I had a similar issue, was just a plastic seal that needed replacing. Turned off the power, waited for it to cool down then unscrewed the nut and replaced plastic seal that had broken apart.

Here is my original QGL thread with pictures.


http://www.ausgamers.com/forums/general/thread.php/3055202

last edited by shad at 17:59:40 15/May/12

You will need to consider the current it draws if you chose electric.
Buying a System that draws to much current could mean a new cable run, a new circuit breaker, even a new switchboard.
The current the system draws will be on the faceplate of your existing.

Your best option is LIKE for LIKE. the closest you can match to your current the better.
If your current system was working fine before, why upgrade? Even HWS have a life span. 5-7 years is good.

Try contact a Plumber who has a restricted Electrical license. Saves you calling out a sparky and a plumber who will charge you a call out fee and 1hour min to disconnect and reconnect.
gas, with out onsite dont bother.

solar, if you want, costs money


I havent installed/replaced a HWS for ages so I cant comment on cost.
I normally do alot of service work, ie replace elements etc.

Thanks all for your info.


Timmeh thanks very much. I took your advice. Love our 250L elec storage so staying with that.

Called around and found a guy with licence like you said in the next suburb ready to do a new 250L system + replace cold valve + new tempering valve + get rid of all for $1350

Cheers mate

Thanks all for your info.


Timmeh thanks very much. I took your advice. Love our 250L elec storage so staying with that.

Called around and found a guy with licence like you said in the next suburb ready to do a new 250L system + replace cold valve + new tempering valve + get rid of all for $1350

Cheers mate

no problem

If you need to replace it, supply your own system.
I paid a thousand bucks for a new hot water system from the plumber, then went to bunnings and found a similar one for $200.

key word there is bunnings.


Bunnings recently got audited and ordered to take a shit load of HWS of the shelves as they were no longer allowed to be installed in new houses. the were not economical enough.

Bunnings recently got audited and ordered to take a shit load of HWS of the shelves as they were no longer allowed to be installed in new houses. the were not economical enough.

That sounds like bullshit unless you can provide a link to back it up.

The key part of the bullshit there is "no longer allowed to be installed in new houses". This has no bearing on replacing existing systems nor Bunnings ability to sell systems for that purpose.

I clicked this thread really quickly because it had urgent in the title.

Yeah I'm pretty sure you can no longer put those old style electric heaters in new/remodeled houses, only as replacements for old ones.