No Hot Water? Here’s What to Check Before Calling a Plumber
Few things are more frustrating than jumping into the shower only to be greeted by a blast of icy water.
Before you panic or call in the professionals, there are a few simple things you can check that might save you time and money.
At The Hot Water Doctor, we’ve seen it all. Sometimes the fix is quick and easy. Other times, it needs a plumber’s touch. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which is which.
1. Check Your Power Supply
If you have an electric hot water cylinder, start by making sure it’s getting power.
Check your switchboard to see if the hot water circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it once.
If it trips again immediately, don’t keep resetting it, that means there’s a fault that needs a professional.
Also check that the isolation switch (often near the cylinder or in the cupboard) is turned on.
Tip: Power issues are one of the most common (and easiest) reasons for losing hot water.
2. Check the Hot Water Cylinder
Sometimes the issue isn’t power, it’s the cylinder itself.
Look for leaks around the base of the cylinder or from valves.
Listen for unusual sounds like hissing, boiling, or rumbling.
If the cylinder feels stone cold and has power, the element or thermostat might have failed, time to call the experts.
3. Check if You’ve Simply Run Out
If you have a low-pressure or small-capacity cylinder, it might just be out of hot water.
Wait an hour or two to see if it reheats.
If it happens often, it might be time to upgrade to a larger or mains pressure cylinder for more consistent supply.
4. Check Your Timer Settings
Some homes (especially with off-peak electricity plans) have timers or ripple control systems that heat water overnight.
If your hot water hasn’t come back after the morning, your timer or ripple control relay may have failed, a quick check with your power company can help confirm this.
When to Call the Professionals
If you’ve checked everything above and still have no hot water, that’s where The Hot Water Doctor comes in. Dean is a certified Plumber but also holds an electrical license that allows him to legally deal with the hot water cylinder electrical components as well as the plumbing components. No more having to call two different trades to sort the one issue. We diagnose, repair, and replace hot water cylinders across Auckland, often on the same day you call.
You may have:
A faulty element or thermostat
A leaking or corroded cylinder
A wiring or pressure issue
📞 Contact The Hot Water Doctor, Auckland’s trusted hot water cylinder replacement and repair specialists.
Fast response, honest advice, and friendly service. With 300+ 5-Star Google Reviews, you can rely on us!
