Hot Water Not Working? Same-Day Hot Water Repairs Adelaide
No hot water? Leaking tank? Gas or electric system stopped working?
SA Hot Water provides fast, same-day hot water repairs across Adelaide.
Our licensed plumbers diagnose problems quickly and carry parts for most major brands, so many systems are fixed on the first visit.
Why Adelaide Locals Choose SA Hot Water
✔ Same-day emergency service
✔ 35+ years specialist experience
✔ Gas, electric, solar & heat pump systems
✔ Repairs, replacements & installations
✔ Honest repair vs replace advice
✔ Fully licensed & insured plumbers
When your hot water fails, you don’t want guesswork – you want it fixed properly the first time.
Quick Checks Before You Call
Sometimes the fix is simple. Try these first:
✔ Check power or circuit breaker hasn’t tripped
✔ Check gas supply is turned on
✔ Look for visible leaks
✔ Check thermostat settings
If the problem continues, call us – we’ll handle the rest.
Gas Problems
Electric Problems
Common Questions
Solar Hot Water Questions
Heat Pump Hot Water Questions
Owner’s Manuals
Gas Hot Water Problems
Pilot won’t stay lit
Often caused by a faulty thermocouple or blocked pilot. Requires professional repair.
Only lukewarm water
Thermostat, valve or burner faults may be preventing proper heating.
Hot water cuts out or goes hot and cold when showering.
The type of shower head installed and the type of hot water system in use may not be compatible. Certain types of hot water systems cannot deliver consistent temperature with water saving shower roses as they need a certain flow rate per minute of hot water to function. This is common with continuous flow gas hot water systems. See here.
I have an electronic ignition continuous flow gas hot water system and the flow is reduced and water is cold .
Problem may be either the thermostat or a blocked strainer valve on the cold water inlet to the hot water unit. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response.
Water goes hot and cold in the shower
Flow issues or incompatible shower heads can affect continuous flow systems.
See How to relight Bosch Gas Hot Water Systems
How to relight Rheem Hot Water Systems
Pilot won’t light at all
Gas supply, pilot jet or ignition components may need servicing.
👉 Gas issues should always be repaired by a licensed plumber. Call (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response.
My hot water is too hot, how do I adjust the temperature?
If your systems is fitted with temperature control try adjusting it. For other units Call (08) 8444 7320 and we’ll send around a hot water plumber if hot water not working. Hot water systems need to be adjusted by a qualified plumber experienced with hot water, to avoid the possibility of burns occurring. There may well be an issue with the thermostat.
I have water leaking from the tank or from the pipes, what do I do?
Turn off the water to the property. This is probably located on the verge at the front of the premises. Then call (08) 8444 7320. This is a job for a qualified plumber if hot water not working.
Electric Hot Water Problems
No hot water at all
Usually a failed element or thermostat.
Burning smell or smoke
Turn off power immediately. This is an electrical emergency.
My ceiling unit hot water tank is leaking water from the overflow pipe by the eaves.
Either the hot water tank is cracked or the float valve is jammed open. These types of systems are end-of-life now and require replacement Ring (08) 8444 7320 to discuss your options when hot water not working.
Water is running from the safety valve into the drain and won’t stop.
Either the hot pressure temperature relief valve or cold expansion relief valve has failed. Turn off the water at the stop valve near the hot water system or at the water meter. These valves need be replacing every 5 years for safety reasons and for the protection of your hot water system. If your hot water is not working ring (08) 8444 7320 for help.
What preventative action can I take to stop corrosion to my hot water system?
Sacrificial anode protection is the way to arrest hot water cylinder corrosion and this applies only to steel vitreous enamel lined or glass coated mains pressure hot water cylinders. It does not apply to stainless steel systems.When steel cylinders are internally lined under very high heat in the manufacturing process, very small patches in the cylinder fail to be coated so anodes are employed to protect the bare steel from corrosion.
A sacrificial anode is a rod made up of differing compounds depending on specific water conditions. They are immersed into the tank and screwed in from the top of the unit.Cylinder corrosion is directly related to the quality of the mains water which governs the rate an anode sacrifices itself to protect the cylinder. Obviously the anode will need replacing eventually, normally every 3-4 years.
Regular anode replacement will on average add one third more life to a hot
water cylinder but with the cost of replacements you are paying for that
longevity.
Circuit breaker keeps tripping
Possible electrical fault or short circuit – isolate power and call immediately.
Water leaking from overflow pipe
Pressure relief valve may have failed or tank may be at end-of-life.
👉 Electrical faults should never be DIY. Call us for safe repairs.
My hot water unit is leaking water.
The hot water cylinder has most likely burst. Isolate the water at the stop valve near the hot water unit or turn off the water at the front of the property at the water meter. If the hot water system is gas turn off the gas at the isolating valve near the hot water unit or turn off the gas at the gas meter.
If the system is an electric unit, isolate the power supply at the main power board at the circuit breaker or fuse switch for the hot water service marked as HWS. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response to your hot water not working issues.
Water is only running at a trickle from the hot taps.
Either the non return valve on the cold water inlet to the hot water unit has collapsed or in the case of a gravity feed ceiling hot water unit the float valve has seized. Either way the valve in question requires replacing. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for same day service.
