Not every hot water fault means you need a brand-new system. A failed element, thermostat, valve or ignition component may be relatively straightforward to repair. On the other hand, repairing a badly corroded or repeatedly failing system can mean spending money simply to postpone the inevitable.

At Bond Plumbing, we believe age alone should never decide the outcome.

First, is the system safe to leave running?

Before comparing repair and replacement costs, consider whether the system may present an immediate risk.

Arrange an urgent inspection if you notice:

• Water pooling around the tank or flowing continuously
• Water close to electrical components
• A burning smell, smoke or repeated electrical tripping
• A strong gas smell near a gas hot water system
• A swollen, split or heavily corroded cylinder
• Water that is suddenly dangerously hot

For a continuous or major leak we recommend turning off the water supply at the unit and switching off its electricity or gas supply, provided it is safe to do so. Do not remove covers, dismantle valves or attempt electrical or gas repairs yourself.

Where is it leaking from?

A leak from accessible pipework, a connection, a relief valve or another replaceable component may be repairable. A leak from the cylinder body, tank seam or corroded base is different. Once the storage cylinder itself has deteriorated, replacing the system is generally the only solution.

Ongoing history

A first-time fault and a pattern of breakdowns should not be treated in the same way.

Consider what has happened during the past few years:

• Is this the system’s first problem?
• Has the same component failed before?
• Have several different parts recently needed replacing?
• Does the system regularly run out of hot water?
• Has its performance gradually become less reliable?
• Are replacement parts still readily available?

Before approving another repair, add up what has already been spent. Several individually affordable repairs can quietly become an expensive way of keeping an unreliable system operating.

The needs of the property

Your existing system may still work, but that does not necessarily mean it is still right for your home.

A system installed for two people may struggle after a growing family, bathroom renovation or change in household routine. Similarly, an oversized storage system can heat more water than the household regularly uses.

Think about:

• The number of people living at the property
• How many showers may operate around the same time
• Baths, dishwashers and other hot water demands
• Whether hot water regularly runs out
• Whether the property has rooftop solar
• Available gas and electricity connections

The correct replacement is not automatically the same capacity or system type as the old one. A proper assessment should consider how the household uses hot water now—not how it used hot water when the original unit was installed.

When repairing your hot water system may make sense

Repair may be the better-value decision when parts are available, the system has otherwise been reliable, its capacity still suits the household, and the repair is expected to provide a reasonable period of further service.

Warranty coverage should also be checked before proceeding. Some components may still be covered even when labour or other installation costs are not.

When replacement is likely to be the smarter decision

Replacement deserves serious consideration when:

The cylinder itself is leaking

A leaking fitting may be replaceable. A leaking storage cylinder is generally not. Water appearing around the base or emerging through the casing can indicate that the internal tank has deteriorated.

Corrosion is becoming extensive

Rust around the cylinder, fittings or base may indicate more than a cosmetic issue. Once deterioration affects the structural condition of the system, another small repair may provide little long-term value.

Repairs are becoming frequent

A thermostat one month, a valve several months later and another breakdown soon after can signal that the system is reaching the stage where replacement provides better reliability.

The system no longer meets demand

Regularly running out of hot water does not always mean the unit is broken. It may be incorrectly sized, connected to an unsuitable tariff or unable to recover quickly enough for the household’s current usage.

Running costs have become a concern

A functioning system can still be a candidate for replacement when it no longer suits the household’s energy setup. For example, a home with rooftop solar may benefit from exploring a suitably configured heat pump or another system that can make better use of available solar generation.

What can you replace it with?

There is no single “best” hot water system for every Gold Coast property. The right choice depends on household demand, available energy sources, installation space, budget and expected running costs.

Electric storage

Electric storage systems are familiar, widely available and often straightforward to install when replacing a similar unit. However, tank size and electricity tariff need to be correctly matched to the household.

An off-peak system heats during designated lower-cost periods, so it must store enough water to meet demand until the next heating cycle. The Australian Government notes that electric storage systems generally have a lower purchase and installation cost but can cost more to operate unless used effectively with solar photovoltaic power or an appropriate tariff.

Heat pump

A heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into the stored water.

Heat pumps can offer lower energy use than conventional electric storage systems, but they must be properly selected and located. Airflow, available space, operating noise, household demand and electrical arrangements should all be considered.

Solar and heat pump hot water systems may also qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates, depending on the unit and current eligibility requirements.

Continuous-flow gas

A continuous-flow gas system heats water when it is required rather than storing a full tank of hot water.

Correct sizing is important. The unit must be capable of supplying the number of outlets likely to operate simultaneously. Available gas supply, water pressure, ventilation, unit location and installation requirements must also be assessed.

Continuous flow can suit properties wanting to remove a storage tank, but it is not automatically the right choice for every home.

Why Gold Coast properties need an individual assessment

Gold Coast homes vary enormously.

A compact apartment installation may involve tight cupboard access and body corporate requirements. A large family home may need strong recovery performance during the morning and evening peaks. A coastal property may require extra consideration of outdoor exposure, while a home with rooftop solar may benefit from a system that can be programmed around daytime generation.

That is why replacing a failed system with the nearest available tank is not always the best approach.

A proper assessment should look at:

• How much hot water the household actually uses
• Where and how the system can be installed
• Existing electrical, solar or gas infrastructure
• Access for installation and future servicing
• Product warranty and local support
• Expected running costs
• The owner’s budget and future plans 

Remember Queensland installation requirements

Replacing a hot water system involves more than disconnecting one tank and installing another.

Queensland requirements state that water in a residential storage system must be heated to at least 60°C to control bacterial growth. A temperature-control device is required for new and replacement systems so that hot water is delivered at no more than 50°C at the relevant outlets. Solar and heat pump installations also require an installer with the appropriate QBCC endorsement.

The QBCC identifies installing or repairing water heaters and tempering valves as regulated plumbing work. Installing a water heater in an existing property is generally notifiable work, requiring the plumber to lodge a Form 4 with the QBCC within 10 business days and provide the customer with a copy.

Using a properly licensed contractor helps ensure the installation, temperature controls and required paperwork are completed correctly. 

Three common repair-or-replace situations

Situation 1: No hot water, but the tank is dry and in good condition

A relatively modern electric storage system suddenly stops heating. The cylinder is not leaking, corrosion is minimal and the household has otherwise been happy with its performance.

After testing, the problem is traced to a replaceable component.

Likely outcome: Repair may provide the best value.

Situation 2: Water is pooling around the base of the cylinder

The system has visible corrosion, has required previous repairs and water appears to be escaping through the tank casing.

Likely outcome: Replacement is normally the sensible option because the cylinder itself may have failed.

Situation 3: The system works but regularly runs out

The household has grown, another bathroom has been added and the existing unit no longer provides enough hot water during peak periods.

Likely outcome: Another repair will not correct a capacity problem. Resizing the system or changing system type may provide a better result.

Planned replacement can be worthwhile when a system has extensive corrosion, repeated faults or declining performance.

It gives you more time to compare system types, warranties and running costs instead of making a rushed decision after a burst tank or complete loss of hot water.

Bond Plumbing provides professional hot water system inspections, repairs and replacements throughout the Gold Coast. We can assess the condition of your existing unit, explain the fault and discuss suitable options without pushing you towards work you do not need.

For help with an electric, gas, or heat pump water systems, contact Bond Plumbing QLD on 07 5573 5253.