Fault-Finding a Continuous Flow Unit That’s Not Firing in Ardross
In this job, Rich is called out to an Ardross property with a frustrating problem:
Hot water is working on one side of the house, but completely dead on the other.
The homeowner has:
• A gas continuous flow unit (not firing) on one side
• A gas storage unit (low pressure, but still heating) on the other
Let’s run through the full on-site diagnostic process — and show why checking the basics first always pays off.
🔍 Step 1: Test the Closest Tap
Rich starts by turning on the nearest hot water tap to the continuous flow unit — the laundry tap.
• The unit doesn’t fire
• That confirms there’s no activation happening when hot water is called
🔌 Step 2: Confirm Power Supply
• Rich checks the powerpoint and power cable with a tester
• ✅ Power is live at the socket and flowing through the lead
• Next, he removes the front cover of the unit to check for any signs of startup
• Still nothing — no electrical activation, even though power is confirmed
🔧 Step 3: Suspected Internal Fault
With the system receiving power but failing to respond, the likely issues could be:
• A faulty flow sensor
• A failed PCB (printed circuit board)
• Or another internal component not allowing startup
💬 “At this point, we’ve ruled out external factors. No point throwing a new unit on the wall without knowing what’s wrong with the current one.”
💡 Final Recommendation: Replace — But With Purpose
Due to the unit’s age and the lack of electrical response, Rich recommends a replacement system.
But not just a like-for-like swap — because:
• It’s better to troubleshoot first, so you don’t repeat the problem
• You get the chance to size the new unit correctly
• And ensure you’re not replacing a working system due to a simple oversight
🐾 Plumbdog — Perth’s real plumbers with all the gear, every idea, and a methodical approach to hot water troubleshooting.
📞 No callout fee | ✅ Gas & electric hot water specialists | 🔎 Fault diagnosis done right
