PAGE Tradie Plumbing & Gas
5.0 Stars - Based on 177 User Reviews
I'm Damian, a licensed plumber and gas fitter with 25+ years experience, and hot water is one of the jobs I do most across the Sunshine Coast. The question I get asked more than any other is "is it worth fixing, or should I just replace it?" Here's how I answer it.
Quick answer:
✓ Repair if the system is under about 8 years old and the fault is a part, like an element, thermostat, valve or gas pilot.
✓ Replace if it's over 10 years old, water is leaking from the tank itself, or you're paying for repair after repair.
Most systems give you some warning before they stop completely. Watch for:
Most faults are a single part, and most of those are worth repairing on a system that isn't too old.
The most common cause of no hot water or lukewarm water on electric systems. A straightforward part swap.
A constantly running relief valve or hot water that isn't the right temperature. Worn valves are replaced, and high mains pressure is fixed with a pressure limiting valve.
Pilot that won't stay lit or a burner not firing. Usually repairable unless the system is near the end of its life.
A new anode can add years to a tank, but only before it rusts through. Rusty water is the warning sign.
Water coming from a valve, union or pipe joint rather than the tank is usually a simple fix.
Once the tank itself is leaking, it has rusted through from the inside. It can't be patched, and it will only get worse.
Hot water repairs start from $165 inc GST during business hours. See hot water repairs on the Sunshine Coast.
Where it's close, I'll give you both prices and let you decide.
Most systems last 10 to 15 years. Electric storage tanks typically last 10 to 12 years, gas a little longer, and heat pump and solar systems 15 years or more with good maintenance. Close to the beach, salt air can shorten the life of outdoor tanks, valves and fittings, so coastal systems are worth checking more often.
A standard 250L electric like-for-like replacement is $2,400 installed inc GST, including valves, electrical reconnection, removal of the old unit and the compliance certificate. A small 50L system for a unit or granny flat is about $1,500. Gas, heat pump and solar systems vary more, so hot water quotes are always free.
If you're replacing, it's also the time to make sure you get the right type and size. I cover that, including a sizing guide and gas vs electric vs heat pump, on my hot water installation page.
The most common reason storage tanks fail early is a used-up anode that lets the tank rust through. Replacing the anode around every 4 to 5 years, flushing out sediment and checking the valves is the cheapest way to delay a replacement. See hot water system servicing.
Sometimes, if the tank is sound and the fault is a cheap part like an element or thermostat. But at 10 years or more, the tank is near the end of its life, so a repair often only buys a short time. If the tank is leaking or the water is rusty, replacement is the better value.
No. If water is coming from the tank itself, it has rusted through from the inside and can't be patched. If the leak is from a valve, fitting or pipe joint, that's usually a simple repair.
Check the label on the side of the system. It usually shows the manufacture date, or a serial number that includes the year. If you send me a photo of the label, I can tell you.
If it's over 10 years old and showing warning signs like rusty water, rumbling or running out, planning a replacement means you choose the system and the timing, rather than going without hot water and taking whatever's available on the day.
Send me a photo of the system and its label, or give me a call. I'll tell you straight whether it's worth fixing. Hot water quotes are always free.
📞 Call Damian: 0447 655 396Hot water repairs • Hot water installation • Hot water servicing
