Electric hot water in Sydney
An electric storage hot water system heats water in an insulated tank using one or two electric elements controlled by a thermostat. It is the most common system in Sydney apartments and townhouses, and in houses without a gas connection. Hot Water System Sydney arranges independent local licensed plumbers to replace, install and repair electric systems across Sydney, with a free written quote.
Off-peak or continuous tariff?
How your tank is wired to the switchboard makes a big difference to both sizing and running costs.
Off-peak (controlled load). The tank is on a separate circuit that the network switches on during set periods, mostly overnight. Electricity on that circuit is usually cheaper per unit. Because the tank may only heat once a day, it needs to be large enough to last the household until the next heating period, and if you run it dry in the evening you wait until it comes back on.
Continuous. The tank can heat whenever it needs to, so it can be smaller and rarely runs out, but every unit of electricity is charged at the normal rate. For a busy household that adds up.
When replacing a tank, keep the same arrangement unless there is a reason to change, and ask your electricity retailer before switching tariffs. In western and south-western Sydney the network is Endeavour Energy; in much of the east and north it is Ausgrid. Your retailer bills you either way.
Sizes and positions
Electric tanks for homes range from small units under a sink or in a cupboard to large tanks for families. Indoor tanks sit in laundries, cupboards or roof spaces in some older homes; outdoor tanks are rated for weather.
Positions to raise with the plumber:
- Roof-space tanks. Some older homes have a tank in the ceiling. Replacing it can be awkward and the risk of a leak damaging ceilings is real. Moving it to ground level may be worth pricing.
- Apartment cupboards. Space is tight and the tank may need to fit an exact footprint. A tray and drain beneath it are important in multi-storey buildings.
- Outdoor tanks need a level, stable base and a relief drain discharging where it will be noticed if it runs continuously.
When a heat pump makes more sense
If your electric tank is on a continuous tariff, or the household uses a lot of hot water, a heat pump is worth pricing. It heats the same water using a fraction of the electricity, because it moves heat from the air rather than generating it. It costs more to buy, needs outdoor space and makes some compressor noise. There have been NSW and federal incentives that reduce the upfront price for eligible installations. See heat pump and solar hot water.
Common electric hot water faults
- No hot water at all. Check the hot water circuit breaker. If it has tripped and trips again when reset, leave it off and call a professional — it can mean a failed element.
- Lukewarm water. Often a failed element or thermostat, or an off-peak tank that is too small.
- Water around the base. Could be a valve or fitting, or a leaking tank. A leaking tank cannot be repaired.
- Relief valve dripping. Some discharge during heating is normal; constant flow is not.
See hot water repairs for more detail. Never remove the cover of an electric tank's element compartment yourself; there is live mains wiring behind it.
Licensing and compliance
Installing a hot water system is plumbing work, licensed through NSW Fair Trading, and the electrical connection must be done by someone licensed for electrical work. We ask the contractors we work with to hold the licences and insurance the job needs — ask to see them before work starts, and ask for the certificate of compliance when the job is done.
Prices
Electric storage price bands are on the hot water system cost guide. If you need a quick swap, see hot water system replacement.