Electric hot water in Adelaide
Electric storage tanks are found all over Adelaide, especially in units, older homes without a gas connection, and houses built when off-peak electric hot water was the default choice. The design is simple: an element heats water in an insulated tank, controlled by a thermostat, often on a cheaper controlled-load tariff that runs overnight.
We arrange quotes for repairs and replacements through independent local plumbers. Electrical parts such as elements and thermostats are licensed electrical work, so the contractor will either hold the right licence or bring in someone who does.
The rule that changes the replacement
Here is the most important thing to know about electric hot water systems in South Australia. Since 2008, the state's water heater requirements have limited when a standard electric storage heater can be installed. In many existing houses, a failed electric tank must be replaced with a low-emission water heater — a heat pump, a suitable gas unit or a solar system — rather than another electric tank.
There are exemptions, and they depend on the home. Whether reticulated gas is available, the type of dwelling (for example a unit in a multi-storey building), and the space available for a heat pump or collectors can all come into it. The Office of the Technical Regulator sets out the requirements and updates them from time to time, so the plumber should check your home's situation before quoting, and explain the result to you.
For most Adelaide houses that cannot go back to a plain electric tank, a heat pump is the closest swap. It still runs on electricity, still uses a tank, and can usually go in the same general area outside.
Common electric faults
No hot water. Often a failed element or thermostat. Check whether the hot water circuit on the switchboard has tripped; if it trips again after one reset, leave it off and get it checked.
Not enough hot water. A failing element can heat slowly; a thermostat set too low gives less usable hot water; and a tank on a short overnight heating window may simply be too small for the household.
Relief valve discharge. Some dripping while heating is normal. Constant running is not.
Leaks from the tank. A tank leaking from its body has corroded through. It cannot be repaired, and the replacement rules above apply.
Tariffs and running costs
A standard electric tank on a general tariff is generally the most expensive way to heat water. Controlled-load tariffs reduce the cost, and rooftop solar panels can help if the heater is set up to run during the day when your panels are producing. Some households already pair a heat pump or timer with their solar panels to soak up daytime generation. Talk to your retailer about which tariff suits the system you choose, and ask the contractor whether a timer or diverter makes sense in your case.
Indoor tanks
Many units and older houses have the tank inside — in a laundry, a cupboard or occasionally the roof space. An indoor replacement needs a safe tray and drain to protect the floor, safe access for the installer, and enough space for the new unit. Moving from an indoor electric tank to an outdoor heat pump is often possible, but adds pipework, so ask for that as a separate line.
The Adelaide price guide gives planning ranges for electric and heat pump replacements so you can budget before the plumber arrives.