My Hot Water System needs replacing and I have heard that Electric Hot Water Heaters are banned is that true?

Question

My Electric Hot Water System is Leaking and needs replacing or updating & Im not sure what I need to purchase? Can I just get the same system or do I need a modern eco friendly one cause ive heard electric ones are now banned? Also can I install it myself or do I need a qualified Plumber?

Answer 1

Electric hot water systems are currently not banned, but the Government in Australia is planning to eliminate them by 2012. The Government wants Australian residents to install environmentally friendly units. They are recommending if your area has a gas line that a gas instantaneous or storage unit be installed. As for electric units solar electric boosted & heat pumps are recommended. Only a licensed plumber with a restricted electrical license is allowed to disconnect electric hot water systems. All electric hot water systems should be installed with the correct fittings and valves as this may void warranty.Hot water systems should be taken seriously and installed to your australian standards . Maincorp Plumbing is your local Sydney Hot Water Specialist installing new Hot Water Systems including major brands such as Rheem, Dux, Bosch & Rinnai. Maincorp Plumbing sydneys local plumbers are more than happy to advise you or assist you with a new Hot Water System installation in the Sydney area. Please feel free to take a look at our site or contact us on 1300 79 77 88

http://www.maincorpplumbing.com.au/index.php/services/hot-water-systems

Answer 2

Replacing a water heater is simple, but it's a lot of work. For instance, how do you move a tank that is bigger than you? (An electric heater needs at least 50 gallons capacity, and that is bigger than you.)



You won't believe what it costs to install a new heater. You have to have a brand new safety valve and several flexible pipes to match the heater with what is in the walls, and some other stuff, and you better know how to do it all to the current building code or you are going to have a fire or something.



It has been over thirty years since I replaced a water heater and it cost me $110 for parts. I would expect it to cost twice that now. Likely about the same amount for labor. So expect a plumber to charge about $400 for the job.



When you get the new tank in, record the date when the guarantee expires. As that date approaches, call a plumber and tell him you need the anode replaced. Make a note of the new date to replace the anode again, same as the original guarantee period. Heaters have an anode rod that protects the interior of the tank. The tank will fail shortly after the anode is used up, and that is exactly how long the guarantee is. Presumably the tank will last forever if you keep replacing the anode. There are two types of anode; you want the more expensive one.

Answer 3

First thing, no electric water heaters are not banned. Second thing, if you are any self respecting do-it-yourselfer you would never call a plumber to replace a water heater. It is a very simple job. Turn off the breaker to the unit. Turn off the water supply to the unit. Darin the unit. Disconnect the inlet and outlet lines disconnect the electrical supply wiring. Remove the unit itself. Position the new unit. Inspect your wiring and if in good shape reconnect. If your inlet and outlet lines are copper flex you need to replace them (They are out of code.) Install high-temp stainless braided lines. (Be sure you use the pipe nipples that are supplied with the unit) Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If no leaks turn on the electrical breaker to the unit. that is all there is to it. Good Luck.

Answer 4

You can actually install it yourself if you have the right tools. The best thing about installing it yourself is you learn to troubleshoot it the next time it fails. Just first analyze the connections always practice safety before doing the job. Btw, electric hot water systems are not banned but only not recommended nowadays since it consumes a lot of power and often suffer failures than by using gas or solar power.

Answer 5

yes you need qualified plumber because if you do it my your self it might leak