Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides hot water cylinder repairs and replacements—backed by a large team and fast turnaround times. Whether it’s a faulty valve or a full cylinder failure, we’ll repair it quickly and properly.
Hot water cylinders wear out over time. When they fail, you may notice leaks, pressure drops, or water not heating properly. Internal parts like thermostats, elements, and valves often break down first—followed by cracks, corrosion, or tank damage.
In most cases, cylinder issues show early signs like hissing sounds, brown water, or temperature swings. Left too long, these faults can damage walls and flooring, raise energy bills, and lead to full tank failure.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas repairs and replaces all types of hot water cylinders—mains pressure, low pressure, electric, gas, and solar. Our team brings the right parts and tools to get the job done quickly and properly. During a typical service, we:
Need urgent help with your hot water cylinder? Contact Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas for fast, reliable service you can count on.
Most hot water cylinder problems start with minor signs—but they tend to get worse over time. These signs often point to a fault that needs checking before it gets worse.
Water Pooling at the Base
Visible water at the bottom of your cylinder is one of the clearest signs something’s wrong. Even a small drip is a red flag. Leaks can come from faulty pressure relief valves, failed pipe joints, or internal cracks in the tank. If ignored, the leaking water can spread to cabinetry, flooring, or insulation—causing costly damage over time. We’ll find the exact source and carry out the correct fix straight away.
Unstable or Low Hot Water Pressure
If your hot taps run slower than usual—or pressure rises and falls while in use—the issue often lies with the cylinder. Blocked valves, scale buildup, or a failing tempering valve can all reduce pressure. Mains pressure systems may also struggle if there’s a fault with the pressure-reducing valve. We check the full cylinder setup to find the cause and restore stable, even pressure throughout your home or building.
Water Discolouration or Unusual Smells
Brown, rusty, or metallic-smelling water from hot taps usually means the inside of your cylinder is corroding—or bacteria is growing in stagnant water. This is more common in older tanks where the protective anode rod has worn out. We inspect the internal lining and parts to assess whether the tank can be flushed and repaired, or if replacement is the safest long-term fix. Clean, safe hot water is always our priority.
Strange Noises from the Tank
If your hot water cylinder is making hissing, gurgling, or banging noises, it likely has internal issues. These sounds are often caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, pressure problems, or overheating. As minerals harden inside the tank, they reduce efficiency and wear out parts faster. We flush the system or replace faulty components to fix the noise and prevent further damage.
Noticed any of these signs? Don’t wait for a full breakdown. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides fast, reliable repairs to get your cylinder working properly again—before it turns into a bigger problem.
Fixing cylinder problems early prevents property damage, restores proper heating, and keeps your water supply safe. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we use trusted parts and proven methods to carry out quality repairs that last.
Fixing hot water cylinder issues early helps you avoid costly damage, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your system. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, our licensed team provides reliable repairs using quality parts—so your cylinder works properly, safely, and for longer.
Hot water cylinders play an essential role in homes, rentals, and businesses. When they start leaking, lose pressure, or stop heating properly, they can disrupt daily routines and cause costly damage if not fixed quickly.
Most issues are due to wear and tear—like faulty valves, corroded parts, or broken elements. Acting early helps prevent major breakdowns and keeps your hot water system running efficiently. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, low or mains pressure, electric, gas, or solar—we can repair or replace it.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we offer reliable servicing and full hot water cylinder installation wherever you need us.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we make the repair process simple and hassle-free. No matter what’s going wrong with your hot water cylinder, we’ll find the issue fast and fix it properly. No unnecessary delays, no upselling—just honest service that gets your hot water back on. Here’s how it works:
We’re trusted by homeowners, rural clients, and commercial sites across Nelson and Tasman region. When your hot water cylinder starts leaking, losing pressure, or showing signs of wear, you need a team that shows up on time, knows what they’re doing, and gets it sorted properly. That’s exactly what we offer—every job, every time.
Malcolm RossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt on the Friday after hours call out as Landlords we appreciate such service and very good work on a major project during the year. Very professional approach Md. HasanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You are best plumbing service. Thank you so much for servicing David AllpressTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't praise Tuffnells enough for the quality of their work. They are utterly reliable and so prompt in dealing with anything needing urgent attention. My thanks to a superb team! Gordon FletcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from a professional tradesman. Thank you. Annette MeadTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people to deal with they help Us out with a water leak carol symeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt and reliable service.100 percent recommend.
Hot water cylinders rarely fail all at once—most show signs before breaking down completely. Leaks, noises, and pressure drops are all early warnings. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides fast, reliable cylinder repairs carried out by licensed plumbers who know how to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Yes, Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides 24-hour emergency plumbing repairs. If your cylinder is leaking, making noise, or has suddenly stopped working, our team can respond quickly to prevent further damage and restore hot water.
We carry the parts and tools needed to handle most urgent repairs on the spot. Whether it’s a faulty valve, thermostat, or a failing storage tank—we’re ready to help, anytime.
The cost to repair a leaking hot water cylinder depends on the cause. Replacing a faulty valve or heating element can range from $200 to $400, while more serious water leaking issues that affect the tank itself may require a full replacement, which can cost upwards of $1,500.
The total cost also depends on access, cylinder type, and whether it’s safe to continue using the system. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide clear pricing, excellent service, and make sure your hot water system is functioning properly and ready to heat water efficiently again.
Yes, in many cases the thermostat or heating element can be replaced without needing a full cylinder replacement. If your storage tank is in good condition but you’re getting cold water or inconsistent water temperature, the issue is often isolated to these parts.
Replacing them can restore proper function and improve energy efficiency without the cost of a new tank. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas checks the full system first, then carries out targeted repairs to get your hot water running properly again.
Repairing a hot water cylinder usually takes a few hours, depending on the fault and access. Replacing a cylinder can take half a day or longer, especially if upgrades are needed to meet current standards. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we assess the issue quickly, carry out repairs efficiently, and handle hot water cylinder installation if a replacement is needed. We’ll help you choose the most suitable system and provide ongoing maintenance services to keep it running smoothly.
A hot water cylinder leaking from the bottom usually means there’s an internal fault, such as corrosion or a split in the tank. It can also be caused by failed safety devices like the pressure relief valve or a leaking connection.
Once water starts leaking from the base, the cylinder often can’t be repaired and needs replacing. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide full hot water cylinder services—including diagnosis, system checks, and hot water cylinder installation for replacements to restore your hot water system safely.
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.