Sydney, NSW
0404 939 121
Professional Hot Water System Replacements - Licensed plumber Sydney - 24/7 service
Upgrade & Changeover

Hot Water System Replacements Sydney

Replace ageing, inefficient, or failed hot water systems with modern energy-efficient alternatives. Our expert plumbers handle complete changeovers—from electric to gas, tank to instantaneous, or traditional to heat pump—with same-day service, old unit removal, and 10-year warranties on all installations.

Same DayChangeover
10-YearWarranty
FreeDisposal

Why Replace With Us

Energy Upgrades

Switch to efficient gas, heat pump, or solar systems and save $400-$800/year

Removal Included

Old system disposal and recycling included in all replacement services

Fast Changeover

Most replacements completed same day with minimal hot water downtime

Full Warranty

10-year manufacturer warranties registered on all major brands

Expert System Upgrades

Professional Hot Water System Replacement Sydney

When your hot water system reaches 10+ years old, shows signs of rust, leaks constantly, or struggles to keep up with demand, it's time for a replacement—not another repair. We remove your old electric, gas, or solar system and install a modern, energy-efficient replacement in a single day. Choose from leading brands including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Bosch, and Aquamax with 10-year manufacturer warranties.

Seamless Changeover

Complete replacement service including removal, installation, gas/electrical connections, and compliance certification—all handled by licensed professionals.

Energy Efficient Upgrades

Switch to modern gas, heat pump, or solar systems and save $400-$800 per year on energy bills with improved efficiency.

Same-Day Service

Most replacements completed in 4-6 hours with hot water restored the same day. Emergency replacements available for failed systems.

Complete Package

Free disposal of old units, warranty registration, rebate assistance, and comprehensive cleanup—everything included in one service.

Warning Signs

When To Replace Your Hot Water System (Not Repair)

Key indicators that replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs

Age Over 10 Years

Time-Based

Electric storage systems last 8-12 years, gas systems 10-15 years. Once past this age, efficiency drops 20-30%, and repair costs escalate rapidly. Replacement delivers better value than maintaining an ageing system with declining performance and rising energy bills.

Rust-Coloured Water

Critical

Rusty hot water indicates internal tank corrosion—the sacrificial anode has failed and the tank is deteriorating. This cannot be repaired; the tank will eventually burst. Replacement prevents emergency failures and potential water damage to your property.

Frequent Repair Costs

Financial

If you have repaired your system 2-3 times in 12 months—replacing elements, thermostats, valves, or gas controls—the total repair cost likely exceeds 50% of a new system. Replacement eliminates ongoing repair expenses and provides 10-year warranty protection.

Inefficient Heating

Performance

Hot water running out quickly, taking longer to heat, or never reaching full temperature indicates failing elements or burner efficiency. Modern systems heat 30-40% faster and maintain consistent temperature—upgrading improves comfort and reduces energy waste.

Visible Leaks or Pooling Water

Emergency

Water pooling beneath the tank signals internal corrosion or failed pressure/temperature relief valve. Minor leaks worsen rapidly—full tank failures release 150-400 litres, causing significant water damage. Emergency replacement prevents costly property damage.

High Energy Bills

Efficiency

Old electric systems consume 30-50% more electricity than modern heat pumps or efficient gas systems. Annual running costs of $800-$1,200 for old electric drop to $300-$500 with heat pumps—replacement pays for itself in 3-5 years through energy savings.

Upgrade Options

Energy-Saving Upgrade Opportunities

Switch from inefficient electric to modern efficient systems and save hundreds annually

Electric to Heat Pump Upgrade

Heat pumps extract heat from ambient air—using 65% less electricity than traditional electric storage. Annual running costs drop from $900 to $300, saving $600/year. Government rebates of $1,000-$1,500 reduce upfront costs. Environmentally friendly with low carbon emissions.

Save $600/year on energy
3-5 year payback period

Electric to Gas Continuous Flow

Gas instantaneous systems heat water on demand—no storage tank, no standby heat loss. Never run out of hot water, and reduce gas bills 40-50% compared to electric. Compact wall-mounted units free up floor space. Perfect for growing families and high-demand households.

