Need a hot water plumber in Adelaide? We repair and replace electric storage, gas storage, instant gas, heat pump and solar hot water systems same-day across metropolitan Adelaide. Call 0432 667 785 and we will be on the way with a fully equipped van.
We are licensed plumbers and gas fitters with 20+ years on the tools. We service every major Australian hot water brand including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Vulcan, Bosch, Aquamax, Stiebel Eltron, Sanden and Reclaim. We also handle SA Government heat pump rebate paperwork as part of replacement jobs.
Common hot water problems we fix
No hot water at all
For an electric system, the most common cause is a tripped circuit breaker, a failed thermostat, or a burnt-out element. For gas, it is usually the pilot light gone out, a failed gas valve, or a thermocouple problem. We diagnose, quote, and repair on the same visit in most cases.
Hot water runs out too quickly
If you only get a few minutes of hot water before it goes cold, the bottom thermostat or element on a storage unit is usually the problem (the unit is heating only the top portion). It can also be a unit that is undersized for your household – a 250L tank does not run a family of five.
Discoloured or rusty hot water
Brown or rusty hot water usually means the sacrificial anode in your storage tank has been fully consumed and the steel tank itself is starting to corrode. We can replace the anode if the tank is still healthy, otherwise it is time to plan a replacement before the tank fails outright.
Leaking hot water unit
Water pooling at the base of the unit usually means the inner tank has corroded through. That is a replace-not-repair situation. A leak from the pressure-temperature relief valve at the top is often a faulty valve or excessive pressure (an expansion control valve solves that). We diagnose which is which.
Pilot light wont stay lit on a gas unit
Usually a failed thermocouple or a dirty pilot orifice. Both are inexpensive parts. See our blog post on how to relight a gas hot water pilot light if you want to try a relight first.
Banging, knocking or popping noises
Sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank causes those popping sounds. We can flush the tank, but if it has been ignored for years, the sediment is often baked on and replacement is the practical answer.
Hot water systems we install and replace
Heat pump hot water
The biggest energy efficiency gain available right now. Eligible South Australian households can claim significant SA Government rebates that bring the upfront cost down close to a standard electric storage replacement. We supply, install, and handle the rebate paperwork. See our guide to SA heat pump hot water rebates.
Continuous flow gas (instant gas)
Endless hot water, compact wall-mounted unit, no storage tank to corrode. Best for households with high or unpredictable hot water demand and a good gas connection.
Gas storage
Reliable, simple, recovers fast. Good fit for households with consistent demand and existing gas storage installations.
Electric storage
Lowest upfront cost. Higher running cost than heat pump or gas. Often the right call for budget-constrained replacements or where the hot water is only used lightly.
Solar hot water
Roof-mounted panels feed a storage tank. Excellent in Adelaide’s sunshine but the upfront cost and roof access often make heat pump the more practical 2026 choice. We service existing solar systems including booster issues.
How our hot water service works
- Diagnose. We test the unit, check the controls, and identify the fault.
- Quote. Fixed quote to repair or replace, in writing, before any work starts.
- Repair if it is the right call – elements, thermostats, valves, anodes, thermocouples, gas valves.
- Replace if the tank is corroded or the unit is past economic repair. We supply, install, remove the old unit, and book the rebate paperwork.
- Test and walk-through. We commission the unit, test the temperature and pressure, and explain the maintenance schedule.
Choosing repair vs replacement
If your unit is under 8 years old and the fault is a part (element, thermostat, valve, anode, thermocouple), repair is usually the right call. If the unit is 10+ years old, leaking from the base, or showing rust in the hot water, replacement is the better long-term move because the next failure is usually weeks or months away.
Why Adelaide chooses Allmat for hot water
- Same-day repair across metropolitan Adelaide.
- Same-day replacement on most major brands – we hold stock or get it from local Reece, Tradelink and Plumbing Plus.
- Licensed plumbers AND gas fitters on every van – one trade does the whole job.
- SA heat pump rebate paperwork handled as part of the install.
- 5.0 stars on Google from 200+ Adelaide customers.
- Fixed quotes before work starts.
Adelaide suburbs we service for hot water
We cover all of metropolitan Adelaide including Glenelg, Norwood, North Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Unley, Stirling, Blackwood, Semaphore, and surrounds.
Related plumbing services
Hot water FAQs
How much do hot water repairs cost in Adelaide?
Element or thermostat replacements on an electric storage are typically the cheapest. Thermocouples and pilot assemblies on gas are similar. Anode replacement is mid-range. We give a written, fixed quote before any work starts.
How long does a hot water unit last?
Electric storage: 8 to 12 years on average in Adelaide water. Gas storage: 8 to 15 years. Continuous flow gas: 12 to 20 years if serviced. Heat pump: typically 10 to 15 years on the compressor with the storage tank lasting longer. Sacrificial anode replacement every 5 years can extend storage tank life significantly.
What size hot water unit do I need?
Rough rule for storage units in Adelaide: 50L per person on electric, 30L per person on continuous flow gas. A family of four typically suits a 250 to 315L electric storage, a 200L heat pump with smart timing, or a 26L/min continuous flow gas. We size the unit to your actual demand, not a generic chart.
Are heat pump rebates still available in SA?
Yes. Eligible South Australian households can claim significant rebates on heat pump hot water installations. We handle the paperwork as part of the install. See our SA heat pump rebate guide for current eligibility.
Do you handle hot water in rental properties?
Yes. Hot water failure in a rental is treated as urgent under SA tenancy law and we work directly with property managers and landlords. Written reports and tax invoices supplied for tenancy records.
Book your Adelaide hot water service now
Call 0432 667 785 for same-day hot water repairs and replacements across Adelaide. After hours emergency response is available 24/7.