At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we specialise in hot water cylinder repairs and installations—backed by a large team, fast turnaround times, and over 100 years of trusted experience. From minor faults to full replacements, we get it sorted quickly and properly.
A faulty hot water cylinder can disrupt daily routines, raise power bills, and lead to water damage. Common signs include water not staying hot, low pressure, or visible leaks—often caused by worn-out elements, failed valves, or corrosion inside the tank.
In homes, this affects showers, laundry, and kitchen use. In rentals or commercial properties, it can lead to tenant complaints, downtime, and costly repairs. Small faults like a failed thermostat can quickly escalate into major problems, such as burst tanks and floor damage.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas repairs and installs all types of hot water cylinders, including electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, and solar hot water systems. We use quality parts, trusted brands, and proven repair methods to restore your system. Here’s what we do when servicing a failed or failing cylinder:
Think your cylinder is on the way out? Contact our reliable plumbers at Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas for fast, expert hot water cylinder service you can rely on.
Not every hot water issue means a full system replacement. Here’s how to tell what you’re dealing with:
Unstable Water Temperature
If your hot water runs out quickly or doesn’t reach the right temperature, the issue may lie with a faulty element or thermostat. These components control how the system heats water, and when they wear out, performance drops. In many cases, they can be replaced without touching the rest of the cylinder. However, if the tank is corroded or heavily scaled, replacement may be more practical.
Low Hot Water Pressure
A noticeable drop in pressure could be caused by a faulty valve, sediment build-up in the cylinder, or restrictions in the pipework. Over time, minerals in the water can settle inside the tank and reduce flow. In low-pressure systems, older valves are especially prone to blockage or failure. A full inspection will identify whether it’s a fixable issue or something that requires an upgrade.
Leaks Around the Cylinder
Water pooling around the base of the unit, rust stains, or slow drips near pipe connections are signs of internal corrosion. These leaks often start small but can lead to tank failure and serious water damage if left unchecked. In most cases, once the cylinder itself is compromised, repairs are no longer viable. Replacement is the safest option to prevent further damage and ensure compliance with current standards.
Constant Need for Callouts
If your system is regularly breaking down or requiring multiple part replacements, it may be reaching the end of its serviceable life. Frequent faults can be a sign the internal components are worn out or the tank is deteriorating from age. This often results in recurring costs and inconvenience. In many cases, installing a new cylinder is more cost-effective than continuing to patch an unreliable one.
If your cylinder is showing any of these signs, don’t leave it to chance. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides fast fault diagnosis, honest advice, and full cylinder servicing across Nelson and Tasman region.
We make every job straightforward, safe, and fully compliant with NZ standards. Whether it’s a small fix or a full install, here’s what you can expect:
Hot water cylinders can develop faults over time, leading to problems like leaks, low pressure, rust buildup, or heating failures. If not addressed quickly, these issues can cause water damage, higher energy bills, and disruption to daily routines.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we offer prompt repairs and expert maintenance to keep your hot water cylinder working at its best. Whether you need a new thermostat, a replacement tank, or an upgrade to a mains pressure system, we’ll assess the situation and recommend the best solution. Our team works efficiently, ensuring there’s minimal disruption and no surprises.
We provide hot water system services throughout:
We’re trusted by homeowners, rural clients, and businesses across Nelson and Tasman. When your hot water cylinder fails, you need a team that arrives on time, knows the system inside and out, and gets it fixed right. That’s exactly what we offer—every time, with no hassle.
Is your hot water cylinder failing? Delaying repairs can lead to costly damage and disruption. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas offers prompt, reliable repairs by licensed professionals, ensuring your system is fixed correctly the first time.
If your hot water system isn’t heating properly, the issue could be with the thermostat, heating element, or power supply. For electric hot water cylinders, a common problem is a faulty heating element or thermostat.
Gas hot water cylinders may experience issues with the gas valve or pilot light, while solar hot water systems can suffer from problems with the panels or booster. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring replacements are compatible with your electric, gas, or solar hot water cylinder system.
If your hot water cylinder is over 15 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan and could need replacing. Signs that it’s time for a replacement include inconsistent water temperature, leaks, or increased energy costs.
If your current cylinder isn’t suitable for your needs, especially if you’ve upgraded to a heat pump or hot water heat system, it may not be as efficient as it once was. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas can assess your system and recommend the best replacement, ensuring it’s compatible with your home and energy requirements.
The cost of hot water cylinder repair in New Zealand typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the extent of the damage and the parts needed. This depends on factors like the type of system (electric, gas, solar, heat pump, or wetback system), the extent of the damage, and the complexity of the repair. For example, replacing a low-pressure system with a mains pressure cylinder may start around $2,000.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a more energy-efficient system, like a heat pump hot water system, the cost can range from $5,000 to $8,000. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we’ll assess your situation and provide a solution that suits your needs, ensuring you’re getting the best value and reliability from your hot water system.
A hot water cylinder can leak for several reasons, including damaged seals, faulty valves, or internal corrosion. Over time, the pressure relief valve can wear out, leading to leaks, or the cylinder itself may corrode if not properly maintained. Issues with your water heating solutions, such as a malfunctioning thermostat or heating element, can also cause the cylinder to overheat and result in leaks.
In older systems, like traditional boilers, the buildup of sediment or mineral deposits can weaken the tank, leading to leaks. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we identify the cause of the leak and provide the right solution to get your hot water cylinder working properly again.
If your hot water cylinder is making strange noises, it’s often due to sediment buildup around the heating element, causing overheating. It could also be a sign of a faulty thermostat or pressure valve. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we’ve covered a wide range of hot water cylinder issues like this and can pinpoint the cause quickly. We’ll provide the necessary repairs to ensure your cylinder runs smoothly and quietly.
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.
