Hot water not working? Checks to do before you call

Electric storage systems

1. Check the switchboard. Is the hot water circuit or safety switch tripped? If it trips again after one reset, leave it off and call us. It usually means a failed element.
2. Check the isolator switch near the tank is on.
3. If you're on off-peak power, the tank only heats at set times. If you've used a lot of hot water, it may simply need the next heating period.
4. Look at the base of the tank for water. A leak from the tank body means it needs replacing.

Gas storage systems

1. Check the gas is on at the meter or that the LPG cylinder isn't empty.
2. Look through the viewing window to see if the pilot is lit. Follow the relighting instructions on the label of the unit. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple is a likely cause.
3. If you smell gas, don't try to relight. Turn the gas off, go outside and call.

Gas continuous flow

1. Check the controller in the kitchen or bathroom for an error code and note it down.
2. Check the unit has power. Continuous flow units need electricity to ignite, so a power outage or tripped circuit stops them.
3. Check the gas supply as above.

Heat pumps

1. Check the display for an error code.
2. Make sure nothing is blocking airflow around the unit, such as plants, stored items or a cover.
3. Check the circuit at the switchboard and any timer settings, especially if the unit has been set to run on solar hours.

Solar systems

1. After a run of cloudy days, the booster should take over. Check the booster switch or circuit is on.
2. On split systems, check the controller for error lights and listen for the pump running on sunny days.

When to stop and call a professional

Call a licensed plumber if water is leaking from the tank, the relief valve is running constantly, a circuit keeps tripping, you smell gas or the pilot won't stay lit, or there's an error code you can't clear. In Queensland, work on hot water systems is regulated plumbing work and must be done by a licensed plumber.