Hot Water System Installers: What to Check Before Ordering a New Hot Water System

Oct 8, 2024

Choosing the right hot water system installer is just as important as choosing the right product. A good installer checks the system size, energy source, gas type, electrical requirements, water pressure, access, valves, drainage and compliance needs before the unit is fitted. A poor installation can lead to higher costs, poor performance, safety issues or a system that does not suit the home.

For homeowners ordering supply only, the installer should be involved before the product is purchased. This is especially important when changing from electric to heat pump, storage to instant gas, gas to electric, or when ordering a larger system.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare and order hot water systems online, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas and selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Quick Answer: How Do You Choose a Hot Water System Installer?

Choose a licensed hot water system installer who can confirm the right system type, size, gas type, electrical requirements and installation location before you order.

A good installer should check:

Current hot water system type and size
Household hot water demand
Number of people and bathrooms
Natural gas, LPG or electric availability
Correct gas type for gas systems
Gas pipe sizing for instant gas systems
Water pressure and flow rate
Electrical supply for electric and heat pump systems
Drainage and overflow requirements
Tempering valve and pressure valve requirements
Access for delivery and installation
Heat pump airflow, drainage and noise placement
Whether compliance upgrades are needed

If you are ordering supply only, confirm all of these details before buying the product.

Why the Installer Matters

Hot water systems involve plumbing, water pressure, valves, drainage, electrical work and sometimes gas work. The right installer helps make sure the product is suitable for the home and that the installation is completed safely.

A hot water system installer may need to coordinate or confirm:

Licensed plumbing work
Licensed gas fitting for gas hot water systems
Licensed electrical work where required
Safe disconnection of the old system
Correct valve setup
Drainage and overflow discharge
Compliance requirements
Old unit removal, where included or arranged separately
Correct system commissioning

This is why hot water installation is not a DIY job.

Supply-Only Customers: Speak to an Installer Before Ordering

If you are buying a hot water system supply only, your installer should confirm the product before you place the order.

Supply-only ordering can work well when:

You already have a licensed installer organised
The installer has confirmed the correct model
The system size is right for the household
The gas type is correct
Electrical requirements have been checked
Access and drainage are suitable
You understand what installation items are separate

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only. It does not usually include installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, pipework changes, drainage changes, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless those options are clearly selected or shown.

Supplied-and-Installed Hot Water Systems

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

Before choosing a supplied-and-installed option, check:

Whether your address is eligible
Whether the selected product is eligible
Whether the install is like-for-like or more complex
What valves are included or extra
Whether electrical work is included or extra
Whether gas work is included or extra
Whether old unit removal is included
Whether disposal is included
Whether drainage or pipework changes are included
Whether any compliance upgrades may be extra

A supplied-and-installed option can make the buying process easier, but it is still important to understand exactly what is included.

Types of Hot Water Systems Installers May Fit

Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric hot water systems are common for simple replacements, especially where the home does not have natural gas or LPG.

Electric storage systems can suit:

Homes without gas
Like-for-like replacements
Rental properties
Small-to-large households
Homes already wired for electric storage
Customers wanting a familiar tank-style system

Common size categories include 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems.

Popular electric storage options include:

If the old electric system was running out of hot water, do not automatically replace it with the same size. Ask your installer whether the household needs a larger tank, a different tariff setup or a different system type.

Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems can suit homes already connected to natural gas or using LPG.

Gas hot water systems include:

Gas storage hot water
Instant gas hot water

Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter. Natural gas and LPG units are not interchangeable, so the correct gas type must be selected before ordering.

A gas installer should confirm:

Natural gas or LPG supply
Correct model for the gas type
Gas pipe sizing
Outdoor location
Ventilation and clearance requirements
Water pressure
Existing gas connection condition
Whether any gas upgrades are needed

Gas Storage Hot Water Systems

Gas storage systems heat and store water in a tank. They can suit homes already set up for gas that want stored hot water ready for use.

Common gas storage categories include:

Product examples include:

Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

Instant gas hot water systems, also called continuous flow systems, heat water as it passes through the unit. They do not store a full tank of hot water.

Instant gas can suit homes that:

Want continuous flow hot water
Want a compact wall-mounted unit
Have suitable natural gas or LPG supply
Have enough water pressure
Have suitable gas pipe sizing
Have outdoor wall space

Larger households often compare 26L instant gas hot water systems, but a 26L system only performs properly when the gas supply and water pressure can support it.

Popular instant gas options include:

External gas hot water units are designed for outdoor installation unless the specific manufacturer model is approved for internal flued installation.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

A heat pump hot water system is an electric hot water system that uses heat from the surrounding air to help heat stored water. In the right location, this can reduce electricity use compared with standard electric storage.

