Hot Water System Repairs
Tap Doctor Plumbing & Gas, trusted since 1985
No hot water, a pilot light that won’t stay lit or a leaking hot water system? Our plumbers and licensed gasfitters repair gas and electric systems, relief valves and tempering valves. We agree a firm price before we pick up the tools, and there’s no call-out fee during business hours.
- 1Tell us what needs doing
- 2Pick a day and time that suits
- 3We confirm and send a local licensed Tap Doctor plumber
- 4Job done, problem solved
- Trusted since 1985
- Fully Licensed & Insured
- No call-out fee in business hours
- Locally Based Plumbers
- ★★★★★2,000+ Google reviews
- Trusted since 1985
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters
- Gas, electric and solar repairs
- Phones answered 24/7
No hot water or a leaking system? Do this first
A few quick checks can save a call-out, and the right steps stop a leaking system doing more damage. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so call rather than booking online if water is leaking.
No hot water: quick checks
- Electric system: check the hot water switch or circuit breaker at the meter box. If it trips again when you reset it, leave it off.
- Gas storage system: check the pilot light through the window on the unit. If it is out, relight it once using the instructions on the label.
- Gas continuous flow: check the unit has power and look for an error code on the controller.
- Check the gas supply: make sure the gas is on at the meter, or that the LPG bottle isn’t empty.
Leaking hot water system: what to do
- Turn the heating off: the hot water circuit at the meter box, or the gas control on the unit to off
- Turn off the cold water valve on the pipe going into the system, or the water at the meter
- Keep clear of the relief valve and hot pipes: stored water can be 60°C or hotter
- If you smell gas near the unit, turn the gas off at the meter and call from outside
After-hours call-out fees vary based on the day, time and location.
Call 24/7: 1300-655-827Hot water repairs we do most
These are the hot water jobs customers call us for most, in order. Our plumbers and licensed gasfitters find the fault, explain it, and fix it once you agree the price. Where possible your plumber shows you the worn or broken part.
No hot water: gas
Our most common hot water call. On gas storage systems we test the pilot, thermocouple, gas control valve and burner. On continuous flow units we read the error code and check ignition, gas supply and flow.
Leaking hot water system
We find where the water is coming from: the relief valve, a fitting, the pipework or the tank. Valves, fittings and pipes can be repaired. Water coming from the tank itself means the tank has failed and it needs replacing.
Pilot light won’t stay lit
A pilot that keeps going out usually points to a worn thermocouple, a faulty gas control valve, a blocked pilot or a flue problem. Our licensed gasfitters find the cause and replace the part.
Relief valve (PTR valve) dripping or running
The temperature and pressure relief valve lets out water when the tank gets too hot or the pressure gets too high. A valve that runs constantly is usually worn or fighting high mains pressure. We replace the valve and test the pressure.
No hot water: electric
A tripping hot water circuit or a tank of cold water usually means a failed element or thermostat. Both can be replaced without replacing the tank.
Elements and thermostats
Water that is lukewarm, runs out fast or takes hours to heat on an electric system often comes down to the element or the thermostat. We test both and replace the one that has failed.
Tempering valve More →
The tempering valve mixes hot and cold so bathroom taps stay at a safe temperature. When it wears out, the water at the shower goes lukewarm or too hot. It is one of the most common hot water parts we replace.
Solar hot water More →
Boosters that won’t heat, leaking valves and systems that have stopped heating. See our solar hot water repairs page for more.
Relief valve dripping? Check the water pressure too
Every storage hot water system has a temperature and pressure relief (PTR) valve. It is a safety valve, so never cap it or block the drain line. A small amount of water while the system heats is normal. Water running all day is not.
A worn valve
Relief valves are generally replaced about every five years. An old valve that drips constantly is usually worn and needs replacing.
Mains pressure too high
If the water pressure coming into the house is too high (over 500 kPa is the usual limit), a new relief valve will keep dripping. We test the pressure and fit a pressure limiting valve when it is needed.
The expansion valve
Some systems also have an expansion control valve on the cold water line that lets out water as the tank heats. When it wears it can drip too, and we check it at the same time.
Water running from the overflow constantly
A valve letting out a steady stream of hot water can mean the system is overheating. Turn the heating off and call us.
Repair or replace?
There’s no point paying for a repair on a system that is about to fail, and no point replacing a sound tank with one worn part. This is how your plumber weighs it up.
Usually worth repairing
A system in good condition with a failed part: a relief valve, element, thermostat, thermocouple, gas control valve or tempering valve.
Usually time to replace
Water leaking from the tank itself, rust through the tank, or an older system that keeps needing repairs. See hot water system replacement.
Stop it happening again
Regular hot water servicing checks the relief valve and the anode that protects the tank from rust, and picks up worn parts before they leave you without hot water.
You see the evidence
Where possible your plumber shows you the worn or broken part, then gives you a firm price for each option. Nothing starts until you agree.
Recent hot water repair jobs
Short videos from recent Tap Doctor hot water jobs: a blown element, a rusted tank and a leaking system.
No hot water: blown element and stripped anodeWhite Gum Valley
No hot water: rusted gas storage tank replacedCannington
Leaking hot water system replaced, Rheem 125L electricSouth Yunderup
How pricing works
A hot water fault is hard to price without seeing it, so we don’t guess over the phone. A plumber looks at your system, finds the fault and gives you a firm price before any work starts.
No call-out fee in business hours
You don’t pay for us to turn up and look. If you decide not to go ahead, there’s nothing to pay during business hours.
Firm price agreed on site
Your plumber tells you what’s wrong and gives you a firm price before starting. No obligation to go ahead.
Further work quoted first
If we find something else that needs fixing, we stop and give you a price for it before doing it.
Pay when the job is done
Cash, card or Osko bank transfer, collected when the work is finished.
After hours
After-hours call-out fees vary based on the day, time and location. We tell you before we send anyone.
How to choose a hot water repair plumber
Whoever you call, these are the checks worth making before anyone works on your hot water system. Here’s how we measure up against each one.
What customers say about our hot water repairs
“Fixed my hot water gas unit in no time flat. Also told me about useful information I can use in the future. No call out fee.”
“Hot water not very hot. Called TD and 1 hr later replaced tempering valve, and hot water again.Thanks TD.”
“I woke up to no hot water. These guys were out and sorted it out in half an hour! Thats pretty great in my book. Nice work lads”
“Same day service for urgent pressure valve replacement. Friendly and prompt. Thank you”
“Andy was brilliant today and fixed my HWS right away. He knew what he was doing and got the job done. Very professional. He didn't try to sell me anything else.”
“Really easy and super quick service to fix my electric hot water system!”
“Reece was fantastic he fixed our hot water system and gave us great advice, thank you.”
“Truly exceptional service - fast and knowledgeable. I had hot water back on within hours and a permanent fix within a day.”
Other hot water services
Hot water system replacement
Like-for-like swaps and upgrades to gas continuous flow, gas or electric storage, heat pump or solar. Hot water replacement →
Hot water servicing
Relief valve, anode, tempering valve and burner checks that keep a system running longer. Hot water servicing →
Solar hot water repairs
Boosters, valves and solar systems that have stopped heating. Solar hot water repairs →
All hot water systems
Gas, electric, heat pump and solar systems, and how to choose one. Hot water systems →
Local hot water plumbers, since 1985
Tap Doctor Plumbing & Gas has been fixing hot water systems since 1985. Our plumbers and gasfitters live and work in the areas they cover, so there’s usually someone close by, and our phones are answered 24/7.
Customers mention our plumbers by name in their reviews, from Nathan and Chris to Andy and Reece.
- Perth
- Plumbers and gasfitters in Perth →
- Mandurah
- Plumbers in Mandurah →
- Canberra
- Plumbers in Canberra →
- Gladstone
- Plumbers in Gladstone →
- Phone
- 1300-655-827, 24/7
Hot water repair FAQs
Why have I got no hot water from my gas system?
On a gas storage system the usual causes are a pilot light that has gone out, a worn thermocouple, a faulty gas control valve, the gas turned off, or an empty LPG bottle. A gas continuous flow unit also needs power, so check it is plugged in and switched on, then look for an error code on the controller. If none of that brings the hot water back, call us. Don’t try to repair gas parts yourself.
Why have I got no hot water from my electric system?
Check the hot water switch or circuit breaker at your meter box. If it has tripped, or trips again as soon as you reset it, leave it off and call us. The usual causes are a failed heating element or thermostat, and both can be replaced without replacing the tank.
My pilot light keeps going out. What’s wrong?
Relight it once using the instructions on the label on the unit. If it goes out again, the cause is usually a worn thermocouple, a faulty gas control valve, a blocked pilot or a draught problem around the flue. A licensed gasfitter needs to find and fix the cause.
Why is the relief valve on my hot water system dripping?
A little water from the temperature and pressure relief (PTR) valve while the system heats up is normal. A valve that drips all day or runs constantly is usually worn, or your mains water pressure is too high. We test the valve and the incoming pressure, replace the valve and fit a pressure limiting valve if the pressure is the cause.
Is a leaking hot water system an emergency?
It can be. Water leaking from the tank itself won’t stop, and it can damage floors, walls and foundations and push up your water bill. Turn the heating off, turn off the cold water valve going into the system, and call us on 1300-655-827. Our phones are answered 24/7.
Why is my hot water only lukewarm?
Lukewarm water at the bathroom taps is often a worn tempering valve rather than a fault in the hot water system itself. Water that is lukewarm everywhere points to the thermostat, the element on an electric system, or the burner or gas control on a gas system. We test each part and fix the one that has failed.
Should I repair or replace my hot water system?
If a part has failed, such as a relief valve, element, thermostat, thermocouple, gas control or tempering valve, and the tank is sound, a repair usually makes sense. If the tank is leaking or rusted through, or the system is old and keeps failing, replacing it is normally better value. Your plumber gives you a firm price for each option before any work starts.
Do you repair continuous flow (instant) hot water units?
Yes. We find the cause of error codes, units that won’t ignite, and water that runs hot then cold, on gas continuous flow units.
Do you work on all brands?
We work on most hot water brands and types: gas and electric storage, gas continuous flow, heat pumps and solar, including Rheem systems. For solar, see our solar hot water repairs page.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
Not during business hours. You only pay for the work you agree to. After-hours call-out fees vary based on the day, time and location.
Can you come out after hours?
Our phones are answered 24/7 on 1300-655-827, and in most cases we can send a plumber after hours. For a leaking hot water system, call rather than booking online.
No hot water? Get it fixed
Book online in under 2 minutes, or call us any time.