Should You Call a Plumber or Electrician for Hot Water Faults?
It's 6 am on a cold morning. You turn on the shower and get hit with freezing water, or perhaps you're halfway through washing the dishes when you realise there's no hot water left... again!
Your hot water system's not working, and you need someone to fix it. But the question is, are you supposed to call a plumber or an electrician?
The answer depends on what type of system you have and what's actually wrong with it. Most homes in Wollongong have electric hot water systems, which means you'll likely need a licensed electrician. But there are situations where a plumber is the right call, and sometimes you might need both.
We'll help you figure out who to call so you don't waste time or money.
The Quick Answer: It Depends on Your System Type
Different systems need different professionals:
| System Type | Who You Need | Why |
| Electric storage tank | Licensed electrician | All heating components are electrical - thermostats, elements, wiring, and safety switches |
| Gas hot water systems | Licensed gas fitter/plumber | Requires gas qualifications to work on gas lines and burners |
| Solar hot water systems with electric boost | Usually an electrician | The boost element is electrical, and that's what typically fails |
| Heat pump | Specialist electrician | Complex electrical components need specific expertise |
Most established Wollongong suburbs have electric storage systems. Newer developments sometimes have gas or solar, but older homes almost always run on electric.
How to Identify Your Hot Water System Type
Before you call anyone, work out what system you've got:
| System Type | What It Looks Like |
| Electric storage tank | Large cylinder, usually outside. Connects to your switchboard. Might have an "off-peak" label. If your electricity bill shows "controlled load" or "off-peak hot water" charges, you've got this type. Most common in Wollongong. |
| Gas system | Gas pipe connected to the unit. Pilot light or electronic ignition. Brands like Rinnai and Bosch. |
| Solar hot water | Panels on your roof with a storage tank (roof or ground level). Most have an electric boost element for cloudy days. |
| Instant/continuous flow | Compact wall-mounted unit. No storage tank. Can be gas or electric. |
Common Electric Hot Water Faults That Need an Electrician
Thermostat Failures
The thermostat controls your water temperature. When it fails, your water comes out too hot, too cold, or not hot at all. An electrician needs to test the system and replace the faulty part. Hard water in some Wollongong areas can wear out thermostats faster.
Element Burnout
Heating elements are inside your tank and do the actual heating. When they fail, water takes forever to heat up, you run out of hot water quickly, or you get none at all. Replacing an element means safely disconnecting electrical components and testing with a multimeter. Elements typically last 8-12 years in Wollongong conditions.
Tripped Safety Switches or RCBOs
Your hot water system might trip the switch due to an earth fault, an element failure, or a wiring problem. Never reset the switch repeatedly without investigating. It is best to call a licensed electrician to diagnose the fault.
Faulty Wiring or Connections
Salt air causes corrosion, leading to loose connections, cable deterioration, and intermittent faults or complete failure. This work requires a licensed electrician due to safety regulations.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR)
The TPR valve is a plumbing component, but it often leaks water due to electrical faults. If your valve keeps dripping, your thermostat might be faulty, causing the water to overheat. The valve's just doing its job by releasing pressure. Call an electrician first to test the thermostat and element, then a plumber if those check out fine.
How to Tell the Difference Between Plumbing and Electrical Issues
| What's Happening | Who To Call |
| Water leaking from the tank, pipes, or connections | Plumber |
| TPR valve continuously releasing water (after ruling out electrical faults by an electrician) | Plumber |
| Low water pressure from hot taps | Plumber |
| Rust or corrosion on the tank | Plumber |
| Tank needs replacing | Plumber (electrician connects the new unit) |
| Problems with the tempering valve | Plumber |
| No hot water at all | Electrician |
| Tripped safety switch or blown fuse | Electrician |
| Water temperature keeps changing | Electrician |
| Hot water runs out faster than usual | Electrician |
| Electrical humming or buzzing from the unit | Electrician |
| Off-peak system not heating during controlled load times | Electrician |
| Damage after a power surge or storm | Electrician |
| Burning smell near the unit | Electrician |
| Replacing an old system | Both (plumber installs, electrician connects) |
| TPR valve issue plus thermostat problems | Both |
| Leak has damaged electrical parts | Both |
Not sure what's wrong? Check for water leaks first. If you see water, call a plumber. No leaks, but no hot water? Call an electrician.
If you are still unsure and have an electric hot water heater, it is best to start with an electrician. They can test the electrical components and send you to a plumber if it's a water issue.
Why Electric Hot Water Systems Need Licensed Electricians in NSW
In NSW, repairs to hot water systems require a licensed electrician. Licensed electricians make sure the work meets Australian Standards, and when the job's finished, you get a Certificate of Compliance. Keep it with your other home documents, as you may need it if you sell your house or file an insurance claim.
Using an unlicensed person creates problems down the track. Your home insurance might not cover damage from unlicensed work, and your manufacturer's warranty can be voided if someone without the proper credentials works on your system.
Our electricians at Easther Electrical are fully licensed and regularly work on hot water systems across Wollongong. We know how the coastal climate affects these systems and what typically goes wrong in the area.
What to Expect When You Call an Electrician for Hot Water Repairs
When you call, the electrician will ask about the type of hot water unit and the details of the issue you are facing. If you have no hot water, you'll usually get same-day service. Minor issues get scheduled for a time that works for you.
Your electrician will inspect the unit, test the electrical components, and check the thermostat and elements. Common hot water system issues can generally be fixed on the spot.
At Easther Electrical, we stock common parts in our vans because most hot water failures are predictable. Thermostats and elements wear out, and connections corrode. Our team knows what typically fails in Wollongong systems and how to fix it fast.
When You Need a New System (Not Just Repairs)
Sometimes replacing your hot water system makes more sense than fixing it again.
Consider replacing your unit if it is over 12 years old, shows rust or corrosion, breaks down every few months, or the repair costs more than half of what a new system would cost. Newer models are also more efficient, which means lower power bills.
Replacing a hot water system needs both a plumber and an electrician. The plumber removes the old tank and installs the new one. The electrician connects the power and makes sure everything's safe. We can help you choose a system that suits your household size and let you know about rebates for energy-efficient models.
One thing to know about Wollongong is that the coastal air speeds up tank corrosion. Your system might need replacing before the typical 12-15-year lifespan.
Call the Right Professional for Your Hot Water Problem
Electric hot water systems are the most common setup in Wollongong homes. That means when something goes wrong, you'll usually need an electrician rather than a plumber. The main exception is visible water leaks. Those need a plumber to fix the physical tank or pipes.
For everything else (no hot water, inconsistent temperatures, tripped switches, or strange noises from the unit), an electrician handles the diagnosis and repair. Electric hot water problems often happen without warning, but the good news is they're usually fixable quickly once an electrician identifies the issue.
Call Easther Electrical if your hot water's playing up. We work on electric hot water systems across Wollongong and can usually get you back to hot showers the same day. Our electricians carry the parts needed for common repairs, so you don't have to wait around.