Heat pump hot water can suit homes that:

Want to reduce hot water energy use
Are replacing an older electric storage system
Have suitable outdoor space
Have clear airflow around the unit
Can manage condensate drainage
Have suitable electrical supply
Have a sensible noise location
Want to pair hot water heating with rooftop solar where timing and usage suit

A heat pump installer should check:

Outdoor airflow
Condensate drainage
Manufacturer clearance requirements
Base or slab condition
Noise placement
Access for delivery and servicing
Electrical supply
Pipework route
Overflow and drain points

Many households compare medium heat pump hot water systems 200L–280L, while larger households may need large heat pump hot water systems. Customers wanting app or timer features may also compare Wi-Fi enabled heat pump hot water systems.

Popular heat pump options include:

Instant Electric Hot Water Systems

Instant electric hot water systems heat water on demand using electric heating elements.

They may suit:

Small sinks
Offices
Compact kitchens
Granny flats
Low-demand fixtures
Point-of-use hot water
Space-limited applications

Instant electric systems can require significant electrical capacity. They are not always suitable for whole-home shower demand. A licensed electrician or installer should confirm whether the property can support the selected unit before ordering.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems use roof-mounted collectors to capture heat from the sun and transfer it to a storage tank. Most systems include an electric or gas booster for cloudy weather or high-demand periods.

Solar hot water may suit homes with:

Suitable roof space
Good sun exposure
Minimal shading
Suitable roof orientation
Long-term energy efficiency goals
Space for the tank and collector arrangement
A suitable booster setup

Solar hot water can reduce grid energy use where conditions suit, but it is not always the simplest replacement. Roof suitability, shading, booster type, maintenance and upfront cost all matter.

For some homes, a heat pump may be easier to compare than roof-mounted solar hot water, especially where roof space, shading or access is an issue.

What a Good Hot Water Installer Should Check

A good installer should not just ask what system you want. They should check whether the product suits the home.

Important checks include:

Existing system type
Existing system size
Household hot water demand
Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Peak shower times
Available energy source
Correct gas type
Gas pipe sizing
Water pressure
Electrical requirements
Installation location
Access for delivery and installation
Drainage and overflow requirements
Existing valve condition
Heat pump airflow and noise location
Whether the old system was undersized
Whether compliance upgrades are needed

This is especially important when changing system type.

Questions to Ask a Hot Water System Installer

Before booking installation or ordering supply only, ask:

Are you licensed for the work required?
Do I need a plumber, gas fitter or electrician?
Is my current system correctly sized?
Did the old system run out because it was undersized?
Is my property natural gas or LPG?
Is the selected gas model the correct type?
Can the gas pipe sizing support an instant gas unit?
Is the water pressure suitable?
Can the electrical supply support this system?
Does the heat pump location have enough airflow?
Where will condensate drain from a heat pump?
Are new valves required?
Is drainage suitable?
Is old unit removal included?
Is disposal included?
What is not included in the quoted price?

These questions help avoid surprises after the product has already been ordered.

Hot Water Installation Costs: What Can Affect the Price?

The final installation cost can vary depending on the system type and site conditions.

Cost factors may include:

Like-for-like replacement vs system change
Electric, gas, heat pump or solar system type
Tank size or flow rate
Natural gas vs LPG
Gas pipe sizing
Electrical requirements
Switchboard or circuit requirements
Existing valve condition
Tempering valve requirements
Pressure limiting valve requirements
Drainage or overflow changes
Condensate drainage for heat pumps
Old unit removal
Disposal
Access difficulties
Slab or base requirements
Relocation of the system
Compliance upgrades

A cheap product can become expensive if the site needs extra work. This is why installer confirmation matters before ordering.

Hot Water System Replacement: Like-for-Like or Upgrade?

A like-for-like replacement can be practical when the old system worked well, the household demand has not changed and the location still suits.

However, it may be worth reviewing alternatives if:

The old system regularly ran out
Energy bills were high
Household size has changed
More bathrooms have been added
The old system was poorly located
You want to move from electric storage to heat pump
You want to move from gas storage to instant gas
You want to use rooftop solar more effectively
The existing setup needs compliance upgrades

Your installer should help confirm whether like-for-like replacement or a different system type makes more sense.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Installation Considerations

For Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, hot water system installation often depends on outdoor space, access, drainage, energy source and existing system type.

Common local considerations include:

Older electric storage replacements
Homes comparing electric storage with heat pump upgrades
Natural gas vs LPG availability
Outdoor gas unit positioning
Tight side access
Drainage and overflow points
Heat pump airflow and noise placement
Solar-friendly heat pump timing
Ageing valves and pipework
Larger family hot water demand

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas, with selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

What Is Not Included in Supply-Only Pricing?

