<ul>
<li>Check the isolating switch (typically located at the switchboard) and next to the water heater (if installed) are both turned on</li>
<li>Check the fuse marked “HOT WATER” or “WATER HEATER” at the switchboard</li>
<li>Check the power cord is plugged in (if applicable) and is turned on</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>If a timer has been installed, ensure the settings allow sufficient time to reheat the storage tank to meet your hot water needs</li>
<li>Make sure that your energy tariff allows sufficient time to reheat the storage tank to meet your hot water needs</li>
</ul>

Monitor your hot water usage and check if any outlets (especially the showers) are using more hot water than you realise. It is easy to underestimate the amount of hot water being used. Look at these simple steps to saving hot water:
<ul>
<li>Monitor the length of time spent in the shower, it’s easy to spend longer than you realise!</li>
<li>Express can  install a water saving shower head and other water saving devices</li>
<li>Use cold water to wash your clothes</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>It is normal for your water heater to discharge a small amount of water during the heating cycle via the relief valve</li>
<li>If the relief valve is discharging too much water (more than a bucket full of water in 24 hours), please contact Express Plumbing and Gas on 1300 722 517</li>
</ul>

Get your local Express Plumber to check you have the right hot water system to suit your needs.
<ul>
<li>Monitor the length of time spent in the shower, it’s easy to spend longer than you realise!</li>
<li>Express can install a water saving shower head and other water saving devices</li>
<li>Use cold water to wash your clothes</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Close the hot tap, wait 10 seconds and open the hot tap again</li>
<li>Check that the hot tap is open enough – the burner in a gas Continuous Flow water heater may not light at very low flow rates, try opening the hot tap further</li>
<li>Check the power supply to the water heater is switched on. For Continuous Flow models, check that the power supply cord is plugged in and the power outlet is switched on</li>
<li>Check that power is available in the house. Try using another electrical appliance</li>
<li>If you have a gas water heater or gas boosted solar, check that the isolation valve in the gas line is open</li>
<li>If you have a gas water heater or gas boosted solar, check that there is a gas supply to the rest of the house. Try lighting another gas appliance</li>
<li>Check that your gas water heater ignites after the tap is opened. Please note that storage heaters may not light immediately</li>
<li>In most homes, there is some distance between the water heater and the taps. This is what is known as a “dead leg”. When it’s not being used, the water in the line goes cold and has to be drawn through before hot water is available at the tap. Keep the hot tap open a little longer to check if this may be the cause</li>
</ul>
If the problem continues, call Express Plumbing on 1300 722 517

<ul>
<li>Check there is cold water flow from a cold water tap. If not, check the main water isolation valve to the residence is turned on</li>
<li>Check the isolation valve on the cold supply line to the water heater is fully open</li>
</ul>
If the problem continues, call Express Plumbing on 1300 722 517

<ul>
<li>Check how many hot taps or appliances using hot water are in use. Depending on your model water heater, the number of taps or appliances (e.g. dishwasher or washing machine) in use at any one time may reduce the water flow</li>
<li>Check this by opening one hot tap only so that it is fully open, e.g. the shower. If the water flow is normal, then try to plan your water usage to reduce the number of hot taps or appliances in use at the same time</li>
<li>Ask Express for some free advice as to which hot water system could better meet your needs</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>A small volume of water may discharge from the valve during the heating cycle. This is normal operation. However, if it discharges more than a bucket full of water in 24 hours, there may be another problem</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>A continuous dribble may indicate a small particle of foreign matter may be caught in the valve. Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds. This may dislodge any particles and clear the fault. Release the lever gently</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>This may indicate the mains water pressure sometimes rises above the designed pressure of the relief valve. Ask your installing plumber to fit a pressure limiting valve</li>
</ul>
<strong>Warning:</strong> Never replace the relief valve with one of a higher pressure rating

<ul>
<li>An electric water heater must be switched off at the switchboard</li>
<li>If you have a gas water heater, the gas control must be turned off using the knob on top of the gas control thermostat</li>
<li>Phone Rheem Service on 131 031 or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for inspection</li>
</ul>