Hot Water Systems.Done Right.

Common hot water problems

No hot water, lukewarm water, water that runs out too soon, rusty hot water, noises from the tank, a dripping relief valve and leaks around the base are the usual complaints. Some are repairs, such as a failed element, thermostat or valve. Others, like a leaking tank, mean the unit has to be replaced.

Repair or replace

A repair makes sense when the unit is fairly new and the fault is a single part. Replacement makes sense when the tank leaks, the system is old and has failed more than once, or the repair costs close to a new unit. Ask for both options in writing, including what each is likely to cost and what warranty each carries.

Types of hot water systems

Gas storage, gas continuous flow, electric storage, instant electric, heat pump and solar systems all heat water in different ways. Each needs different things: a gas supply and flue, an electrical supply, outdoor space or a suitable roof. Our pages on gas, electric, heat pump and solar hot water cover each.

Choosing the right size

A system that is too small runs out. One that is too large wastes energy keeping water hot. The number of people, the size of the bath, how many showers run at once and when people use hot water all matter. Tell your plumber who lives in the house and about any planned changes.

Running cost and life span

Running costs depend on fuel prices, the efficiency of the unit and how much hot water you use. Life span depends on the type, the water quality and maintenance. Ask for the energy information and the warranty for each option, so you compare like with like.

Signs it is time to plan a replacement

Rust in the water, a leaking tank, repeated repairs, long recovery times and an age past ten years are signs to start planning. A planned replacement lets you compare options and choose a time, instead of replacing in a hurry with water on the floor.

What a replacement day involves

The plumber isolates the water and power or gas, drains and removes the old unit, fits the new one, connects the pipes, valves and flue where needed, and tests it. Allow several hours without hot water. Ask when work will start and what you need to clear beforehand.

Temperature, safety and compliance

Stored hot water has to be kept 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, especially with children or older people at home. Keep the compliance certificate and the warranty paperwork together.

Questions people ask about hot water systems

How do I know how old my system is?

Check the compliance plate or rating label on the unit. It usually shows a date or serial number that tells you its age.

Do I need a permit or paperwork?

Hot water work is done by licensed trades, and some work needs a compliance certificate. Ask what applies to your job.

Can a hot water system be installed the same day?

Often yes, when the unit suits the existing connections. Changing fuel type or location takes longer.

Should I switch from gas to electric or heat pump?

It depends on your home, costs and the rules for gas connections. A plumber can compare the options for your property.

Gas, electric, heat pump or solar: how to compare

Compare the same things for each option: purchase and installation cost, running cost, space needed, extra work such as a new circuit or flue, warranty, the age and size of your household and any government discount you may be eligible for. A heat pump may suit a household with solar panels. A gas unit may suit a home with an existing gas supply. Solar needs a suitable roof. Our pages on each type explain what to ask.

Hot water in a rental or a body corporate

In a rental, the rental provider is usually responsible for the hot water system, and a failed system is on the urgent repairs list when it is an essential service the provider supplies. Consumer Affairs Victoria's repairs page explains the steps. In an apartment, the system may be shared or individual, and the owners corporation may have rules about replacements.

Questions to ask before you sign a quote

Ask what brand and model is quoted, what size tank, what warranty on the tank and the other parts, whether removal of the old unit is included, whether electrical or gas work is included, and what paperwork you will receive. Ask what happens if access is harder than expected.

A written quote that answers these lets you compare options fairly.

Looking after a system once it is in

Check the relief valve for steady dripping, keep the area around the unit clear, note any new noises or discoloured water, and follow the manufacturer's service advice. Keep the manual, the warranty and the installer's details together.

Small issues caught early are usually cheaper than a failed system on a cold night.

Signs a system is undersized for your household

If the hot water runs out when two people shower, if you wait a long time between uses for it to recover, or if the system runs all day, it may be undersized for your household. Families grow and bathrooms are added, but the hot water unit often stays as it was. Compare the size of your tank or the flow rate of your continuous unit with how many people live in the home and how they use hot water.

Ask a plumber to assess the size and to tell you whether a bigger tank, a different type or a change in usage habits would help. Changing shower heads to a lower flow can sometimes stretch a limited supply.

Guides worth reading

• Signs Your Hot Water System Needs Replacing
• How Much Does a Plumber Cost? What Affects the Price
• How to Fix Low Water Pressure at Home

Related plumbing services

• Gas Hot Water Systems: Gas storage and continuous flow hot water systems repaired, serviced and installed.
• Electric Hot Water Systems: Electric storage hot water repaired and replaced, including element and thermostat faults.
• 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.