Troubleshooting Tips for Your Faulty Hot Water System
There is nothing quite as soul-crushing as stepping into your shower on a frigid winter’s morning and discovering that the water is ice cold. You’ve been standing there in your birthday suit for minutes, shivering, waiting for the water to heat up, but it’s just not happening
Before assuming the worst, try these hot water system troubleshooting tips. You might be able to get things running again or at least narrow down the issue before arranging professional hot water system repairs.
1. Check the Power Supply
Don't forget to take a look at your switchboard if you have an electric system and you're not getting hot water. A simple tripped breaker can often be the culprit. Simply resetting the switch and allowing the system time to reheat could resolve the problem.
2. Inspect the Timer Settings
Many homes with electric storage hot water systems are fitted with timers or controlled load connections, especially when using off-peak electricity tariffs. This helps to reduce your energy consumption and improve efficiency, which is especially important during the winter months when usage spikes.
If you can access it, double-check that your timer isn’t somehow restricting the heating cycle during peak demand times.
3. Test the Thermostat
Colder weather can sometimes reveal that your thermostat has been incorrectly set. If your water is warming up but it’s not warm enough, ensure that the thermostat is set to around 60°C.
Although you can set the thermostat as high as 75°C, it’s not recommended as it can increase the risk of scalding and drive up your power bill. It It may also reduce the lifespan of the system due to the added strain.
4. Look for Leaks
If you’ve noticed the water pressure is lacking in addition to a lacklustre temperature, you might very well have a leak on your hands.
You will have to inspect the tank, valves and pipes for any signs of dripping or pooling. Addressing even a small leak quickly can prevent more costly repairs later.
5. Listen For Strange Noises
Your water heater should effectively be silent. But winter sediment build-up, which is common in older systems, can cause it to make noises and lead to a reduction in efficiency.
Any popping, banging or gurgling sounds point to the possibility that mineral deposits have collected around the heating element.
6. Monitor Water Pressure
If hot water is coming through slowly or not at all, but your cold water is fine, the problem is likely in the hot water system. Check that the pressure relief valve isn’t stuck or leaking.
7. Watch for Rust-Coloured Water
Discoloured water is unpleasant, but it is usually a sign of a more serious problem. It could mean that there is internal corrosion in the tank, which can lead to larger, more expensive failures when ignored.
If you’re struggling with inconsistent hot water this winter, contact HUX Electrical today for prompt, professional hot water system repairs and energy-efficient solutions on the Gold Coast.