Save $400/year on bills
Unlimited hot water

Tank to Instantaneous Conversion

Replace bulky 150-400L storage tanks with compact wall-mounted continuous flow systems. Instant hot water, zero wait time, and reclaim valuable laundry or outdoor space. Gas or electric instantaneous options available with 10+ year lifespans and low maintenance requirements.

Reclaim 1-2m² floor space
Endless hot water supply

Old Electric to Solar Hot Water

Solar systems use free sunshine to heat water, reducing electricity bills by 60-70% annually. Ideal for sunny Sydney climate with 300+ sunshine days/year. Government rebates and STC credits reduce purchase costs by $1,500-$2,500. Environmentally sustainable with 15-20 year lifespans.

Save $700/year on energy
$1,500+ in rebates available
Our Process

How Our Hot Water Replacement Service Works

Professional end-to-end changeover from assessment to warranty registration

1

System Assessment & Recommendations

We inspect your existing system, note its age, fuel type, capacity, and condition. We measure available space, check gas and electrical connections, and assess your property's hot water demand based on household size and usage patterns. You receive tailored recommendations comparing electric, gas, heat pump, and solar options with upfront pricing, energy cost projections, and available rebates.

2

Energy Upgrade Consultation

Our plumbers explain the benefits and costs of upgrading from electric to gas, heat pump, or solar systems. We calculate potential annual savings, rebate eligibility (NSW Energy Savings Scheme, STC credits), and payback periods. For conversions requiring new gas lines or electrical upgrades, we provide complete costings including all trades and compliance work.

3

System Selection & Sizing

Choose from Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Bosch, Thermann, Aquamax, and other leading brands. We size systems correctly—avoiding oversized units that waste energy or undersized units that cannot meet demand. Storage tanks sized by household occupants (4-person = 135-170L), continuous flow by simultaneous outlets (2 bathrooms = 20-26L/min), heat pumps by climate zone.

4

Old System Isolation & Removal

We safely isolate water, gas, and electrical supplies before removing your old unit. Electric systems are de-energised and disconnected, gas systems purged and capped, tanks drained completely. Old units are carefully removed to prevent damage to walls, landscaping, or surrounding property. Removal includes disposal of all mounting brackets, pipes, and electrical conduits.

5

New System Installation & Connections

The new hot water system is positioned, mounted securely on walls or stands, and connected to existing or upgraded plumbing and energy supplies. Gas systems require licenced gas fitting with pressure testing and leak detection. Electric systems need compliant wiring and RCD protection. All connections meet AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards and AS/NZS 3000 electrical standards.

6

Commissioning & Testing

We commission the new system by filling the tank, purging air, testing pressure relief valves, and verifying temperature settings. Gas burners are adjusted for optimal combustion efficiency. Electric elements and thermostats calibrated. Heat pumps tested for refrigerant charge and compressor operation. Hot water flow verified at all taps to confirm correct system operation.

7

Disposal, Certification & Warranty

Old hot water systems are removed from site and recycled responsibly—steel tanks scrapped for metal recovery, copper components recycled, refrigerants recovered from heat pumps. We provide compliance certificates (plumbing, gas, electrical), register manufacturer warranties (typically 5-10 years), and supply operation manuals. You receive before/after photos and maintenance schedules for warranty compliance.

Comparison

Old vs New Hot Water Systems: What You Gain

Modern systems deliver superior efficiency, reliability, and warranty coverage

Energy Efficiency

Old System: Old electric systems: 60-70% efficiency, wasting 30-40% of electricity as heat loss from poorly insulated tanks and standby heating

New System: New heat pumps: 300% efficiency (COP 3.0+), modern gas: 85-90% efficiency, saving $400-$800 annually on energy bills

3-5x more efficient

Warranty Coverage

Old System: Old systems out of warranty: All repairs at owner's expense, typical repair costs $250-$600 per callout, no protection against failures

New System: New systems: 5-10 year manufacturer warranties on tanks, 1-3 years on parts/labour, comprehensive coverage against defects and failures

10 years warranty protection

Recovery Time

Old System: Old systems: 2-4 hours to reheat 150L tank after full use, inadequate for peak morning or evening demand in larger households

New System: New gas continuous flow: Instant unlimited hot water. New heat pumps: 1-2 hour recovery with improved insulation and faster heating

50-75% faster recovery

Running Costs (Annual)

Old System: Old electric 170L: $900-$1,200/year based on $0.30/kWh tariff rates and inefficient heating with poor tank insulation

New System: New heat pump 170L: $300-$400/year. New gas continuous: $450-$550/year. New solar: $150-$300/year with sunshine boosting

Save $500-$900/year

Emergency Service

Same-Day Emergency Hot Water Replacement

Fast response for failed systems leaving you without hot water

24/7

Emergency Response

Call any time for emergency hot water replacement. We respond within 60-90 minutes to assess failed systems and arrange same-day replacement.

