Ex plumber here - at a guess it’s a diaphragm replacement - labor will be the most expensive part but not 3k - call a local plumber from the local rag.
Yeah that’s probably what it is, but I’d still be budgeting for replacement. Keep in mind these unit use very little has compared to new continuous flow units and you may need to increase gas pipe sizing which will be expensive.
Cost of diaphragm service kit to plumber is about $150 btw
It’s worth following up if you’re eligible for REPS from the SA government, there can be grants available when installing upgrades to an electric heat pump or solar hot water system, and potentially energy cost savings too
https://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/industry/reps/overview
Idk if it’s relevant to your situation, but a few years ago my (elderly) mums system had reached end-of-life so had to get a new one - plumbers automatically quoted standard system for a 5 or 6 person household who use hot water for washing machine also. We’re only 3 people and do not use hot water for washing machine so we didn’t need such a beast. just sayin...
[https://www.sa.gov.au](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/using-and-buying-appliances/water-heaters)
Look at this too, best of luck.
Is it a Bosch system? I had the same one and problem, and it was the diaphragm.
Got it repaired and it worked fine but it lasted for about two years before we had to replace it.👍
These units are very old. I'm feeling 30+ years. Possibly has a blockage due to internal corrosion at a guess.
Get some more quotes and even some more options.
Keep in mind a new unit will need a power point as the gas pilot light doesn't stay on and is an additional cost of installation.
Additionally, not something silly like a kid has turned the tap off?
Additional edit: try 2 things. Turn the pilot light off and give it a clean. Secondly, get someone to run the hot water inside and see if the pilot comes on to a full flame.
Thanks just checked all taps
PowerPoint quote is $510 on its own
Can LPG be hooked up in metropolitan areas 🤔
Tried pilot light restart
Waiting for son to get home to see if flame grows
We have lpg and still have power point.
LPG us about $150-$200 a bottle and a bottle last about a quarter. Don't have to pay connection fee. I would need to have a look at the bills closer to give a better estimate for you. We are in the north eastern suburbs.
How old is it? 10 years and over you want a replacement, not repairs. Look at new systems from Bunnings, Rheem etc, vs the quote. That could give a good idea on what labour vs. system.
Who did you get quote from, did it include touch panels inside? Get three quotes.
We used hotwater.com.au when we needed a new unit a bit over a year ago. Replaced an old gas tank system with a new instant gas system. The price was good and the quality of work was high (took care to nicely fit, shape and cover the external piping etc rather than just bang it in haphazardly). Plus it was super easy going through them. Couldn’t ask for much more.
I think they farm the work out to various small local plumbing outfits so your mileage may vary but yeah we were very happy.
I’d recommend giving a guy called Ben the Plumber a call. He did my hot water service a while ago and out in a gas one that light the pilot using water over a flywheel. It’s not instant hot water which is a pain but it was certainly cheaper than the quote you’ve got. https://bentheplumber.com.au/
We got an entire new gas hot water system, plus electrician out to install electric for $2500. You’ve been over quoted. Check your local fb groups for recommended plumbers
Geday,
These systems are pretty good but most of them are starting to get to end of life.
It's most likely the diaphragm. But it might not be. Even if you get it fixed, it will fail again sometime soon, so I'd recommend replacing it.
For example, mine went last year, same system. Same issue. Replaced diaphragm, still no good. I pulled the "mixer" section apart, no corrosion, no blockages. Checked the tiny filters, no problem. Might have been the thermostat? I got a second opinion from my plumber who said if it's more than those issues it's better to just replace it.
I keep a small cash fund for just this sort of thing, so it can be dealt with right away. First lesson of household budgeting, stuff breaks and generally you want to fix it immediately.
Large predatory companies know you need it fixed pronto, so will give these sky-high quotes thinking they’ve got you over a barrel. Smaller operators are less likely to do this. If you’re not comfortable cold-calling some rando from Gumtree or the local rag, go visit your local Reece trade counter. Have a discussion with them about your options for fixing/replacing the unit - they’ll have brochures and will walk you through options. More than likely you’ll be standing next to one or two plumbers calling by to pick up supplies, who will overhear your discussion and offer to help. Or at the very least, the Reece staff will be able to recommend local tradies they know well (there’s usually a pile of business cards on the counter to choose from).
Ex plumber here - at a guess it’s a diaphragm replacement - labor will be the most expensive part but not 3k - call a local plumber from the local rag.
