There’s nothing worse than starting your day with a hot shower—only to be hit with icy water halfway through. If your hot water isn’t lasting like it used to, don’t reach for another quick hack. The problem usually runs deeper than just a faulty setting.
For Bayside homes, ageing systems, sediment build-up, and worn-out components are the most common culprits. Let’s uncover what’s really happening—and how to fix it properly.
1. Sediment Build-Up Inside the Tank
Bayside’s water is generally clean, but over time minerals like calcium and magnesium settle inside your tank. This sediment forms a thick layer at the bottom, reducing space for hot water and forcing the system to work harder.
2. Faulty Thermostat or Heating Element
If your system runs out of hot water quickly or fluctuates between hot and cold, a failing thermostat or burnt-out element may be to blame.
Electric systems often use two elements—one at the top and one at the bottom. When one fails, your tank can only heat half its capacity.
3. Undersized System for Your Household
A system that once handled two people might not cope with a growing family. If your usage has increased—extra showers, dishwashers, or washing machine loads—it’s time to upsize.
As a rule of thumb:
3–4 people: 250–315L electric storage or 20–26L gas continuous flow.
5+ people: 315–400L or 26–32L gas unit.
Ezy-Plumb can assess your usage and recommend an upgrade that keeps up without waste.
4. Faulty Mixing Valve or Temperature Issues
If your water starts hot but quickly cools, the tempering valve (which controls temperature at your taps) might be malfunctioning. It blends hot and cold water for safety, but when it fails, it sends too much cold.
Check the valve’s compliance with VBA safety guidelines. If it’s old or sticky, replacement restores temperature consistency immediately.
5. Poor Insulation or Old Piping
In many older Bayside homes, heat loss occurs before water even reaches your tap. Long pipe runs or uninsulated lines cause temperature drops—especially in winter. Insulating the lines or relocating the heater closer to wet areas can make a huge difference.
6. When It’s Time for a Full Replacement
If your system is over 10 years old, or you’ve repaired it multiple times, the efficiency loss might not be recoverable. Upgrading to a modern gas, electric, or heat pump system saves both energy and frustration.
Typical replacement options for Bayside homes:
Gas Instantaneous: Compact, efficient, endless hot water.
- Gas Storage: Simple, affordable replacement.
Electric Storage: Simple, affordable replacement.
Heat Pump: Energy-efficient and eco-friendly choice.
7. Why Quick Hacks Don’t Work
Resetting the thermostat or flushing the relief valve may temporarily improve performance—but they don’t fix root causes like corrosion, scaling, or element failure.
Ignoring the issue just accelerates breakdowns and energy waste.
When to Call Ezy-Plumb
If your showers don’t last or your system sounds like a kettle, it’s time for a professional check. We handle diagnostics, repairs, and replacements across Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Cheltenham, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Caulfield, and Mentone.
👉 Call Ezy-Plumb for fast, reliable service across Bayside Melbourne
FAQs About Hot Water Problems
Why is my hot water running out faster than before?
Sediment build-up or element failure reduces your system’s heating capacity.
Can I flush my own tank?
Not safely—storage tanks involve electricity, gas, and pressurised water.
Will replacing my system save power?
Yes. New models are up to 25% more efficient and recover hot water faster.
Do you offer same-day repairs?
Yes. We provide same-day service across Bayside for urgent hot water issues.
