Do I Need a Plumber or Electrician for Hot Water Repairs?
Has your hot water suddenly stopped working? Have you been forced to take too many cold showers? Your hot water system may need repairs, but is it better to call an electrician or a plumber to fix it?
Your hot water system is made up of electrical and plumbing elements to keep your water ready whenever you need it. This mix of elements can make it difficult to identify which parts need to be fixed and who you should call to get help. In this article, we’ll detail the different ways you can check what’s wrong with your system and who you should call for repairs.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Precision Plumbing today.
Checking Your System
If your water doesn’t seem to be heating up quickly or at all, your hot water system may not be functioning properly. Before calling in a professional the first step is to try and determine the issue.
Your circuit breaker may have been tripped, turning off your hot water system. If the power has been tripped you should only have to reset the circuit breaker to turn your hot water system back on. If you can’t see any issues with your circuit breaker, check that the hot water system is being directly powered by confirming its plug is still secure and in place.
If there are still issues after checking whether or not the electrics are in order, you should then test your pressure relief valve. Your pressure relief valve is designed to open during the heating process to reduce pressure from building up in your system and causing damage.
To test your pressure relief valve, you only need to lift the test lever a few times to see if water is coming out of the overflow pipe. If no water comes through the overflow pipe, you may need to replace the valve or refill your hot water system.
How Can an Electrician Help?
An electrician can help with any electrical components tied to your hot water system. If your circuit breaker does not appear to be working after a check or you are having issues with your thermostat, an electrician can come in to fix it.
If you have noticed any damaged or exposed wires around your hot water system it could be dangerous to interact with and a professional is recommended. An electrician is the best way to make sure your hot water system is receiving the power it needs to function properly.
How Can a Plumber Help?
Your hot water system is integrated into your plumbing and a plumber knows exactly how it works. If you have noticed water pooling under your system or mould developing, it may have a leak affecting the flow of your hot water, preventing hot water from reaching your taps. A plumber is able to patch, repair or replace parts to ensure your system is working correctly and prevent future leaks.
If you have noticed your pressure relief valve is struggling to produce water, the valve may need to be replaced or the system may need to be refilled with water. This is a common problem for hot water systems and plumbers are practised at making these repairs safely and efficiently.
If the hot water coming out of your pressure relief valve is discoloured it could indicate that your system has rusted significantly, damaging its ability to heat and distribute water. If this is the case a plumber will have to replace your hot water system to get your water heating correctly again.
Knowing Who to Call
If you suspect your hot water system is not working how it should, performing a quick inspection can help you determine what you need to do to get it fixed.
A plumber can repair and replace pipes, refill your system and ensure your pressure relief valve works correctly. An electrician ensures your system is getting the power it needs to run properly by repairing damaged wiring, circuit breakers or thermostats.
Handling a hot water system can be dangerous without the right expertise. If you’re having any of these issues with your system, it is important to get a professional to help repair them.
At Precision Plumbing, we offer expert plumbing services all across Northern Melbourne. If you need a plumber to inspect your hot water system and make repairs, call us today for a comprehensive service.