No Hot Water?

Before calling for a repair, please run through these quick checks. Any hot water issues can be resolved in minutes without a technician.

Know Your HWS Unit Type

Gas Instantaneous

A compact, rectangular box mounted on an external wall, connected to LPG gas bottles or a natural gas meter.

1
Check the Fuse Box

Look at the fuse box to see if all switches are turned on.

  • If no: Turn on the switch(es) and run water for 5 minutes to check if hot water is restored.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 2.
2
Check the Power Point

Verify that the power point the unit is plugged into is on.

  • If no: Turn it on, run water for 5 minutes, and check if hot water is restored.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 3.
3
Reset the Power

Turn the power off, wait 2 minutes, then turn back on. Test hot water for 5 minutes. If there's still no hot water, proceed to Step 4.

4
Check Gas Supply

Do the gas bottles supplying the system have gas? Rock the bottle — if it is light and you can rock it, you are out of gas.

  • If no: Call your gas supplier and order refills.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 5.
5
Contact Your Property Manager

Gather the following information before contacting your Property Manager:

  • Error Code: Check the hot water system display for any error codes and note them down.
  • Hot Water in All Taps: Advise if there is no hot water in every tap or only certain taps.
  • Unit Age: Find the manufacturer's plate and note the date of manufacture.
  • Photos: Take a zoomed-out photo of the entire unit and a close-up of the compliance plate.

Gas Storage

An upright, rectangular unit placed outside, freestanding and not attached to a wall.

1
Check the Pilot Light

Look through the viewing window near the base of the unit to see if the pilot light is on.

  • If no: Follow the relighting instructions on the unit's data plate, then run water for 5 minutes to check if hot water is restored.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 2.
2
Check the Gas Supply

Check whether the gas supply valve at the unit is turned on. If the system runs on bottled gas, rock the bottle to feel if it is empty.

  • If no/empty: Turn the valve on or call your gas supplier for a refill.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 3.
3
Check for Error Codes or Lockout

Look at the control panel or display for any flashing lights or fault codes, which can indicate the unit has gone into lockout.

  • If a code is showing: Note it down and proceed to Step 4.
  • If no code: Proceed to Step 4.
4
Reset the Unit

Turn the gas supply off, wait 2 minutes, then turn it back on and relight the pilot if needed. Test hot water for 5 minutes. If there's still no hot water, proceed to Step 5.

5
Contact Your Property Manager

Gather the following information before contacting your Property Manager:

  • Error Code: Check the hot water system display for any error codes and note them down.
  • Hot Water in All Taps: Advise if there is no hot water in every tap or only certain taps.
  • Unit Age: Find the manufacturer's plate and note the date of manufacture.
  • Photos: Take a zoomed-out photo of the entire unit and a close-up of the compliance plate.

Electrical Storage

The most common unit type — an upright cylinder, often found outside but can sometimes be in a cupboard, roof or garage.

1
Check the Fuse Box

Look at the fuse box to see if all switches are turned on, including any switch labelled for hot water.

  • If no: Turn on the switch(es) and wait 2 hours, then check if hot water has returned.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 2.
2
Check for a Timer Switch

Some units are on a timer (often labelled "Boost" or "Hot Water") located in the kitchen, laundry, or at the unit. Check if the timer is in an off period.

  • If off: Change the settings or wait until it comes back on.
  • If on: Proceed to Step 3.
3
Check for an Off-Peak Meter

Go to the fuse box — if you have two meters, the second one (usually with a glass front) is an off-peak meter. Off-peak systems only heat water during set hours overnight.

  • If off-peak: Water should be hot by morning. If still cold, proceed to Step 4.
  • If not off-peak: Proceed to Step 4.
4
Reset the Power

Turn the hot water switch off at the fuse box, wait 2 minutes, then turn it back on. Test hot water for 30 minutes. If there's still no hot water, proceed to Step 5.

5
Contact Your Property Manager

Gather the following information before contacting your Property Manager:

  • Error Code: Check the hot water system display for any error codes and note them down.
  • Hot Water in All Taps: Advise if there is no hot water in every tap or only certain taps.
  • Unit Age: Find the manufacturer's plate and note the date of manufacture.
  • Photos: Take a zoomed-out photo of the entire unit and a close-up of the compliance plate.

Solar HWS

Features solar panels on the roof, with the storage unit located either on the ground or mounted alongside the panels.

1
Check the Fuse Box

Look at the fuse box to see if all switches are turned on, including any switch labelled "Solar" or "Booster".

  • If no: Turn on the switch(es) and wait 2 hours, then check if hot water has returned.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 2.
2
Check the Booster Switch

The booster switch is usually in the kitchen or laundry, labelled "Solar" or "Booster". It manually heats the water when there hasn't been enough sun.

  • If off: Turn it on, wait 2 hours, and check if hot water is restored.
  • If on: Proceed to Step 3.
3
Contact Your Property Manager

Gather the following information before contacting your Property Manager:

  • Recent Weather: Note how many cloudy days there have been recently.
  • Hot Water in All Taps: Advise if there is no hot water in every tap or only certain taps.
  • Unit Age: Find the manufacturer's plate and note the date of manufacture.
  • Photos: Take a zoomed-out photo of the panels and storage unit, and a close-up of the compliance plate.

Heat Pumps

A cylinder-shaped unit, similar to a cylinder electric storage unit, but with a pump on top.

1
Check for Power Supply

Ensure the unit has power: check the fuse box to see if all switches are turned on. Verify that the power point the unit is plugged into is on.

  • If no: Turn on the switch(es) and wait 2 hours, then check if hot water has returned.
  • If yes: Proceed to Step 2.
2
Check for a Timer Switch

Check the fuse box and look for a timer. If there is one installed, see if it is currently in an off period.

  • If off: Change the settings or wait until it comes back on.
  • If on: Proceed to Step 3.
3
Check for an Off-Peak Meter

Go to the fuse box — if you have two meters, the second one (usually with a glass front) is an off-peak meter, meaning the unit only heats water during set overnight hours.

  • If off-peak: Water should be hot by morning. If still cold, proceed to Step 4.
  • If not off-peak: Proceed to Step 4.
4
Contact Your Property Manager

Gather the following information before contacting your Property Manager:

  • Hot Water in All Taps: Advise if there is no hot water in every tap or only certain taps.
  • Error Code: Check the display panel on the heat pump for any error codes and note them down.
  • Unit Age: Find the manufacturer's plate and note the date of manufacture.
  • Photos: Take a zoomed-out photo of the entire unit and a close-up of the compliance plate.
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Further Assistance and Safety Information

Regular maintenance and careful troubleshooting can keep your hot water system running efficiently, but remember that certain issues may require professional help. For more in-depth knowledge, consult the system's manufacturer manual or your property manager.