Hot Water Repairs

Common hot-water faults

Loss of hot water can come from an electrical supply issue, a failed element or thermostat, a tripped safety device, a gas appliance fault, or a cylinder that has reached the end of its life.

Temperature and pressure problems are often caused by valve wear, tempering valve failure, sediment build-up or an undersized system struggling with household demand.

• No hot water anywhere in the house
• Water lukewarm but never hot
• Hot water runs out very quickly
• Water pooling around the cylinder
• Rumbling, popping or hissing noises
• Discoloured or smelly hot water
• Heat pump water heater fault or error code
• Gas califont not igniting or cycling on and off

If your cylinder is leaking

Leaks can cause significant damage quickly. If it is safe to do so, switch off the power supply to the cylinder at the switchboard and close the cylinder's cold-water isolating valve, then request assistance promptly.

Do not attempt repairs on the cylinder, valves, gas appliance or electrical components yourself. This work is regulated in New Zealand and must be done by qualified professionals.

Repair or replace?

Straightforward component failures — elements, thermostats, valves — are often repairable. Corrosion or a failure of the cylinder vessel itself generally means replacement.

A qualified tradesperson will diagnose the fault on site and explain the options, including whether an upgrade makes more sense than a repair on an ageing system.