Hot Water Systems Ormiston
Hot water repairs, replacements and relocations in Ormiston. If you run the tap for ages before it warms up, the problem may be where the unit sits, not the unit itself.
Why the hot water takes so long to arrive
In many homes, the hot water system was put wherever was easiest when the house was built, often at the far end from the kitchen or the bathroom added later. Every time you turn on a hot tap, the cold water sitting in that long pipe has to run out first, and when you turn it off, the hot water left behind cools in the pipe.
The Australian Government’s Your Home guide estimates that about 30% of the energy a storage system uses is lost as heat from the tank and its pipework, and more in households that use only a little hot water at a time. Short, frequent uses, like rinsing a cup, may never get hot water to the tap at all.
Its advice is to keep hot water pipes as short as possible and put the system close to where hot water is used. If that can’t cover every room, place it near the kitchen or other areas where small amounts are used often.
Moving the unit, or making the most of where it is
Relocating an existing hot water system is part of our work. When a renovation moves the kitchen or adds an ensuite, it’s the right time to look at moving the hot water too, so the new wet areas aren’t at the end of a long run.
If moving it isn’t practical, insulating the pipes helps, especially exposed pipes running outside from the unit to the house and the pipe to the relief valve. The National Construction Code sets minimum pipe insulation. Energex gives the same two tips: put the system near where you use the most hot water, and insulate the pipes between the tank and the taps.
An electric storage tank can lose less heat indoors, in a laundry, garage or cupboard, if there’s room for maintenance access. Your Home notes an indoor tank needs a drip tray and a drain to a suitable waste point. Insulation blankets suit electric tanks, but not gas storage units with pilot lights, which can overheat.
Whether we relocate, repair or replace, the system has to meet AS/NZS 3500.4 with a tempering valve to keep taps at 50°C, and we lodge the QBCC Form 4 for a new installation. Licences: QBCC 15504687, gas L90908.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t see your question? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Call 0418 871 269Why does my hot water take so long to come through?
Usually it’s the length of pipe between the unit and the tap. The cold water in the pipe has to run out first. A unit closer to the kitchen and bathrooms, or a well-insulated pipe run, shortens the wait.
Can you move my hot water system to another spot?
Yes. Relocating an existing unit is part of our hot water work. We’ll check the new position for space, drainage, gas or power, and the pipe runs before we start.
Is it worth moving the hot water when we renovate?
Often, yes. With the walls and floors already open, it’s the easiest time to put the unit closer to the new kitchen or bathroom and shorten the pipe runs.
Should I wrap my hot water tank in an insulation blanket?
It can reduce heat loss from an electric storage tank. Don’t wrap a gas storage unit with a pilot light, as the water can overheat. Ask us if you’re unsure.
Can the hot water system go inside?
An electric storage tank can, in a laundry, garage or cupboard with room for maintenance. It needs a drip tray drained to a suitable waste point.
Hot water in nearby areas
Not listed? We probably still cover your area, so give us a call.
Hot water too slow, or a unit in the wrong place in Ormiston? Call 0418 871 269.
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