Hot water questions, answered.

On electric storage systems the usual causes are a failed heating element, a tripped thermostat or a switchboard issue — including the off-peak circuit not being energised. On gas systems it is more often a pilot, ignition or gas valve fault. Heat pumps typically show an error code. A licensed technician can isolate the fault on site rather than replacing parts on a guess.

It depends on where the leak is. Leaks from valves, unions and pipework are usually repairable. A leak coming from the cylinder itself means the tank has corroded through and replacement is the only option — a corroded cylinder cannot be safely patched.

Most common repairs — elements, thermostats, tempering valves, PTR valves — are completed in a single visit, usually within one to two hours once the fault is confirmed.

Common elements, thermostats and valves for the major Australian brands are widely available in Hobart. Where a discontinued part is involved, we will tell you before any work starts and set out replacement options.

If it happened overnight on an electric storage tank, suspect the element, the thermostat or the off-peak circuit — check the switchboard first, because a hot water breaker that trips again almost always means a failed element. On gas, a pilot outage or gas supply issue is more likely. On continuous flow, read the error code on the controller before doing anything else.

The classic cause is a failed lower element in a twin-element tank: the upper element runs almost continuously to keep a small volume hot, so you still get water but pay far more for it. Heavy sediment, a heat pump stuck on boost, or a leaking hot line under the slab produce the same symptom. It is worth diagnosing rather than absorbing — the fault usually costs less to fix than a quarter of inflated bills.

Safely, yes: check the switchboard and the hot water circuit, confirm the gas supply or bottle is not empty, look for an error code, check the ground under the tank for damp, and confirm the isolation valves are open. Anything beyond that — opening a thermostat cover, touching gas components, or working on a heat pump's sealed circuit — is licensed work in Tasmania and unsafe to attempt.

In Tasmanian conditions, electric and gas storage tanks commonly last 8–12 years, continuous flow units 15–20 years, and heat pumps around 10–15 years. Regular anode and PTR valve maintenance extends storage tank life.

A like-for-like storage swap is typically a two to three hour job. Changing system type — for example electric storage to a heat pump or continuous flow — usually takes half a day to a full day because power, gas or pipework needs to be altered.

In most cases yes. Heat pumps need adequate outdoor clearance for airflow, a suitable base and a condensate drain. If your existing tank is indoors or in a tight cupboard, a different option may suit better — we will assess the site before recommending anything.

Yes. Hot water installation is regulated plumbing work in Tasmania, and gas or electrical connections must be carried out by appropriately licensed people. Manufacturer warranties are void without compliant, licensed installation.

As a rough guide for storage: 125–160L for one to two people, 250L for three to four, and 315L or more for five plus. Peak morning demand matters more than daily total — a Glenorchy or Kingston family home with two showers running back to back needs sizing for that half hour, not for the average day. Continuous flow is sized on simultaneous outlets instead of volume.

Usually. Hobart housing throws up steep driveways, under-house cavities, heritage cottage side passages and roof-space tanks. Access affects labour and is assessed and priced before the job rather than added afterwards.

Cost depends on the system type and size, whether it is a like-for-like swap or a system change, access to the site, and whether valves, pipework or electrical work need upgrading to current standards. You will be given a firm price before any work is agreed rather than an open-ended hourly estimate.

Eligible heat pump and solar hot water systems can attract federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are usually applied as a discount at the point of sale. Eligibility depends on the model and the installation, so confirm it for your specific job before ordering.

Most warranties separate the cylinder or heat exchanger from other components and labour, with the cylinder carrying the longest term. Almost all warranties require licensed installation, correct valve maintenance, and in some cases annual servicing or product registration.

As a rule of thumb, if the system is under about eight years old and the fault is a component rather than the cylinder, repair is usually the better value. Once a tank is past ten years, or the cylinder itself is leaking, replacement is generally the sounder spend.

A number given blind is a guess. Once the system type, the condition of the valves and pipework, and site access are confirmed, you get a fixed price before anything is agreed — no open-ended hourly billing.

It applies as long as the original installation was carried out by a licensed person and the system has been maintained per the manufacturer's conditions. We can check the compliance certificate and the unit's build date and tell you where you stand before recommending a paid repair.

Close the cold water isolation valve at the top of the tank (or the mains at the meter), switch off the dedicated hot water circuit at the switchboard or close the gas isolation valve, then move anything valuable clear of the water. Once it is isolated, call us so we can arrange priority attendance.

Almost always a failed tempering valve. Australian standards require bathroom outlets to be limited to 50°C in most homes, so a failed valve is a safety issue and should be replaced promptly.

Hobart and Southern Tasmania — including the CBD, New Town, Sandy Bay, Glenorchy, Moonah, Claremont, Bridgewater, Brighton, the Eastern Shore, Kingston, Margate and the Huon Valley.

Yes — Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Bosch, Thermann, Stiebel Eltron, AquaMAX, Vulcan and Everhot, across electric, gas, continuous flow, heat pump and solar systems.

Same-day attendance is available in many cases across Hobart, the northern suburbs and the Eastern Shore, and urgent situations like a burst tank are prioritised. Availability depends on the day and where you are — call and we will tell you honestly what we can do rather than promise a window we cannot hold.

Close the cold water isolation valve at the top of the tank, turn off the hot water circuit at the switchboard or close the gas isolation valve, and move anything valuable away from the water. Do not try to tighten fittings on a hot, pressurised tank. Once isolated, the situation is contained and you can call without rushing.

A brief discharge from the PTR valve while the tank heats is normal and by design. A constant drip is not — it usually means the valve has failed or mains pressure is too high, and left alone it quietly wastes a large volume of water.