Electric hot water not heating
Check the safety switch and the hot water circuit at the switchboard. If those are on and the water is still cold, the element or thermostat has probably failed.
What to do right now
- Check the hot water breaker and safety switch at the board.
- Check whether the tank is leaking. If so, switch off the circuit and call a plumber too.
- Do not open the cover on the hot water unit.
- Note when the water went cold and whether the breaker tripped.
It is an emergency if
Water is leaking on or near electrical parts, or there is a burning smell from the unit. Switch off at the board.
For fire, smoke, shock injuries or fallen lines, call 000 first.
Common causes
A tripped circuit
Common after a power outage or when the element fails.
A failed element
Elements wear out and often trip the circuit when they do.
A failed thermostat
Stops the unit from heating, or from stopping.
What we do about it
We test the circuit and the unit’s electrical side, and replace elements and thermostats where that is the fault. Plumbing issues need a plumber.
Common questions
Is it the electrics or the plumbing?
If the tank is leaking, plumbing. If the water is cold with no leak, usually the electrics.
Can you fit a new unit?
We do the electrical connection. A plumber fits the tank and water side.