Caravan Hot Water Repairs, Pumps & Plumbing in Port Stephens

Replacement cost depends on the type of unit (gas, electric, 12V or gas/electric combination) and the brand. Popular caravan hot water systems such as Truma, Suburban and Swift range from around $900 for a straight swap of a like-for-like gas unit up to $2,500+ for a premium dual gas/electric unit with new plumbing and gas connections. We provide a firm written quote before any work starts, including the unit, fittings, gas certification and labour, so there are no surprises. Call 0432 089 987 for a same-day quote based on your caravan and current system.

The most common causes are a failed ignition or gas solenoid, a tripped 240V element, a blocked burner, a corroded anode allowing tank sediment buildup, or air in the water lines preventing the pump from priming the tank. For gas hot water systems, low bottle pressure or a partially closed isolation valve is a frequent culprit. Our workshop diagnoses the fault, pressure-tests the gas side, checks the anode condition and confirms the unit is producing hot water safely before returning the van.

Sacrificial anodes protect the inner tank from corrosion and should be inspected every 12 months and replaced every 12 to 24 months depending on water quality and usage. If you fill from bore water, mineral-rich rural supplies or leave water sitting in the tank between trips, the anode will corrode faster. We check anode condition as part of every annual caravan service and can replace it on the spot - a cheap job that can add years to the life of a hot water tank.

A pump that runs non-stop or pulses (short-cycles on and off) almost always means the system has lost pressure. The usual causes are a small leak somewhere in the fresh water lines, a faulty pressure switch inside the pump, a failed accumulator tank, or a tap or toilet valve that isn't sealing fully. Constant running will burn out the pump motor quickly, so it's worth diagnosing early. We pressure-test the system, isolate the fault and replace the pump, accumulator or fittings as needed.

Pump noise is usually caused by the pump being hard-mounted to the chassis or floor without rubber vibration dampers, an undersized or missing accumulator tank, or an ageing pump with worn bearings. We can install a proper mounting kit, add a suitably sized accumulator to smooth out the pulses, and replace worn pumps with quiet-running 12V units such as Seaflo or Shurflo. Most noise complaints can be resolved in a single workshop visit.

Yes. Hidden leaks are one of the biggest causes of long-term damage in caravans - rotten floors, delaminated walls and mould all start with a slow leak behind a cupboard or under the shower tray. We use pressure testing on the fresh water system, moisture meters on suspect wall and floor sections and visual inspection of every fitting, tap, tank connection and shower base. Catching a leak early can save thousands in structural repairs later.

Absolutely. We supply and fit fresh water tanks, grey water tanks and sullage tanks of all common sizes, including Australian-made poly tanks with the correct food-grade rating for drinking water. Installation includes new mounting straps, breather lines, drain valves, camlock or sullage hose connections and pressure testing before the caravan leaves the workshop. If your existing tank is cracked, leaking at a fitting or the wrong size for your travel style, come and talk to us.

We recommend a full water system inspection every 12 months, ideally combined with your annual caravan service. Yearly checks include pump performance testing, filter cleaning or replacement, anode inspection, tank hygiene assessment and a pressure test of every joint. If you travel more than 6 months of the year or fill from unknown campground and bore water sources, a six-monthly filter change is a smart preventative measure.