A licenced plumber can help you with a range of jobs, including: advising you on the right size / capacity of the gas hot water system, installing the system to the hot water pressure pipes, periodically servicing the gas hot water system, performing any maintenance on the system and supplying your gas hot water system from a reputable retailer. A licenced plumber is required to install gas hot water systems under the regulations, so make sure your plumber is licenced and has experience installing these systems.
Average Cost to Install Gas Hot Water System
The average cost to acquire a gas hot water system is between $700 and $3,500. This price range depends on the brand of the system, the capacity, the quality and other features. A basic gas hot water system will cost you towards the lower end of the scale, whereas a solar-assisted gas hot water system will cost you towards the upper end of the scale. Not all properties require the high-end model, so make sure you consult a plumber and acquire the most appropriate system for your property and your needs.
The average cost to have the gas hot water system installed by a qualified and licenced plumber sits between the range of $200 and $1,000. This of course depends on the features of your property and the complexity of the installation. The plumber might also charge a call-out fee, fees to remove and dispose off an old gas hot water system and any modifications required to satisfy current plumbing codes and regulations.
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Gas Hot Water System Installation Cost[/caption]To help you select and install the right gas hot water system for your home or business, make sure you consider the following 10 tips.
Consider the Types of Gas Hot Water Systems
There are many gas hot water systems available in the market. Before your consult a plumbing professional, make sure you do some research because you know your property best. Remember, gas hot water systems are an investment and the system will last for many years. You should acquire a good quality gas hot water system from a reputable retailer, dealer or manufacturer. Ensure that you ask the trade professional questions because they will help you navigate through all the available systems.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of gas hot water systems available in Melbourne:
- Gas storage hot water system;
- Gas instantaneous / continuous flow hot water system; and
- Solar-assisted gas hot water system.
Consult Your Builder If Property is Being Built
If your home or business is being constructed, you want to make sure you select and install the most appropriate and adequate gas hot water system for your property. Your builder will need to consult with the licenced plumber who has been engaged to assist with the installation of the plumbing service. This is important because the correctly sized gas hot water system needs to be acquired. The greater the number of hot waters services, your property will require a larger sized system so that multiple hot water services can be used simultaneously. Also, if your roof receives a reasonable amount of sunshine, it might be worthwhile acquiring a solar-assisted gas hot water system which does help to keep gas bills down.
Consult A Plumber If Property Exists
If you already have a property and wish to upgrade or replace your hot water system, a gas hot water system is a popular choice. Gas hot water systems tend to cost less than electric hot water systems given current energy prices. You will need to engage a licenced plumber to ensure that they can upgrade or replace your system with a gas hot water system. The plumber might have to make modifications to the inlet and outlet pipes and ensure the system is installed in a location that complies with plumbing regulations.
Estimate Your Usage
A gas hot water system will serve you for a long time. It is important to estimate how many people will use your gas hot water system simultaneously. Underestimating the usage can limit the number of people using the system. For example, if you will be having a hot shower, washing the dishes, using the dishwasher, etc. this will require a larger gas hot water system, especially if you desire an instantaneous or continuous flow of hot water. If you have a family, consider the future (especially children or elderly parents). If you have a business, consider whether you will employ more people.
Installation Location
Gas hot water systems need to be installed correctly and in an appropriate location. Your plumber will assist you on the best location. With revised plumbing codes and regulations, you may need to alter the location of the gas hot water system because a plumber will not install an appliance if it will be non-compliant. Make sure you discuss your options with your plumber so that you install it appropriately and to your satisfaction. Further plumbing work may be required if a relocation is necessary.
Consider The Running Costs
Depending on the number of occupants and how you occupy the home or business, the average running cost for a gas hot water system will vary. The more you use, the greater the running costs. Running costs also depend on the quality of the gas hot water system, its age, whether it has been periodically serviced and your gas retailer’s charges. All these factors vary from property to property. However, on average you should expected to have it serviced every year and pay for gas depending on the amount of usage.
Use A Licenced Plumber Melbourne
According to the Victorian Building Authority and EnergySafe Victoria, it is a requirement by law that a gas hot water system is fitted and installed by an appropriately qualified and licenced plumber who does not require supervision (i.e. not an apprentice). Hiring a plumber that does not have an appropriate licence can pose health and safety risks to your occupants, especially if the gas line is not connected properly. Remember, your plumber needs to have gas fitting authorisation. Check this before commencing the work.
Multiple Gas Hot Water Systems
There is no limit on the number of gas hot water systems you can install. The larger the property, the better it will be to have multiple gas hot water systems. This puts less pressure on one or fewer systems. Your plumber will help you determine how many will be required. If you operate a large business or property that requires multiple hot water services to be in use at any time, it might be worthwhile acquiring individual and small gas hot water systems for each service or room.
Associated Features
Newer gas hot water systems are equipped with enhanced features. You might want to have a remote control that can vary the temperature of the hot water at your direction. This can help you to decrease the temperature in summer months and increase it in winter months. You can also vary the temperature for each service. You might want your kitchen hot water service to have a higher temperature than your bathroom wash basin. Other features also include pre-heat functions, service priorities and others. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to learn more or consult your plumber.
Questions to ask your Melbourne plumber
Before you agree to the supply and/or installation of a gas hot water system, make sure you ask important questions to your qualified and licenced plumber. For example, you should consider asking the following questions to multiple plumbers before you engage the plumber that best suits your needs and requirements.
- Are your appropriately qualified and licenced?
- Do you have experience installing gas hot water systems?
- Which gas hot water system will best suit my property and needs?
- Is there a way to decrease the running costs of my gas hot water system by installing it differently?
- Can I install additional hot water services in the future?
- Will any plumbing modifications be required?
- Can you provide a written quotation?
- Are you appropriately insured?
- Do you have any references I can contact?
If you need a licenced plumber to install a new gas hot water system, perform an upgrade or replacement or provide you with additional information and advice, call the team at Heritage Plumbing Group. Our qualified and professional licenced Melbourne plumbers have the skills, qualifications and experience to install any type of hot water system at your home or business. Give the team a call on (03) 9498 0458.