Replacing hot water tank

Hawk78 on 11/01/2022 - 17:39
Last edited 11/01/2022 - 17:52

Hi everyone.
Due to installing a deck in the backyard I am going to have to remove my old gas Hot water tank.

It's old and needs a replacement anyway but I was wondering what to expect cost wise for removal of old tank and installation of a continuous system? I found Rinnai systems for around $800 online but this won't cover installation.
Has anyone recently had this done, if so can you share how much it cost?
I am in Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne.

I will get a few quotes but got a bad feeling it's gonna cost an arm and a leg and each quoting company will be badgering me for the job.
Have already spent quite a few thousand on other work in backyard recently so be nice if it was 2k or less.
Just looking for a ballpark.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Quantumcat on 11/01/2022 - 18:01
    +11

    Don't install a continuous gas system. Gas is only going to get more expensive. Install a heat pump hot water system, and the payback on the higher installation price will only be a few years. Especially if you have no more gas appliances as then you can kick the daily supply charge too and not have to pay the $300 or so a year.

    Edit: on rereading I see it is because you don't have room for a hot water tank, which makes my advice useless. Oh well.

    • rxjb on 11/01/2022 - 19:47
      +5

      +1 to this.

      Check out the facebook group - my efficient electric home. Lots of discussion on heat pumps. Heat pumps cost a lot less to run than gas. My gas storage tank costs about $1/day to heat. Heat pump would be about $.40c and would utilise about 2-3kw to heat.

      I am leaning towards a Hydrotherm unit. Seems like a reasonable bang for buck system and has one of the longest warranties out there (6 yrs).

      If you are contemplating solar at some point, ditch the gas and run the system off your solar.

      • sareth on 12/01/2022 - 09:07

        If you have excess solar, there's no point and several downsides to a heat pump system.

        • Navanod66 on 12/01/2022 - 09:57

          I'm in a similar situation. Old gas storage heater is the only has appliance in the house so once it's dead, I'll switch to electric since I have solar PV and can ditch the gas supply charges.

          Can you elaborate on the downsides? I'm looking at the pro-heat pump facebook group - my efficient electric home, so it'll be nice to hear the cons of heat pump heaters.

          Main concern would be in winter, where solar productions are low and excess are going to heating the house. Water heater would require more energy too due to the cold.

        • kiitos on 12/01/2022 - 11:00

          Why is there no point and downsides?

        • maxwellian on 13/01/2022 - 07:42

          Would love to hear why you don't believe the heatpump works best with Solar PV

          • JIMB0 on 13/01/2022 - 11:39

            @maxwellian: Heat pump units are very expensive and not known to be long lasting like a traditional resistive element electric hot water service is. Therefore the amount of money it would save on electricity during its short lifetime (5-10 years) would not come close to covering the cost of the unit.

            Then you have the intangible costs such as the unit not performing well and inconvenience when it fails.

  • MS Paint on 11/01/2022 - 18:03

    If you go instantaneous you may need to also get a larger gas line put in. $$$

    Just get a free one installed - they are shit but they are free. Gives you a few years to save for a proper unit

    • mskeggs on 11/01/2022 - 18:07
      +1

      What does a "free" one mean?

      • Quantumcat on 11/01/2022 - 19:20
        +2

        Maybe Ms Paint is volunteering to come to their house and fart under a bucket of water and light it

        • Nugs on 11/01/2022 - 20:12

          Need a paint diagram of that
          .

      • MS Paint on 11/01/2022 - 20:39
        +2

        You know - the free ones.

        On further research they are only free if replacing an electric HWS.

        • eddieboy2 on 12/01/2022 - 09:03

          Yes I replaced an electric heat pump with continuous gas hot water service 2 years ago in Adelaide. Got sick of running out of hotwater…..daughter washed hair in shower and forgot to get out so many times….House was previously all electric. The free gas connection cost me $2,200 or so then.

