Which trade should I contact for no hot water?
Start with a hot-water specialist or licensed plumber when the system has stopped delivering hot water and the cause is unknown. Tell them whether the appliance is gas, electric, solar or heat pump, if you know. NSW Government describes hot-water pipes, tanks and appliances as plumbing work; gas work has its own licensing requirements.
For gas equipment, ask whether the business holds the gasfitting authorisation required in your state or territory and works on your model. Energy Safe Victoria says gas appliance installation and repairs belong with a licensed gasfitter. A listing category alone does not establish that licence.
If an electrical safety device trips or electrical work is needed, use a licensed electrician. A plumber’s limited disconnect-and-reconnect authorisation, where available, is not a licence to alter fixed wiring or investigate a switchboard fault. The business can explain whether more than one trade is needed.
Gas smell, leaks and supply problems
A gas smell is an emergency contact decision, not a quote request. Keep people away, do not use switches or flames, and call the emergency number on your gas bill or LPG supplier information. Energy Safe Victoria advises contacting the gas distributor for a suspected natural-gas escape; call 000 for immediate danger.
If water is escaping from the unit, keep clear of wet electrical equipment and phone a qualified business if it is urgent. Tell them where you can see water rather than guessing which component failed. If you rent, notify the property manager or rental provider promptly and ask who is arranging attendance.
If neighbours also have no gas or there is a reported supply interruption, check the gas distributor’s information. A private appliance visit may still be needed after supply is restored, but this page cannot determine that from your answers.
What to tell the business
Give the system brand and model if visible without moving covers, whether all hot taps are affected, when the problem started and whether there is visible water leakage. Mention any previous service or an error message you have already seen. Do not dismantle an appliance, test gas fittings or repeatedly reset a tripping electrical device to complete this form.
Ask what the initial visit includes, how it is charged, whether the business services your model and what happens if a second trade is needed. A replacement recommendation should identify the proposed equipment, removal and disposal, plumbing and electrical work, GST and any excluded work in writing.
The local listings appear once your job suburb is available; no question is mandatory. Your optional answers are sent in the brief to the businesses you select. Review the recipients before sending one request, and phone directly when attendance cannot wait.
Good questions. Plain answers.
Should I call a plumber or an electrician for an electric hot-water system?
A hot-water specialist or plumber is a reasonable first contact for an unexplained appliance or water-side issue. If a safety switch or circuit trips, contact a licensed electrician. The person attending must hold the authorisation for the work actually required.
Who do I call for a gas hot-water system?
Ask a hot-water business or gasfitter whether it services your model and holds the required gasfitting licence. If you smell gas, leave the affected area and call the distributor emergency number on your gas bill before arranging routine work.
What if only one shower has no hot water?
Tell a plumber that other hot outlets work. An outlet or mixing issue may need assessment; this page cannot identify the cause from that observation alone.
Can I ask several businesses at once?
Yes. Choose the current local listings you want to contact, review the recipients and send one enquiry. The system and symptom answers you selected are included automatically.
Written by Yamate · Sources checked 27 September 2026. This guide helps you describe and arrange work; the business assesses your property. Artwork is illustrative.
Energy Safe Victoria: gas emergencies · Energy Safe Victoria: gasfitters · Energy Safe Victoria: hot-water electrical work · NSW Government: plumbing and gasfitting work
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