Cold showers are one of those things that go from minor inconvenience to full family crisis within about 24 hours. If your hot water system has stopped working in Mildura or the Sunraysia region, here is what to work through before you call a plumber, and what will happen once you do.

Step one: figure out what type of system you have

There are three common types of hot water system in Sunraysia homes: electric storage, gas storage, and solar (usually with a gas or electric booster). Each one fails for different reasons, and the first checks are different for each.

If you are not sure which type you have, look for the unit. Electric systems typically have a white or cream cylinder somewhere on your property, often outside. Gas systems have a flue pipe coming out the top and a gas connection at the base. Solar systems have panels on the roof and a storage tank nearby.

Electric hot water systems: what to check first

The most common reason an electric hot water system suddenly stops producing hot water is a tripped circuit breaker. Go to your switchboard and look for a breaker labelled "hot water" or "HWS" that has tripped to the middle or off position. Switch it off fully, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on.

If it trips again immediately, there is a fault in the system and you will need a licensed plumber or electrician to investigate. Do not keep resetting it. A repeatedly tripping breaker is telling you something is wrong.

The other common cause on electric systems is a blown heating element. You will typically notice this as water that gets lukewarm but never properly hot, or a system that takes far longer than usual to heat. This is a job for a licensed plumber.

Mildura tip: Hard water in the Sunraysia region causes accelerated element scaling. If your system is over 8 years old and the element has failed, it is worth asking Brad whether replacement versus repair makes more economic sense before you spend money on a new element.

Gas hot water systems: what to check first

For gas storage systems, check the pilot light first. Most systems have a small window on the front where you can see whether the pilot is burning. If it is out, follow the relighting instructions on the unit itself. There is usually a label on the front. If the pilot will not stay lit after several attempts, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs replacing by a licensed plumber.

Also check that your gas supply is on. If you have a natural gas connection, confirm the meter is not turned off. If you are on LPG, check that your cylinders are not empty.

Solar hot water systems: what to check first

Solar systems have a gas or electric booster that kicks in when there has not been enough sun. If you have had several cloudy days in a row, the booster may not have been keeping up. Give the system 24 hours of good weather and see if it recovers.

If you have had sunny weather and the water is still cold, check the booster first using the relevant electric or gas steps above. If the booster is fine, the issue may be with the collector panels, the pump, or the controller. All of these require a licensed plumber.

When the water is rust coloured or the tank is leaking

Rust coloured water from the hot tap, or a visible leak from the tank itself, usually means the anode rod has failed and the tank is corroding from the inside. This is a sign that the system is near end of life. A patch repair is rarely worth the cost. You are typically better off replacing the unit.

A leaking temperature and pressure relief valve (the small valve on the side or top of the tank with a pipe running to a drain) is different. This is a safety device that sometimes needs replacement. If yours is discharging water constantly, it needs attention but it does not necessarily mean the tank itself has failed.

No hot water in Mildura or Sunraysia? Brad can usually attend same day.

📞 Call 0411 755 399

How long should a hot water system last?

Most storage hot water systems are designed to last 10 to 12 years. The hard water in the Sunraysia region can accelerate wear on elements and anode rods, so systems here sometimes run shorter than that without proper maintenance.

As a rule of thumb: if your system is under 8 years old and has a single fault, repair is usually the right call. If it is 10 or more years old and something has failed, replacement is often more economical in the long run, particularly when you factor in energy efficiency gains from a newer unit.

What Brad looks for when he arrives

When Brad attends a hot water job, the first thing he does is a full system assessment rather than just looking at the obvious fault. He checks element condition, anode rod status, thermostat settings, pressure relief valve, and the age and condition of the tank. He will give you an honest recommendation on repair versus replacement before any work starts, with a clear price upfront.

Most hot water repairs in the Mildura area are completed in a single visit. If a replacement is needed, Brad can often fit a new unit the same day or the following morning depending on what is available through local suppliers.

Summary: quick reference checklist

If you have worked through the above and still have no hot water, call Brad on 0411 755 399 or send a message via the contact page. He services Mildura, Dareton, Wentworth, Red Cliffs, Merbein, Irymple, Buronga, Gol Gol and surrounding areas across Greater Sunraysia.

For a full overview of what Brad handles, see the Remote Plumbing services page.