How do I know if my hot water system is leaking from the tank?

A genuine tank leak shows as water under or around the base of the unit when no other valve (relief valve, tempering valve) is dripping. A small amount of water from the relief valve is normal during heating cycles; continuous water around the base is tank failure and means replacement.

Can I replace gas with electric or vice versa?

Yes — but it requires both a licensed plumber (PIC) and an A-grade electrician. Briks coordinates both under one job number so you get one written quote and one invoice. Switching from gas to heat-pump electric is the most common upgrade in Adelaide right now.

How long does a hot water replacement take?

A like-for-like swap (gas-to-gas or electric-to-electric in the same location) takes 3-4 hours. A type-change (gas to heat pump) typically takes a full day because it adds electrical work and condensate drainage.

Is a hot water tempering valve mandatory in SA?

Yes. Australian Standard AS 3500.4 requires that hot water delivered to bathroom and ensuite outlets does not exceed 50°C. A tempering valve at the outlet of the hot water unit is the standard compliance method and must be installed by a licensed plumber.

When to repair vs replace your hot water system in Adelaide

A hot water system in Adelaide typically lasts 8-12 years for electric storage, 10-15 years for gas storage, 15-20 years for continuous-flow gas, and 12-15 years for heat pump units. The repair-vs-replace decision turns on three factors: age, fault type, and what the next 10 years of running costs look like.

How long do hot water systems actually last in Adelaide?

Adelaide's hard water (around 100-150 ppm hardness in mains supply) shortens electric storage tank life through scale buildup on the heating element. Coastal suburbs (Glenelg, Henley Beach, Brighton, Semaphore) see additional corrosion on outdoor-mounted units. The realistic lifespan ranges:

Electric storage tank — 8-12 years (sacrificial anode replaced at year 5 extends to 14)
Gas storage tank — 10-15 years (similar anode service window)
Continuous-flow gas (instantaneous) — 15-20 years
Heat pump — 12-15 years (compressor is the limiting factor)
Solar hot water — 15-20 years on the panels, 10 years on the booster tank

When repair makes sense

Repair is the right call when the unit is under 8 years old, the fault is a single replaceable component, and parts cost less than 30% of replacement. Common repair-friendly faults:

Failed thermostat or element on an electric unit (~$200-400 in parts)
Faulty thermocouple or pilot assembly on gas storage
Pressure-relief valve drip from valve fatigue (replaceable)
Tempering valve failure (mandatory replacement, low cost)
Sacrificial anode replacement (extends tank life by 5-7 years if done before year 7)

When replace makes sense

Replace when the tank itself has failed (rust-through, weeping seams, water around the base when no relief valve is dripping). Tank failure is terminal — no patching it.

Tank visibly leaking from the body, not just the relief valve
Unit over 12 years old AND a major fault has appeared
Repair quote exceeds 40% of like-for-like replacement
You're moving from gas storage to heat pump (efficiency upgrade payback under 5 years for households on solar)
Continuous hot water reliability is critical (tenant property, business)

Gas, electric, or heat pump for SA conditions?

For Adelaide households with rooftop solar, heat pump electric is now the lowest 10-year running cost choice — typically 60-70% cheaper to run than gas storage when paired with daytime solar. Without solar, gas continuous-flow remains competitive on running cost. Pure electric storage is the most expensive to run and rarely the right new install in 2026.

What to expect from a replacement quote

A proper hot water replacement quote covers: removal and disposal of old unit, supply of new unit, install (plumbing connections, gas if applicable, electrical if heat pump), commissioning, and lodgement of the certificate of compliance with the SA regulator. Anything missing from that list is missing from the job.