Hot Water System Repairs – Electrician Or Plumber?

The first step in identifying any hot water system repair issue is to determine whether there is an electrical or plumbing problem. We always recommend carrying out these two steps before proceeding to making a phone call to save you time and money!

•     Trip Switch: Ensure that the circuit breaker in your switch box has not been tripped. If there is a trip switch, then switch it back and test to see if this resolves the problem.
•     Pressure Relief Valve: You should always check your pressure relief valve to test the system. There is a little lever at the top which you can lift to let water run through the overflow pipe. A fully functioning valve will only let less than a cup of water out each day. A common issue is that your tank simply needs to be filled up.

A plumber should be called if the water tank is split and leaking. There are a number of reasons which can cause this. From our professional experience as we also provide tank replacements and repairs for hot water systems. The most common issues that cause hot water system problems are listed below.

• The water tank has aged more than 10 years: If your water tank is more than 10 years old you will need a hot water system repair. Brands such as Reem offer a 5 year warranty and the more expensive brand. The longer the warranty often is.
• Rusted base: If your water tank is rusted you should call a plumber. The rust will be commonly found at the base of the hot water system. It is also likely that the inner tank has also rusted as a result and the entire system will need to be replaced.
• Water Leakage: Water leakages will be immediately noticeable and are the first indication to call a plumber or The Local Electrician
• No Water: If there is no water coming through any taps then you will need a hot water system repair
• Pressure Relief Overflow: If you lift your pressure relief valve and water runs out from it continuously, you will need to lift the lever to see if this stops the overflow. If not call a plumber.
• Split Water Tank: A split water tank is an indication of plumbing issue.
• Water Discolouration: If the water is discoloured or tainted then a plumber will be needed.

It is very common that when an electrician is needed to repair a hot water system, the defects are often hidden. As we have previously mentioned, if the water tank is split and leaking, call a plumber. If it is not, then 9 times out of 10 it will be an electrical issue. The Local Electrician are emergency electricians that can handle both plumbing and electrical repairs when it comes to hot water systems. You should call an electrician when:

• Fault Circuit Breaker: If you’re circuit breaker has been tripped and you have tried switching it back and this doesn’t work. Then this is a sure sign of an electrical issue and a blown fuse. You may also need a switchboard upgrade.
• Thermostat: If the water that is flowing through your taps is warm but not cold. Then it most likely that your thermostat, booster and off-peak relay switch are faulty and need repairs.
• Cylinder Replacements: If you need your cylinder to be replaced and need the wiring disconnected and reconnected, then it is advisable to call an electrician. Although some plumbers are authorised to carry out rewiring, this is well within an electrician’s area of expertise.

If you need hot water repairs for your home, then contact The Local Electrician today as we do it all! We have 24 hr emergency electricians operating around the clock to assist with providing Sydney with clean and sustainable electricity all year. We also can carry out tank replacements and repairs for hot water systems. We are also accredited and authorised level 2 electricians which comes in handy when there needs to be an electrical relay. We truly do provide the complete hot water system repair package in order to save all of our clients both time and money! You can contact us on 0439 823 1… or alternatively email us at info@thelocalelectrician.com.au.