January 7, 2025

No hot water in Auckland? Hot water recovery explained

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No Hot Water in Auckland? Hot Water Recovery Explained

If you are experiencing no hot water in Auckland, you are not alone. Hot water systems can fail for various reasons, and understanding what might be causing the issue can save you time and frustration. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to troubleshoot your hot water system and what to do when it is not working.

Common Causes of Hot Water Issues in Auckland

Hot water systems are complex and can have several components that can fail. Some issues are easy to fix, while others might require professional help. Let's break down the most common reasons why your hot water might not be working.

Identify Your Hot Water System Type

Understanding the type of hot water system you have is crucial for troubleshooting:

1. Electric Systems

  • Internal Hot Water Cylinder: Typically located in cupboards, under the home, or in roof cavities.
  • External Hot Water Cylinder: Installed outside the property, usually along a perimeter wall.
  • External Heat Pump Hot Water Cylinder: Located outdoors, using both electric and heat pump technology.

2. Gas Systems

  • Califont (Instantaneous Water Heater): Positioned outside and connected to both electricity and gas supply.
  • Gas-powered Cylinders: Some systems may use gas cylinders instead of electric ones.

How to Troubleshoot Your Hot Water System

Follow these steps to figure out what might be causing your hot water issues:

1. Check Your Switchboard

Look for a switch labelled “HWC,” “HWS,” or “Hot Water.” If the circuit breaker has tripped, try turning it back on. If it stays on, your hot water should be restored shortly. If the breaker keep stripping, there may be an electrical issue.

Tip: If you suspect an electrical issue, call Auckland electricians to investigate further.

2. Contact Vector for Electric Systems

If the circuit breaker is on but you still have no hot water, contact Vector (0508 VECTOR). Their technicians can check if there are issues with their load management device, which can sometimes affect your hot water supply.

3. Check Your Gas Supply for Gas Systems

If you have a gas hot water system, ensure that your gas supply is sufficient. If your gas bottle is low, you may need to replace it.

Tip: Pourwarm (not boiling) water down the side of the gas bottle to determine the level. If it's empty, order a refill or switch to a full cylinder.

ELGAS has a great little video explaining how to complete this:

Plenty of gas?

You may have lost power at the califont

Most califont’s will be connected with a plug and socket.

IF SO: See if you can find a regular extension lead.

Plug the extension lead into a power outlet inside the home that you know is working,

Then run it through a window or door out to the califont.

Plug the califont into the extension lead, then go and test your hot water at the tap.

‍If hot water has returned:

‍‍Call an electrician to come and check out the outdoor power supply.

You can keep using the extension lead in the meantime!

If hot water has not returned:

You likely have an issue with the califont.

Unplug the califont and leave it unplugged.

Call a registered gas fitter in to come and take a look & repair

When to Call a Plumber vs. an Electrician

While many hot water issues are electrical, there are certain situations where you may need a plumber:

  • Electrical Issues: If your hot water system is not working, most likely, the problem is electrical. In this case, contact an electrician.
  • Plumbing Issues: If there is a noticeable leak or the issue involves the pipes, call a plumber.

For most hot water recovery issues, we recommend contacting an electrician first to avoid multiple callout fees.

Common Hot Water System Issues
Power Loss

Power interruptions are a common cause of hot water issues. An electrician can check whether the issue is at the switchboard, meter board, or within the hot water system itself.

Faulty Thermostats

A faulty thermostat can cause water to either become too hot or fail to heat altogether. Thermostats are relatively simple and affordable to replace.

Broken Heating Elements

Elements in hot water cylinders have a limited lifespan. If yours fails, the cylinder needs to be drained (usually by a plumber) before an electrician can replace the element. For older cylinders, it may be more economical to replace the unit instead of just the element.

What is a Load Management Device (Ripple Relay)?

Many Auckland homes have load management devices (also known as ripple relays) installed in the meter board. These devices switch off hot water systems during peak times to reduce stress on the electrical grid.

Picture this:

  • Everyone comes home from work at roughly the same time and starts to use high-power electrical devices (oven, hobs, electric heaters, etc.).
  • This high electrical demand puts stress on the residential electrical grid.
  • To lower this demand, the load management device switches off hot water systems until around the time people start going to bed.

The hot water cylinder may lose a few degrees of temperature during this time, but usually not a noticeable amount.

Note: The pilot system is slowly being decommissioned in most areas of West Auckland. Load management devices are looked after by Vector in Auckland.

What to Do If Your Hot Water is Too Hot

If your hot water temperature is excessively high, it might be due to:

  1. Faulty Thermostat: If the thermostat is broken, it can cause the heating element to stay on constantly. An electrician can replace the thermostat.
  2. Faulty Tempering Valve: The tempering valve regulates the temperature of the water. If it’s faulty, the water might get too hot. A plumber will need to fix or replace the valve.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Hot Water Systems in Auckland
  • Q: Why is my hot water only lukewarm?
    A: This could be caused by a failing thermostat or heating element. An electrician can assess and replace the faulty parts.
  • Q: How long does it take for a hot water cylinder to heat up?
    A: A standard cylinder usually takes 2-3 hours to fully heat up. After about an hour, you might have enough hot water for a shower.
  • Q: Is a heat pump hot water cylinder better?
    A: Heat pump cylinders are more energy-efficient and can reduce energy costs in the long run. However, they have a higher upfront cost and may require more expensive repairs.
  • Q: Why is my hot water too hot?
    A: This issue can be due to a faulty thermostat or tempering valve. High water temperatures can damage system components, so call a tradesperson to resolve this quickly.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Hot Water Recovery

If your hot water suddenly stops working, start by checking your system type and troubleshooting with the steps above.

For electrical issues, it’s best to call in a certified electrician to ensure a safe and effective solution. Reaching out to professionals for help is the best way to get your hot water back on as quickly as possible.

Stuck? Give Us a Bell!

We've encountered every issue possible with hot water systems. If you're stuck or need advice, get in touch with us. We offer free over-the-phone troubleshooting, so don’t hesitate to call us before booking a service.

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