Choosing a system
How big a hot water system do we need?
It depends on how many people live in the home, how many bathrooms there are, and whether showers tend to run at the same time. For storage tanks, think in litres: a small household needs far less than a family of five with teenagers. For continuous flow, think in litres per minute and how many outlets run at once. A contractor sizes the system by asking how the household actually uses hot water, not just counting bedrooms.
Should we choose gas, electric, heat pump or solar?
Start with what the house already has, then weigh running cost against purchase price. If there is a gas connection and the household uses a lot of hot water, gas storage or continuous flow is common. If the house is electric-only, a heat pump usually costs far less to run than an element tank. Solar suits owners planning to stay, with an unshaded north-facing roof. Our services page compares the types in more detail.
Is continuous flow better than a tank?
Neither is better in every case. Continuous flow never runs out but has to be sized for peak demand and needs a good gas supply. A storage tank stores a fixed amount and recovers at a set rate. For a household that runs several showers back to back, either can work if it is sized properly.
Do heat pumps work in Perth winters?
Yes. Perth's winters are mild compared with the rest of southern Australia, and heat pumps generally perform well here. They run more slowly on cold mornings, so many owners set them to heat during the warmer part of the day.
Safety and temperature
What is a tempering valve?
A valve that mixes cold water into hot before it reaches bathroom outlets, so the water at the shower or basin cannot scald. Storage systems must keep water in the tank hot enough to control bacteria such as Legionella, which is hotter than is safe at the tap. Australian plumbing standards require the delivered temperature to bathrooms to be limited on new and replacement installations.
What does the relief valve do, and why does it drip?
The temperature and pressure relief valve lets water out if pressure or temperature in a storage tank rises too high. A small discharge while the tank heats can be normal. Constant running, or no discharge at all when the lever is eased, means it needs checking. Never block or cap the drain pipe.
The hot water smells like rotten eggs. Is that dangerous?
The smell usually comes from a reaction between the sacrificial anode and certain water conditions, rather than from gas. It is unpleasant rather than dangerous, and a contractor can often fix it by changing the anode type. If you smell gas near a gas unit, that is different: turn the gas off at the meter if safe, avoid flames and switches, and call the gas network's emergency line.
Maintenance and lifespan
How long should a hot water system last?
It varies by type, water quality and maintenance. Our guide, how long a hot water system lasts in Perth, sets out typical ranges and the signs that a system is near the end.
Does Perth's water damage hot water systems?
Water hardness varies across Perth. Where the water is harder, scale forms on elements and valves and sediment collects in the tank. Regular servicing helps.
Rules, warranties and paperwork
Do we need approval from the council?
A straightforward replacement on a house generally does not need planning approval. Heat pumps must meet noise limits at the boundary, and heritage-listed homes or some estates may have rules about what can be seen from the street. Check with your local council if anything about the property is unusual.
What paperwork should we get at the end?
Ask for the compliance paperwork for the plumbing work, any gas work and any electrical work, plus the manufacturer's warranty card and installation details. Keep them together. They help with warranty claims and when you sell the house.
What if the unit fails under warranty?
Contact the manufacturer first with the model, serial number and installation date. The manufacturer usually arranges an authorised repairer. If the fault comes from the installation, contact the contractor who installed it.
How the referral works
What happens after we call?
We take the basics, then pass the job to an independent contractor who covers your area. They contact you, look at the job in person or from photos, and give a written quote. If you accept, you deal with them directly from there.
Which areas do you cover?
The Perth metro area, with local lines for Bibra Lake, Merriwa and Wangara. For anywhere else in the metro, call 08 7830 0936.
Questions people ask before they commit
Who actually does the work?
An independent local contractor: a plumber, gas fitter or electrician, depending on the job. Complete Hot Water Perth is a referral service and does not employ tradespeople. Your agreement for the work, the quote and the warranty on workmanship are with the contractor.
Do you charge for passing on my enquiry?
No. There is no charge to you for the referral or the quote. You only pay the contractor if you accept their quote and the work goes ahead.
What should I have ready when I call?
The make, model and size of the current unit if you can read them from the label, its rough age, the fuel it uses, what is going wrong, and your suburb. Photos of the unit and its surroundings help a lot.
Can I choose the brand?
Yes. If you have a preferred brand or model, say so and the contractor can quote on it, or explain why another might suit the site better.
How do I know the contractor is licensed?
Ask for the licence or permit number and check it with Building and Energy, which keeps public registers for plumbers, gas fitters and electricians in Western Australia. We ask contractors to hold what the job needs, but it is always worth checking for yourself.
Can I install a hot water system myself?
No. Connecting a water heater to water, gas or fixed wiring is licensed work in WA. Unlicensed work can void the manufacturer's warranty, cause safety problems and create trouble with insurance.