Gas Hot Water System Melbourne

Price depends on the unit, its capacity and what the installation needs. A straight swap of a storage tank sits at the lower end. A continuous flow upgrade can cost more because the gas line and flue often need work. We inspect first, then give a fixed written quote before anything starts. Every quote covers the unit, the labour and disposal of the old system.

Most gas storage tanks last eight to twelve years in Melbourne conditions. Continuous flow units commonly run fifteen to twenty years because there is no tank to rust through. Water quality and servicing make a real difference to both. If your unit is past ten years, leaking or throwing repeat faults, replacement usually costs less than continuing to repair it.

A storage system burns gas to heat water in an insulated tank and holds it at temperature ready for use. A continuous flow system heats water only when a tap opens, passing it through a heat exchanger as it flows. Continuous flow never runs out, while storage gives you a tank that can be drawn down quickly on a busy morning.

Storage units with a standing pilot light run without mains power. Most modern continuous flow units do need a 240V power point, because the electronic ignition and control board require it. Some units will not run during a blackout for that reason. If the power point is faulty, the system can look broken when the appliance itself is fine.

Storage tanks are sized by household. One or two people generally suit 135 to 170 litres, three or four people around 200 to 250 litres, and larger homes with two bathrooms 315 to 400 litres. Continuous flow units are sized by flow rate in litres per minute, based on how many outlets you expect to run at once.

Rules change from 1 March 2027. If a mains gas hot water system in an existing home reaches end of life and cannot be repaired or safely maintained, it must be replaced with an electric system. Repairs are still allowed, and working units can keep running. Apartments on centralised hot water and LPG systems sit outside the rule. We confirm your situation before quoting.

Yes, and annually is the right interval. Servicing covers combustion testing, burner and heat exchanger cleaning, flue and ventilation checks and gas pressure. It matters for efficiency, but it matters more for safety, because a badly burning gas appliance produces carbon monoxide. Servicing also catches worn parts before they fail on a cold night. Book it before winter, not after.

Common causes are a pilot light that will not stay lit, a failed thermocouple or igniter, a gas valve that is not opening, dirty burners, low gas pressure, or a unit that has locked out and needs resetting. Some are a quick fix and some are not. Do not keep resetting a unit that keeps locking out. Call us to diagnose it properly.

Instantaneous wins on space and never runs out, which suits apartments, smaller blocks and busy households. Storage tanks cost less upfront and deliver strong flow to several outlets at once. Instantaneous units usually need a power point and adequate gas line capacity, which can add to the install. We will tell you which suits your property.

Often, yes, especially with the 2027 replacement rule in front of you. Heat pumps use far less energy than a gas system or an electric resistance tank to deliver the same hot water. Victorian and federal incentives can reduce the upfront cost, and eligibility varies. If your gas unit still runs and repairs make sense, there is no rush. We will compare both.