Electric hot water repairs and replacement
Cold showers, a tank that trips the power or a relief valve dribbling down the wall? We work from our base in Matraville and look after electric hot water systems in homes right across the southern Eastern Suburbs. Our licensed plumbers track down the fault, explain your options in plain English and give you a fixed price before any work starts.
Common electric hot water faults
Element or thermostat failure
When the heating element burns out or the thermostat stops switching, the water simply stays cold or barely warm. Both parts can usually be swapped without replacing the tank.
Tripping the safety switch
If the hot water circuit keeps tripping, there may be water getting into the element housing or a breakdown in the element itself. Leave the cover on and let us test it safely.
Off-peak tank running cold by evening
Tanks on a controlled-load tariff only heat at set times. If you're running out before the next heating cycle, it could be a faulty element, a tank that's too small, or a timing change on the supply.
Relief valve dripping or pouring
A small release while the tank heats is normal. Constant dripping, or a steady stream, usually means a worn valve or pressure that's too high coming into the house.
How we diagnose and repair electric systems
We start with the basics: is power reaching the unit, is the element drawing current, and is the thermostat cutting in and out at the right temperature. From there we check the relief valve, the cold water inlet, the tempering valve (if you have one) and the condition of the tank around the fittings.
Typical repairs we carry out on electric storage units include:
- Replacing a burnt-out element or faulty thermostat
- Fitting a new temperature and pressure relief valve
- Replacing the sacrificial anode to slow internal corrosion
- Adding or replacing a pressure limiting valve when mains pressure is high
- Fixing leaks at the inlet, outlet and isolation valves
If the inner tank has rusted through and water is weeping from the base or jacket, no part will fix that. At that point replacement is the honest answer, and we'll tell you so.
Replacing an electric tank: your three main choices
A failed tank is a good moment to think about what comes next. We'll talk you through the options that make sense for your home and household:
- Another electric storage tank. Usually the simplest swap, using the same space and connections. A sensible choice where the budget is tight or the layout limits other options.
- A heat pump. It still runs on electricity, but it draws heat from the surrounding air, so it uses much less power than a standard element tank. It needs an outdoor spot with decent airflow.
- Continuous flow. Heats water only as you use it, so there's no tank to keep hot. Electric continuous flow units need a substantial electrical supply, so we check that first; many homes go with gas for this type.
We size the new system to the number of people in your home and how you use hot water, then quote a fixed price that covers removing the old unit, installing the new one and the compliance paperwork.
Electric hot water in southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Across Matraville, Malabar and Botany, plenty of older brick and fibro houses still have an electric tank in the laundry, a cupboard or squeezed down the side path. Many were set up on off-peak power decades ago, and the copper or galvanised pipework feeding them is often showing its age. When we swap a tank in these homes we look at the valves and nearby pipes too, so a new unit isn't let down by old fittings.
In the townhouses and apartments around Pagewood and Eastgardens, electric tanks are often inside, in a small cupboard. That makes access and the size of a replacement important, and it's one reason we always measure up before quoting. For homes close to the water at Maroubra or Little Bay, salty air can be hard on outdoor units and their fittings, so placement matters when choosing a heat pump.
What you can safely check yourself
- Look at your switchboard. If the hot water circuit has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us.
- Check whether you're on off-peak. If hot water only runs out late in the day, the heating times may be the cause.
- Look for water around the base of the tank or along the drain line from the relief valve.
- Never remove the element cover or touch any wiring. That's a job for a licensed tradesperson.
Why locals call us about electric hot water
- A Matraville base, close to homes in the southern Eastern Suburbs
- More than 100 five-star reviews on Google
- A free quote on site and a fixed price before we start
- Lifetime labour warranty on every job we do
- Fully licensed plumbers (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Why has my electric hot water suddenly gone cold?
The usual causes are a tripped circuit, a failed element or a faulty thermostat. Check the switchboard first. If the circuit is on and the water is still cold, give us a call and we'll test the components.
Is it worth repairing an older electric tank?
If the tank isn't leaking and the fault is an element, thermostat or valve, a repair is often good value. If the tank is near the end of its life or already leaking from the body, putting the money towards a new system usually makes more sense.
My hot water keeps tripping the power. Is that dangerous?
It's a sign something is wrong, often moisture in the element area or a failing element. Don't keep resetting it. Leave the circuit off and have it checked by a licensed tradesperson.
Why do I run out of hot water on off-peak?
An off-peak tank heats during set hours, so a large household can use it up before the next cycle. A worn element can also slow heating down. We'll test the system and tell you whether a repair, a larger tank or a different setup is the better fix.
Should I replace my electric tank with a heat pump?
Many homes are a good fit, as long as there's a suitable outdoor spot with airflow. A heat pump uses far less electricity than a standard element tank. We'll check your space and talk through the noise and placement before you decide.
How long does an electric hot water replacement take?
A straight swap is often done in a single visit. Changing to a different type of system, or moving its location, can take longer. We'll give you a realistic idea when we quote.
Do you take away the old tank?
Yes. Removing and disposing of the old unit is included in our replacement quote, so you're not left with a tank in the driveway.
See all our hot water services, or read about hot water replacement, heat pump hot water and hot water servicing. We look after homes in Matraville, Botany, Malabar and Kensington.
Want to know more first? Our free hot water guide explains how each type of system works and how to choose one for your home.