When installing a hot water system, place it close to outlets like kitchen, bathroom & laundry. Pick a well-ventilated spot that’s easy to access for maintenance. Consult our experts to find the ideal location.
When it comes to having hot water in your home, installing a properly functioning system is crucial. A reliable hot water unit is not a luxury, but an essential part of our everyday lives. From showering to washing dishes, having hot water on demand improves our quality of life and makes tasks easier.
There are various hot water systems available, including electric, gas, heat pump, solar, or tankless options. Each has its own benefits, and your choice should be informed by your plumber’s guidance to suit your home’s needs and budget, with gas and electric storage units being particularly popular.
Choosing an optimal location for your hot water system, close to where hot water access is most needed, is crucial for efficiency and reducing operating costs. A hot water system should work better when located closer to where hot water is used the most, such as near the kitchen or bathrooms. This helps minimise heat loss through the pipes.
Selecting a location near the primary hot water tap during installation enhances safety with effective pressure regulation, temperature control valves, and easier maintenance access. It’s imperative to engage a licensed plumber. Your plumber and/or electrician can assist to install hot water units, knowing the regulations and ensuring your system is correctly positioned.
Regardless of the hot water system type or fuel source, correct placement is key to optimised performance. Contact our team today if you need assistance with installing hot water systems or have any other hot water needs.
There are several main types of hot water systems, each with their own installation requirements and considerations.
Storage tank systems, like electric and gas water heaters, should be positioned near key hot water usage areas and be easily accessible for maintenance or replacement. An electric water heater designed to provide efficiently heated water will require an appropriate circuit, carried out with enough capacity and a 120-volt receptacle within 3 feet.
A gas hot water system requires venting, and adequate space to meet clearance requirements between the unit and the surrounding walls. Gas flex connectors allow some repositioning flexibility. Installations must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 for plumbing and AS/NZS 5601.1 for gas.
Gas tankless heaters require special category III stainless steel venting and 3/4-inch gas supply lines. Tankless or instantaneous water heaters require high energy inputs for their on-demand performance.
Your hot water unit, if a heat pump, will require an outdoor compressor and an indoor storage tank. The outdoor compressor unit needs adequate exterior space and ventilation while avoiding direct sun or rain exposure. Refrigerant lines connect the unit to the indoor tank, determining their relative placement.
Installations should follow manufacturer guidelines to maximise efficiency.
Solar water heating requires roof space for collectors facing north in Australia. The water tank can be roof mounted or placed at ground level, connected via pipes to collectors. Installations require a licenced solar specialist to ensure optimal angles, integrate controls and meet standards like AS/NZS 2712.
Storage hot water tanks are one of the most prevalent types in Australian homes, providing a reservoir of hot water for when it’s needed. They consist of an insulated tank that heats and stores a reserve of hot water for on-demand use. Storage water heater can have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years.
When installing a storage tank water heater, an important requirement is allowing adequate space for the size of the unit. A standard 50-gallon model can also need a footprint of at least 600mm x 600mm. The location should have a solid, level foundation with accessibility for service repair, able to support the weight when full of water, which can be several hundred kilogrammes.
Larger tanks require more floor space.
By placing storage tank heaters closer to frequently used hot water taps, water travel is reduced, minimising heat loss from the pipes. Positions that allow straightforward access to the valves and heating elements are also preferred for maintenance.
A tempering valve is required with storage water heaters to regulate the temperature water risk from stored hot water over 50C. Your water heater settings can be adjusted by your plumber during installation. Ensuring proper ventilation for your hot water heater is crucial for your house, along with maintaining clearance from combustible materials for gas models as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
When installed correctly by licenced professionals, storage tank water heaters provide an efficient and cost-effective hot water solution for most homes. Contact our team at Cherrybrook Plumbing to discuss the best option to suit your needs.
Tankless or on-demand water heaters provide a continuous flow of hot water without a storage tank. Cold water passes through a heating element or burner only when needed, so the system can eliminate standby energy losses. Installation of leading brand tankless water heaters is space-efficient, as these do not require large storage tanks.
When installing a tankless unit, proximity to major hot water usage points is still ideal to minimise warm-up times and pipe heat loss. Sufficient gas supply or electrical power must also be ensured. Most tankless heaters require upgrades to 200 amp panels, special venting and condensate drainage.
Gas tankless heaters need a 3/4-inch gas line supplying around 199 MJ/h, whereas electric models require 150 to 250 amps at 240 volts. Your plumber can advise on what upgrades your heater can necessitate. Locating the heater close to existing gas/electrical supply lines is preferred.
Tankless heaters offer continuous, fast hot water and save both energy and space. Contact our team at Cherrybrook Plumbing to see if a tankless water heater is right for your home.
Heat pump water heaters present an energy-efficient, eco-friendly option for heating water. They work by extracting heat from the surrounding air to heat water in an insulated storage tank.
