No Hot Water in Auckland? Hot Water Recovery Explained
If you are experiencing no hot water in Auckland, you are not alone. Hot water systems can fail for various reasons, and understanding what might be causing the issue can save you time and frustration. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to troubleshoot your hot water system and what to do when it is not working.
Common Causes of Hot Water Issues in Auckland
Hot water systems are complex and can have several components that can fail. Some issues are easy to fix, while others might require professional help. Let's break down the most common reasons why your hot water might not be working.
Identify Your Hot Water System Type
Understanding the type of hot water system you have is crucial for troubleshooting:
1. Electric Systems
- Internal Hot Water Cylinder: Typically located in cupboards, under the home, or in roof cavities.
- External Hot Water Cylinder: Installed outside the property, usually along a perimeter wall.
- External Heat Pump Hot Water Cylinder: Located outdoors, using both electric and heat pump technology.
2. Gas Systems
- Califont (Instantaneous Water Heater): Positioned outside and connected to both electricity and gas supply.
- Gas-powered Cylinders: Some systems may use gas cylinders instead of electric ones.
How to Troubleshoot Your Hot Water System
Follow these steps to figure out what might be causing your hot water issues:
1. Check Your Switchboard
Look for a switch labelled “HWC,” “HWS,” or “Hot Water.” If the circuit breaker has tripped, try turning it back on. If it stays on, your hot water should be restored shortly. If the breaker keep stripping, there may be an electrical issue.
If you suspect an electrical issue, call Auckland electricians to investigate further.
2. Contact Vector for Electric Systems
If the circuit breaker is on but you still have no hot water, contact Vector (0508 VECTOR). Their technicians can check if there are issues with their load management device, which can sometimes affect your hot water supply.
3. Check Your Gas Supply for Gas Systems
If you have a gas hot water system, ensure that your gas supply is sufficient. If your gas bottle is low, you may need to replace it.
Tip: Pourwarm (not boiling) water down the side of the gas bottle to determine the level. If it's empty, order a refill or switch to a full cylinder.
ELGAS has a great little video explaining how to complete this:
Plenty of gas?
You may have lost power at the califont
Most califont’s will be connected with a plug and socket.
IF SO: See if you can find a regular extension lead.
Plug the extension lead into a power outlet inside the home that you know is working,
Then run it through a window or door out to the califont.
Plug the califont into the extension lead, then go and test your hot water at the tap.
If hot water has returned:
Call an electrician to come and check out the outdoor power supply.
You can keep using the extension lead in the meantime.
If hot water has not returned:
You likely have an issue with the califont.
Unplug the califont and leave it unplugged.
Call a registered gas fitter in to come and take a look & repair
When to Call a Plumber vs. an Electrician
While many hot water issues are electrical, there are certain situations where you may need a plumber:
- Electrical Issues: If your hot water system is not working, most likely, the problem is electrical. In this case, contact an electrician.
- Plumbing Issues: If there is a noticeable leak or the issue involves the pipes, call a plumber.
For most hot water recovery issues, we recommend contacting an electrician first to avoid multiple callout fees.
Common Hot Water System Issues
Power Loss
Power interruptions are a common cause of hot water issues. An electrician can check whether the issue is at the switchboard, meter board, or within the hot water system itself.
Faulty Thermostats
A faulty thermostat can cause water to either become too hot or fail to heat altogether. Thermostats are relatively simple and affordable to replace.
Broken Heating Elements
Elements in hot water cylinders have a limited lifespan. If yours fails, the cylinder needs to be drained (usually by a plumber) before an electrician can replace the element. For older cylinders, it may be more economical to replace the unit instead of just the element.
Hot water cylinder not working? What the repair costs
When a hot water cylinder stops working, The Conduction Company usually finds one of three faults: power loss, a failed thermostat, or a failed element.
We quote on facts, not guesses
Before we give you a price, we carry out a proper assessment of your property and your hot water system.
That way you know exactly what you're buying and the total cost, with no surprises.
Clear expectations from the outset, start to finish.
The estimates below are for standard repair or replacement of a hot water cylinder. The Conduction Company confirms final pricing after a property assessment.
A weekday fault-finding visit from The Conduction Company is typically $220 to $390 including GST. The repair is charged on top. From The Conduction Company's price book, replacing a failed element costs about $650 to $700 including GST.
On a cylinder aged 15 to 20-plus years, The Conduction Company weighs repair against replacement. Hot water cylinder replacements completed by The Conduction Company in Auckland have cost $3,600 to $5,100 including GST. Before you book, The Conduction Company can talk you through the checks above over the phone, on (09) 390 0525.
What is a Load Management Device (Ripple Relay)?