Same-Day

Changeover Service

Most emergency replacements completed within 4-8 hours. We stock popular systems in our vans for immediate installation and rapid service restoration.

No Wait

Minimal Downtime

Hot water restored same day in 90% of cases. We prioritise emergency replacements to minimise disruption to households with children, elderly, or medical needs.

When You Need Emergency Replacement

Emergency replacement is necessary when your hot water system has completely failed—no hot water at all, visible tank leaks creating water damage risk, gas leaks requiring immediate isolation, or electrical faults creating safety hazards. We provide emergency replacement for burst tanks, failed elements/thermostats beyond repair, corroded gas valves, and systems showing imminent failure signs.

Emergency surcharges apply for after-hours, weekend, or public holiday service (typically $200-$400 callout). However, emergency replacement prevents water damage (potential $5,000-$15,000 insurance claims) and restores essential hot water for hygiene, cooking, and comfort. Call 0404 939 121 for 24/7 emergency replacement service.

Pricing

Hot Water Replacement Costs Sydney

Transparent all-inclusive pricing with removal and disposal included

Electric Storage Tank Replacement

Complete remove and replace service for 125-400L electric storage hot water systems. Includes removal and disposal of old unit, new tank supply and installation, electrical connections, pressure testing, and compliance certification.

Old unit removalNew tank installedElectrical work5-10 year warranty
$1,800 - $2,800

Gas Continuous Flow Replacement

Replace old gas storage or continuous flow systems with modern efficient instantaneous units. Includes old system removal, new unit supply, gas fitting, electrical connections (for fan models), and gas compliance certificate.

Gas fitting includedWall mountingGas certification10-year warranty
$2,200 - $3,500

Heat Pump System Replacement

Upgrade from electric storage to energy-efficient heat pump systems. Includes old unit disposal, heat pump supply, installation, refrigerant commissioning, electrical connections, and registration for government rebates (where eligible).

Rebate assistanceSave $600/yearLow emissions6-10 year warranty
$3,000 - $4,800

Solar Hot Water Replacement

Replace old systems with solar boosted hot water—roof panels and ground storage tank. Includes old unit removal, solar collectors, tank installation, plumbing, electrical backup element, and STC rebate administration.

STC rebates appliedRoof mountingSave $700/year10-year warranty
$4,000 - $6,500

Fuel Conversion (Electric to Gas)

Convert from electric to gas continuous flow—includes new gas line installation if required (up to 15m), gas meter upgrade assessment, new system supply, gas fitting, and electrical removal. Perfect for reducing running costs.

Gas line installationMeter assessmentSave $400/yearFull certification
$2,800 - $4,500

Emergency Replacement (Same-Day)

After-hours, weekend, or urgent same-day replacement surcharge for failed systems requiring immediate replacement. Includes rapid response, expedited installation, and priority scheduling to restore hot water within 4-8 hours.

24/7 availability4-8 hour serviceWeekend servicePriority response
+$300 - $600

What's Included In Every Replacement

  • ✓ Free assessment and system sizing consultation before purchase
  • ✓ Removal and responsible disposal/recycling of old hot water system
  • ✓ Supply and installation of new system from leading brands
  • ✓ All plumbing connections, pressure testing, and leak checks
  • ✓ Licenced electrical work (electric systems) or gas fitting (gas systems)
  • ✓ Commissioning, temperature calibration, and operational testing
  • ✓ Compliance certificates for plumbing, gas, and/or electrical work
  • ✓ Manufacturer warranty registration (5-10 years depending on brand)
  • ✓ Operation manual and maintenance schedule for warranty compliance
Case Studies

Real Hot Water Replacement Results Across Sydney

Before-and-after examples from actual customer projects

Electric to Heat Pump Upgrade

Bondi, NSW

Before Replacement:

Old 170L Rheem electric storage tank 15 years old, consuming $1,100/year in electricity. Frequent element replacements ($350 each), rusty water indicating internal corrosion, slow 3-hour recovery time inadequate for 4-person household.