Choose installation locations where temperatures remain above 7°C and avoid direct sunlight or rain exposure.
The heat pump should be situated in an openly-ventilated area to access adequate ambient air.
The hot water heater inside can be installed in a similar position to a conventional electric hot water system or gas storage water heater. Condensate drainage is needed for the cool, dehumidified air discharged by the outdoor heat pump unit. Refrigerant lines connect the two components.
Adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines guarantees maximum efficiency for the heat pump installation. Allowing proper ventilation and clearance around both units is crucial. Contact our team at Cherrybrook Plumbing if you’re interested in a new heat pump hot water system installation.
Solar water heaters are a renewable and cost-effective option for domestic hot water heating. Solar collectors mounted on the roof absorb heat from the sun and transfer it to water stored in an insulated tank. Correct installation is important for effiquired per collector.
Tanks may be mounted on the roof alongside the collectors or at ground level, connected by well-insulated pipes to maintain efficiency. The system also requires the installation of pumps, controllers, and heat exchangers.
A qualified solar technician must be employed for the installation. They will position collectors for optimal efficiency, integrate the system correctly, and ensure compliance with safety standards like AS/NZS 2712. Contact our team at Cherrybrook Plumbing if you’re considering installing a solar hot water system.
Proper installation by qualified professionals is crucial, regardless of the type of hot water system you select. Contact our team at Cherrybrook Plumbing to ensure your new system is set up for optimal, safe performance.
Proper ventilation is crucial when installing any type of hot water system, especially gas water heatly required for gas combustion and prevents buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide. Gas water heaters must be installed in compliance with AS/NZS 5601.1, including requirements for vents to outdoors and minimum clearances from windows or openings.
Ventilation allows release of heat and moisture that could otherwise lead to corrosion and damage if trapped near the water heater. Proper airflow helps maximise efficiency.
Ventilation openings aid accessibility for servicing the system. Units should never be enclosed without ventilation. Air vents are typically installed at the top and bottom of the water heater cupboard.
Our licensed plumbers, often praised through positive customer testimonials, will ensure your new hot water system is installed with proper ventilation as stipulated by both manufacturer specifications and Australian standards to guarantee safety and peak efficiency.
Given that hot water installation is a substantial investment, obtaining quotes from qualified professionals is essential to identify the most suitable option for your needs and budget.
If replacing your existing hot water system, request quotes from reputable plumbers, detailing your home, household size, and water usage for an accurate estimate. Consider asking several critical questions:
Additionally, inquire about services for installation, removal, and disposal of old water heaters. Ensure you receive a detailed written quote and compare with caution, as the least expensive option may not equate to the best quality or service.
For competitive system installation quotes, reach out to Cherrybrook Plumbing. Our twenty years of expertise mean we deliver and install the most efficient and economical systems for your household. Get an on-site quote at 1300 349 338.
Selecting the ideal location for your hot water system is imperative. Proximity to points of use reduces heat loss in pipes and speeds up delivery. Locations should enable easy maintenance and cater for safety clearances and adequate ventilation, conforming to all pertinent manufacturer guidelines and Australian standards.
Strategic placement of the system nearest to frequently used taps ensures proximity to key areas such as kitchens, laundries and bathrooms. Our expert team at Cherrybrook Plumbing will guarantee your unit is installed in the optimal location for effectiveness, safety, and durability.
Installing a new hot water system involves careful planning and execution to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Here is an overview of the key stages:
A licensed professional, with dual expertise in plumbing and electrical systems, will initially evaluate the site to pinpoint the most suitable unit placement, considering factors such as proximity to water outlets, structural integrity, ventilation, and connection accessibility while also inspecting the current infrastructure and suggesting any requisite alterations.
Preparation entails shutting off the water supply, repairing any defects in the hot water system, draining and disconnecting old units, as well as implementing upgrades to electrical power, gas lines or roofing. Provision of temporary hot water and clearing the area for installation are part of the process.
The indoor installation of the water heater includes situating, fixing, and anchoring the unit, insulating storage tanks, joining pipes, wiring electric heaters, and assembling all necessary components.
For gas systems, the installation includes fitting gas burners, flues, valves, and safety apparatuses.
Upon activation, the system undergoes pressure relief checks through the tp valve, is inspected for leaks and assessed for correct operations. Tests are conducted on water and gas pressure as well as electrical load, ensuring all valves and safety controls are functional.
Final tasks include insulating the pipes and illuminating the system. Compliance with Australian standards is a step we endorse for its importance in safety and quality. The owner receives thorough documentation, warranties, and instructions on operation and maintenance from the plumber.
Cherrybrook Plumbing boasts over 20 years of excellent service, specialising in the safe installation and repair of premium hot water systems in the Northern Beaches and beyond. For assistance in Cherrybrook and surrounds, call 1300 349 338.
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