Do you need an electrician or a plumber for hot water system repairs?

Issues like no hot water, rusty water, or leaks from your hot water cylinder are nothing but frustrating. And you’ll want a quick, cost-effective solution.

But do you call an electrician or a plumber? Identifying the cause of the issue is key to getting it resolved.

So let’s take a look at:

• signs of an electrical problem
• signs of a plumbing problem
• when you need to call a professional
• key questions to ask yourself before ringing an electrician or plumber
• how preventative maintenance can minimise issues with your hot water system

Warning signs of an electrical problem

Certain issues point to an electrical problem being the culprit. Such issues include:

• No hot water anywhere in your home. If all you’re getting is cold water, then there may be an issue with the electrical circuit. This can prevent the heating elements from working.
• Breaker repeatedly trips. If the circuit breaker for your hot water cylinder keeps tripping, this suggests an electrical short or overloaded circuit. This needs professional attention.
• Strange noises from water cylinder. Buzzing, humming, sizzling or crackling sounds can mean problems with wiring. Never ignore these auditory clues!

Warning signs of a plumbing problem

If you experience the following issues, then you may need a plumber:

• You get hot water in some taps but not others. This points to a problem with water flow and pressure that a plumber can fix. Partially blocked pipes or failing valves affect hot water distribution.
• Leaks near your hot water cylinder. Drips, dampness or puddles around the tank likely indicate corroded fittings, loose joints or a full blown tank leak. These need plumbing repairs.
• Rusty or discoloured water. If the hot water from your taps appears brown, red or cloudy, then iron oxide buildup or corroded pipes are likely to blame.

When to call a professional

While minor fixes like topping off water levels or resetting a tripped breaker can be DIY, it’s best to call in a professional for:

• Electrical issues. Working with electrical components carries the risk of electric shock. It’s best to leave electrical repairs to licensed electricians.
• Major part replacements. Tasks like replacing valves, leak repairs and tank replacements need experience. It’s best to call a licensed plumber in those situations.

Key questions to ask yourself before calling

Thinking about these questions can provide clues on where the problem lies before calling in an expert:

• How long has the problem been occurring? Was it sudden or gradual?
• Have you noticed any drips, leaks or damp spots near your hot water cylinder?
• Does the issue impact all hot water taps or just some?
• Does running hot water eventually resolve the issue, even temporarily?

Preventative maintenance can avoid issues

You can extend the life of your hot water cylinder and minimise issues through preventative maintenance.

Here are our tips for hot water cylinder maintenance:

• Annually flush sediment from tank and pipes to reduce corrosion
• Check and replace old anode rods which prevent corrosion but corrode themselves
• Set the water heater temperature only as hot as needed to prevent strain on the unit (and to prevent burns)
• Insulate your hot water heater to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency
• Inspect fittings and joints for drips or dampness which can indicate leaks

Summary

It’s stressful enough when your hot water cylinder decides to play up. So being aware of who to call when it does play up can save you from wasting time or money on the wrong tradesperson.

So watch for the tell-tale warning signs mentioned above. And don’t ever hesitate to call in a licensed professional when you need repairs. With expert help, you’ll enjoy hot showers again in no time!