Hot water is essential to daily life in an apartment or home. Choosing a system involves more than comparing equipment. You also need to consider demand, available energy sources, installation space, running costs and maintenance.
What type of hot water system is best for your home?
There is no single hot water system that suits every home. The right choice depends on how much hot water your household uses, the space available, the energy sources connected to the property and the total cost of ownership.
Your priorities will also matter. For example, you may want to focus on:
- reliable hot water for the number of people in the home
- keeping purchase and installation costs manageable
- reducing energy use where practical
- choosing a system that suits the available space
- selecting an option that supports your sustainability preferences
Solar and heat pump systems may suit owners who prioritise sustainability. Assess a product by its actual specifications and the conditions at your property, rather than by its name alone.
More efficient systems may help reduce energy bills and environmental impact. The result will depend on the system, how it is used and the property. Ask a suitably qualified contractor for advice based on your household and installation requirements.
How do storage, instantaneous, heat pump and solar systems differ?
You may see several system types described as storage, instantaneous, heat pump or solar. Condensing systems may also be available. These labels do not provide enough information on their own to decide which option is suitable.
When comparing systems, ask the supplier or contractor to explain:
- how the system operates
- how much hot water it is designed to provide
- what energy source it uses
- whether it needs additional equipment
- where it can be installed
- what maintenance is recommended
- what happens when demand is higher than usual
The original system type may not be the best replacement for your property. A different option may suit your household, but changing equipment can involve site-specific plumbing, electrical, gas or building requirements. Check those requirements before making a decision.
Do not rely only on marketing terms such as efficient, economical or environmentally friendly. Compare written product information, installation requirements, warranties and likely ongoing costs.
What should you consider before replacing a hot water system?
Start by recording how the current system performs. Note when hot water runs out, whether there are visible leaks, where the equipment is located and whether access is difficult. Photographs can help when requesting quotes, provided you do not remove covers or interfere with the equipment.
Before accepting a quote, consider:
- the household’s usual hot water demand
- the energy sources available at the property
- the space and access available for installation
- purchase, installation and ongoing costs
- noise, drainage and other practical impacts
- servicing arrangements and warranty conditions
- whether approval is needed from the body corporate, owner or another party
Ask for a quote that identifies the proposed system, the work included, any required changes and who will complete each part of the installation.
Professional installation supports safe and reliable operation. When finding a contractor, use the QBCC free search or licensee register, and check that the person is licensed for the work being proposed. Plumbing, drainage, gas fitting and fire protection work requires a QBCC licence regardless of value, while electrical work requires a licence from the Electrical Safety Office.
You can read more about related apartment maintenance issues in our body corporate maintenance factsheet.
What hot water system maintenance can you do safely?
Safe maintenance starts with observation. You can look for:
- water around the system or nearby pipework
- damp areas, staining or damage to walls and cupboards
- changes in the availability of hot water
- damage to visible cords, plugs or nearby electrical equipment
- unusual conditions that should be reported to the owner, body corporate or contractor
Do not remove covers, alter wiring, disconnect equipment or attempt to repair gas or electrical components. Electrical work is never a do-it-yourself job, and electrical equipment near water requires particular care. Queensland electrical safety guidance also says damaged appliances, cords, plugs and extension leads should not be used.
If cleaning or maintenance involves an electrical appliance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure it is disconnected from the socket outlet before cleaning or maintenance. Do not use electrical equipment with wet hands, and take extreme care when using it near water.
You can also keep records of inspections, contractor visits, faults and repairs. This makes it easier to identify recurring problems and provide useful information when requesting assistance.
Do not assume that flushing a tank, checking a pressure relief valve, replacing a component or changing a temperature setting is suitable for you to do. The correct maintenance depends on the system and its installation. Ask the manufacturer or a licensed contractor what is safe and recommended.
For practical information about water issues in an apartment, see our guide to managing water leaks in a strata property.
When should you call a licensed plumber or electrician?
Contact a licensed contractor when the system is leaking, not providing hot water, making an unfamiliar change in operation or showing damage. You should also seek professional advice before replacing a system, changing its energy source or carrying out work involving plumbing, gas or electrical connections.
Use an appropriately licensed contractor for plumbing, gas-related or electrical work. If you are unsure which trade is required, describe the problem without touching the equipment and ask the contractor or body corporate manager to direct the request.
If water is close to electrical equipment, keep clear and avoid using the equipment. Queensland guidance advises taking extreme care with electrical equipment around water and keeping cords and appliances out of the water.
For general advice on power at home, you can also read should I switch off power at the wall.
What should apartment owners check about body corporate responsibility?
Responsibility for a hot water system may depend on whether the equipment serves one lot, more than one lot or common property. It can also depend on the scheme’s plan of subdivision and regulation module.
The Queensland Government explains that the body corporate and owners are both responsible for maintenance in a community titles scheme. The survey plan shows the boundaries of the lots and common property, while the community management statement identifies the regulation module. These documents help determine who is responsible for particular maintenance.
A body corporate must maintain common property in a good and structurally sound condition, while a lot owner must maintain their lot in good condition. A failure to maintain a lot or common property may result in responsibility for damage caused to another lot or common property.
Before arranging replacement or repair, check:
- whether the system serves only your lot or several properties
- where the equipment and connected pipework are located
- whether the equipment is on common property
- whether the body corporate has an existing maintenance arrangement
- whether a committee decision or approval is needed
- who should receive an urgent leak or safety report
Keep the body corporate manager or committee informed when a problem may affect common property, another lot or shared services. Prompt reporting can help the right person arrange a qualified contractor and reduce further damage.
Choosing, maintaining and replacing a hot water system is safest when you match the system to your home and use the right licensed professional for the work. If you are unsure who is responsible for a repair or replacement, contact our team at reception@stratacare.com.au.
