Electric Hot Water Systems.Done Right.

How electric hot water works

An electric storage system heats a tank of water with an element controlled by a thermostat, and keeps it hot until you use it. An instant electric unit heats water as it passes through and has no tank. Both are simple and common. The difference is how they suit your household, your electrical supply and your power costs.

Repairs we can do

A system with no hot water may have a tripped switch or circuit, a failed element, a faulty thermostat or a problem with the controlled load circuit. Tepid water, a dripping relief valve or a leak from the tank point to different parts. Do not remove covers on electrical parts yourself. A licensed plumber and, where needed, a licensed electrician should check them.

Signs the tank is reaching the end of its life

Rusty hot water, water around the base of the tank, noises from the tank and long recovery times are warning signs. Check the compliance plate for the age. A leaking tank cannot be repaired and has to be replaced. Replace it before it fails, if you can, so water does not damage the floor.

Storage compared with instant

A storage system suits households that use steady amounts of hot water through the day, and it can use off-peak power. An instant system suits small households and tight spaces, never runs out, but needs a strong electrical supply. Ask a plumber and an electrician to check your supply and your needs before you choose.

Sizing and running costs

A tank that is too small runs out in the morning, and one that is too large wastes energy keeping water hot. The number of people, the size of the bath and how many showers run at once guide the size. Running costs depend on your tariff, so ask the supplier for the model's energy information and compare it with other options such as a heat pump.

Off-peak and controlled load

Some homes heat water at off-peak times on a separate tariff, controlled by the meter. If you have that, tell your plumber, because the new system has to suit the circuit and the heating times. A larger tank may be needed to get enough hot water between heating periods.

Insulating pipes and saving energy

Insulate exposed hot water pipes to cut heat loss and shorten the wait for hot water. Check the thermostat setting, fix dripping hot taps, and consider moving a tank closer to the bathroom if the pipe run is long. Small changes add up across a year.

Safety and paperwork

Hot water has to be stored hot enough to limit the growth of bacteria, and a tempering valve limits the temperature at the taps to reduce scalds. Ask your plumber to confirm both, and keep the compliance certificate and warranty paperwork with your house records.

Questions people ask about electric hot water

How long should an electric tank last?

Life varies with the tank, water quality and maintenance. Check the compliance plate for the age and the warranty period, and plan a replacement as it gets old.

Why does my hot water run out quickly?

The tank may be too small for the household, an element or thermostat may have failed, or the controlled load circuit may only heat at limited times. A plumber or electrician can test each.

Why does the relief valve drip?

A small amount of water from the relief valve while the tank heats is normal on many systems. A steady flow, or flow when the tank is cold, points to a fault or high water pressure.

Is an instant electric unit cheaper to run?

Not always. It avoids heat loss from a tank but needs a large electrical supply, and costs depend on your tariff and how you use hot water.

Can I reduce my hot water bill?

Fix drips, lower shower time, insulate pipes, check the thermostat and consider a more efficient system when the old one needs replacing.

Storage tank or continuous flow electric

An electric storage system keeps a tank of heated water ready, so it suits households that use hot water in several places at once. A continuous flow electric unit heats water only as it flows, which saves standing heat loss but needs a strong electrical supply and can struggle with several outlets running together. The right choice depends on your household size, your switchboard and the space you have.

Ask the plumber and electrician what your switchboard can handle. Some upgrades need an electrician to add a circuit, and that work should be included in the price you compare.

Running costs and tariff questions

Electric hot water can be cheaper to run when it heats during off-peak or solar-friendly hours, depending on your tariff and meter. Not every home has a controlled load meter, and electricity plans vary between retailers. Check your plan and your meter before choosing, because heating in the wrong hours can cost more than expected.

If you have solar panels, ask whether a timer or diverter can use your own power to heat water in the day. A heat pump uses less electricity than a standard electric element for the same hot water, and our heat pump page compares the two.

Safe repairs and what to leave to licensed trades

Replacing an element, a thermostat or a tempering valve involves both water and power, and some of the work is for a plumber and some for an electrician. Turn off power at the switchboard before anyone works on the unit, and never touch the wiring yourself.

Ask who is responsible for each part of the job and what certificates you will get.

Guides worth reading

• Signs Your Hot Water System Needs Replacing

Related plumbing services

• Hot Water Systems: Hot water repairs and replacement for gas, electric, heat pump and solar systems.
• Gas Hot Water Systems: Gas storage and continuous flow hot water systems repaired, serviced and installed.
• Heat Pump Hot Water: Heat pump hot water installation and plumbing for lower running costs.
• Solar Hot Water: Solar hot water repairs, servicing and plumbing for roof and tank systems.
• Emergency plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Talk to GSA Plumbing Services

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry on the contact page. We work across Geelong, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.