What gets upgraded when your hot water system is replaced
A new system has to meet today's rules, even if the old one went in twenty years ago. Here's what we update as part of a replacement, all included in the fixed price we quote.
- Tempering valve
- Fitted or replaced so bathrooms get water no hotter than 50°C, as Queensland rules require when a water heater is installed or replaced.
- Relief valve and drain line
- A new pressure and temperature relief valve comes with the system, and its drain is run so discharge goes somewhere safe and visible.
- Isolation and non-return valves
- Checked on the cold supply and replaced if worn, so the system can be shut off for servicing and hot water can't flow back into the cold line.
- Pressure limiting valve
- Added where mains pressure is high enough to strain a new tank or keep the relief valve dripping.
- Safe tray
- Fitted under indoor and upstairs systems so a future leak is caught and drained instead of soaking the floor.
- Base and position
- A level, solid base, and for outdoor systems, the most sheltered position that still allows safe access and airflow.
- Insulated pipework
- Hot and cold lines near the heater are lagged to cut heat loss and protect them from the weather.
- Compliance paperwork
- Water heater installation is notifiable work in Queensland, so it's lodged with the QBCC once the job's done.
What size system do you need?
Size depends on how many people live in the home and how many showers run at once. As a starting point:
| Household | Electric storage | Heat pump | Gas continuous flow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | 125 to 160 litres | 160 to 220 litres | 16 to 20 litres per minute |
| 3 to 4 people | 250 litres | 250 to 270 litres | 20 to 26 litres per minute |
| 5 or more | 315 litres or more | 300 litres or more | 26 litres per minute or more |
Off-peak electric systems need to be larger because they only heat at set times. We confirm the right size on site.
Upgrading to a more efficient system
Replacing an old electric tank is the best time to look at a heat pump or solar. Models listed on the Clean Energy Regulator's register are eligible for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which reduce the upfront price. We'll compare the options with you, including what each costs to run.
Hot water supply and install
We supply the system and install it, so you deal with one business and one fixed price. That price covers the new unit, valves, a tempering valve where required, removal of the old system, and lodging the compliance paperwork. If you've already bought a system, we can install that too.
Replace your hot water tank
Most tank replacements are like for like: same type, similar size, same position, so the existing water, power or gas connections are reused and the job takes a few hours. If your old tank is leaking, we can usually replace it the same day. Once it's in, here's how long a new system takes to heat up.
New hot water system installation
For new homes, renovations, granny flats and upgrades, we size and install the right system from scratch, including new pipework and gas connections where needed. Our restricted electrical licence covers disconnecting and reconnecting water heaters; where a new circuit or wiring is needed, that work is done by a licensed electrician. Thinking of switching from gas? See gas to heat pump and electric conversions.
What does hot water replacement cost?
Price depends on the type and size of system and how much needs to change at the installation. See our Sunshine Coast hot water replacement cost guide for typical price ranges.
Recent jobs
Common questions
How long does it take to replace a hot water system?
A like-for-like replacement usually takes two to four hours. Changing to a different type of system, such as electric to heat pump or gas, can take longer if new gas or plumbing connections are needed, or if a licensed electrician needs to run new power.
Do I need a tempering valve with a new hot water system?
Yes. In Queensland, hot water delivered to bathrooms must be no hotter than 50°C, so a tempering valve is fitted with new and replacement systems where required.
Will you take the old hot water system away?
Yes. We remove and dispose of the old system as part of the job.
Sources and further reading
- Business Queensland: hot water systems (temperature control devices on new and replacement systems)
- QBCC: Form 4 notifiable work (installing, replacing or removing a water heater)
- Clean Energy Regulator: solar water heaters and air source heat pumps (STC eligibility)
- Residential Tenancies Authority: emergency and routine repairs
Hot water replacement near you
We cover every suburb on the Sunshine Coast and in Noosa. Popular areas include: