Hot Water System Servicing
Tap Doctor Plumbing & Gas, trusted since 1985
A hot water service checks the relief valve, the anode, the tempering valve and, on gas systems, the burner, so worn parts are found before you’re left without hot water. Our plumbers and licensed gasfitters service gas, electric, heat pump and solar systems. 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, heat pump and solar
- Phones answered 24/7
What a hot water service checks
A service looks at the parts that wear out quietly until the day you have no hot water. Our plumbers and licensed gasfitters check each one, tell you what they found, and quote any part that needs replacing before they replace it.
Relief valve (PTR valve)
The temperature and pressure relief valve is the safety valve on every storage system. We test that it opens and reseats, and replace it when it is worn. Relief valves are generally replaced about every five years.
Sacrificial anode
The anode is a rod inside the tank that corrodes so the tank doesn’t. We check how much is left and replace it before it is used up and the tank starts to rust.
Tempering valve More →
We check the water temperature at the bathroom taps and test the tempering valve that keeps it at a safe level. A worn valve lets the water run lukewarm or too hot.
Gas burner and controls
On gas systems a licensed gasfitter checks the burner and flame, the pilot and thermocouple, the gas control and the flue, and cleans the burner where needed.
Element and thermostat
On electric systems we check the element is heating properly and the thermostat is working and set correctly.
Tank, fittings and pipework
We look for leaks, weeping fittings and rust around the tank, check the cold water and expansion valves, and drain off sediment from the bottom of storage tanks where needed.
Water pressure
High mains pressure wears out relief valves and tanks faster. We test the incoming pressure (over 500 kPa is the usual limit) and fit a pressure limiting valve when it is needed.
Solar and heat pump systems More →
Solar systems get the same valve and anode checks plus the booster. Heat pumps get the valve checks plus a look at the heat pump unit itself.
How often should a hot water system be serviced?
Your owner’s manual gives the interval for your model. As a guide, this is what most systems need.
About every five years
For most storage systems: relief valve replaced, anode checked and replaced if worn, tempering valve tested, gas or electric parts checked.
Sooner in some homes
Hard water, high water pressure, or a big household that works the system hard can wear valves and anodes faster.
Every six months, yourself
Most manuals ask you to lift the relief valve easing lever gently to check it opens and closes. Stand clear: the water is hot.
Continuous flow and heat pumps
No tank anode on a continuous flow unit, but the burner, inlet filter and valves still need checking. Follow the manual for your model.
Signs your hot water system is due for a service
If any of these sound familiar, book a service before the system fails. If water is leaking from the tank itself, see hot water repairs or call us.
The relief valve drips all day
A worn valve, or mains pressure that is too high.
Rusty or discoloured hot water
Often a sign the anode is used up and the tank is starting to rust.
Rumbling, popping or banging
Sediment built up in the bottom of the tank.
Hot water runs out sooner
Sediment, a worn element or thermostat, or a burner that needs attention.
A pilot that goes out, or error codes
A gas part wearing out on a storage or continuous flow system.
Five years or more without a service
The relief valve and anode are probably due.
If the service finds a problem
Most services find a worn part or two. Nothing extra is done without your say-so.
A worn part
Your plumber shows you the part where possible and gives you a firm price to replace it. You decide whether to go ahead.
A fault
If the system isn’t heating properly, we find the cause and quote the repair before doing it.
A failing tank
If the tank is rusting through or leaking, a service won’t save it. We explain your replacement options and give you a firm price for each.
Why the anode matters: two recent jobs
Short videos from recent Tap Doctor hot water jobs: a stripped anode found with a blown element, and a gas tank that had rusted through.
No hot water: blown element and stripped anodeWhite Gum Valley
No hot water: rusted gas storage tank replacedCannington
How pricing works
The price of a service depends on the type of system and which parts need replacing, so we don’t guess over the phone. Your plumber looks at the system 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 gives you a firm price before starting. No obligation to go ahead.
Further work quoted first
If the service finds a part that needs replacing, you get a price for it before it is done.
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 who services your hot water system
Whoever you call, these are the checks worth making. Here’s how we measure up against each one.
What customers say about our hot water servicing
“Excellent timely and friendly service to replace HWS anodes and pressure relief valves. All done and tidy finish to job. Well done Tap Dr.”
“Satisfied with the service this morning to service my hot water system. Would consider Tap Doctor for future work.”
“Excellent service, as usual. Mr Stewart arrived on time, gave advice on replacing anodes, checked the hot water system and gave a quote on extra work. I have always used these plumbers and would not change.”
“...Chris was very courteous and very efficient in his replacing two anodes. I am happy to recommend The Tap Doctor.”
“...efficiently fixed the problem & Chris also recommended a service & anode change to the heater system which was due.”
“...He also serviced our solar hot water system. He showed us photos of the broken pipe and explained exactly what needed to be done.”
Other hot water services
Hot water system repairs
No hot water, pilot lights, leaking systems, relief and tempering valves. Hot water repairs →
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 →
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 servicing 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 Luke and Mr Stewart.
- 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 servicing FAQs
How often should a hot water system be serviced?
For most storage systems, about every five years, which is also when the relief valve is generally replaced and the anode checked. Your owner’s manual gives the interval for your model. Hard water, high water pressure or a system that works hard for a big household can mean servicing sooner.
What does a hot water service include?
We test and, where needed, replace the temperature and pressure relief (PTR) valve, check the sacrificial anode, test the tempering valve and the water temperature at the taps, and check the tank, fittings and pipework for leaks and corrosion. On gas systems a licensed gasfitter checks the burner, pilot and gas controls. On electric systems we check the element and thermostat. We also test the incoming water pressure.
What is a sacrificial anode and why does it matter?
It is a metal rod inside a storage tank that corrodes so the tank doesn’t. Once the anode is used up, the tank itself starts to rust and will eventually leak. Replacing a worn anode is one of the simplest ways to get more years out of a tank.
Do I need a licensed gasfitter to service a gas hot water system?
Yes. Any work on the burner, pilot, gas controls or gas supply of a gas hot water system needs a licensed gasfitter. Our team includes licensed gasfitters, so one visit covers the plumbing and gas side.
Is there anything I can do myself?
Most owner’s manuals ask you to lift the relief valve easing lever gently every six months to check water flows and the valve closes again. Stand clear, as the water is hot. If the valve doesn’t reseat, or keeps dripping afterwards, call us. Leave the anode, gas parts and electrical parts to a licensed plumber or gasfitter.
Can a service make my hot water system last longer?
It can. Replacing a worn anode before the tank starts to rust, and a worn relief valve before it fails, are the main ways to get the full life out of a storage system. A service also picks up small faults before they leave you without hot water.
Do you service solar, heat pump and continuous flow systems?
Yes. We service gas and electric storage, gas continuous flow, heat pumps and solar hot water systems, on most brands including Rheem.
What if the service finds a problem?
Your plumber explains what was found and gives you a firm price for the fix before doing any extra work. If the tank itself is failing, we talk you through replacement options instead of repairing it.
How much does a hot water service cost?
It depends on the type of system and which parts need replacing. A plumber looks at your system and gives you a firm price before any work starts, with no call-out fee during business hours and no obligation.
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.
Hot water system due for a service?
Book online in under 2 minutes, or call us any time.