After Replacement:

Replaced with Stiebel Eltron 270L heat pump. Annual energy costs dropped to $480/year—saving $620 annually. Faster recovery time, quieter operation, eligible for $1,200 NSW Energy Savings Scheme rebate. Investment paid back in 4.5 years through energy savings.

Total Cost:$3,200 (after $1,200 rebate)
Annual Savings:Saves $620/year on energy bills
Warranty:7-year manufacturer warranty

Emergency Gas System Replacement

Parramatta, NSW

Before Replacement:

Gas storage hot water system failed Saturday morning—no hot water for family with young children. Old Dux 135L gas tank 12 years old had corroded burner assembly, failed thermocouple, and leaking tank base creating water damage risk beneath house.

After Replacement:

Emergency same-day replacement with Rinnai Infinity 26L continuous flow gas system. Installed within 6 hours on weekend. Unlimited hot water, wall-mounted to reclaim space, gas safety certificate provided. Coordinated with insurance company for tank failure claim.

Total Cost:$2,950 (incl. emergency callout)
Annual Savings:Insurance covered $1,800
Warranty:Same-day service, no wait time

Solar Hot Water Upgrade

Northern Beaches, NSW

Before Replacement:

Electric 250L hot water system costing $1,350/year to run for large family. Environmentally-conscious homeowners wanted sustainable hot water solution to reduce carbon footprint and benefit from Sydney's 300+ annual sunshine days.

After Replacement:

Installed Solahart 302L solar hot water with roof-mounted evacuated tube collectors and electric boost. Running costs reduced to $250/year (boosting only)—saving $1,100 annually. Received $1,500 STC rebate plus $700 state incentive. Carbon emissions reduced by 2.5 tonnes/year.

Total Cost:$4,500 (after $2,200 rebates)
Annual Savings:Saves $1,100/year, 2.5T less CO₂
Warranty:10-year warranty on collectors

Instantaneous Replacement

Inner West, NSW

Before Replacement:

Old Rinnai gas continuous flow system 15 years old experiencing intermittent ignition failures, inconsistent water temperature fluctuations ±10°C, and error codes requiring multiple service callouts ($280-$350 each). Control board and heat exchanger both showing age-related deterioration.

After Replacement:

Replaced with new Rinnai Infinity N50 continuous flow—latest model with digital temperature control (±1°C precision), improved energy efficiency, smart error diagnostics. Consistent endless hot water for 2-bathroom property. Old unit recycled, 12-year parts warranty registered.

Total Cost:$2,450 (like-for-like replacement)
Annual Savings:Eliminates repair costs $600+/year
Warranty:12-year Rinnai warranty
Responsible Disposal

Old System Removal & Recycling Included

Environmentally responsible disposal at no extra cost

Complete Removal

We safely disconnect, drain, and remove your old hot water system—whether ground-mounted, wall-mounted, roof-installed, or internal. All mounting brackets, pipes, electrical conduits, and associated hardware removed.

Steel Tank Recycling

Steel storage tanks (electric and gas) are transported to metal recyclers where they are crushed and processed for steel recovery. Vitreous enamel linings separated, steel melted for reuse in manufacturing.

Copper Component Recovery

Copper heating elements, pipes, and heat exchangers are removed and sent to specialist copper recyclers. Copper is 100% recyclable indefinitely without quality loss—valuable material recovery.

Refrigerant Recovery

Heat pump systems contain refrigerants (R134a, R410A) that must be professionally recovered before disposal. We use certified refrigerant recovery equipment to prevent atmospheric release, storing refrigerants for reuse or destruction.

Electronics Recycling

Control boards, thermostats, timers, and electronic components are separated and sent to e-waste recyclers. Precious metals (gold, silver) recovered from circuit boards, hazardous materials safely processed.

Zero Landfill Goal

Over 90% of removed hot water systems are recycled or recovered—steel, copper, brass, aluminium, and electronics all diverted from landfill. Our responsible disposal practices align with NSW EPA waste reduction targets.

