What To Check If Your Hot Water Service Isn't Working Properly

Hot water is essential for any home. From washing the dishes to taking a shower, having a reliable hot water service is one of the cornerstone essentials of modern life. But what do you do when it stops working? Before calling in a plumber, there are a few steps you can take to try to fix the problem yourself and restore your creature comforts. So, read on to discover what to check when your hot water service isn't working properly.

The thermostat is responsible for keeping the temperature of your hot water consistent. If the thermostat needs adjusting or replacing, you may be left with lukewarm or cold water coming out of your tap. Adjusting or replacing this part will likely solve the problem—but make sure to call a professional if you're unsure how to do this yourself.

If you have a gas hot water system, you'll likely be familiar with the flame in your pilot light indicator. If the flame is out, you'll need to try to relight it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If it won't relight, check to make sure none of your gas pipes have been blocked off by debris such as dust or spider webs. Cleaning any blockages should get your pilot light working again. However, if cleaning doesn't fix the issue, then it's time to call in an expert who can diagnose and repair any further issues with your system.

If you have an electric hot water system, check to make sure it's still plugged in and turned on at the power source. If not, plugging it back in should get things running again—but if that doesn't work, you may need to replace a faulty switch or circuit breaker before anything else happens.

Low pressure can also cause problems with your hot water service. Try attaching a hose directly from your tank to see if that solves anything—if not, then chances are something is blocking up one of your pipes somewhere between the tank and tap outlet and needs clearing out by a professional plumber.

Finally, make sure there aren't any leaks coming from either inside or outside your house near to where your hot water pipe runs through the walls and ceilings. This could mean there’s an issue with either the pipe itself or one of its connectors which needs immediate attention!

If you can’t diagnose or fix the problem and your water is still ice cold, it’s time to call in a plumber. They’ll be able to assess your system and tell you if you need repairs or a complete replacement. 

If you've noticed a decrease in hot water pressure or temperature, or if your hot water system is more than 10 years old, it’s possible you’re due for a newer model. But don’t worry, replacing your hot water system isn’t as daunting as it sounds and can even prove rewarding—after all; new systems are designed to be efficient and effective, so you can save money on future energy bills!

Troubleshooting why your hot water service isn't working properly doesn't have to be hard! With the simple steps above you should be able to identify what might be wrong with yours as soon as possible and get back to enjoying warm showers! But if all else fails don’t hesitate to contact Matt Diamond Plumbing. We know electric, gas and solar powered hot water systems like the back of our hand and can diagnose your system and offer a solution. Reach out to us today either via our contact form or call directly on (02) 6884 1531 for assistance.