Many Auckland homes have load management devices (also known as ripple relays) installed in the meter board. These devices switch off hot water systems during peak times to reduce stress on the electrical grid.
Picture this:
- Everyone comes home from work at roughly the same time and starts to use high-power electrical devices (oven, hobs, electric heaters, etc.).
- This high electrical demand puts stress on the residential electrical grid.
- To lower this demand, the load management device switches off hot water systems until around the time people start going to bed.
The hot water cylinder may lose a few degrees of temperature during this time, but usually not a noticeable amount.
Note: The pilot system is slowly being decommissioned in most areas of West Auckland. Load management devices are looked after by Vector in Auckland.
What to Do If Your Hot Water is Too Hot
If your hot water temperature is excessively high, it might be due to:
- Faulty Thermostat: If the thermostat is broken, it can cause the heating element to stay on constantly. An electrician can replace the thermostat.
- Faulty Tempering Valve: The tempering valve regulates the temperature of the water. If it’s faulty, the water might get too hot. A plumber will need to fix or replace the valve.
How long does a hot water cylinder last in NZ?
The Conduction Company treats 15 to 20-plus years as the age to weigh repairing a cylinder against replacing it. Past 20 years, it recommends replacement.
A failed element is often the deciding moment. The cylinder has to be drained before the element can be swapped, so on an older cylinder, replacing the whole unit can be the better buy. The Conduction Company does the whole job, with the plumbing done by a licensed plumber it contracts. More on that is on its hot water repairs and cylinder replacement page.
How do you reset a hot water cylinder in NZ?
Some cylinder thermostats have a reset button, but pressing it rarely fixes the problem for long, The Conduction Company finds. The button resets a safety cut-out, which turns the element off if the water overheats and stays off until someone resets it. The Wiring Rules, AS/NZS 3000, call for hot water appliances to be protected against overheating by a device that does not reset itself. This is a different reset from the hot water breaker at your switchboard, which is step 1 above.
So a tripped button usually means something made it trip. "It's very rare for a unit to trip and then not to continue to trip afterwards," says Jordan Statham, director of The Conduction Company. More than once, his team has reset a tripped thermostat, run every test, found nothing wrong, and been called back four hours later because it had tripped again. When The Conduction Company finds a tripped reset button, it usually recommends replacing the thermostat.
On an electric cylinder (hot water tank), the thermostat and its reset button sit behind the element cover, in the same space as the power supply cable. The Conduction Company's advice is to leave that cover on and call an electrician, who can check the thermostat and find what tripped it. If the thermostat is fine, the lines company's ripple relay is another cause The Conduction Company tests, as its guide to ripple control and ripple relays explains.
Why is there no hot water in my house?
On an electric cylinder, the three common faults The Conduction Company finds are power loss, a failed thermostat, and a failed element. Power loss is often a tripped hot water breaker at the switchboard, or the lines company's load control holding the cylinder off. On gas, it is usually an empty gas bottle, or a califont that has lost its power.
Work through the checks above, starting with the hot water switch at your switchboard. If the water still has not come back, The Conduction Company can talk you through it over the phone before booking a visit. A leak, or a fault in the pipes, is a job for a plumber.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Hot Water Systems in Auckland
- Q: Why is my hot water only lukewarm?
A: This could be caused by a failing thermostat or heating element. An electrician can assess and replace the faulty parts. - Q: How long does it take for a hot water cylinder to heat up?
A: A standard cylinder usually takes 2-3 hours to fully heat up. After about an hour, you might have enough hot water for a shower. - Q: Is a heat pump hot water cylinder better?
A: Heat pump cylinders are more energy-efficient and can reduce energy costs in the long run. However, they have a higher upfront cost and may require more expensive repairs. - Q: Why is my hot water too hot?
A: This issue can be due to a faulty thermostat or tempering valve. High water temperatures can damage system components, so call a tradesperson to resolve this quickly. - Q: How long should it take for a hot water heater to recover?
A: From completely cold, The Conduction Company finds a cylinder typically takes around 2 hours to reach full temperature, though some take up to 6 hours, depending on the cylinder. If it has not recovered after that, check the hot water breaker at your switchboard first.
Conclusion: Prioritising Hot Water Recovery
If your hot water suddenly stops working, start by checking your system type and troubleshooting with the steps above.
For electrical issues, it’s best to call in a certified electrician in Auckland to ensure a safe and effective solution. Reaching out to professionals for help is the best way to get your hot water back on as quickly as possible.
Stuck? Give Us a Bell.
We have encountered every issue possible with hot water systems. If you are stuck or need advice, get in touch with us. We offer free over-the-phone troubleshooting, so don’t hesitate to call us before booking a service.
