What we fix most often
- No hot water at all
- On electric systems this is usually a failed element, a faulty thermostat or a tripped over-temperature cut-out. On gas systems it's often the pilot, thermocouple or gas valve. Continuous flow units usually show an error code that points to the fault.
- Water only lukewarm
- A thermostat set too low or failing, one of two elements burnt out, a heat pump running on reduced capacity, or a tempering valve that has drifted out of adjustment.
- Relief valve dripping all the time
- A small discharge while heating can be normal. A constant flow usually means the valve is worn out or the mains pressure is too high and needs a pressure limiting valve.
- Water leaking from the base of the tank
- This almost always means the inner tank has corroded through. It can't be repaired, so we'll quote a replacement.
- Noises, rumbling or kettling
- Usually sediment built up in the bottom of the tank, which is common on tank water. On heat pumps, noise often points to a fan or compressor fault.
- Discoloured or rusty hot water
- Often a sign the sacrificial anode is used up and the tank is starting to corrode. Replacing the anode early can add years to the tank.
Repair or replace?
We'll tell you straight. As a rule of thumb, if a system is under about eight years old and the tank isn't leaking, a repair is usually worth doing. If it's over ten years old and needs a major part, replacement often makes more sense. Read our repair or replace guide for the full breakdown.
Brands we repair
We repair all the major brands including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Vulcan, Bosch, Thermann, Stiebel Eltron, Sanden and Solahart. If parts for an older model are no longer made, we'll tell you before you spend anything.
Hot water running cold
If your hot water runs warm for a minute and then goes cold, or never gets properly hot, the usual causes are a failed element or thermostat on an electric system, a tempering valve that needs replacing, a heat pump fault, or a continuous flow unit that's too small for the demand. We test each part and fix the actual cause.
Leaking hot water system
A leak from a fitting, valve or the overflow pipe can usually be repaired. A leak from the tank itself means the tank has failed and needs replacing. See leaking hot water systems for what to check and what to do straight away.
Repairs by system type
We handle electric hot water repairs, gas hot water repairs, heat pump hot water repairs, continuous flow repairs and solar hot water repairs, plus brands including Rheem, Rinnai, Thermann and Dux.
Hot water problem right now?
Check these first. They can save you a call-out.
Electric system?
Check the hot water circuit or safety switch at the switchboard hasn't tripped. If it trips again, leave it off.
Gas system?
Check the gas is on at the meter, or that the LPG bottle isn't empty.
Leaking or burst?
Turn off the cold water valve going into the unit, then turn off its power or gas.
Recent jobs
Common questions
How long does a hot water repair take?
Most repairs, such as replacing an element, thermostat, relief valve or thermocouple, take one to two hours once we're on site. Some heat pump and continuous flow parts need to be ordered, which can add a day or two.
Is it normal for the relief valve to drip?
A small amount of water during each heating cycle can be normal on some systems. A constant drip or steady flow is not normal and usually means the valve is worn or the water pressure is too high.
Can you repair any brand of hot water system?
We repair all the major brands sold in Australia. For older or discontinued models we check parts availability before quoting, so you're not paying for a repair that can't be finished.
Sources and further reading
- Business Queensland: hot water systems (temperature control devices on new and replacement systems)
- QBCC: Form 4 notifiable work (installing, replacing or removing a water heater)
- Clean Energy Regulator: solar water heaters and air source heat pumps (STC eligibility)
- Residential Tenancies Authority: emergency and routine repairs
Hot water repairs near you
We cover every suburb on the Sunshine Coast and in Noosa. Popular areas include: