Is there anything worse than jumping in the shower only to find the hot water’s gone cold? Okay, perhaps it's a first-world problem, but as far as they go, it has to be one of the worst! We just expect everything to always work, and while hot water systems are built to last, they’re not immune to systemic failures. This is especially the case if your system is ageing or under heavy use. That's why recognising the early signs of trouble can help you avoid that dreaded cold shower or washing dishes with cold water. We’ll cover four common hot water system faults, what they mean, and when it’s time to call in a licensed pro.
Your Hot Water Set-Up: Understanding the Basics Before Troubleshooting
Before you start diagnosing issues, it helps to understand what kind of hot water system you’re working with. A tankless system delivers hot water on demand (without the need to store hot water) and is great for energy efficiency, but it can struggle in homes with multiple hot water outlets running at once.
On the other hand, traditional systems with storage tanks can experience sediment build-up (mineral build-up and mineral deposits) over time, which affects water temperature and overall efficiency. Knowing the type and capacity of your system is key to spotting the right faults, and avoiding the wrong fixes. Your first step is identifying whether you have a gas bottle, solar, or electric hot water system.
With that, let's dive into the four most common hot water problems.
1. No Hot Water at All
Let’s just get the worst of them out of the way—no hot shower at all. Just reading that sends a cold shiver down your spine. This is the most obvious (and most frustrating) sign something has gone wrong. You turn on the tap, and all you get is cold water, or no water flow at all. No hot water typically means your hot water system isn't working properly.
Symptoms:
- Cold water from taps or shower, even after waiting
- No sound from the system when it’s meant to be heating
- No water pressure.
Possible Causes:
- Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse (electric systems) in power supply
- Pilot light out (gas systems)
- Faulty heating elements, broken thermostat or controller used to heat water
- Sign you need a switchboard upgrade
DIY or Call a Pro?
You can check the switchboard for tripped breakers or relight the pilot light if you know how. But if it’s still not working—or you’re not confident—it’s time to call a licensed electrician or hot water specialist. We imagine you want that hot shower back yesterday anyway.
2. Water Leaks from the System
A leaking hot water system doesn’t always gush like a burst pipe. Sometimes, you have to put on your detective hat. It could just be a slow drip or a suspicious puddle that keeps showing up near the hot water tank.
Warning Signs:
- Damp patches or puddles under the tank
- Garden hose or hot water tap not running properly
- Rust streaks or corrosion on the unit
- Hissing or dripping sounds from valves or pipework
Common Leak Sources:
- Pressure relief or temperature relief valves
- Corroded or cracked tank, due to corroded anode rod
- Loose connections, loose inlet, or leaking pipe joints and fittings
- Leaky tank
DIY or Call a Pro?
If you notice water leaking, ignore leaks at your own peril. They can cause serious water damage, rust, toxic mould, and reduced system efficiency. If that's not enough to convince you to take action, leaks also contribute to higher energy bills. If you spot any of the above signs, it’s best to have a professional plumber inspect it before a small leak turns into a big (and expensive) replacement job.
3. Inconsistent Water Temperature
How annoying are those showers where you can never seem to get the right temperature? One minute it’s lukewarm, the next it’s scalding or ice cold. Definitely not what you signed up for first thing on a cold winter's morning. Water pressure regularly inconsistent is enough to drive you bonkers.
Symptoms:
- Water temperature fluctuates randomly during use
- Hot tap water runs out too quickly
- Takes ages for water to heat up again
Possible Causes:
- Sediment build-up in the tank, which interferes with heating elements
- A faulty thermostat not regulating the temperature properly
- Issues with the tempering valve (mixing hot and cold water) or pressure relief valve
DIY or Call a Pro?
If the issue happens occasionally, it could be a one-off. But if it’s frequent, it’s worth getting it checked. A professional hot water service can flush the system, replace the thermostat, or inspect the mixing valve to restore a consistent, comfortable temperature (as well as your sanity).
4. Strange Noises from the Unit
If your noisy hot water system is starting to sound like it's trying to tell you something, it probably is!
Popping, banging, or hissing noises are common signs that not all is fine and dandy down in the water heater tank. Same goes for stinky water.
Symptoms:
- Popping or rumbling sounds during heating element
- Hissing or high-pitched whines
- Hot water running out faster than usual
Possible Causes:
- Sediment build-up overheating and cracking
- A failing heating element struggling to perform
- Air in the system causing bubbles or pressure changes
DIY or Call a Pro?
While a minor flush might help, unusual noises often point to deeper issues. If the sounds persist, especially if they're getting louder (and scarier), call a licensed hot water plumber to avoid long-term damage or a full system breakdown.
When Should You Call a Hot Water Technician?
Whether you have a gas water heater or an electric water heater, knowing how your system works can help you spot problems early. If there's suddenly not enough hot water, it could be due to a faulty thermostat, storage tank corrosion, or even a sediment build-up near the drain valve. Regular DIY maintenance of your hot water unit, like flushing the tank and checking for leaks, can go a long way in preventing breakdowns and keeping your system running efficiently.
Some minor issues, like checking for a tripped breaker or relighting a pilot light, can be safely handled if you consider yourself a handyman (or handywoman). But if you’re dealing with persistent leaks, strange noises, inconsistent temperatures, or no hot water at all, it’s best to leave your broken hot water system to the pros.
Plus, early detection can avoid major repairs or full system replacements, saving you bigger headaches and money. Sometimes it's worth nipping it in the bud and getting that priceless peace of mind.
Need help? Easther Electrical offers reliable, professional hot water system repairs across the region.
Book a professional inspection today to avoid costly breakdowns tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of water heater failure?
The most common cause of hot water system problems is sediment build-up inside the tank, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, this reduces heating efficiency, strains the system, and can eventually cause the heating element or tank to fail.
How do hot water systems fail?
Hot water heaters can fail due to corrosion, worn-out components, thermostat issues, or electrical faults. Leaks, inconsistent heating, and strange noises are often early warning signs that something is going wrong.
What are common causes of a water heater not working?
A lack of hot water is often caused by a tripped breaker in an electric hot water system. There could also be a blown fuse, failed thermostat, or extinguished pilot light. In electric systems, heating element failure is also a frequent culprit, while gas systems may struggle with ignition or valve issues.
More and more Australian households are making the switch from gas to electric when it comes to heating their water. Rising gas costs, questions of sustainability, and government incentives all make switching to an electric system an attractive proposition, but is electric the only way to go or does gas still have a part to play in modern water heating?
This article will cover everything you need to know in order to make an informed choice about your water heating options. From the types of electric hot water systems available to how much it all costs, we will deep dive into the details of making the switch and whether doing so is right for you.
Why Switch from Gas to Electric Hot Water?
Hot water systems are typically the second-most energy intensive appliance in the home, according to MaketheSwitch.org.au, so choosing how to power them matters, both in an environmental context with our carbon footprint and for our household budget and energy bills.
As a fossil fuel, using gas has more detrimental environmental repercussions than renewable electricity. While it is true that Australia still uses coal-fired power plants, 40% of all of Australia's energy needs now come from renewable sources and this figure is rising every year. By removing reliance on gas, we are removing another environmental pollutant and lessening the need for natural gas to be mined.
Electric hot water systems have also become incredibly energy efficient. Some 50% of all hot water systems in Australia are electric, and as they take the largest share of the market, so too do they take the main share of technological research and innovation investment. Gas prices are also currently high and expected to remain high, according to CHOICE.
Further, there are government rebates or incentives available in many states and territories to encourage Australians to make the switch. Federal schemes, such as the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme and the Household Energy Upgrades Fund, are both available across the country to make investing in more sustainable energy systems more accessible for households and small businesses.
Finally, there are the safety considerations of using gas, including the risk of gas leaks and explosions. While systems installed outside the home are generally safe, systems installed indoors are at risk of indoor air pollution from carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles in the surrounding air.
Types of Electric Hot Water Systems
There are three electric options when it comes to choosing your new hot water system. Each has its benefits in terms of costs, efficiency, lifespan, and space requirements, which will help determine the correct choice for your household or business needs.
Traditional Electric Storage Hot Water Systems
These traditional systems use electricity to heat an element in the water tank, heating the water like a giant electric kettle. Tanked systems will keep the water hot throughout the day, ready to be used whenever required. They can also be switched to off-peak tariffs, meaning they only heat water during periods of lower demand and lower costs (usually late at night or very early morning).
