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Precision Pipes

No hot water? Here’s what to check first

Call 0406 711 214Book a plumber

No call-out fee · Usually same-day · 180+ five-star reviews

Step 1 — right now

Do this before you do anything else

This costs nothing and doesn’t need us. It’s the difference between a mop and an insurance claim.

  1. 1

    Check another hot tap

    If only one tap is cold, the problem is that tap or its supply line — not the hot water system.

  2. 2

    Look under the unit for pooling water

    Water on the ground under the tank means the tank itself has failed. Turn it off at the isolation valve now to stop it emptying under your house.

  3. 3

    Gas unit? Check whether the pilot is out

    There are relighting instructions printed on the unit. Try once. If it lights then goes out within a minute, stop — that’s a failed thermocouple and it needs a licensed plumber.

  4. 4

    Electric unit? Check the switchboard

    Look for a tripped breaker labelled hot water. Many NSW systems run on a controlled-load circuit that only heats overnight.

Step 2 — what it probably is

The usual causes, in plain English

  • Failed heating element or thermostat

    The most common electric fault. A repair, not a replacement — and usually same-day.

  • Pilot light or gas valve

    The most common gas fault. Often just a thermocouple, which is an inexpensive part.

  • The tank has corroded through

    If it’s leaking, it can’t be repaired. Storage tanks last 10–15 years and this is how they end.

Step 3 — what it costs

So you know before you ring

A repair, if it can be repaired.

An element or thermostat repair is at the cheap end. A full replacement is the expensive end, and where it lands depends on the type of system and its size — a replacement quote always includes removing the old unit and the compliance certificate. We’ll tell you which of the two you’re looking at on the phone.

  • No call-out fee
  • Fixed price before we start
  • Lifetime labour warranty

Step 4 — get it fixed

Ring us, or we’ll ring you

Calling gets you an answer fastest. If you’d rather not wait on the phone, leave your details and we’ll call you back.

Call 0406 711 214

  • Lifetime labour warranty

    Every job we do is backed for as long as you own the property.

  • Fully licensed & insured

    NSW Licence NSW LICENCE PENDING. Compliance certificates on every job.

  • No call-out fee

    We don’t charge to turn up, and we don’t charge to quote.

  • Fixed price up front

    You approve the price before we start. It doesn’t move afterwards.

Book a plumber

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What people say

5.0 from 180+ Google reviews
  • “We needed our bathroom taps replaced and a new hot water heater. Colin came out — he was very professional and hard working. Would go with them again.”
    Google reviewReviewer name not published
  • “Excellent service, very friendly and went above and beyond to get what was needed done.”
    Google reviewReviewer name not published

Still wondering

Common questions

On gas, usually the pilot light or gas valve. On electric, usually a failed element or thermostat, or the off-peak circuit not being energised. All of those are repairs rather than replacements. Water pooling under the tank is the exception — that means the tank has failed and needs replacing.

Yes, once, following the instructions printed on the unit. If it goes out again within a minute the thermocouple has failed and needs a licensed plumber. Don’t try to bypass it — it’s a safety device doing its job.

For no hot water we’ll usually be there the same day, and we carry the common sizes of electric and gas storage units so a straight swap can often be done on the spot.

More about our hot water systems service

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