Disposal Included In Every Replacement

Unlike some plumbers who leave old hot water systems on-site or charge extra for removal, Panther Plumbing Group includes complete removal and recycling in all replacement quotes. We handle disconnection, draining, removal from property, transport to recycling facilities, and provide disposal documentation if required for strata or commercial compliance records. This saves you hiring skip bins ($200-$400) or arranging separate waste collection—everything included in one fixed price.

Insurance Support

Hot Water Insurance Claims Assistance

We coordinate with insurers for burst or failed hot water systems

When Hot Water Damage Is Insurable

Most home and contents insurance policies cover sudden and unexpected hot water system failures—including burst tanks, ruptured pressure relief valves, and catastrophic leaks causing water damage. Insurance typically covers the cost of emergency replacement plus water damage repairs to flooring, walls, and contents.

To lodge successful claims, insurers require evidence of sudden failure (not gradual deterioration due to poor maintenance), photos of damage, plumber's reports, and itemised repair quotes. We provide comprehensive documentation to support your insurance claim, liaising directly with assessors and loss adjusters to expedite approval.

Documentation We Provide For Claims

  • Detailed plumber's report: Documenting failure cause, damage extent, and urgent replacement necessity
  • Before photos: Visual evidence of burst tank, water damage, corrosion, or failed components
  • Itemised quote: Transparent breakdown of emergency replacement costs, labour, materials, and disposal
  • Compliance certificates: Post-replacement plumbing, gas, and electrical certificates verifying code-compliant installation
  • Insurer liaison: We communicate directly with assessors, answer technical questions, and justify emergency pricing

Emergency Replacement While Claim Processes

Insurance claims can take 7-14 days for assessment and approval, but you need hot water immediately. We perform emergency same-day replacements and wait for insurance payment—you pay only your excess upfront, insurer reimburses the balance. This prevents extended disruption while claim processes. If your claim is denied, we offer flexible payment plans. Call 0404 939 121 to discuss insurance-related emergency replacements.

Brands We Install

Leading Hot Water System Manufacturers

We supply and install all major Australian and international brands

Rheem

Electric, Gas, Heat Pump, Solar

Rinnai

Continuous Flow, Storage

Dux

Electric, Gas, Solar

Bosch

Continuous Flow, Heat Pump

Thermann

Electric, Gas

Aquamax

Electric, Gas, Heat Pump

Stiebel Eltron

Heat Pump, Electric

Solahart

Solar, Heat Pump

Authorised Installer & Warranty Registration

Panther Plumbing Group is an authorised installer for all major hot water brands. We register manufacturer warranties immediately after installation (5-10 years depending on brand and model), ensuring you receive full warranty coverage. Our licenced plumbers maintain manufacturer training and certification for compliant installations meeting Australian Standards AS/NZS 3500.

