How it starts
No Hot Water? Check These Three Things First
Before you call anyone, two minutes of checking can sometimes save you a call-out, and if it doesn’t, you’ll be able to tell us exactly what you’re seeing.
- Check the pilot light or power. On an older gas system, look for the pilot light at the base of the unit, if it’s out, that’s your answer. On an electric system, check the switchboard for a tripped circuit breaker labelled hot water or HWS.
- Check the isolation switch. Electric systems have a dedicated switch, often on an exterior wall near the unit or in the meter box. They get knocked off more often than you’d think, particularly after work has been done around the house.
- Look for water around the base of the unit. A pool of water, rust streaks down the casing or a steady drip from the relief valve means the tank itself is failing, and that’s not a DIY situation.
If the pilot won’t stay lit, the breaker trips again straight away, or there’s water pooling, stop there and call. Those three symptoms all point to a fault that needs a licensed plumber, and in the case of a leaking tank, one that’s getting worse by the hour.
What to look out for
Signs Your Hot Water System Is on the Way Out
Most systems give plenty of warning before they fail completely. If you’re seeing any of these, you’ve got time to plan a replacement rather than scramble for one:
- Water that runs warm rather than hot, or runs out faster than it used to
- Rusty or discoloured water from the hot tap only — this is tank corrosion, and it doesn’t reverse
- Banging, rumbling or popping from the unit, usually sediment build-up on the tank floor
- Water pooling around the base, or rust streaks down the outside of the casing
- A relief valve that drips constantly rather than occasionally
- The system is over 10 years old and starting to need repairs
That last one matters most for the decision. Most storage systems last somewhere between 8 and 12 years. Past the ten-year mark, spending several hundred dollars on a repair often buys you another eighteen months rather than another five years, and you’ll be told honestly which situation you’re in.
How to know what to choose
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
The right system depends on your household size, what you’re currently connected to, and whether you’re optimising for upfront cost or running cost. A few things worth knowing before you decide:
What you already have narrows it considerably
Switching from electric to gas means running a gas line and may mean a new gas meter. Switching from a tank to continuous flow may mean upgrading the gas supply. Like-for-like replacement is almost always the cheapest path, and often the right one.
Size matters more than brand
An undersized system in a four-person household means running out of hot water every evening, regardless of what’s written on the badge. Sizing is based on how many people live there and when they use hot water, not on floor area.
Rebates can change the maths
NSW and federal incentive schemes can significantly reduce the cost of solar and heat pump systems, sometimes enough to change which option is cheapest overall. Eligibility, amounts and scheme rules change regularly, so ask what’s currently available when you get your quote rather than relying on a figure you read somewhere.
Tempering valves are not optional
NSW plumbing regulations require hot water delivered to bathroom outlets to be limited to a safe temperature, which means a tempering valve on the installation. It’s a scald-prevention requirement, particularly around children and older people, and it’s one of several reasons hot water installation is licensed work.
What We Do
Hot Water System Replacement and Installation
Gas Hot Water
Storage and continuous flow gas systems. Continuous flow units heat water on demand rather than keeping a tank hot, so they don’t run out and they don’t lose energy maintaining a tank you’re not using. They suit households where hot water demand is spread through the day.
Electric Hot Water
Storage electric systems remain the most straightforward replacement in homes already set up for them, and off-peak electric tariffs keep running costs manageable. Straight swap-outs are typically completed in a single visit.
Solar Hot Water
Roof-mounted collector systems with gas or electric boosting for overcast stretches. Penrith gets the sun for it, and once installed the running cost is close to nothing for most of the year. Higher upfront cost, longest payback, lowest ongoing bills.
Heat Pump Hot Water
Heat pumps pull warmth from the surrounding air rather than generating it, using around a third of the electricity a standard electric storage system needs. The unit sits outside and needs clear airflow, and it makes a low hum like an air conditioner, so placement matters. Highest upfront cost of the electric options, lowest running cost and current rebates often close that gap considerably.
Rated 5 stars
Penrith Families & Businesses Have Trusted Us for 24 Years
Our continual focus on customer service, affordable pricing and quality workmanship has earned DrainPro Plumbing Services a 5 star rating across Penrith and Western Sydney.
Daniel came, checked, fixed all the while answering all my silly questions. Helped getting rid of a massive debris in the sewer pipe. Would 100% recommend.
Koichi Pham
Fixed a burst water pipe I accidentally hit while gardening. They came out straight away and got it sorted quickly and professionally. Great service and very easy to deal with.
Jade McQuillan
Daniel provided a very quick service, was very friendly and explained all the options we had before going ahead with work to make sure we were completely informed.
Monica Asimus
Our old toilet needed an emergency replacement. Daniel responded immediately and was able to have a brand new toilet replaced within 24hrs at a reasonable price.
Caitlan Read
Daniel went above and beyond to fix a cracked pipe in our front yard. After the job you couldn’t tell there was a large trench dig up it looked untouched.
Jessica Toth
Daniel arrived on time, delivered high-quality work, and was very professional throughout the entire process. He exceeded expectations and I couldn’t be happier!
Jasmine Dilworth
Our Process
What Happens When You Call Drain Pro
- You speak to a plumber, not a call centre.
Describe what the system is doing, or not doing, and you’ll get an honest read on whether it sounds like a repair or a replacement, plus a cost indication, before anyone leaves the depot. - We arrive same day wherever possible
Because a household without hot water can’t really wait. - You get a fixed price before work starts
And if it’s a replacement, a clear explanation of why repair isn’t the better option. - The system is installed, commissioned and tested
The old unit taken away, and the site left clean.
Fast Same-Day Service
Areas We Service
Based in Werrington Downs, we cover Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and the surrounding corridor.
Penrith
- Penrith
- Cranebrook
- Werrington
- Werrington Downs
- St Marys
- Kingswood
- Cambridge Park
- Claremont Meadows
- Caddens
- Jordan Springs
- Glenmore Park
- Emu Plains
- Leonay
- Orchard Hills
Blue Mountains
- Glenbrook
- Blaxland
- Warrimoo
- Mt Riverview
Hawkesbury
- Windsor
- South Windsor
- Bligh Park
- McGraths Hill
- Riverstone
- Schofields
- Marsden Park
- Erskine Park
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost depends on the system type and whether the installation is a like-for-like swap or a change of energy source. A straight electric storage replacement is the cheapest path; gas continuous flow sits higher; solar and heat pump systems cost the most upfront but the least to run. Changing from one energy type to another adds cost, because it can mean new gas lines, electrical work or roof mounting.