# Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained **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/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [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/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [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 hot water from an electric system can be an electrical or plumbing fault; note what you see and call a licensed electrician or plumber. By Casey 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. What can cause an electric hot water system to stop working? 2. Why shouldn’t I look inside it? 3. Who should I call: an electrician or a plumber? 4. What if I am renting? 5. Does it matter if I have solar or an off-peak tariff? 6. What to have ready when you call 7. Frequently asked questions If an electric hot water system has stopped working, the cause could be electrical, such as the supply, a control or a heating part, or a water or plumbing problem. You should not open the system or work on it yourself. Note what you can see, then call a licensed electrician, or a plumber if water is leaking. ## What can cause an electric hot water system to stop working? An electric hot water system heats water with an electrical element, controlled by a thermostat. It may also be linked to a timer or an off-peak supply. If any part of that chain fails, you can end up with cold water. Common causes include a loss of electrical supply to the unit, protection devices that have cut the power because of a fault, a failed element or thermostat, a timer or control problem, or a water-side fault such as a leak. You cannot tell which of these it is just by looking, and some of them involve live wiring. ## Why shouldn’t I look inside it? A hot water system combines mains electricity, hot water and pressure in one appliance. Covers are there to keep you away from live parts. Opening them, or touching the wiring, is dangerous and in Queensland the work is regulated. Electrical work on a hot water system, such as the wiring, element or thermostat, must be done by a licensed electrician. Plumbing connections and valves are work for a licensed plumber. The Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the electrical regulator. Stay away and get help if you notice any of these If water is leaking around the system, there is a burning smell, scorch marks, buzzing or sparking, stay away from it and do not touch any wet surfaces near it. Keep children and pets away. If you see smoke, sparks or flames, or anyone is hurt, leave the building and call **000**. Otherwise contact a licensed electrician, and a plumber for leaks. ## Who should I call: an electrician or a plumber? - **A licensed electrician** for a system that has gone cold with no leak, repeated problems with the power supply, or anything involving the power connection, element or thermostat. - **A licensed plumber** for leaks, dripping from the relief valve, or problems with water pipes and connections. - **The manufacturer** for questions about the model, its manual or its warranty. If you are not sure, describe what you see. A good tradesperson can tell you which fits. ## What if I am renting? Tell your landlord or property manager as soon as you notice, and let them arrange the repair. Do not arrange or attempt repairs yourself. If you have questions about your rights, the Residential Tenancies Authority is the place to ask. ## Does it matter if I have solar or an off-peak tariff? Yes, mention it. Some hot water systems are heated at set times, from solar surplus or from an off-peak supply, so the electrician needs to know how yours is set up. Do not touch any timers, controllers or isolators yourself. It also helps to know if anything unusual happened beforehand, such as a storm, a power outage or a breaker that kept tripping. Our article on *safety switches that keep tripping* explains why that matters. ## What to have ready when you call 1. Make and model — Read the make, model and serial number from the label, if you can see it without moving or opening anything, and photograph it. 2. What the display shows — If the system has a display, indicator light or error code, photograph it as it is. 3. When it stopped — Note when the hot water ran out, whether it happened suddenly or slowly, and if anything unusual happened before it. 4. Other signs — Note whether water is leaking, whether other things in the home are affected, and what you hear or smell. ## Frequently asked questions - No. Wiring, element and thermostat work must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland, and plumbing connections by a licensed plumber. - Call a licensed electrician if there is no leak and the system has simply gone cold. Call a licensed plumber if water is leaking or dripping. - Tell your landlord or agent promptly so they can arrange a licensed tradesperson. The Residential Tenancies Authority can answer questions about your rights. - It can be, because water near electrical parts is a hazard. Stay away, do not touch wet surfaces nearby and contact a licensed electrician and plumber. - They will usually want the make and model, any display or error code, when it stopped working and whether there is any leaking, smell or noise. [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 - [ElectricalCan you fix your own hot water system? What’s legal and safeNo: wiring, element and thermostat work needs a licensed electrician in Queensland, and plumbing connections need a licensed plumber.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-hot-water-system-repair/) - [ElectricalWhy does my safety switch keep tripping?A safety switch keeps tripping when it detects current leaking to earth, such as from a faulty appliance or moisture; never bypass it.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [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/) ## 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. What can cause an electric hot water system to stop working? 2. Why shouldn’t I look inside it? 3. Who should I call: an electrician or a plumber? 4. What if I am renting? 5. Does it matter if I have solar or an off-peak tariff? 6. What to have ready when you call 7. 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/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).