You’ll probably never think about who fixes hot water systems – until your system stops working. Then, it might be the only question on your mind.
The answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Because hot water systems have electrical and plumbing parts.
We’ll outline some common issues and advise when you need to call a plumber or an electrician.
Who Fixes Hot Water Systems – When to Call a Plumber
The problem you’re having with your water heater tells you whether you need a plumber or an electrician.
Call a plumber if your hot water unit has any of the following problems:
- Leaks
- Strange noises
- Loss of water pressure
- Temperature fluctuations
- Rusty or discoloured water
Leaks
A leak in your hot water system is a sign you need a plumber to fix the issue. Your unit or plumbing system likely has a burst pipe.
You don’t want to leave a leak unattended for too long. We recommend calling a plumber immediately for any household leaks, including one in your hot water system.
And make sure you switch off your water supply. You don’t want water continuing to leak, flooding or damaging your property.
Strange Noises
Hearing strange noises like knocking, gurgling or clanking indicates a problem with your hot water unit. Sounds like these offer a hint you need a plumber.
Over time, minerals and sediment can build up inside your water tank. This can cause strange noises as your system works harder to heat the water.
You need a plumber to deal with the mineral and sediment buildup. They’ll flush your hot water system. This improves your tank’s performance and stops any weird noises.
Loss of Water Pressure
Another sign you need a plumber is the loss of water pressure in your hot water. The pressure might drop in and out, fluctuating periodically.
You might also notice higher water bills or drip sounds in the walls or ceilings. A concealed minor leak could be the culprit, or you might have a wider problem with your plumbing.
You should get on the phone and call a plumber. They can fix any issues before they get worse and hit your pocket harder.
Temperature Fluctuations
Any fluctuations in your water temperature generally point to a plumbing issue. The tempering valve could be failing or the heating element may be damaged.
A plumber can assess the situation and make any necessary hot water repairs. They’ll get your hot water flowing as it should.
Rusty or Discoloured Water
Is your hot water rusty or discoloured when you turn it on? That’s a sure sign your hot water system needs a plumber’s touch.
The discolouration is sediment or corrosion inside the tank. A plumber can either flush the tank or check whether you might be better off with a new unit.
Who Fixes Hot Water Systems – When to Call an Electrician
Your hot water system can also fall victim to electrical issues. You want to get an electrician instead of a plumber out in these cases.
Fixing the problem the fastest is always the main priority when your hot water system goes down. You don’t want to call out the wrong technician, wasting time and money.
Call an electrician if you have the following problems:
- Burning smell
- Visible sparks
- Electrical noises
- No hot water at all
- Running water but no leaks
Burning Smell
You should take a burning smell coming from your water heater very seriously. Any melting, burning or singeing smells around your hot water system are a sign you need an electrician.
This is a hazardous situation and could spark an electrical fire. Turn off your electrical supply immediately and contact an electrician.
They’ll thoroughly investigate your problem and deal with it safely.
Visible Sparks
The last thing you want to see around your hot water system is visible sparks. When your water heater is operating, electrical sparking or flickering lights are red flags.
Treat them like a neon warning sign. Sparks can cause fires and electrocution. Shut off your electricity and call an electrician immediately.
Electrical Noises
And buzzing or crackling noises around your hot water system is a sign you need an electrician. The heating element might be failing, corrosion could be the culprit, or your system may have loose wiring.
No matter what the cause, you need an electrician urgently. They can inspect your system, identify the problem, and perform the repairs.
No Hot Water at All
While loss of water pressure suggests you need a plumber, no water at all indicates you need an electrician.
Do you have no hot water throughout your home? Chances are high that your hot water system has a problem with the power supply or electrical components.
A qualified electrician can check:
- Wiring
- Fuse box
- Thermostats
- Circuit breakers
- Heating elements
They’ll identify the problem and restore your hot water supply.
Running Water but no Leaks
Can you hear running water in your hot water system? But you can find any leaks or dripping water when you check.
