Problems with hot water can stop your daily routine cold. Your morning shower and evening dishes depend on it. These systems combine plumbing and electrical parts, which makes finding the right repair professional tricky.
Hot water heater troubles show up in many ways. Your system might fail completely, make weird noises, or produce rusty water. The quickest way to fix these issues is knowing whether to call a plumber or electrician. This piece helps you spot the signs of hot water problems and points you to the right professional that can help.
Common Signs of Hot Water Problems
Hot water problems show warning signs before your system completely fails. Most hot water systems last 8 to 10 years. Learning about common issues helps you know the right time to call a professional.
No hot water at all
Your hot water can stop working for several reasons. Electric systems might have a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty heating element. Gas water heaters could stop working because of pilot light issues or problems with their gas connection. It also happens when sediment builds up at the tank’s bottom and prevents proper heating, which leads to complete system failure.
Strange noises from system
Your water heater makes specific noises that tell you something’s wrong. Here are the most common sounds and why they happen:
Popping or rumbling: This means sediment has built up at the tank’s bottom
Hammering or banging: Your pipes have water pressure issues
Hissing or whistling: You might have valve problems or restricted water flow
Crackling or sizzling: The burner has condensation or sediment issues
Water temperature fluctuations
Temperature changes are among the most annoying hot water problems. These changes happen a lot when you use multiple water sources at once since they all pull from the same hot water supply. A faulty cold water dip tube can cause temperature changes by mixing cold water incorrectly with hot water. Tankless water heaters face similar issues at the time their supply capacity of 2 to 10 gallons per minute is exceeded.
Gold Coast residents who notice these signs can contact Emos Electrical. They provide expert diagnosis and repair services to fix both electrical and plumbing-related hot water issues.
When to Call a Plumber
Hot water system problems need quick professional fixes to avoid damage to your property. You’ll need a licensed plumber right away in these three situations.
Visible leaks and drips
Your hot water system’s leaks just need immediate attention. A tiny leak wastes up to 2,000 liters of water every month. Here’s what to look for:
Water pooling around the tank’s base
Damp spots on walls nearby
Valves or connections that drip
Mold growing in the area
Any leak close to electrical parts needs a professional to check it out quickly to stay safe.
Low water pressure
Your hot water pressure dropping usually points to bigger plumbing problems. Small changes in water flow tell us something’s wrong with your hot water system or the whole water network. The pressure problems could come from broken fixtures, faulty pressure regulators, or system-wide issues. The pressure that keeps going up and down probably means you need a professional to fix your broken pressure regulator.
Rusty or discolored water
Brown or rusty water coming from hot taps shows you’ve got serious tank problems. When only your hot water looks discolored, it’s definitely your water heater. Corrosion inside older tanks, especially those over 8-12 years old, causes this most often. A plumber can tell you if tank flushing will help or if you need a new system.
Emos Electrical offers flexible plumbing solutions to fix your hot water system problems safely and quickly.
When to Call an Electrician
Electrical components are vital to your hot water system’s functionality, and knowing when to call an electrician is significant for safety and efficiency. The National Fire Protection Association reports that water heaters cause 10% of all home heating fires.
Tripped circuit breaker
A tripped circuit breaker usually points to electrical problems rather than simple power surges. You might temporarily fix the issue by resetting the breaker, but frequent tripping suggests more serious problems. Here’s why it happens:
Burnt-out heating elements
Faulty wiring connections
Aging circuit components
Overloaded electrical systems
Electrical burning smell
You just need to act fast if you smell electrical burning because this indicates potentially dangerous conditions. Your electrical connections can deteriorate as time passes and lead to overheating and incorrect electrical discharge. This buildup of heat at connections creates that distinct burning smell. The first thing you should do is turn off the power supply.
Thermostat issues
Thermostat problems demonstrate through uneven water temperatures, which typically range between 60°C and 65°C. These problems often arise from:
Incorrect thermostat settings can make both heating elements activate at once, and this is a big deal as it means that the circuit’s capacity gets overwhelmed. A faulty thermostat might also cause water temperature to swing between extremes – from ice-cold to scalding hot.
Gold Coast residents who face these electrical problems can rely on Emos Electrical’s expert diagnosis and repair services to ensure their hot water systems run safely and efficiently.
Quick Checks Before Calling Help
Regular maintenance checks can fix hot water system problems before you need a professional. These simple inspections will show if you need expert help.
Check the circuit breaker
The water heater’s dedicated two-pole circuit breaker sits in the service panel. Electric water heaters usually run on 30 amps. Here’s how to test the circuit:
Look if the breaker has tripped to the OFF position
Rock the breaker completely to OFF, then back to ON position
Watch if the breaker stays in position
The breaker might need professional help if resetting doesn’t work or it keeps tripping.
Test pressure relief valve
The Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve is a vital safety component that stops dangerous pressure from building up in the tank. You should test this valve twice a year. Follow these steps:
Put a bucket under the drain pipe
Lift the test lever gently several times
Check for hot water flowing through the drain pipe
Let go of the lever and check it reseals properly
The drain pipe needs a slight downward angle and should end 6 to 24 inches above ground. A working valve releases a strong hot water stream. Watch for these warning signs:
Little or no water flow during tests
Constant dripping after testing
Water collecting near the drain pipe
Gold Coast residents can contact Emos Electrical for detailed diagnostic and repair services if problems persist after these checks. We streamline processes to fix your hot water system safely.
Conclusion
Hot water system problems need a careful look before you choose between a plumber or electrician. Homeowners can save time and money by recognizing the symptoms that help them pick the right professional.
A few simple maintenance checks might fix basic problems. Complex issues need expert help though. Licensed plumbers should handle leaks, pressure problems, and water discoloration. Qualified electricians must take care of electrical issues like tripped breakers or burning smells.
Safety comes first with hot water systems. Professional diagnosis keeps you safe from dangerous situations that could happen if you try to fix complex plumbing or electrical issues yourself.
Gold Coast homeowners can contact Emos Electrical in Broadbeach for their hot water repairs. Their team works across the Gold Coast region and provides detailed solutions for both electrical and plumbing aspects of water heating systems.
FAQs
Q1. Should I call a plumber or an electrician for hot water system issues? It depends on the nature of the problem. Call a plumber for issues related to water flow, leaks, or pressure problems. Contact an electrician if you’re experiencing electrical issues like tripped circuit breakers or burning smells.
Q2. What are some common signs of hot water system problems? Common signs include no hot water at all, strange noises from the system, water temperature fluctuations, visible leaks, low water pressure, and rusty or discolored water.
Q3. How can I troubleshoot my hot water system before calling a professional? You can perform quick checks like examining the circuit breaker and testing the pressure relief valve. If these don’t resolve the issue, it’s best to call a professional.
Q4. When is it necessary to replace a water heater? Consider replacing your water heater if it’s over 8-12 years old, shows signs of corrosion (like rusty water), or if repairs become frequent and costly. A professional plumber can help determine if replacement is necessary.
Q5. What should I do if I smell a burning odor from my hot water system? If you detect an electrical burning smell, immediately turn off the power supply to the system and contact a qualified electrician. This odor often indicates potentially hazardous electrical issues that require professional attention.