I have an electric or gas hot water unit and only slightly warm water comes out of my taps.
The problem may be a faulty tempering anti scald valve. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response if hot water not working.
Water is only running at a trickle from the hot taps.
The strainer valve has burst on the cold inlet to the hot water service and requires replacement. Turn the water off at isolating valve or water meter. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for an immediate response.
Common Hot Water Questions
Is a gas hot water system a suitable alternative to solar or heat pump hot water systems?
Yes. Gas systems are a viable alternative from a couple of perspectives. The first is reliability, and the second are the low initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs.
How do I change from an Electric Hot Water System to a Solar Hot Water System?
We can change an electric hot water system to a solar hot water system, just call us for our latest price including rebates and RECS. Call one of our local Adelaide plumbers on (08) 8444 7320 to get a quote and get solar hot water started.
How do I change from an Electric Hot Water System to a Heat Pump System?
To change an electric hot water system to a heat pump hot water
system please call us for the latest price. We can work it all out for
you over the phone including rebates and RECS. If your hot water is not working call one of our local Adelaide plumbers on (08) 8444 7320 to get a quote for your new Heat Pump Hot Water System if hot water not working.
Are heat pump units or solar units cheaper to run?
Generally, solar hot water units can be up to 5-15% cheaper to run than heat pump units but are not as reliable and are more expensive to install and maintain.
I need a new hot water system installed. Which is better a 5 star rated gas mains pressure storage hot water system or an instant flow continuous gas unit?
It depends. Both systems are 5 star energy rated.
Continuous flow instant gas units take time to detect water running through the system before the gas burner is activated which can result in as much as 20 litres of water wastage. This water wastage is a concern for those looking to reduce their water usage. On the other hand, as the name suggests, continuous flow systems are always available, no more worrying about if there is enough water in the tank for showering, laundry etc.
Mains pressure storage systems deliver hot water at full mains pressure as opposed to the restricted flow of the instant gas units which can cause problems with fluctuating temperatures when showering especially in multi bathroom homes. If someone is showering and another person decides to do the washing up the person in the shower will not be too happy – with a continuous flow system.
On the other hand, new Gas Hot Water Systems from Bosch overcome this issue with temperature control keypads which the person in the shower would use to preset the temperature. That way the whole house receives water at this pre-assigned temperature.
Mains pressure storage tanks also permit water saving shower heads which may not be possible with continuous flow systems which need a certain flow rate
to enable the water to be heated.So a mains pressure system may be better from a water saving perspective but a continuous flow involves no worry as to whether there is enough water in the tank and also saves on gas. It only heats the amount of water required, not a whole tank.
Leaking Hot Water System? Act Fast
If your tank or pipes are leaking:
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Turn off the water at the meter or isolation valve
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Turn off power or gas supply
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Call us immediately
Leaks can cause serious property damage if left untreated.
📞 Emergency repairs: (08) 8444 7320
Solar & Heat Pump Issues
What if the sun doesn't shine, will my shower and hot water still be hot?
Modern systems are reliable, but faults can occur with:
✔ sensors
✔ boosters
✔ pumps
✔ valves
✔ controllers
We service all major brands and handle both repairs and replacements.
If your solar or heat pump system isn’t heating properly, we’ll quickly diagnose whether it’s worth repairing or upgrading.
Brands We Service
Bosch • Rheem • Rinnai • Dux • Aquamax • Quantum • Sanden • and more
Repair or Replace?
Sometimes replacing your system is more cost-effective than repairing an older unit.
We’ll always give honest advice based on:
✔ Age of the system
✔ Repair cost
✔ Efficiency
✔ Running costs
✔ Available rebates
If a new system makes more sense, we can install gas, heat pump or solar often within 24 hours.
The solar hot water system is leaking water onto my roof.
Either the solar panel is burst or the pipe connection to the panel has burst. Isolate water at isolating valve or at water meter. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for immediate help.
Heat Pump Hot Water Questions
What if the sun doesn't shine, will my shower and hot water still be hot?
Yes, the solar hot water systems we install have either 5 star gas boosting or 5 star electric boosting for when the sun isn’t shining.
Gas boosted is more “set and forget”. Electric boosted requires more manual intervention. If the water is not hot you need to activate the electric boost. Due to this inconvenience many owners choose to leave the boost permanently on, thereby negating any possible savings! Gas boosted is more expensive to install however. This is offset by being the most energy saving type of system in the long term.
How does a boosted solar system save me money?
Yes, up to 90% less energy than older storage type electric water heaters. Less energy consumed= smaller bills.
The solar hot water system is leaking water onto my roof.
Either the solar panel is burst or the pipe connection to the panel has burst. Isolate water at isolating valve or at water meter. Ring (08) 8444 7320 for immediate help.
Manufacturer’s Manuals
FAQs
How quickly can you attend?
We offer same-day service across most Adelaide suburbs.
Do you repair all brands?
Yes – we service and repair all major hot water brands.
Should I repair or replace my system?
If your unit is over 10 years old, replacement is often more economical. We’ll advise honestly.
Do you offer emergency repairs?
Yes – call us anytime for urgent hot water issues.
Can you help with rebates?
Yes – we handle rebate paperwork for heat pump and solar upgrades.
Same Day Hot Water
Repairs & Replacement
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