At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we repair, replace, and install electric hot water systems—carried out by licensed professionals with over 100 years of trusted experience. From minor faults to full system failures, we’ll get your hot water running properly again.
Electric hot water systems are common in homes and small businesses, but like any system, parts wear out over time. You may notice water that’s only lukewarm, a breaker that keeps tripping, or higher power bills. These signs often indicate a faulty element, damaged thermostat, or an ageing cylinder losing heat.
In homes, this can mean cold showers and daily disruption. In rental or small commercial settings, it can lead to tenant complaints and business downtime. If ignored, minor issues can result in full electrical failure or costly water damage.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas repairs and installs all types of electric hot water systems—both mains and low pressure. We use proven methods and quality parts to restore performance and efficiency. A typical service includes:
Need fast repairs or a replacement cylinder? Contact Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas for expert electric hot water system servicing and installation.
Electric hot water issues often build up slowly—until the day you’ve got no hot water left. Spotting problems early makes all the difference.
Water Not Heating Properly
If your water isn’t getting hot or stays lukewarm, the heating element or thermostat may be faulty. These parts often burn out after years of use. Left unchecked, your power bill rises while your water stays cold. Replacing the damaged parts usually fixes the issue quickly.
Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your cylinder keeps cutting power at the switchboard, it’s likely an electrical fault in the element or wiring. This can be dangerous and should be looked at straight away. Our team can identify the cause and work with an electrician if needed to make it safe and reliable again.
High Power Bills
Older hot water cylinders often use more power than necessary. Poor insulation, faulty thermostats, or inefficient heating cycles waste energy daily. A quick system check can show if you’re losing power and whether a hot water cylinder repair or full replacement is the better long-term fix.
Leaking Cylinder or Rust Marks
Leaks around the base, rust on the tank, or discoloured water are signs the cylinder is breaking down. Once the inner lining starts to fail, replacement is usually the only fix. We’ll assess whether it’s worth repairing or if a new, efficient model would serve you better.
Seeing any of these signs? Book an inspection and get expert advice on the best fix—fast, reliable, and backed by experience.
Leaving electric hot water problems too long leads to rising energy bills, safety risks, and eventual system failure. Acting early keeps your system working safely and efficiently. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we carry out expert repairs and replacements using tested methods and reliable parts.
Electric cylinders are common in homes, rentals, and light commercial buildings, but they still need proper care to stay safe and efficient. Over time, parts can burn out, wiring can fail, or tanks can rust—leading to unreliable heating, higher power bills, or complete system failure.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide licensed electric hot water repairs, servicing, and full replacements. Whether it’s a small repair or a full system upgrade, we’ll get your hot water running smoothly with no mess, no delays, and no stress.
We make it easy to get your electric hot water system sorted—without delays, mess, or confusion. Here’s how it works:
When your electric hot water cylinder starts playing up, you need it fixed properly—without delays or half-measures. We’ve built our reputation across Nelson and Tasman by showing up on time, doing the job right, and keeping things simple.
Small faults in electric hot water systems often turn into full failures when you least expect it. Don’t wait for cold water and bigger repair bills. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas gets straight to the issue—fast, accurate fixes by experienced plumbers who know what they’re doing.
The price to replace an electric hot water cylinder in New Zealand typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,500, depending on the size, type, and location of the unit. Costs include the new cylinder, parts, labour, and any plumbing or electrical adjustments needed. Upgrading to a more efficient model can also reduce long-term running costs by improving water heating performance. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide clear pricing upfront and install reliable systems built to last.
Low hot water pressure with normal cold water flow often points to an issue in the hot water system itself. Common causes include a blocked tempering valve, ageing pipework, or a failing cylinder—especially in older low-pressure setups. If you’re using a continuous flow system, it could be a problem with the unit’s internal controls or filters. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we check everything from cylinders to basins to find the cause and restore proper pressure.
Mains pressure electric hot water systems provide full flow to taps, showers, and basins, matching cold water pressure for a consistent experience. Low pressure electric systems are older and use a gravity-fed setup, resulting in reduced flow and longer heat-up times.
They can struggle with modern fixtures or when multiple outlets are used, unlike instant hot water systems or upgraded mains options. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we install and replace electric cylinders across the full range, and can advise whether switching to mains pressure is the right move for your home.
Hot water cylinder installation usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on access, existing plumbing, and whether it’s a simple replacement or a full upgrade. If switching from low to mains pressure or relocating the unit, it can take longer.
A properly installed system ensures constant temperature and better energy efficiency, especially with modern insulated cylinders. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we handle the full process efficiently, so you’re not left without hot water for long.
Hissing or popping noises from an electric hot water cylinder usually mean there’s sediment buildup on the heating element. When minerals from the water settle inside the tank, they form a layer that traps heat and causes the element to overheat and make noise.
It can also reduce energy efficiency and shorten the life of the cylinder. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we can flush the system or replace the element to restore quiet, reliable heating.
Providing trusted plumbing, drainage, and gasfitting solutions across the Nelson and Tasman regions for over 110 years.
Our team of licensed professionals is committed to fast, reliable service backed by industry expertise and local knowledge. Whether you need emergency plumbing, hot water repairs, or expert drainage solutions, we’re here to help — whenever you need us.