This is a good sign you need an electrician to check your water heater. An electrical short may have triggered the water pump or valve when it shouldn’t.
Your electrician can diagnose and isolate the short before fixing it.
When to Install a New Hot Water System
Sometimes, you need to bite the bullet and replace your hot water system. They don’t last forever, unfortunately.
Normal wear and tear builds up over time. Your hot water system loses performance and becomes less efficient.
Installing a new hot water system becomes the better financial solution. Because you’re spending more on electricity to heat the water and the repair bills start stacking up.
Here are seven signs for installing a new hot water system:
- Loud noises
- High energy bills
- Visible corrosion
- Insufficient hot water
- Over 10-12 years old
- Frequent breakdowns
- Growing family/more demand
Loud Noises
Banging, popping, or rumbling noises suggest sediment build-up in the tank. As the sediment heats up, it can cause the tank to overheat, leading to damage.
Ultimately, flushing the system can only do so much. Installing a new hot water system eliminates this issue.
High Energy Bills
Increased energy bills may indicate that your hot water system runs inefficiently. Older systems or those with internal issues require more energy to heat the same amount of water.
A new, energy-efficient hot water system can reduce energy consumption and save you money on utility bills.
Visible Corrosion
Noticing rust or corrosion on your hot water system is a clear sign it needs to be replaced. Corrosion can lead to leaks and contamination of your water supply.
A new system will provide cleaner, safer hot water for your household.
Insufficient Hot Water
Your system struggles to supply sufficient hot water like it did in the past. Maybe you’re waiting for water to heat up, or it runs out during showers.
This means it might be time for a replacement. A new system will ensure a consistent supply of hot water.
Over 10-12 Years Old
Most hot water systems have a lifespan of 10-12 years. If your system is older than this, it’s more prone to failure and less efficient.
Installing a new system offers more reliable performance and improved energy efficiency. You can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and surprise repair bills.
Frequent Breakdowns
Are you frequently calling for hot water system repairs? Replacing your system may be more cost-effective.
Constant repairs can add up quickly and indicate the system is reaching the end of its useful life anyway.
A new hot water system will be more reliable and require only scheduled maintenance.
Growing Family/More Demand
More people in your household can strain your existing hot water system. If your current system can’t keep up with the increased demand, installing a new, larger-capacity system will ensure everyone has enough hot water.
Conclusion
Now you can tell who fixes hot water systems for the problem you’re experiencing. Calling a plumber might be your first thought, but it isn’t always correct.
Call a plumber for these problems:
- Leaks
- Strange noises
- Loss of water pressure
- Temperature fluctuations
- Rusty or discoloured water
Call an electrician for these issues:
- Burning smell
- Visible sparks
- Electrical noises
- No hot water at all
- Running water but no leaks
If in doubt, contact Hewitt Trades Services. Because we have fully qualified plumbers and electricians.
Our professional staff will send the right expert for the job.
Repairing or Installing Your Hot Water System with Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the hot water system business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common hot water system challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast – with a 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google to prove it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote, and make informed decisions about repairing or installing your hot water system. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient hot water supply for years to come.
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Hot Water Albion – Hot Water Ascot – Hot Water Aspley – Hot Water Boondall – Hot Water Bowen Hills – Hot Water Bracken Ridge – Hot Water Bridgeman Downs – Hot Water Brookside Centre – Hot Water Carseldine – Hot Water Chermside – Hot Water Clayfield – Hot Water Enoggera – Hot Water Everton Park – Hot Water Gaythorne – Hot Water Geebung – Hot Water Gordon Park – Hot Water Hamilton – Hot Water Hendra – Hot Water Kedron – Hot Water Lutwyche – Hot Water Mitchelton – Hot Water Newmarket – Hot Water Newstead – Hot Water Northgate – Hot Water Nudgee – Hot Water Nundah – Hot Water Stafford – Hot Water Stafford Heights – Hot Water Toombul – Hot Water Virginia – Hot Water Wavell Heights – Hot Water Wilston – Hot Water Windsor
