Open 7 DAYS
phone our on call plumber
0409 668 257

Tips & Hints to Save you Time & Money

Outlined below are some handy self help “hints & tips” for your hot water system.

IMPORTANT: For your safety, do not attempt to repair any part of the hot water unit yourself.

No Hot Water

For Gas Systems:

  • Check other gas appliances in the house to see if gas service is available. If there is no gas service to your home, contact your local gas supplier.
  • Check that the pilot light is on. If not, relight by following instructions on the hot water heater.
  • If relighting fails, call Victorian Hot Water for assistance on 1300 659 559 .

For Electric Systems:

  • Check that the fuse has not blown or circuit-breaker has not tripped. Replace or refuse, as necessary.
  • When turning the system on again, monitor the meter. If the meter spins faster, this indicates the water is being heated again.
  • Leave switch on for about an hour and check a hot water tap closest to the cylinder. Upon running the tap for a short period you should feel the water beginning to heat.
  • If water remains cold and you see no other visible reason for a malfunction, call Victorian Hot Water for assistance on 1300 659 559 .

To Taps:

  • Check other taps (hot and cold) to check whether or not the problem is isolated to one area.
  • If only the hot water is a problem, check for broken pipes or a leaking cylinder (see section below on leaking cylinders).
  • If no water is running at the property, check for the possibility of a frozen pipe (in colder areas &/or seasons) or consult your local water provider.

Leaking Hot Water Cylinder

Gas System:

  • Turn the gas off at the heater. A gas cock should be close to the heater and will require only a half a turn to shut it.
  • Quickly check the source of the leak. If it is coming from the PTR valve, refer to section below.
  • Turn the water stop cock off at the heater – this should stop or reduce the flow of water.
  • Call Victorian Hot water on 1300 659 559 for emergency assistance.

Electric System:

  • Turn the electricity supply off to the heater. A switch should be located at a switch board on the premises marked ‘water heater’ or similar.
  • Quickly check the source of the leak. If it is coming from the PTR valve, refer to section below.
  • Turn the water stop cock off at the heater – this should stop or reduce the flow of water.
  • Call Victorian Hot water on 1300 659 559 for emergency assistance.

Water Flowing from PTR valve – Gas

  • Establish whether the water escaping is greater than expected. Normally, water will gently discharge from this valve when water is being heated.
  • Gently raise the lever on the valve and gently lower the lever back into position. Do this two or three times to clear any obstacles.
  • If water flow still takes place, turn the gas off at the heater. A gas cock should be close to the heater and will require only a half a turn to close it.
  • Turn the water stop cock off at the heater, this should stop or reduce the flow of water.
  • Call Victorian Hot water on 1300 659 559 for assistance.
Image