BEST Hot Water System Plumber in Wollongong

Electric Hot Water Systems

An electric hot water system generally has a lower upfront cost but incurs greater day-to-day running costs. An off-peak electrical system can save you money on a daily basis but requires a more expensive hot water storage tank in the initial installation phase. This is due to the greater storage capacity that may be required. Please note, that off-peak tariffs aren’t available to every Australian home, and checking the price of tariffs is advisable.

Generally, a four-person house will require 125-160 litres for a continuous flow hot water heater and 250-315 litres for an off-peak hot water storage tank.

There is also the option to install an instantaneous hot water service that's boosted with electricity. This combination will help with running costs when you're considering all your options for a hot water system replacement. Electric hot water systems generally last around 10 to 15 years if regularly serviced.

Gas Hot Water Systems

If a natural gas connection is available for your house, installation of a gas water heater may be desirable over an electric hot water system, as gas rates don’t vary as much and you can heat the water as you need it. If there is a gas connection to your home, gas hot water systems seem to be preferred.

A gas hot water system may also run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to natural gas but this type of gas usually sees more expensive everyday costs than natural gas. The storage for a gas hot water system is usually outside for venting requirements and usually has an energy star rating that's economical.

For the installation of gas hot water systems, a four-person household will require a hot water storage tank between 135-170 litres. Continuous flow gas-powered hot water systems can last 10 to 15 years.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems are one of the most expensive hot water heaters to install but in the long run, the initial price can be offset by its low running costs.

Any Australian government Solar Homes Programs incentives and rebates can also be offset by the initial purchase price, so be sure to research what the benefits are when pricing for hot water solar installation. Solar hot water systems are a great option if you can install panels in an ideal location to take advantage of the energy produced by the Australian sun.

A four-person household will usually require two panels and a storage tank that holds between 300-360 litres. Solar hot water systems could last anywhere from 15 to 20 years + with regular 5-year service.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

A heat pump hot water unit works by extracting heat from the air to warm the water stored in the tank. A heat pump can be integrated with the water tank and compressor together or split with the tank and compressor separately. A heat pump system has a high energy efficiency rating.

Heat pump hot water systems are a much more environmentally friendly option, however, these hot water systems can be quite noisy due to the compressor. Hot water system installation for a heat pump should be in a well-ventilated area. The heat pump hot water unit installation is commonly done outside the home.



A four-person household will need a heat pump hot water unit capacity of 270-315 litres. Your heat pump system may last approx. 10 years.

Hot Water Tanks

Most types of hot water systems use a hot water storage tank as the storage method. Whether it's a Vulcan, a Rinnai, or a Rheem hot water heater, hot water tanks usually last around 10 years but the ‘sacrificial anodes’ tend to last around 5 years.

These anodes attract minerals that would otherwise corrode the hot water tank, meaning that they sacrifice themselves to preserve the longevity of the hot water system tank, reducing the need for a hot water replacement or hot water system repair services.

The average lifespan of a hot water storage tank is approximately 8-12 years, depending on servicing and the quality of the water used.

Continuous Flow Hot Water

Continuous flow or instantaneous hot water systems only heat the water as you need it. These hot water systems, generally speaking, have a better star rating than a hot water tank heater. This form of water heating takes a few seconds or more, particularly if there is some distance between the hot water system and the hot water taps. A continuous flow hot water heater is available in either a gas hot water heater or a combined system with an electric hot water system.

A gas hot water system that's a continuous flow unit could last up to approximately 10-12 years. 



For replacement hot water systems or hot water system repairs, call Chiswick plumbing Wollongong on 02 4207 9828 for same-day service!