Checklist if Water is Running Cold

Introduction to Water Heating Issues

Inconvenient heating issues can disrupt Drummoyne households and businesses. Drummoyne Plumbing recognises the need for a reliable hot water system.

This article provides a comprehensive troubleshooting checklist to help identify and resolve common hot water heater problems, whether you have an electric or gas system. By following these maintenance tips and safety steps, you can get your hot water running again and prevent future issues.

We bring over a decade of expertise in hot water heater services across Drummoyne and its surroundings.

Common Signs of Water Heater Problems

There are several common signs that may indicate issues with your water heater:

• Lack of hot water - If you aren’t getting any hot water at all, or the hot water runs out very quickly, this likely signals a problem.
• Discoloured water - Rusty, brown, or odd-smelling water coming from your hot water taps can indicate corrosion, sediment buildup, or bacteria inside the tank.
• Strange noises - Clanking, rumbling, or banging noises from your water heater can signal loose parts, sediment buildup, or failing components.
• Leaking water - Water pooling around the base of your water heater is a sign of a leak and needs to be addressed right away to prevent more damage.
• Low water pressure - Decreased flow from your hot water taps can indicate issues like mineral deposits or failing heating elements.

Monitoring these common water heater issues helps sustain your Drummoyne property’s comfort, with early detection facilitating faster, more cost-effective repairs. Our licenced plumbers can precisely diagnose and rectify these problems, guaranteeing optimal hot water system performance.

Diagnosing Electric Water Heater Problems

For troubleshooting electric water heater issues, consider these critical checks:

1. Ensure your power supply is active. Inspect your electrical panel for tripped breakers or blown fuses on the water heating circuit. Reset breakers and replace fuses as needed.
2. Check the thermostats and heating elements. Electric water heaters have upper and lower heating elements controlled by thermostats. If the thermostats are faulty or the elements burn out, they will need replacement.
3. Examine wires and connections for faults or looseness that could disrupt the power to heating elements. Tighten any loose wire nuts and replace damaged wires.
4. Consider sediment buildup. Mineral deposits and sediment at the bottom of the tank can cover heating elements, reducing efficiency. Draining and flushing the tank yearly can prevent sediment buildup.
5. A water heater hampered by worn components or sediment accumulation becomes inefficient and energy-intensive.

Our adept Drummoyne plumbers excel at identifying electric water heater issues and proposing efficient solutions. We address problems through replacements of heating elements, thermostats, anode rods, wiring, among others. Routine water heater maintenance also prevents many problems down the road.

Inspecting Key Electric Water Heater Components

Regular inspection of crucial parts within your electric hot water system is essential. This preventative maintenance helps avoid breakdowns and ensures energy-efficient operation.

Key parts to check include:

• Thermostats - Thermostats control the upper and lower heating elements, turning them on and off to maintain the desired water temperature. Faulty thermostats will cause water temperature fluctuations or failure to heat properly. Check for loose wiring connections or damage that could impact reading accuracy.
• Heating Elements - Electric heating elements directly heat the water inside the tank. Sediment buildup or burning out over time are common failure points. Check for darkened, warped, or cracked heating elements that need replacement.
• Anode Rod - This sacrificial metal rod attracts corrosive action to prevent tank corrosion. Inspect the anode rod annually for severe wear and replace if needed to optimise tank lifespan.

Yearly inspections from our Drummoyne plumbers can improve your electric water heater’s performance and safety. We conduct thorough tests and provide guidance on replacements and repairs for uninterrupted hot water supply.

Testing Electric Connections and Thermostats

Testing electric connections and thermostats in your hot water system carries electrical risks if not done properly. If you’re unsure or need guidance, it’s safer to contact a licenced electrician or plumber rather than handling electrical components on your own.

To safely check electric water heater connections and thermostats:

• Turn off power supply to the water heater at the main electrical panel
• Remove the electric control panel cover
• Visually inspect wiring for any damaged or loose connections
• Check wire terminals for tightness
• Test thermostat accuracy and calibration if possible
• Replace thermostats if faulty or inaccurate

Ensure power is disconnected during this process to eliminate electrocution hazards; thermostats and elements may be hot.

Homeowners in Drummoyne without electrical expertise can rely on our skilled plumbers to safely conduct testing and replacements. Leveraging our decade of experience, we precisely evaluate operations and identify problems in hot water systems.

Diagnosing Gas Water Heater Issues

Gas water heaters have some unique troubleshooting considerations compared to electric models. Start by checking if your pilot light is still lit - a common problem is the pilot light blowing out, causing the burner to shut off. You’ll notice a lack of hot water if this occurs.

inspect your gas line and connections for leaks, indicated by a rotten egg smell or bubbles forming on fittings when spraying soapy water. Do not try to relight the pilot if leaks are detected - gas leaks can lead to fire or explosion hazards.

Turn off the gas supply line and contact Drummoyne Plumbing immediately to make needed repairs.

Other potential gas water heater problems include:

• Clogged burner tubes or flues preventing proper operation
• Faulty gas control valves failing to properly regulate water heating
• Sediment buildup insulating the water from heat sources
• Corroded internal tank causing water leaks

Our licenced plumbers possess extensive experience with all gas water heater types, thanks to our decade-plus operation. We can accurately diagnose any problems with your system and make needed repairs or replacements for optimum hot water capacity and safety.

Checking the Pilot Light and Gas Supply

It’s critical to periodically check that the pilot light on your gas water heater is properly lit and there are no issues with your gas supply.

