You step into the shower, expecting a steamy wake-up to start your day. Instead… Arctic blast. Yep, no hot water. It’s the kind of shock that makes you regret hitting snooze or staying up for one more episode of your favourite series. Whether it’s mid-winter in the Illawarra, a spring morning in the Shoalhaven, or just a Monday in the Sutherland Shire, a cold shower is no one’s idea of fun.
Before you panic and consider jumping straight into the neighbour’s hot tub, there are a few things you can check.
Quick Checks You Can Do
Gas system? Make sure the pilot light is still burning. Sometimes it goes out for no apparent reason, like that mysterious disappearance of socks in the laundry.
Electric system? Check the circuit breaker. A trip could happen if something overloaded your system overnight.
Whole house or just one tap? Knowing whether it’s a single bathroom or the entire house will help narrow down the problem fast.
Common Causes...
Faulty heating element (electric systems): These can wear out over time, leaving you shivering instead of singing in the shower.
Pilot light or gas supply issues (gas systems): Sometimes the flame just flickers out. No fire, no hot water, simple as that.
Sediment build-up in the tank: Over the years, minerals from your water settle at the bottom, making heating less effective. A bit of a common Aussie plumbing headache, especially in areas with harder water.
Thermostat problems: If the thermostat isn’t working, your system has no idea how hot to get your water.
Temporary Fixes!
- Reset your hot water system: Give it a chance to reboot, sometimes it just needs a little nudge.
- Drain a little water from the tank: This can flush out sediment and help your system run more efficiently.
- Relight the pilot (only if safe to do so): If you’re confident and it’s a gas system, this can sometimes bring your hot water back to life. Safety first, always.
When to Call Curran!!!!
If you’ve tried the above and your shower still feels like a dip in the Tasman Sea in July, it’s time to call the experts. Curran has seen it all, from dodgy elements to stubborn gas systems and we know how to get your hot water running again fast.
Extra Curran Tip: While you wait for your hot water to be fixed, why not treat yourself to a cheeky warm cuppa in the kitchen? Or go for quick morning walk!
👉 Don’t suffer another cold shower. Call Curran today, our friendly, local experts will restore your hot water quickly and reliably!
