Hot Water System Repair, Installation & Replacement

Few things disrupt a household like losing hot water. Whether your system has stopped mid-shower or you're weighing up whether to repair or replace an ageing unit, getting the right advice matters. A hot water system is a big-ticket appliance, and the choice you make affects your energy bills for the next decade or more.

Our licensed Canning Vale plumbers repair, install and replace every major type of hot water system across the Perth south-east. Here's what you need to know.

Types of hot water systems

There are four main options in Perth homes, each with its own strengths.

• Gas runs on natural gas supplied through the ATCO network, or LPG bottles where mains gas isn't available. It heats water quickly and runs cheaply. Available as storage tanks or continuous flow units.
• Electric storage systems are the cheapest to buy and install, and can run on off-peak electricity to cut costs, though running costs are generally higher than gas.
• Solar uses roof-mounted collectors to heat water from the sun, ideal for Perth's sunny climate, with a gas or electric booster for cloudy stretches.
• Heat pump systems draw warmth from the surrounding air, using a fraction of the electricity of a standard electric tank.

Not sure which suits your home? Our guide comparing electric vs gas vs solar hot water breaks down the pros, cons and running costs of each.

Common hot water problems we repair

Plenty of hot water faults can be fixed rather than replaced, which is almost always the cheaper option if your system isn't too old. Common issues include:

• No hot water at all, or water that never gets properly hot
• Water that runs hot then quickly turns cold
• Leaking tank, valves or pipe connections
• Discoloured or rusty water coming through the taps
• Strange banging, rumbling or hissing noises
• A gas pilot light that won't stay lit
• Tripped electrical elements or a faulty thermostat

If your system has stopped completely, our guide on what to check when your hot water isn't working covers a few safe things to try before you call us.

Repair or replace?

It's the question every homeowner asks, and the honest answer depends on a few things.

When repair makes sense

If your system is under about 8 years old and the fault is a failed part, a repair is usually the smart, economical choice. Elements, thermostats, valves, thermocouples and anodes can all be replaced, often the same day. A well-maintained tank should last well beyond a decade.

When replacement is the better call

Once a storage tank passes 10 to 15 years, the internal cylinder starts to corrode, and a leaking tank can't be repaired, only replaced. If you're facing repeated breakdowns, rising bills, or a rusty tank, putting money into an old unit rarely pays off. Replacement is also the moment to consider a more efficient system, such as solar or a heat pump, which may qualify for federal STC rebates.

We'll always give you a straight assessment. If a repair is the sensible option, we'll tell you, and we'll never push a new system you don't need.

Choosing the right size

Getting the size right is just as important as the type. Too small and you'll run out mid-shower; too large and you're paying to heat water you never use. As a rough guide:

Continuous flow gas units are sized by flow rate rather than tank volume, so they never run out, making them a popular choice for larger or growing families. We'll assess your household's usage and recommend the right capacity.

Brands we install

We install and service all the trusted brands you'll find in WA homes, including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Solahart, Bosch and Vulcan. Each has its strengths across the gas, electric, solar and heat pump ranges, and we'll match a reliable, well-supported unit to your needs and budget rather than pushing a single brand.

Same-day service when it matters

Losing hot water isn't something anyone wants to wait around for. Where possible, we aim to repair or replace your system the same day, and we carry common parts and popular units so we can get you back up and running quickly. If your system has failed outside normal hours, our emergency plumbers are available around the clock.

Because hot water systems involve gas, electrical and plumbing connections, WA law requires this work to be done by a licensed plumber, and gasfitting by a licensed gasfitter. It keeps your family safe and your warranty intact.

Local knowledge matters

Perth homes have their own quirks when it comes to hot water. Scheme water supplied by the Water Corporation is generally good quality, but pressure varies from suburb to suburb, and older homes around Gosnells and the established parts of Thornlie sometimes have ageing pipework that affects flow to the hot water unit. We take all of this into account when sizing and installing a system, so you get consistent hot water rather than a unit that struggles against your home's plumbing.

We also handle the practical side of a replacement properly, from safely draining and removing your old unit to positioning the new one for good access and airflow, connecting it to code, and testing it before we leave. If we're swapping a system type, say electric to gas or gas to solar, we make sure the site, gas supply and electrical connections are all suited to the change first, so there are no nasty surprises on install day.

Whether you need a quick repair or you're ready to upgrade to a more efficient system, our licensed Canning Vale plumbers can help. Call our team or request a quote today, and we'll give you honest advice and upfront pricing before any work begins.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a hot water system last?

Most storage hot water systems last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance, while continuous flow gas units can run longer. Solar and heat pump systems fall in a similar range. Regular servicing, including replacing the sacrificial anode in tanks, can meaningfully extend the life of your system.

Should I repair or replace my hot water system?

If your system is under about 8 years old and the fault is a replaceable part like an element or thermostat, repair is usually the cheaper option. Once a tank passes 10 to 15 years, is leaking, or keeps breaking down, replacement makes better sense and lets you upgrade to a more efficient unit.

What size hot water system do I need?

It depends on how many people are in your home and your peak usage. As a guide, a couple might suit a 125 to 170 litre tank, while a family of four to five needs 250 litres or more in electric. Continuous flow gas units never run out, so they're sized by flow rate instead.

Can you install a hot water system the same day?

Often, yes. We carry common parts and popular units, so for many repairs and straightforward replacements we can get your hot water back the same day. Larger jobs or a switch to a different system type may need a booking, and we'll always give you a clear timeframe upfront.