A cold shower on a Perth winter morning is nobody’s idea of a good start. A hot water system not working is one of the most common call-outs we get this time of year, and the cause isn’t always what you’d expect.
The good news: some problems are quick checks you can do yourself. Others mean the system has had its day. Here’s how to tell which is which, and what it means for your hot water and your bills.
Key Takeaways:
- Water heating is the second-largest part of home energy use in Australia (energy.gov.au), so a fault hits both comfort and bills.
- Common causes: a tripped safety switch, a pilot light that’s out, a faulty thermostat, or a leaking tank.
- A leaking tank almost always means replacement, not repair.
- Eligible heat pump replacements can claim federal STC rebates (Clean Energy Regulator).
Why isn't my hot water working?
Most hot water faults come down to power, gas supply, a worn part, or plain old age. Water heating is the second-largest segment of household energy use in Australia, according to energy.gov.au, so the moment it stops, you’ll feel it. The right fix depends on whether you have an electric, gas, or heat pump system.
Work out your system type first. Electric and heat pump units run off a power circuit. Gas units rely on a pilot light or ignition. That one detail points you straight to the likely cause.
Common causes of no hot water
If you’ve got no hot water at all, the culprit is usually one of a handful of issues. The table below covers what we see most often in Perth homes, from a simple tripped switch through to a tank that has reached the end of its life.
System type | Likely cause | What it usually means |
Electric / heat pump | Tripped safety switch | Reset once; if it trips again, book a technician |
Gas | Pilot light out | Relight per the manual; recurring faults point to the thermocouple |
Any type | Faulty thermostat or element | A repairable part, usually worth fixing |
Any type | Leaking or corroded tank | Almost always a replacement |
Heat pump | Fan or compressor fault | Needs a qualified service technician |
Quick fixes you can try first
Before you book a call-out, a few safe checks can save you the bill. Stick to the basics: power, gas, and an obvious leak. In WA, plumbing work can only legally be done by a licensed plumber, and gas work by a licensed gasfitter, so leave anything beyond these simple checks to a professional.
Check the switchboard:
Reset a tripped safety switch once and see if power returns.
Gas systems:
Relight the pilot following the steps in your manufacturer’s manual.
Isolation switch or timer:
Make sure it hasn’t been switched off or knocked.
Look for leaks:
Pooling water around the tank is a warning sign, not something to ignore.
You can book heat pump servicing in Perth and have a licensed technician diagnose it properly.
Repair or replace? When to call it
Repair usually makes sense for a faulty thermostat, element, or valve on a unit under about 10 years old. Replacement is the smarter call when the tank itself is leaking, the system is past a decade, or the repair bills keep stacking up. A corroded tank cannot be patched, so it is almost always a replacement.
There is a regulatory angle too. From 1 May 2024, a temperature control device must be fitted whenever a water heater is replaced in WA (Building and Energy), so even a like-for-like swap has to meet current standards. If you are replacing regardless, it is the ideal moment to step up to a more efficient system instead of installing another standard electric or gas unit.
Replacing with a heat pump in Perth
If your old system has failed for good, a heat pump is the upgrade most Perth homeowners ask us about. It pulls heat from the surrounding air to warm your water, which uses far less electricity than a standard electric element. Eligible models also qualify for federal STC rebates that bring the upfront price down.
The Reclaim heat pump and Apricus hot water heat pump units we install are quiet, efficient, and we sort the STC rebate paperwork for you. Air source heat pumps under 425 litres on the approved register can create small-scale technology certificates (Clean Energy Regulator). For the bigger picture, read our ultimate guide to heat pump hot water in Perth and what they cost to run. Not sure what size you need? Our sizing guide helps you match capacity to your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no hot water at all?
No hot water usually points to a power or gas supply problem, a tripped safety switch, or a pilot light that has gone out. Check those first. If they are fine, a faulty thermostat, a failed element, or a leaking tank is the likely cause, and that needs a technician.
Can I fix a hot water system myself?
You can safely reset a tripped switch, relight a gas pilot, and check for leaks. Anything involving wiring, gas, or the tank must be done by a licensed plumber or gasfitter in WA. It keeps your home safe and meets the law.
How long should a hot water system last?
Most storage systems give you around a decade of service, though water quality and maintenance both play a part. Once a unit is past 10 years and starting to need repairs, putting that money toward a replacement is usually the better value.
