Introduction to Hot Water Systems
Continuous access to hot water is crucial for daily tasks such as bathing, dishwashing, and laundry. Most households depend on hot water systems to supply this essential service.
There are two primary types of hot water systems found in homes: gas water heaters and electric models.
- Water heater tank systems store heated water in an insulated tank using various energy sources, including natural gas. Various heat sources, including gas, electric heaters, solar panels or heat pumps may be employed to warm the water.
- A tank that’s too small for your household’s water usage can often lead to frequently running out of hot water. These mostly use gas or electricity.
When any type of hot water system malfunctions, it results in significant inconvenience. This guide investigates common hot water problems, offering effective troubleshooting tips and advising when to consult with professionals, alongside preventive measures.
Common Causes of Hot Water Failure
Several common factors can lead to your hot water system failing to deliver hot water:
Pilot light out
Gas water heater systems rely on a pilot light to ignite the burner. Without the pilot light, the unit cannot activate the heating process.
A robust gust or draught entering your house could extinguish the pilot light.
Tripped circuit breaker
Electric hot water heater systems draw considerable power to operate the heating elements within your water heater. An overloaded circuit from too many appliances can trip the circuit breaker, a scenario in which the heater can be deprived of electrical power. Pressing the reset button on the breaker or replacing the fuse may restore your heater’s function and re-establish the flow of hot water.
Sediment buildup
Over time, scale and mineral deposits can coat components like the anode rod inside a hot water tank.
This insulation effect hampers the water’s heating speed, leading to inefficiency. In tankless systems, sediment accumulation clogs pipes and critical components. Flushing the system yearly may prevent major buildup issues.
Mechanical wear and tear
Components such as the dip tube, heating elements, thermostats, and relief valve have a limited lifespan, impacting hot water pressure and system performance. Gradual mechanical wear or abrupt part failure due to ageing could result in low hot water pressure and loss. Replacing worn-out parts can restore normal operation.
Should basic troubleshooting not guarantee hot enough water flow, don’t hesitate to give us call; our licenced plumber is ready to meticulously tackle issues with your hot water heater, including gas valves to pipelines. Reach out to St Marys Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for professional repair services to get your hot water supply back on track.
Pilot Light Outages
Gas hot water systems rely on a small pilot light flame to ignite the burner when heating is needed. This perpetual flame, possibly switched off for upkeep, stands close to the chief burner and comes into play when water is demanded.
If the pilot light goes out, a detailed inspection is required as the burner will not activate, leaving taps without hot water.
- Strong breezes or draughts from open doors/windows that could cause your system to run out hot water
- Normal lifespan burnout over months/years of use
- Disruption to the gas supply
- A spider web or dust blocking the flame
A pilot light outage will result in no hot water your house can use until the flame is re-lit. To verify this as the culprit for your hot water tap issues:
- Locate the pilot light assembly on your unit
- Check if the small gas flame is still burning
- If extinguished, attempt to reignite by pressing the pilot button and applying an ignition source – the pilot light’s absence might be why your taps lack warm water.
- If the flame ignites but fails to stay lit, seek professional help.
If you cannot get the pilot light to ignite or if it repeatedly goes out, this indicates a bigger problem requiring expert assessment. Call St Marys Plumbing on 1300 349 338 to diagnose pilot light and burner issues.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
Electric systems’ heating elements require ample power; Their circuit is usually shared with other substantial appliances, a situation which can lead to loss hot water problems during peak usage times.
This disruption can halt power to the water heater tank, potentially stopping water flowing at the desired temperature.
- Locate the breaker box and check if the switch for the water heater circuit is flipped to "OFF"
- Flip the switch fully to "ON" to reset it
- Ensure the heater resumes normal operation with power and hot water at your taps
Should you have tried all above, like resetting the breaker, and the hot water working still results in cold showers, the fault may lie with the heating element or thermostat in your hot water tank. Avoid repeated breaker tripping by not overloading the circuit. Our professional plumbers can install your water heater on its own circuit.
To swiftly get your system back to optimal condition, call St Marys Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for expert diagnosis and repairs.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment accumulation over time at the bottom of the tank can decrease its efficiency, potentially leading to a shortage of hot water. As layers of scale build up, it creates insulation that hinders the heater’s ability to heat up the water efficiently. Sediment can also clog pipes, valves and other critical parts.
In tankless water heating systems, sediment buildup is less common. But when it does occur, the consequences can be more immediate and serious. Tankless heaters rely on good water flow to function, so accumulated mineral deposits can quickly restrict pipes and components, leading to loss of hot water.
