Gas Hot Water Not Working? Check These 3 Things Before Calling a Plumber
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A gas hot water system not igniting or heating properly is one of our most common calls in Melbourne, particularly in winter. Before booking a plumber, here are three checks that often fix the problem, and should prevent a potentially expensive call-out.
Check the Pilot Light
Most gas hot water systems have a small pilot flame that must be present for the main burner to ignite. This can be extinguished by a sudden gust of wind (if the unit is outdoor mounted), a temporary gas supply interruption, or a faulty thermocouple. Many systems have simple instructions for relighting the pilot flame, usually located on the body of the unit. If your unit is old, or the pilot light is frequently going out, ask a licensed gas fitter to inspect it instead of relighting it again and again.
Check Your Gas Supply
If your hot water is not working, and other gas appliances in your home are also not working, it is likely that your gas supply has been interrupted. Check that the gas is not turned off at the meter and that your gas company has not reported a local supply interruption in your area.
Look for an error code or fault light
Many modern gas hot water systems will display an error code or flashing fault light when they are not functioning correctly. Look up the code in your user manual, or search the code and model number of your hot water system online to identify the problem. It may relate to an ignition fault, overheating or, on newer models, a faulty fan.
Should I attempt to relight my pilot light myself?
It is generally safe to relight the pilot light on many residential gas hot water systems, providing you follow the instructions carefully and there is no smell of gas. If the pilot light does not stay alight after two or three attempts, there is likely a more serious fault (such as a faulty thermocouple) and it is best to call for professional help.
When None of These Fix It
Signs You Need a Licensed Gas Fitter
If you can smell or hear a gas leak, do not attempt to locate the source, and call a licensed gas fitter immediately.
If the above checks have not fixed your problem, it is best to leave any further investigation and repairs to a licensed gas fitter. Not all plumbers are licensed gas fitters, so when searching for a plumber near me, make sure they list “gas hot water” as a service. Plumb Construct’s licensed Melbourne gas fitters carry a wide range of genuine spare parts for all major brands of hot water systems sold in Melbourne, meaning most gas hot water faults can be diagnosed and repaired on the first visit.
Talk to a Licensed Plumber in Melbourne
Plumb Construct’s licensed Melbourne gas fitters can investigate why your gas hot water system will not ignite or heat your water, and in most cases resolve the issue on the first visit.
Call 0424 932 737
Email [email protected]
300 Plummer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Related Plumbing Services
- Hot Water Systems – repairs, replacements and same-day diagnosis for all hot water system types.
- Gas Fitting & Leaks – pilot light faults, thermocouple replacements and gas supply issues.
- Emergency Plumbing – no hot water with a household to run? We attend the same day.
Related reading: gas hot water not working, the real cost of a leaking tap, and what to do before the plumber arrives.
FAQs - Gas Hot Water Not Working? Explained
Why does my gas hot water system keep losing its pilot light?
Repeated pilot light failures are usually caused by a faulty thermocouple, a draft affecting the pilot assembly, or a partially blocked gas line. If it keeps happening, it needs a professional inspection rather than repeated relighting.
Can a gas hot water problem affect other appliances in my home?
Yes. If the fault is with your gas supply rather than the hot water unit itself, other gas appliances like your stove or heater may also stop working properly.
Is it dangerous if my gas hot water system won't ignite?
A system that simply won’t ignite is usually just inconvenient rather than dangerous. However, if you smell gas at any point, treat it as an emergency, turn off the gas at the meter, and call a licensed gas fitter immediately.
How much does it cost to repair a gas hot water system in Melbourne?
A thermocouple or igniter is a cheap, quick fix in most cases. A burner or heat exchanger problem is a different story parts and labour both cost more, and it’s worth getting that quoted properly before agreeing to the work rather than assuming it’s a small job.
How often should a gas hot water system be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend an annual service to check the burner, flue, and safety components, which also reduces the chance of an unexpected breakdown.
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