FAQs

Hot Water Replacement FAQs

Common questions about replacing hot water systems

How do I know if I need replacement or just repair?
If your system is under 8 years old and experiencing isolated component failures (elements, thermostats, valves), repair is usually cost-effective. However, replacement becomes the better choice if your system is 10+ years old, requiring frequent repairs (2-3 times annually), showing rust in hot water, leaking from the tank itself, or costing more than 50% of a new system to repair. Age, efficiency, and cumulative repair costs determine whether replacement delivers better value.
Can I upgrade from electric to gas hot water during replacement?
Yes, absolutely. Converting from electric storage to gas continuous flow is one of the most popular upgrades. If you have natural gas connected to your property, we install a new gas line from your meter to the hot water location (typically $800-$1,500 for 10-15m run), fit the gas continuous flow system, and remove electrical connections. This upgrade eliminates the large storage tank, provides unlimited hot water, and reduces annual running costs by $400-$600. If you do not have gas connected, we can also arrange gas connection through your local distributor.
How long does hot water replacement take?
Most standard like-for-like replacements (same fuel type and location) take 3-5 hours from start to finish. This includes removing the old unit, installing the new system, making all plumbing and energy connections, testing, and commissioning. Fuel conversions (electric to gas requiring new gas lines, or electric to heat pump requiring different plumbing) can take 5-8 hours. In 90% of cases, hot water is restored the same day. We schedule work to minimise downtime—typically 2-4 hours without hot water during the changeover.
What size hot water system do I need for my household?
Sizing depends on household occupants and usage patterns. For electric storage: 1-2 people need 80-125L, 3-4 people need 135-170L, 5-6 people need 250-315L. For gas continuous flow: calculate simultaneous outlets (2 bathrooms + kitchen = 20-26L/min capacity). For heat pumps: similar to electric sizing but with faster recovery times. We assess your peak usage times (morning showers), number of bathrooms, bath vs shower preference, and whether you run dishwashers/washing machines on hot cycles to recommend the optimal size—avoiding oversized systems that waste energy or undersized systems that cannot meet demand.
Do you remove and dispose of my old hot water system?
Yes, removal and disposal is included in all our replacement services at no extra charge. We safely disconnect, drain, and remove your old system from the property. Steel tanks are transported to metal recyclers, copper components recovered, heat pump refrigerants professionally recovered to prevent environmental release, and electronic components sent to e-waste facilities. Over 90% of materials are recycled rather than sent to landfill. Some companies charge $200-$400 extra for disposal—we include it as standard in every replacement quote.
Are there government rebates for hot water replacement?
Yes, several rebates and incentives are available in NSW. Heat pump systems qualify for Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) rebates of $1,000-$1,500 when replacing electric resistance systems. Solar hot water systems receive Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) worth $1,500-$2,500 depending on system size and location. Some local councils offer additional sustainability rebates. We handle all rebate paperwork and applications on your behalf, deducting rebates from your final invoice. Rebate eligibility depends on replacing an electric system and using an approved efficient replacement—we advise on all available incentives during your consultation.
Do you offer same-day emergency replacement service?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency hot water replacement for failed systems. When your system completely fails—no hot water, burst tank, or safety concerns—call us any time. We respond within 60-90 minutes to assess the failure and can often complete replacement the same day (within 4-8 hours) if we have compatible systems in stock. Emergency service surcharges apply for after-hours, weekend, or public holiday callouts (typically $300-$600), but this includes priority scheduling and rapid restoration of essential hot water service. Most emergency replacements are completed same day to minimise disruption.
What warranty do I get on a replacement hot water system?
Manufacturer warranties vary by brand and model but typically include 5-10 years on tanks/cylinders and 1-3 years on parts and labour. Premium models offer extended warranties—some Rheem systems include 10-12 year cylinder warranties. We register all warranties immediately after installation and provide you with warranty certificates and documentation. Additionally, our workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months covering installation quality. For warranty claims, contact us and we liaise with manufacturers to arrange repairs or replacements under warranty terms—saving you the hassle of dealing directly with manufacturers.
Can you help coordinate hot water replacement with my insurance claim?
Yes, we regularly work with insurance companies for burst hot water system claims. We provide detailed plumber reports documenting the failure cause, photographic evidence of damage, itemised replacement quotes, and technical explanations for assessors. We can perform emergency same-day replacement while your claim processes—you pay only your excess upfront, and the insurer reimburses the replacement cost upon approval. We communicate directly with loss adjusters and assessors, answer technical questions, and provide all necessary compliance certificates post-installation. This streamlines claims and expedites approval, getting you hot water immediately rather than waiting 1-2 weeks for claim processing.
Customer Reviews

What Sydney Customers Say

Real experiences from hot water replacement customers across Sydney

"Old hot water system finally died. Panther Plumbing Group removed it and installed a new heat pump system same day. Explained the rebates and handled all the paperwork. Fantastic service!"

Patricia Lewis
Hot Water System Replacement

"Upgraded from electric to gas continuous flow. Panther Plumbing Group's installation was seamless, old unit removed and recycled. Hot water is now endless and our bills have dropped by $600 a year. Brilliant work!"

David Martinez
Hot Water System Replacement

"Replaced our 12-year-old system with a modern Rheem unit. Panther Plumbing Group's team was professional, site was left immaculate, and warranty registration was completed on the spot. Highly recommend!"

Emma Thompson
Hot Water System Replacement
Service Coverage

Hot Water Replacement Services Across Sydney

Professional hot water system changeovers in all Sydney suburbs

24/7 Emergency Service

Need Professional Hot Water Replacement?

Upgrade to efficient systems with same-day changeover and 10-year warranties—call now