          • MS Paint on 12/01/2022 - 09:05
            +2

            @eddieboy2:

            My inconsiderate daughter cost me $2200

            FTFY

            • eddieboy2 on 12/01/2022 - 11:53

              @MS Paint: Not really. Had decided on gas continuous replacement as running out of hot water in winter not much fun. Waited for heat pump to die first. When doing a lot of dishes and running out of hot water, say when friends over for party, plus usual water used for showers, lack of hot water for hand washing in bathroom was also embarrassing at those times. Heat pump only heated up once overnight to get cheap tariff. Had seemingly large capacity hot water storage cylinder, but was not enough for a family.

          • JIMB0 on 12/01/2022 - 09:12

            @eddieboy2: What brand was the heat pump?

          • eddieboy2 on 12/01/2022 - 11:56

            @eddieboy2: I needed a plumber and an electrician for installation of gas continuous system.

  • mskeggs on 11/01/2022 - 18:05
    +1

    I remember the days when tradies badgered you for the job…

    Actually, I don't and think your biggest issue will be getting timely quotes and work.
    If you supply the unit, I suppose $600ish to plumb it in at a new spot. Taking away the old one? Another $100 I suppose for the hassle and tip fees.

    All depends on what is required, it you need a tempering valve, where the gas and water pipes are etc.
    That's why you get a quote!

    • eddieboy2 on 12/01/2022 - 09:04
      +2

      Think you are dreaming due to latest plumber and electrician experiences.

    • lgacb08 on 12/01/2022 - 09:31
      +1

      Definitely dreaming because 3 years ago when I got my gas storage fix, the plumber quoted me 3k for getting the new rinnai instantaneous and he was the only one bothered to fix it rather than persuaded me to get new one. This was in Melbourne.

  • Ocker on 11/01/2022 - 19:11
    +1

    Recently did the same thing in Melbourne eastern suburbs,
    Quotes ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous - supply and install of $3,000 to $3,500.
    Ended up getting the instantaneous unit from Gotleibs for about $800.00 and installed by a "friendly" plumber for $1,500.
    Biggest chunk of the installation cost was to run a 30mm gas line from the meter to the unit - about 11mt @ $40/mt
    New unit is brilliant.

  • holdenmg on 11/01/2022 - 19:24
    +1

    Bunnings sell and can arrange install of Dux Instant Hot Water
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=instant%20hot%…
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/services/in-home/hot-water-insta…

  • Zippy135 on 11/01/2022 - 19:27
    +1

    I found these guys to be quite competitive with installing and removal of old one, though I was replacing it in the same spot with another hot water tank (not continuous). Months later I called them about a knocking in the line and they came back, added a valve to stop it, no charge.
    I know it’s not like for like but it’s a company I would recommend for hot water service. Used them middle of last year in Melb.
    https://www.samedayhotwaterservice.com.au/

    • greencomet on 11/01/2022 - 20:24
      +1

      Same here, I got these guys to replace my busted water tank last year. Was replaced just after lunch the next day and was the same price quoted on their site, which was the best price I could find for the unit.

  • vince088 on 11/01/2022 - 20:11
    +2

    Last year i replaced my hot water system and got a Rinnai b26 continuous hot water system installed in SE melb $1450 installed, I had to upgrade my gas lines total came to $1700. I used Purple Hayes Plumbing.

    Other quotes i got from other plumbers was $4000 to $8000 (yes 8 thousand)

    • netjock on 11/01/2022 - 20:41
      +2

      Other quotes i got from other plumbers was $4000 to $8000 (yes 8 thousand)

      These are just clowns.

      I guess they don't have enough ethics to say "sorry I am just too busy but I'm here fishing to see if anyone would pay me a ridiculous price so I can brag at dinner parties for the next 30 years rather than let me people know how much dead money I put into accessories for my Hilux/Ranger"

      • vince088 on 11/01/2022 - 21:11

        hahaha yeah, i did not even reply back to the ridiculous quote.

  • salrock on 11/01/2022 - 20:39

    Tradies are quoting way too much these days for even small jobs because of shortage of labour. Cruel

    • netjock on 11/01/2022 - 20:44
      +3

      No shortage of labour, just tradies who waste time coming around quoting ridiculous prices. They are like venture capitalists. Waste a bit of time quoting here and waste a bit of time quoting there but one of these time wasting adventures will pay off 10x which will make it all worthwhile. Because when you average it all out it is like a 20-30% return.

      Oh explains why they are not mathematicians.

      I used a really good website in the UK called mybuilder where you can upload pictures and descriptions of the job. Then people can give you ball park quotes without even turning up. Helps to weed out those who are just being adventurous.

      • vince088 on 11/01/2022 - 21:13

        Yes, i use OneFlare or HiPages to send in pictures and multiple businesses will give me a quotes and i just choose the one with the highest reviews to do the job or sometimes the best prices, your the boss, you choose.

      • altomic on 12/01/2022 - 01:23
        +1

        but mate, I'm so busy as a plumber. I went to 10 different sites today (to give ridiculous quotes), so I have to charge so much because I'm so busy. but I'll get my apprentice to install it (and pay them (profanity) all) and charge double the actual quote as the transmorganator needed resnufilupicous flanges which couldn't be installed until transmobilization was undertaken with a forchnkic.

  • John Kimble on 11/01/2022 - 21:43
    +3

    https://www.samedayhotwaterservice.com.au/product/rinnai-b26…

    I paid about $1500 with these guys replacing my old instant HWS about August last year. Other quotes were over $2k.

    I suspect if you're not doing a like for like replacement, it might cost more if they need to do additional work.

  • BraggingRights on 12/01/2022 - 01:45

    I bought a hot water system from Facebook Marketplace for $150 it was brand new (Rinnai) and the person selling was suppose to install in granny flat that never got approved by Council.

    Simply paid to get it installed by Plumber, all up cost me $320 instead of $1200.

    Plenty of newer systems on Gumtree / Marketplace that are new (or near new) from properties that immediately upgraded to suit their household after buying the house and whatnot.

  • The tiger on 12/01/2022 - 08:21

    I too live at south eastern Melbourne.Last week mourning Aquamax 200 gonged up after 25 years of its service to us. Got a friendly and familiar plumber to advise me. He suggested Vulcan 135 L instead of Acqumax which he claimed “not so good “ .Goggling for Vulcan product reviews and found it got good reviews. Checking with Sameday service website and found unit cost is $890.00 plus installation equal to $1,435.00. Bargained with the plumber came down to $1,400.00( employing all exisiting assoceries , and not removing the old unit). Got it done the same day.

    • Geoff01 on 12/01/2022 - 09:35
      +4

      So you saved $35 in bargaining and having to dispose of the unit yourself..

      • MS Paint on 12/01/2022 - 09:59

        Username hardly checks out

  • Geoff01 on 12/01/2022 - 09:34
    +2

    My daughter just had a 135 ltr vulcan installed supply,fit and remove 1500. The unit is about $800 so for 2 hours work the plumber was worth $350 an hour cash. Lawyers didn't use to be that expensive. A huge element of greed has crept in but hey, what can you do. tradies must work on 1k a day as an acceptable rate. Poor buggers wonder how they cope.

    • MS Paint on 12/01/2022 - 10:06
      +1

      Plus the cost to run his new Ford Raptor and matching wheels on his 9ft high secure trailer, plus his super, plus parts and use of tools. Then there's the licence, expertise and warranty of work. Plus all that time giving free quotes. His wife is probably nagging for a holiday to Noosa and the kids private school fees are due in 3 weeks. His golf cart also needs a new battery. He also has to recover the shitty wages he was on as an apprentice for years.

      A good Rothenberger electro-hydraulic press machine with accessories is around $4k. Buy one and do it yourself if you want.

      • Geoff01 on 12/01/2022 - 17:48
        +1

        My heart bleeds for them. Spare a thought for all the $25 an hour retail workers like me.. A new raptor would be a dream away. Lol

  • m-chan on 12/01/2022 - 09:51

    I live in the northern suburbs. Got my folks’ 20+ year old rusted & leaking Dux HWS removed & replaced with a new Aquamax 390 stainless steel HWS plus concrete slab for base, pipes & fittings done for a total cost of about $1700. This was done in Nov 2021 and took the plumber about 4 hours to do.