To prevent major sediment issues in your water tank, it is recommended to flush water heaters annually. This process requires securing a hose to the tank drain valve or heat exchanger and utilising water pressure to check see if there are removals of amassed sediments. Installing a whole house water softener can also reduce scale accumulation.
If you suspect sediment is causing hot water loss, call St Marys Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Learn more about how our licenced technicians have the expertise to properly diagnose and resolve any buildup problems.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some reasons your basic troubleshooting tips for common hot water issues:
Check Power Supply
Always begin troubleshooting by verifying the power supply to your water heater, which involves checking the circuit breakers or inspecting the gas valve. Pilot lights may need relighting from time to time.
Inspect Thermostat Settings
Ensure your thermostat is set correctly to prevent an imbalance in water temperatures and provide adequately heated water. For safety and comfort, check that your water heater provides water at a minimum of 120°F (approximately 49°C).
Insulate Pipes and Tanks
Insulating pipes and tanks reduces heat loss, ensuring that the hot water delivered to your taps maintains a consistent temperature. Such adjustments make operations more efficient.
Use Timer Settings
Using programmable timers allows you to schedule hot water availability during cost-saving off-peak hours for electric storage tanks.
Check Sediment Buildup
Annual flushing removes mineral deposits that can restrict water flow and reduce heating efficiency in systems.
For expert troubleshooting or repairs, rely on the seasoned skills of St Marys Plumbing’s licensed technicians. Call us on 1300 349 338.
Checking Pilot Lights and Power
As an initial troubleshooting step for loss of hot water issues, check the pilot light and power supply depending on your system type:
Gas Systems
Visually inspect the pilot light assembly on gas hot water heaters. The flame should ignite and remain lit, ensuring there’s no unexpected cut off in your hot water supply. If not, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or gas flow requiring professional attention.
If the small continuous flame has gone out, try reigniting it by pressing the pilot ignition button while holding a long match or lighter near the pilot.
Electric Systems
Inspect your home’s breaker box, making sure the circuit breaker for the electric water heater hasn’t tripped to the "Off" position. Flip the switch fully to "On" to reset it. If this does not restore hot water heating, the heating element, thermostat or wiring may be faulty.
Confirming the power and pilot light status represents an initial step in discerning why the hot water faucet your home depends on isn’t yielding warmth. If your systems are powered yet there’s no hot water, contact St Marys Plumbing at 1300 349 338 for expert repairs.
Inspecting for Leaks
Regularly inspect your hot water system and associated pipes for leaks. Signs of a leak include:
- Water pooling around the base of the hot water unit
- Unusual wet spots on walls or ceilings near pipes
- An increase in your bill signalling potential issues keeping water hot
Some possible reasons for leaks include loose pipe fittings, water emanating from cracks in the storage tank, and worn gaskets and seals.
Should you detect a leak, turn off the water supply and give us a ring to address it swiftly:
- Off power water to your heater by closing the cold water supply line
- Thoroughly inspect all water lines, fittings, valves and the tank for drips or weeping
- Wipe components dry for closer visual inspection
- If a leak is found, contact St Marys Plumbing immediately on 1300 349 338 to schedule repair
Our licenced technicians have extensive experience in plumbing systems and invite you to give us call for fixing any types of leaks. We also offer regular hot water system maintenance checks to identify potential leaks before they become problematic. Protect your home and your wallet by getting leaks fixed promptly.
When to Call a Professional
While basic troubleshooting steps may give insights on how fix your hot water issues, certain complications definitively require a professional plumber to safely address.
Call St Marys Plumbing right away if you have:
- A suspected gas leak - Never try to fix gas leaks yourself as it risks explosion. Evacuate your home and call emergency services immediately.
- No hot water with continuous pilot light outages - Repeated pilot light relighting attempts indicate a bigger issue needing assessment.
- Leaking water lines, valves or storage tank - Leaks can worsen quickly, so call a plumber promptly before major water damage occurs.
- Flow problems from excessive sediment buildup - Attempting to flush heavy mineral deposits yourself may worsen clogs.
- Electrical issues like repeated breaker tripping or faulty heating elements - Tackling complex electrical repairs without proper qualifications risks electrocution.
Our team of qualified technicians have the expertise to correctly diagnose issues through methodical troubleshooting. We use sophisticated techniques like tankless camera inspections to detect hidden sediment buildup.
Trust St Marys Plumbing for reliable hot water system maintenance checks and prompt repairs whenever issues emerge. Protect yourself, your family and your property by calling 1300 349 338 or emailing jobs@stmarysplumbingservices.com.au for professional assistance.
