# Can you fix your own hot water system? What’s legal and safe 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Can you fix your own hot water system? What’s legal and safe **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Can you fix your own hot water system? What’s legal and safe](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-hot-water-system-repair/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) No: wiring, element and thermostat work needs a licensed electrician in Queensland, and plumbing connections need a licensed plumber. By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why is hot water repair licensed work? 2. Who can fix what? 3. What about online guides and videos? 4. What can a homeowner safely do? 5. What happens when a licensed electrician visits? 6. Will DIY affect my warranty or insurance? 7. What to do when your hot water system stops working 8. Frequently asked questions No. Work on a hot water system’s element, thermostat or wiring is electrical work, which in Queensland must be done by a licensed electrician, and plumbing connections must be done by a licensed plumber. Opening the covers on a live system is dangerous. You can read the manual, note the model and symptoms, and contact a licensed professional. ## Why is hot water repair licensed work? A hot water system combines mains electricity, water, heat and pressure. The element and thermostat connect to the home’s wiring, and the water connections carry hot water that can scald and leak into electrical parts. That is why electrical work on a hot water system must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland, and plumbing work by a licensed plumber. The Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the electrical regulator. Its campaign messages are blunt on the subject: do not do your own electrical work. Do not open a live system Do not remove covers or touch wiring on a hot water system, even if it seems to have no power. A system that looks dead may still be live. If water is leaking near it, or there is a burning smell, scorch marks, buzzing or sparking, stay away, do not touch wet surfaces nearby and keep children and pets away. If you see smoke, sparks or flames, leave and call **000**. ## Who can fix what? - **Licensed electrician:** the power supply, wiring, element, thermostat and controls. - **Licensed plumber:** pipe connections, valves, leaks and the water side of the system. - **The manufacturer or retailer:** questions about the model, the warranty and recalls. If you are unsure which applies, describe the symptoms to a licensed tradesperson. They can tell you who is needed. ## What about online guides and videos? Plumbing websites and videos sometimes describe steps for the thermostat or the element. Those steps involve live electrical parts and, in Queensland, the work must be done by a licensed electrician. Even if a guide says it is simple, the risks are the same, and the work can be done wrongly in ways that are hard to see. ## What can a homeowner safely do? Plenty, as long as none of it involves touching, opening or adjusting the system. What you can safely check Look at the manual that came with the system, or find it online using the model name. Read the make, model and serial number from the label if you can see it without moving anything, and photograph any display, light or error code. Write down when the problem began and what you noticed. ## What happens when a licensed electrician visits? A licensed electrician will check the supply to the system and the condition of the parts, find the fault and carry out any repair safely. In Queensland, licensed work is covered by regulations that include paperwork for the work done, so it is worth asking what you will receive. Keep it, because you may need it later for insurance or a sale. ## Will DIY affect my warranty or insurance? It might. Manufacturers’ warranties often set conditions on who can work on the product, and the Residential Tenancies Authority says DIY electrical repairs can void insurance. Check the warranty document and your policy wording rather than assuming. ## What to do when your hot water system stops working 1. Stay back and note what you see — Do not touch the system. Note any leaks, smells, noises or display messages from a safe distance. 2. Photograph the label — Photograph the make and model label and any display or code. 3. Contact the right professional — Call a licensed electrician for electrical symptoms, and a licensed plumber for leaks. In a rental, tell the landlord or agent first. 4. Keep the paperwork — Keep any certificates, receipts or warranty documents from the repair. ## Frequently asked questions - Electrical work on the system must be done by a licensed electrician and plumbing work by a licensed plumber. Check the Electrical Safety Office Queensland for the rules. - No. That is electrical work that must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland, and the parts connect to live wiring. - A licensed plumber for the leak and a licensed electrician if there are electrical symptoms. Stay away from the system and do not touch wet surfaces near it. - It can. Check the warranty document, or ask the manufacturer or retailer, before anyone works on the system. - Read the manual, photograph the label, display and any error code, and write down when the problem started and what you noticed. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalWhy is there no hot water? Electrical faults explainedNo hot water from an electric system can be an electrical or plumbing fault; note what you see and call a licensed electrician or plumber.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [ElectricalCan I do my own electrical work in Queensland?No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-electrical-work-legal-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) - [ElectricalWhat is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why is hot water repair licensed work? 2. Who can fix what? 3. What about online guides and videos? 4. What can a homeowner safely do? 5. What happens when a licensed electrician visits? 6. Will DIY affect my warranty or insurance? 7. What to do when your hot water system stops working 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-hot-water-system-repair/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).