to contact a plumber, before an urgent repair situation turns into an emergency.   

When to call an electrician

Usually, water heaters work away quietly and dependably for years. However, eventually, they reach the end of the service life. If the immersion heater or other tankless (on-demand) system is not working properly, a modern, efficient replacement may be necessary.  

How to choose an electrical hot water system

The length of warranty periods usually indicates product quality. Typically, warranties for new water heaters vary from three to twelve years. Higher specification models tend to have more powerful, heavy-duty heating elements and thicker insulation. Under normal usage, good quality conventional heaters may last up to fifteen years, while the tankless type can last as long as twenty. 

How to choose the right contractor

When installing a new electrical water heating system or replacing it with one that has a more powerful electrical rating, it is essential that the electrical contractor follows Ausgrid's Customer Installation Safety Plan (CISP). The CISP stipulates electrical safety measures for level 2 service provider companies, as well as the qualifications required for working on or near the supply network.

Finally, on completion of such work, level 2 service provider companies supply customers with certificates detailing the electrical work completed. Ausgrid may carry out an inspection to check for safety compliance ES1 (Premises Connection Requirements) and AS/NZS3000 wiring regulations, especially in new buildings.    

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