Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas installs, repairs, and services solar hot water systems—backed by a large team and fast turnaround times. Whether it’s a heating issue, a leaking panel, or time for an upgrade, we’ll get it sorted quickly and properly.
Solar hot water systems are a smart way to reduce energy bills and cut power use—but only when everything’s working properly. Over time, parts can wear out, panels can lose efficiency, or backup heating may stop working. You might notice lukewarm water, leaks around the roof, or higher bills as the booster does all the work.
In homes, this leads to inconsistent hot water and rising costs. In rentals or small commercial properties, it can result in complaints or costly emergency plumbing repairs. Without early maintenance, solar systems can lose efficiency or stop working entirely.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas services, installs, and repairs all types of solar hot water systems. We work on roof and ground-mounted units, both direct and indirect types, and we check boosters to ensure your system performs in all weather. Here’s what we cover during a solar service:
Need to restore performance or fix a fault? Contact Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas for reliable solar hot water servicing across the Nelson and Tasman region.
Solar water heating systems are efficient—but even small faults can affect performance. Spotting the signs early helps keep your water hot and your power bills low.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
If your water is lukewarm or runs out quickly, the system may not be collecting or storing enough solar energy. This often points to shading over the panels, internal hot water cylinder issues, or a faulty thermostat that’s failing to hold temperature. In some cases, a blocked pump or low flow rate can also reduce heat retention.
No Hot Water on Cloudy Days
A working solar system should switch to its electric or gas booster when sunlight isn’t strong enough. If you’re getting cold water during cloudy weather, the backup heating may have failed, or the controller isn’t activating the switch correctly. Booster faults are common in older setups and should be checked to avoid full loss of hot water.
Leaks from Panels or Pipework
Visible leaks around roof-mounted panels, pipes, or valves usually indicate cracked fittings, corrosion, or worn seals. Even small leaks affect performance and, if left alone, can cause water damage to roofing materials or ceilings below. Early water leak repairs help avoid structural damage and lost
heating efficiency.
Strange Noises or Steam
Sounds like gurgling, hissing, or visible steam discharge often mean the system is under pressure or overheating. This can be caused by blocked air vents, failing valves, or trapped air in the pipework. If not addressed quickly, it can damage the tank or shorten the lifespan of key system components.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides fast inspections and expert solar hot water repairs across the Nelson and Tasman region. Book a check before small issues turn into expensive fixes.
Solar systems are long-term investments—but they need regular attention to stay efficient. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we carry out licensed servicing and repairs to keep your setup safe, effective, and reliable.
Early repairs and routine servicing help your solar hot water system run efficiently, avoid costly damage, and last longer. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, our licensed team provides fast, reliable solar system maintenance to keep your hot water working when you need it—without the stress.
Solar hot water systems work best when they’re well maintained. Over time, pipes can corrode, panels lose performance, or backup systems stop kicking in—especially in older or poorly installed units.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas handles everything from new installs to panel replacements, booster checks, and full system upgrades across Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and Northern Buller. Whether it’s a blocked valve or a failing pump, we’ll get it sorted properly—on time and with no shortcuts.
We make it easy to get your solar hot water system working again—without delays, guesswork, or mess. Here’s how it works:
We’re trusted by homeowners, rural clients, and commercial sites across Nelson and Tasman. When your solar hot water system fails, you need a team that understands both the plumbing and solar side of the setup. That’s exactly what we offer—reliable service, technical expertise, and lasting repairs.
Solar water heater can run fine—until they don’t. Small faults in sensors, pumps, or controllers often go unnoticed until the whole system shuts down. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we catch the issues early and get your system working again before you’re left without hot water.
Yes, we can fix a leaking solar hot water storage tank. In most cases, we’ll first inspect the tank, pipework, and connections to confirm whether the leak is coming from the tank itself or a nearby fitting.
If the tank is corroded or split, we’ll recommend a hot water cylinder replacement. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we carry out both hot water cylinder repair and hot water cylinder installation, including reconnecting all solar components to get your system running properly again.
Repair costs usually range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the fault—common issues include failed pumps, faulty sensors, or blocked collectors. If parts linked to the solar collector or other solar panel system need replacing, costs can be higher.
Full system replacements, including installation costs, may range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the setup. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we assess the fault first and provide clear pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
Most solar hot water system repairs take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the fault and system type. Active systems with pumps, controllers, or backup boosters may take longer, especially if parts need replacing.
In some cases, repairs can extend to a full day if access is difficult or components are connected to other solar panel systems. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we aim to complete most jobs the same day to get your hot water back on fast.
A solar hot water system should be serviced every 2 to 3 years to keep it running safely and efficiently. Regular servicing helps maintain energy efficiency, extend the system’s lifespan, and prevent costly faults. A well-maintained system also supports your investment in renewable energy, reducing reliance on the grid and helping lower emissions.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we make sure your system runs clean and efficient—so you get reliable hot water and do your part against global warming.
Yes, we repair solar hot water systems with roof-mounted panels. These systems often involve elevated pipework, collectors, and pump setups that require safe access and the right tools. Our team is trained to work at height and can safely inspect and repair both the panels and connected components.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we make sure every part of your solar heating system is checked and restored properly, no matter where it’s installed.
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.