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

Installation labour
New valves
Electrical work
Gas work
Pipework changes
Drainage changes
Tempering valve upgrades
Pressure limiting valve upgrades
Expansion control valves
Condensate drainage for heat pumps
Old unit removal
Disposal
Compliance upgrades
Concrete bases or slab work
Relocation of the system

Always check the product page and confirm full site requirements with your licensed installer before ordering.

Maintenance After Installation

After installation, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for the system type.

General maintenance may include:

Checking for leaks
Keeping the area around the system clear
Watching for rust or corrosion
Checking visible pipework and valves
Ensuring heat pump airflow remains clear
Checking condensate drainage for heat pumps
Using a licensed gas fitter for gas system checks
Using a licensed electrician for electrical issues
Replacing valves or anodes where required

Do not attempt plumbing, gas or electrical repairs yourself.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Some hot water systems, especially heat pumps and solar-style systems, may be eligible for rebates, STCs or other incentives depending on the product, location and current program rules.

These incentives can change, so check current eligibility before ordering or budgeting around a rebate.

A rebate may improve the value of an upgrade, but the system still needs to suit the household and installation location. Do not choose a product only because it has an incentive attached.

Brand Options to Compare

Installed Today stocks a range of major hot water brands, including:

Brand matters, but the right system type, size, gas type, installation location and site suitability matter more than brand alone.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Hot Water System Installers

Ordering the Product Before Installer Confirmation

This can lead to wrong sizing, wrong gas type, electrical issues or a system that does not suit the location.

Choosing the Cheapest Install Only

A cheap install can become expensive if valves, drainage, compliance or electrical requirements are missed.

Ignoring Gas Type

Natural gas and LPG systems are different. Always confirm the correct gas type before ordering.

Choosing 26L Instant Gas Without Checking the Site

A 26L instant gas unit needs suitable gas pipe sizing and water pressure.

Choosing Heat Pump Without Checking Location

Heat pumps need airflow, outdoor space, drainage, access and sensible noise placement.

Assuming Supply-Only Includes Installation

Supply-only generally means product only unless installation is selected or clearly shown.

Forgetting About Old Unit Removal

Removal and disposal may not be included unless clearly stated. Check before ordering or booking.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before ordering a hot water system or booking installation, confirm:

Installer licensing
Current system type
Current system size
Whether the old system ran out of hot water
Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Peak hot water demand
Electric, natural gas or LPG availability
Correct gas type
Electrical requirements
Gas pipe sizing for instant gas
Water pressure
Heat pump airflow and drainage
Outdoor or indoor suitability
Access for delivery and installation
Drainage and overflow requirements
Whether new valves may be needed
Whether removal and disposal are included
Whether rebates or STCs may apply
Whether supply-only or supplied-and-installed is the right option
Installer confirmation before buying supply only

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licensed installer for a hot water system?

Yes. Hot water systems involve plumbing, water pressure, valves, drainage, electrical work and sometimes gas work. Use licensed trades for installation.

Can I install a hot water system myself?

No. Installing or modifying a hot water system yourself can create safety and compliance issues. Use a licensed plumber, gas fitter or electrician where required.

Should I speak to an installer before ordering supply only?

Yes. Your installer should confirm the model, size, gas type, electrical requirements, access, drainage and site suitability before you order.

What type of installer do I need for gas hot water?

Gas hot water requires a licensed gas fitter. Natural gas and LPG systems are not interchangeable, so the correct gas type must be selected.

What type of installer do I need for electric hot water?

Electric hot water may require a licensed plumber and, where electrical work is needed, a licensed electrician.

What should an installer check for a heat pump hot water system?

The installer should check outdoor space, airflow, condensate drainage, electrical supply, access, base condition and noise placement.

Does Installed Today offer supplied-and-installed hot water systems?

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

What is not included in supply-only hot water pricing?

Supply-only pricing generally excludes installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, pipework changes, drainage, old unit removal, disposal and compliance upgrades unless selected or clearly shown.

Is the cheapest installer the best option?

Not always. A good installer should check suitability, safety, compliance, valves, drainage and system requirements, not just offer the lowest install price.

Final Word

A good hot water system installer helps make sure the system you order actually suits your home. That means checking the household demand, system size, gas type, electrical requirements, water pressure, valves, access, drainage and compliance needs before installation.

If you are ordering supply only through Installed Today, speak with your licensed installer before buying. If you are choosing a selected supplied-and-installed option in Brisbane or Gold Coast service areas, check exactly what is included and whether your address and product are eligible.

The right installer and the right system work together. Choosing one without checking the other can lead to avoidable costs, poor performance or a system that does not suit the home.

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