My hot water system is not working. It's a 1997 hot water system running on gas.
The thing can ignite but it only last for a few seconds.
Can anyone recommend a good plumber which doesn't charge exorbitant fees?
Hot water (gas) not working. Recommendation for plumber? (Melbourne)
LKJ899 on 11/10/2016 - 14:14
Comments
Omg…looking at the comments, the fees plumber charge are crazy!!!
Yeah, it's notorious.
We had a rental property and couldn't risk doing it ourselves. It's invalidates your insurance. Plus, like you commented elsewhere, when it comes to gas you want that assurance.
They all charge a high fee. Unless you have a mate or family friend who's a plumber.
Google 'hot water service thermocouple'.
Its a $15 part from Reece Plumbing and can be changed in about 10 minutes. The thermocouple heats up and produces a voltage which keeps the pilot light gas flowing.
If a voltage isn't detected within about 10 or 20 seconds it automatically switches off. Sure sign is a burned out thermocouple, especially of you haven't changed it within the last 5 years.
A plumber will charge you parts and labour ehich could be up to $200+
Give it a try. You might save a quid :)
Agree. This solved my problem when a wall heater stopped working. Also solved a non working oven. Super easy job.
Thanks! I'll give that a try.
Coz it involves electricity and gas, I was worried of gas leak/ explosion/ electrocute.Changing a thermocouple doesn't require gas or power being turned off or anything like that.
Just unplug the thermocouple and undo the nut and swap. It might take a first timer 15 minutes TOPS. After that you'll be doing them in 30 seconds.
Thank you!
a good plumber which doesn't charge exorbitant fees
Yeh, sure. He'll come on over on his unicorn and fix it with his rainbow ratchet.
I know trades are expensive but didn't know they are THAT expensive:(
My dad recently changed our hot water system. He is a plumbing license but he is not a plumber…but it was free so all good!
http://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/dialysis-patient-…
Another typical example of plumbing fee structures. Call out fee, checking fee and the final wound required to fix the problem.
That's ridiculous! Shocking reply from the plumber
hey OP,
How did you go with the hot water? Sorry I just saw this was linked to a post I made a couple of months ago. We are no where near Melbourne but I could try give some feedback. What size and make etc is it? If its 19 years old then repairing it could work, but I personally would be straight swapping to new. If you let me know some more details I might be able to give you some ammunition when you enter into a negotiation with a plumber down your way.
Hi! I was going to try the suggestion by others above about thermocouple. But I can't access the thing.
There's a cover and the screws were too old and no longer unscrewable. I'm worried if I force that cover open, it can get dangerous coz there's a gas pipe inside.
It's a 1997 hardie dux 135L. How long dies hot water system normally last? Is it worth changing a new 1 instead of fixing it?
they normally last on average 10 years, so 19 is a good run, although have seen as old as 35 years. If it was just a thermocouple and could access it yourself then that would be worth repairing. However it could also be the unitrol, or in some cases I have seen them split just above the pilot causing a leak onto the pilot itself which puts it out. However you would see water in there in that case. If your going to pay a plumber to do the work then definitely replace. $1100 including gst supply/installed is a fair price for both you and the plumber for a like for like Dux 135L 4 star gas storage. Don't spend money on parts given the fact you will still be left with 19 year old tank with sediment build up and could split at any time now as the anode could be completely exhausted. If you have any other questions, let me know
I have googled a bit and it seems Rinnai has better reviews. As I will be staying in this place for a long time, maybe it's worth investing in a better brand.
Can I change from Dux 135L to Rinnai Hotflo 135 Litre External gas hot water system easily?
What is the reasonable price to pay for Rinnai supply + installation? Would it be cheaper if I purchase the system and get someone else to remove the old system and install the new 1?
@xwon123: Most of the units now are dual handed so it makes it easier as to modifying pipework when swapping between brands, but without looking its hard to say, maybe upload a couple of pictures and I can see?
To be honest, Rinnai is more known for their instantaneous range moreso than the storage type you have. Reviews online for most hot water brands are usually negative as people generally only mention issues, as not many think to say how good their hot water is as opposed to another.
If you were staying in the place for a while I would consider gas instantaneous. Without going into too much detail factors to consider are how far a 3/4inch gas pipe is, as your current system only has a 1/2inch feed, and instant units require higher gas flow. They also require an external powerpoint due to electronic ignition. You would also need not require a tempering valve as you can purchase them preset to 50 degrees, which is actually something I forgot to mention in the last reply. I would imagine there is a tempering valve on your current unit, which is something a plumber is required to add by law with new installations. They are normally around an extra $165, and the rinnai hotflo is about $50 more expensive than a dux. Id say maybe $1320ish?? Anything more your probably paying too much. Also you could try opt to supply your own, I know from experience though plumbers will try and charge probably the same even after you go to the effort of doing the work yourself.
@xwon123: All good! I'd be interested to know how you get on. We are working on something now that might see us down in Victoria next year but not anytime soon due to the different regulations. Sorry we can't be of any help fixing it for you at the moment
"doesn't charge exorbitant fees"…1 year later…bump.
I wonder what this OzBargainer's family charges? (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/259974) But they may be based in NSW.