To check the pilot light:

• Locate the small pilot light flame inside the main burner chamber
• If the flame is not lit, the pilot light will need to be relit following the manufacturer’s instructions
• If unable to relight yourself, contact a licenced gas fitter for assistance

When examining gas connections, check for any signs of leaks such as:

• A sulphur or rotten egg smell
• Bubbles forming on fittings when sprayed with soapy water
• Dirt blowing away from fittings
• An elevated gas bill compared to previous periods

If any leak indications are present, shut off the gas supply line immediately and call Drummoyne Plumbing. For more information on resolving this, remember that gas leaks can lead to dangerous fire or explosion hazards if not addressed quickly by a qualified professional.

Routine inspection of your gas water heater’s pilot light and supply line in your Drummoyne home or business will help avoid disruptions to hot water availability. For more information or assistance, we’re available 24/7 to address any repairs or replacements needed to keep your hot water system operating safely.

Inspecting for Leaks

It’s critical to periodically inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks, which can cause property damage or dangerous situations.

When examining your unit, check areas like:

• The pipes and fittings connected to the water heater
• The drain valve at the bottom of the tank
• Seams along the sides of the tank
• The base of gas water heaters where burning occurs

Look for drips, rust stains, mineral deposits, or damp areas which may indicate small leaks. Larger leaks may have visible water pooling around the base.

If you discover any leaks or water damage, shut off water and power/gas supplies immediately. Call our Drummoyne plumbing team to inspect and repair or replace your water heater before the issues worsen or compromise safety.

General Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Performing routine maintenance helps keep your hot water system operating safely and efficiently for years to come. Follow these general tips:

• Check water heater pipes and connections yearly for leaks
• Drain sediment from the tank annually by opening the drain valve. Let water flow until it runs clear.
• Consider flushing the tank if you have hard water, which can cause scale buildup
• Test the TPR (temperature and pressure relief) valve to ensure it is operating properly
• Check that all electrical connections are tight and wires are undamaged
• Set your water temperature to 60°C to help prevent bacteria growth
• Have a licenced plumber inspect gas fittings and supply lines annually

Be aware that water temperatures exceeding 50°C pose scalding dangers. We recommend installing tempering valves to automatically mix hot cold water for safe outlet temperatures.

The qualified plumbers at Drummoyne Plumbing can handle all your annual maintenance needs. Contact us anytime for professional water heater servicing, repairs or replacement in the Drummoyne area.

Replacing Parts Like Anode Rod and Relief Valve

Over time, critical parts inside your hot water system like the anode rod and relief valve can wear out or fail. Replacing these components periodically helps extend the life of your water heater and prevent issues.

The anode rod attracts corrosion to itself instead of allowing the metal tank to corrode. Inspect this sacrificial rod yearlysevere corrosion means its time to replace it. This simple maintenance can add years of life to your water heater tank.

Likewise, the TPR (temperature and pressure relief) valve is an important safety component that can weaken over time. Annually test the valve by lifting the lever briefly—if there’s no water discharge, replace it. A defective TPR valve fails to vent surplus heat or pressure, posing explosion risks.

Our licenced plumbers in Drummoyne can replace your anode rod, relief valve, heating elements, thermostats, and more. Rely on our 10+ years of experience for timely repairs and maintenance. Investing in replacements for worn parts reduces safety risks and prevents more extensive repairs down the road.

Draining and Flushing the Tank

Allowing sediment to build up in your hot water system will lead to inefficiency and potential failures. It’s recommended to drain and flush the tank annually to prolong its lifespan.

Follow these steps to safely drain your tank:

1. Turn off power to electric water heaters or the gas supply for gas models
2. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve to begin the drain tank process near the base of the tank
3. Open the drain valve and allow water to flow out until it runs clear and free of sediment
4. Close the valve once tank is empty and allow sediment to settle for easier removal
5. Reopen the drain valve to expel remaining sediment through the hose.
6. Close valve and refill tank before restoring power or gas supply

Flushing your water heater tank yearly prevents scale buildup and overheating issues caused by sediment accumulation. Contact our Drummoyne plumbers anytime if you need assistance draining and flushing your hot water system.

Water Heater Safety Issues

Ensuring your hot water system’s safe use and upkeep is paramount. There are two key safety issues to keep in mind:

Scalding Hazards

Water heated above 50°C poses serious scalding risks.

Tempering valves automatically mix hot and cold water to safer temperatures below 50°C.

Legionella Bacteria

Storing water below 60°C enables Legionella bacteria growth in tanks.

Hot water burns increase infection risk.

If scalded, run cool water over burns for 20 minutes. For burns larger than a 20-cent coin, or those inflicting intense pain, discolored skin, or movement impairment, seek emergency attention. For advice on improving safety, reach out to our Drummoyne plumbing team for assistance with tempering valve setups or water temperature modifications.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While the troubleshooting tips provided can resolve many basic hot water issues, If issues persist or you’re uncertain about safe repairs, it’s best to call Drummoyne Plumbing for professional assistance.

Contact our professional plumbers for help with:

• Suspected gas leaks or line damage
• No hot water even after attempting fixes
• Complex electrical testing or thermostat calibration
• Re-lighting stubborn pilot lights
• Replacing parts inside the water heater
• Heavy sediment removal or full system flushes
• Installation of accessories like tempering valves
• General water heater tune-ups and preventative maintenance

Drummoyne Plumbing’s licenced professionals, with more than a decade of experience, can precisely evaluate and rectify any issues with your gas or electric hot water system. Rely on our expertise to get your hot water running properly again.

To arrange a service, email us at [jobs@drummoyneplumbingservices.com.au](mailto:jobs@drummoyneplumbingservices.com.au) or call us on [1300 349 338](tel:1300-349-338