Traditional systems have a lifespan of 10–12 years and do not take up much space, often placed outside along the side of the house. Smaller systems can be placed inside cupboards, such as inside a unit. A family home-sized tank system can be as affordable as $1000.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Electric heat pump systems have much greater energy efficiency, using only 30% of the energy required by traditional storage systems, according to Energy.gov.au. Heat pumps have a much higher upfront cost, however, with a family-sized system costing $3000 or three times the price of a traditional storage system.
However, over their 10–15-year lifespan, this investment can pay for itself in energy savings. Combined with government assistance, this can be a very smart choice. For example, Energy.gov.au states that the Victorian government's Hot Water Rebate "provides Victorian households with up to $1000 to assist with the purchase of an eligible heat pump or solar hot water system".
Solar Electric Hot Water Systems
As their name suggests, solar hot water systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy by harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity to heat the water. Solar is by far the most environmentally friendly option, freeing you from relying on the public grid.
Solar hot water systems have the longest lifespan of all, lasting from 10 to 25 years or even longer. However, they are more expensive to set up initially, with a typical system and solar panel setup costing between $3000 and $7000. There are several rebates and initiatives available for solar energy to help offset a higher upfront cost. Additionally, this initial cost is eventually offset by decades of free energy delivered directly by the sun.
Cost Considerations: Upfront vs. Long-Term Savings
While solar is the most expensive in terms of upfront installation costs, followed by heat pump and then traditional systems, they also have the longest lifespan and deliver the greatest investment in terms of long-term savings from running costs.
Heat pumps are second, costing a mid initial investment but delivering long-term savings by using a mere 30% of the electricity required by a traditional storage system. Taking into account that the hot water system uses one-quarter (25%) of total household energy use (according to Energex), that is a lot of kilowatt hours to be saved over the next decade or more.
Finally, the traditional system is cheap and widely accessible and a perfect way to switch to enter the electric hot water system market if you are unready or unable to invest in one of the systems mentioned above. Electric systems still rely on the public grid, but it is a grid increasingly supplied by renewable energy.
Installation Process & What to Expect
A standard installation can last anywhere between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the system chosen and the location of installation. Traditional systems will be at the lower end of this estimate, while solar-powered systems will take longer as the panels will need to be installed on the roof.
Some systems, like solar, will also have electrical requirements as new electrical cables and lines will need to be installed through your home from the panels to the hot water system itself. Talk to your local electrician about converting to an electric storage tank system to learn more about the process.
Common Questions & Concerns
Is an electric hot water system as effective as gas?
When talking about system effectiveness, most people assert that gas systems are more energy efficient. As they use gas, not electricity, this is technically true. However, electric systems perform just as well as gas systems without the need for an additional utility or the use of fossil fuels.
Will I have enough hot water?
Yes, electric heaters provide enough hot water for standard household use.
What happens during a power outage?
Traditional and heat pump tanked heaters are insulated and will maintain their heat even if the power goes out. Instantaneous systems will not be able to provide hot water without power. Solar hot water systems will continue to use the sun's power to generate hot water.
How long does it take for an electric system to heat water?
Electric systems typically take 3–5 hours per day to heat water.
How much does it cost to convert a gas hot water heater to electric?
Replacing your gas hot water system with an electric option can cost as little as $1000 for a traditional tanked system to up to $7000 for a full solar-powered water heating system.
Is it worth switching from gas to electric water heater?
We think so! Gas prices remain high with no sign of lowering in the near future, while electric systems bring with them a wide range of benefits that simply outcompete most gas systems.
Can I change a gas water heater to an electric water heater?
Yes, you can replace a gas water heater with an electric water heater.
Is it cheaper to heat hot water with gas or electric?
With current gas prices staying high with no signs of reducing, electric options are becoming cheaper and increasingly more affordable to run.
Making the Switch: Steps to Take
When choosing your new hot water system, speak to your local electrical experts at Easther Electrical. We can help you reduce running costs by assessing your current system and household needs to choose the right electric system for you and your family.
An electric system, whether you go for traditional, heat pump, or solar, is an investment that will repay you with reliability, long-term cost savings, and all the hot water you could need.
Get in touch with our friendly team at Easther Electrical to make the switch to electric today.