Suddenly, you only have cold water in the shower? And, of course, it happens on a Friday evening after a hard week at work. It is almost certainly the fault of your hot water cylinder. But how do you know if it is broken and needs an expert to replace it?
My Hot Water Cylinder is not working!
Hot Water Cylinder problems in NZ
We take it for granted: hot water in our homes! Turning on the tap and enjoying hot water is a given these days. Hot water for showering, brushing our teeth, or bathing is no longer a luxury. However, we often only notice this everyday pleasure when only cold water comes out of the tap. And who is to blame?
In most cases, a broken hot water cylinder is responsible for this inconvenience! In New Zealand, hot water cylinders are the most common and popular way to supply hot water in nearly every home. These hot water heating systems are usually very reliable. Still, depending on the brand and type, HWC faults and problems can occur from time to time.
We have compiled a list of the most common hot water cylinder issues and troubleshooting tips. Enjoy reading, and please do not hesitate to call us with any further questions or enquiries.
No hot water? What should I do?
A hot water cylinder is critical in providing sufficient hot water in your household. If your hot water cylinder fails and stops supplying hot water, you should take action immediately. No hot water is inconvenient for you and your loved ones and might also be a significant sign of an undiscovered problem with your hot water cylinder.
However, first, check the thermostat on your hot water cylinder. Make sure the temperature and time are set correctly, and adjust them if needed. If the settings are okay, something else is happening in the background. Several elements in a hot water cylinder can break and cause no hot water. Have our plumbers check whether the unit needs repair or replacement. Hot water cylinder thermostat problems can also contribute to this issue and require a thorough investigation by a professional hot water cylinder specialist.
With new, modern hot water cylinder models, you can identify the underlying problem by checking the displayed error code. In the operating instructions, you will find a reference to the “no hot water” problem. This information will also help our service team assess the issue when you call us.
The hot water cylinder valve is broken, but which one?
Depending on the type of your hot water cylinder, a defective valve can cause a broken hot water cylinder. This may show up as discrepancies in water temperature or pressure. It can also cause a hot water cylinder to leak from the bottom. So where is the problem?
Hot water cylinders have different valves, such as isolation, pressure limiting, cold water expansion, pressure reducing, hot temperature relief, and tempering valves. That is a lot of valves! To make it more confusing: different water heaters use various valves in diverse combinations. If one of these valves fails, very high pressure can build up in the hot water cylinder. Consequently, it can lead to a broken hot water cylinder and ultimately poses a danger to you.
So which valve is causing the problem? We highly recommend that only a licensed plumber work on your hot water cylinder. Our service team is trained in various systems such as mains pressure, low pressure and push-through cylinders. Therefore, they know exactly what to do! As mentioned above, replacing a part with the wrong one can have disastrous consequences. Call our service team if you think a valve has broken!
Help, my hot water cylinder is leaking!
You should act immediately if your hot water cylinder shows even the slightest sign of leakage. Various causes can lead to a hot water cylinder leaking from the bottom.
Especially old hot water cylinders show signs of corrosion over time. Cracks can develop in the water tank, and water can start dripping silently onto the floor. Therefore, you’d better check your hot water cylinder regularly. If you notice water puddles or, in the worst case, a jet of water flowing from the tank into the floor drain, you need to act immediately.
Loose connections or too much pressure in the water tank may also cause a leaking hot water cylinder. It can be difficult for a non-specialist to assess the problem correctly. So, call our emergency breakdown service for hot water cylinders Rodney-wide.
A small puddle under your hot water cylinder may not seem particularly important, but you should take it seriously. The underlying problem will worsen over time. From our many years of experience as hot water cylinder specialists, we know that a leaking hot water cylinder is usually a sign of age and, in most cases, needs to be replaced. However, sometimes a hot water cylinder repair is still possible. Rest assured, our water specialists will give you an honest evaluation of the best option for your home and budget.
Hot water cylinder is making noise
- Is your hot water cylinder making a banging noise?
- Is your hot water cylinder making a whistling noise?
- Hearing a buzzing noise from your hot water cylinder?
- Is there a loud noise coming from your hot water cylinder?
As soon as your hot water cylinder draws attention with unusual noises, you need to get to the bottom of the problem. But what are strange noises from a hot water cylinder? Generally, heating water in the boiler causes normal noises. However, if you regularly hear unusual popping, gurgling or rattling noises, it indicates a potential defect.
If the heating element is deteriorating, your hot water cylinder may pop, crack, or even whine. Burnt sediment and limescale can cause the same sounds. In both cases, we highly recommend giving us a call. Our plumbers will come on-site and investigate why your hot water cylinder is making loud noises.
Be careful if the hot water cylinder makes a gurgling or even boiling sound! This is likely a pressure rise or severe overheating in the water tank. Call our emergency breakdown service for hot water cylinders in Rodney. We will immediately send a service technician to ensure your hot water cylinder is safe.
Why does my hot water suddenly smell like rotten eggs?
One very possible culprit is your hot water cylinder! How come? If your tap or shower water smells or looks discoloured, your hot water cylinder may be the cause. This is very easy to find out! Therefore, turn on the cold water tap. Is the water clear and (almost) odourless? Then you have found the culprit: the water heater. Otherwise, the problem lies with the water supply.
There are many reasons for stinky or discoloured hot water. For example, a rotten-egg smell can be caused by bacteria accumulating in the heating system. Additionally, accrued rust in the water tank can cause discoloured brown hot water. Both can be caused by a broken anode rod in the water tank.
The anode rod prevents corrosion in the water storage tank and kills bacteria. If this element is broken, a plumber needs to replace it, and the hot water cylinder needs to be flushed. It does not require replacing the hot water cylinder. Call our service team to schedule a hot water cylinder repair.
How do I know if my hot water cylinder needs replacing?
From our many years of experience as hot water cylinder specialists in Auckland, North Shore, and Rodney, we know the points mentioned above usually indicate serious faults. Our experts will discuss on-site whether it can still be repaired or whether replacing the hot water cylinder is more cost-effective and better for the long term.
The regular service of your hot water cylinder will definitely extend its lifespan. Talk to our service team about an annual maintenance agreement. Aqua Work’s service technician will check the temperature and the thermostat. He will look for obvious signs of corrosion and leaks around and under the hot water cylinder. He will also review the expansion relief valve and inspect the electrical components. Finally, he will top up the pressure if needed and leave you with confidence that your hot water cylinder passed the WoF.
Whether you live on the North Shore, Auckland, the Hibiscus Coast, or in the Rodney District, the Aqua Works service team will come to your premises in case of an emergency breakdown of your hot water cylinder. Call us, and we will be there to fix the problem!
Which hot water cylinder brands do we repair and service?
We service, maintain and repair all leading brands, makes and models of hot water cylinders. Whether it is a copper low-pressure hot water cylinder, an enamel hot water cylinder, a stainless steel hot water cylinder or a heat pump hot water cylinder, we have the experience and knowledge.
If you cannot find your model below, please call us to see how we can help.