Nothing feels worse than a cold shower when you expect steam. Most hot‑water headaches have an easy fix, so you don’t have to wait for a plumber all day. Below are the top things to check before you pick up the phone.
1. Reset the water heater. Most electric heaters have a reset button on the front panel. Press it once – if it trips again, there’s a bigger issue.
2. Look at the power. For electric units, make sure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped and the plug is securely seated. A loose connection can stop heating in minutes.
3. Check the thermostat setting. It’s easy to set the dial too low by accident. Aim for 55‑60 °C (130‑140 °F) for a good balance of comfort and energy use.
4. Pressurise the system. If you have a combi boiler, low pressure (below 1 bar) can stop hot‑water flow. Locate the filling loop, open the valves until the gauge reads about 1.2 bar, then close them.
5. Reset the pilot light. Gas‑powered water heaters need a lit pilot. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s steps to relight it safely – usually a knob, a button, and a few minutes of waiting.
6. Spot any leaks. A drip around the tank or pipe can bleed heat away and lower pressure. Tighten loose fittings or call an expert if the pipe is cracked.
Most of these checks take under five minutes. If hot water still won’t come, it’s time to move to the next step.
Call us if you see any of these signs:
Our certified technicians know the ins and outs of combi boilers, electric tanks, and gas water heaters. We’ll diagnose the fault, explain the fix in plain English, and get your showers back to normal fast.
While you wait, conserve water by turning off the tap when it’s cold and using a bucket for quick rinses. It saves water and keeps the system from working harder.
Fixing hot water doesn’t have to be a hassle. Start with the quick checks, and if they don’t work, our South Shields team is just a call away. Warm showers are only a few steps away!
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