Hot water systems

When a tank has to be replaced

Most hot water systems in Brisbane are electric storage tanks. They generally last about 15 years before the tank splits and starts leaking. Once the tank itself leaks it cannot be repaired — it has to be replaced. We install any brand, and our plumbers will have you up and running as fast as we can.

Why hot water quotes vary so much

Quotes can vary greatly on a replacement, and it is almost always the valves rather than the tank. The regulations have changed several times over the years, so besides the new system it is likely you need valves that were not fitted when the old one went in.

If those valves are left out you void the 7–12 year warranty on the new system. We can generally re-use valves across most brands, but if they are more than 15 years old we recommend replacing them to prevent future problems. Anyone quoting well under the going rate is usually quoting without them.

The valves, and what each one does

Every hot water system comes with a pressure temperature relief valve. These are the ones that are additionally required:

• Duo valve — the on/off tap on the cold water supply
• Pressure limiting valve — limits cold water supply pressure to 500 kPa
• Cold water expansion valve — relieves pressure from the tank as it heats up
• Tempering valve — limits hot water temperature to a maximum of 50 °C

Most repairs take about an hour

Many problems with electric hot water systems are easily repaired, and a lot of the calls we take for a dead system turn out to be a part.

Water running cold or warm out of the hot taps is usually a faulty element, thermostat or tempering valve. No hot water pressure is usually a faulty duo valve, pressure limiting valve or tempering valve, or debris blocking the pipework. Water hammer from the hot taps is usually faulty valves, debris in the valves, loose hot supply pipes or worn tap washers.