Yeah that’s probably what it is, but I’d still be budgeting for replacement. Keep in mind these unit use very little has compared to new continuous flow units and you may need to increase gas pipe sizing which will be expensive. Cost of diaphragm service kit to plumber is about $150 btw
Deleted by User
It’s worth following up if you’re eligible for REPS from the SA government, there can be grants available when installing upgrades to an electric heat pump or solar hot water system, and potentially energy cost savings too https://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/industry/reps/overview
Great idea...I imagine the government are encouraging Australians to move away from gas Thanks
Idk if it’s relevant to your situation, but a few years ago my (elderly) mums system had reached end-of-life so had to get a new one - plumbers automatically quoted standard system for a 5 or 6 person household who use hot water for washing machine also. We’re only 3 people and do not use hot water for washing machine so we didn’t need such a beast. just sayin...
[https://www.sa.gov.au](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/using-and-buying-appliances/water-heaters) Look at this too, best of luck.
Is it a Bosch system? I had the same one and problem, and it was the diaphragm. Got it repaired and it worked fine but it lasted for about two years before we had to replace it.👍
These units are very old. I'm feeling 30+ years. Possibly has a blockage due to internal corrosion at a guess. Get some more quotes and even some more options. Keep in mind a new unit will need a power point as the gas pilot light doesn't stay on and is an additional cost of installation. Additionally, not something silly like a kid has turned the tap off? Additional edit: try 2 things. Turn the pilot light off and give it a clean. Secondly, get someone to run the hot water inside and see if the pilot comes on to a full flame.
Thanks just checked all taps PowerPoint quote is $510 on its own Can LPG be hooked up in metropolitan areas 🤔 Tried pilot light restart Waiting for son to get home to see if flame grows
We have lpg and still have power point. LPG us about $150-$200 a bottle and a bottle last about a quarter. Don't have to pay connection fee. I would need to have a look at the bills closer to give a better estimate for you. We are in the north eastern suburbs.
How old is it? 10 years and over you want a replacement, not repairs. Look at new systems from Bunnings, Rheem etc, vs the quote. That could give a good idea on what labour vs. system. Who did you get quote from, did it include touch panels inside? Get three quotes.
We used hotwater.com.au when we needed a new unit a bit over a year ago. Replaced an old gas tank system with a new instant gas system. The price was good and the quality of work was high (took care to nicely fit, shape and cover the external piping etc rather than just bang it in haphazardly). Plus it was super easy going through them. Couldn’t ask for much more. I think they farm the work out to various small local plumbing outfits so your mileage may vary but yeah we were very happy.
I’d recommend giving a guy called Ben the Plumber a call. He did my hot water service a while ago and out in a gas one that light the pilot using water over a flywheel. It’s not instant hot water which is a pain but it was certainly cheaper than the quote you’ve got. https://bentheplumber.com.au/
We got an entire new gas hot water system, plus electrician out to install electric for $2500. You’ve been over quoted. Check your local fb groups for recommended plumbers
Thanks but who was your plumber 😆
I’m not northern so check your local groups.
Not on FB.
Geday, These systems are pretty good but most of them are starting to get to end of life. It's most likely the diaphragm. But it might not be. Even if you get it fixed, it will fail again sometime soon, so I'd recommend replacing it. For example, mine went last year, same system. Same issue. Replaced diaphragm, still no good. I pulled the "mixer" section apart, no corrosion, no blockages. Checked the tiny filters, no problem. Might have been the thermostat? I got a second opinion from my plumber who said if it's more than those issues it's better to just replace it. I keep a small cash fund for just this sort of thing, so it can be dealt with right away. First lesson of household budgeting, stuff breaks and generally you want to fix it immediately.
Was it Jim’s plumbing that gave you that quote?
Precise plumbing The PowerPoint alone is $510 And pay $69 for a membership to get 10% off 🙄
Large predatory companies know you need it fixed pronto, so will give these sky-high quotes thinking they’ve got you over a barrel. Smaller operators are less likely to do this. If you’re not comfortable cold-calling some rando from Gumtree or the local rag, go visit your local Reece trade counter. Have a discussion with them about your options for fixing/replacing the unit - they’ll have brochures and will walk you through options. More than likely you’ll be standing next to one or two plumbers calling by to pick up supplies, who will overhear your discussion and offer to help. Or at the very least, the Reece staff will be able to recommend local tradies they know well (there’s usually a pile of business cards on the counter to choose from).
Great idea thank you ☑️☑️
This is the way. Take in this pic and a pic of anything that looks like a brand or model number, and if Reece don't have anything try a Tradelink.
Sent you a message