  • Hawk78 on 12/01/2022 - 10:38

    I am going to have to do some research I think on all the options. In summary. I am spending a lot on my backyard in terms of decks etc so don't want to spend too much on hot water system if I can avoid it. I could move the tank further away from where it is but just thought getting rid of a tank and always having hot water sounded nice. Also it's a bit worn out. Not opposed to to a tank overall though, it just can't be in current position, would need to be installed a bit further away from current location as stairs will be where tank currently is. Also I do have solar panels so I should check that out too.

    • MS Paint on 12/01/2022 - 12:08
      +1

      Probably should have researched all this before you started the deck.

      Oh well. It is what it is.

    • vince088 on 12/01/2022 - 14:22

      the rinnai b26 is continuous gas hot water, there is no tanks

  • Hawk78 on 12/01/2022 - 15:04

    I have a couple of people coming over to quote, will see how I go.
    It seems I would be up for costs of upgrading gas pipes for the continuous hot water so that will add costs there as others have stated.
    I am not against putting in another tank just further down the yard to get away from the stairs of the decking that will go in.
    One mob offered me a 2-3 year old Aquamax 390 installed for $1500.
    That is about half price for the unit or more and 1k labour.
    Sure seems a lot for the labor but other prices I have had were for 2.5k on a job I posted online.
    So maybe a second hand tank and 1k install is not a bad outcome.
    I will let you all know how I go once some crews have been onsite.

  • Hawk78 on 12/01/2022 - 20:57

    Tonight I got an onsite quote for a new tank and setup in new location deeper in yard at 2k. Said a Rinnai B26 or similar would be same cost other than upgrading the pipes and running then under the house. From other posts here that would be several hundred. Probably end up at my original quote of 2.5k I got elsewhere. The 2nd hand tank installed for 1.5k is looking appealing but will need to find out about warranties etc. Just a pain in the ass as already spending thousands on the other backyard work so an extra expense i didn't need hence trying to get it done cheaply. The company offering me the aquamax tank that is 2 to 3 years at $500 are coming over to quote job tomorrow. Will see how that goes.

  • Hawk78 on 13/01/2022 - 16:46

    Well the 2-3 year Aquamax 390 they were going to install for $1500 total has now become $1300 as the tank is actually 10 years old.
    Time to pull the pin.
    No work is going to be done on my deck for a couple of months so I will look into this again later.
    They said it would probably last another 10 years but no warranty and too old to gamble on in my book.
    Thanks for everyones feedback.

  • The tiger on 14/01/2022 - 08:46

    Hi, Hawk78, why should you spend $1,500.00 for a used Aquamax 390.? Go to SamDay SmileService website and get the new ones. They do the supply of a new unit or the unit plus installation with a reasonable price. My plumber( not from that SamDay Smile) suggested me a 135L Vulcan and he did it everything for me （ I just sat down , but gave him a free cup of coffee) for $1,400.00.

  • lgacb08 on 14/01/2022 - 09:56

    No way I'm paying over a grand for an old tank fitted in, you can get a secondhand for throwaway price on Gumtree or marketplace, olus plumber hour, and hell no rhey don't cost a grand for 4 hour of work.
    and don't buy into the bullshit that an instantaneous is also the same because it is a whole new class of upgrade due to lower ongoing energy cost. If instantaneous options is only a few hundred extra I'd definitely spend more for that

  • Hawk78 on 14/01/2022 - 11:04
    +1

    Yeah it's basically a grand for the install which seems a bit steep to me also but each quote i have gotten so far has been between 2k to 2.5k except the aquamax one was $1300 in the end as the tank is 10years old. Not in a rush so I will wait a while and look around. I would have thought it was easy as it's going in next to my ducted heating so there is the gas line right there and I have a walk in door under house right to it so the 1k install cost does seem excessive. Like I said. I will look around

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