Hot Water System Replacement & Rheem Install Coolum, Sunshine Coast

Leaking Tank? A Coolum Hot Water System Upgrade

Is there anything more stressful than discovering a puddle of water spreading out from your hot water system? A leak is a sure sign that your system is in critical failure, and it’s often the last straw after weeks or months of inconsistent temperatures and running out of hot water.

A leaking hot water system isn’t just a mess; it’s a plumbing emergency that can’t be ignored. This was the exact situation for a homeowner in Coolum who called us about their old, failing unit. The Fallon Solutions multi-trade team was able to provide a complete, fast, and fully compliant hot water system replacement in Coolum, upgrading their home to a modern, safe, and efficient new system.

The Problem: A Leaking Element and an Outdated System

The problem was clear: the homeowner’s “Radiant” hot water system, manufactured in 2010, was actively leaking. At well over a decade old, it was already operating on borrowed time (most systems have a 10-12 year lifespan).

Our licensed hot water plumber in Coolum inspected the unit and found the leak was coming from the element.

Here’s what that means in plain English:

• The element is the heating “rod” that sits inside the tank to heat the water.
• For water to be leaking from where the element enters the tank, it means the tank’s internal seals and, most likely, the tank wall itself, have been compromised by rust and corrosion.

This is a critical, terminal failure. The system was beyond repair and, just as importantly, it no longer met modern safety standards. It was time for a full replacement.

The Solution: A Compliant 250L Rheem Hot Water System Installation

A modern hot water replacement is a job for two trades: a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician. Our all-in-one team coordinated the entire job seamlessly.

1. Safe Disconnection and Removal

First, our licensed electrician arrived to safely isolate and disconnect the power supply to the old unit. This is a critical first step for any electric hot water job. Once the site was electrically safe, our plumber drained the old, heavy tank, disconnected it, and removed it from the property. We handle the full disposal of the old unit and all related waste.

2. A Premium New System

We supplied and installed a brand new Rheem 250L stainless steel electric hot water system. This is a fantastic upgrade for a few key reasons:

• Stainless Steel: The tank is highly resistant to corrosion, giving it a much longer service life—a smart choice for coastal homes in Coolum.
• 250L Capacity: This is an ideal size for a family home, ensuring there is plenty of hot water for showers, laundry, and the kitchen.
• New Base: We set the new unit on a new, stable base, ensuring it was level and secure.

3. The All-Important 2024 Safety Upgrades

A new rheem hot water system installation is not a simple “swap”. To meet current Australian Plumbing Standards (AS3500), we must upgrade all the associated valves and fittings.

• New Valves: We installed a full set of new valves, including an isolation valve (for easy future servicing), and new PTR (Pressure and Temperature Relief) and ECV (Expansion Control Valve) discharge lines. These are the tank’s safety overflows, and we ran them to an approved drain, protecting the house from water damage.
• Tempering Valve (The Critical Safety Feature): We installed a tempering valve. This is now mandatory. This device blends hot water from the tank (which is stored at a high temperature to prevent bacteria) with cold water, ensuring the water delivered to your taps is a maximum of 50°C. This is a vital safety feature to prevent serious scalding, especially for children and the elderly.
• High-Efficiency Insulation: We used durable copper pipework for all new connections and lagged (insulated) every exposed pipe with solar-rated insulation. This thick, high-grade lagging prevents heat from escaping the pipes, meaning the system doesn’t have to work as hard. This directly improves energy efficiency and helps reduce your power bills.

4. Final Connection and Testing

Once the plumbing was complete, our licensed electrician returned to connect the new system to the power supply. Finally, our plumber purged the hot water lines throughout the home. This simply means we ran the hot taps in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry to clear all the air bubbles from the pipes, ensuring a smooth, splutter-free flow of hot water for the customer.

The Benefits for the Homeowner

The Coolum homeowner now has more than just hot water; they have a fully modern, safe, and efficient system. The key benefits include:

• Complete Safety: The new tempering valve eliminates the risk of scalding, and the compliant drain lines protect the home from overflow damage.
• Long-Term Reliability: A new stainless steel Rheem system, installed correctly, provides total peace of mind and reliable hot water for many years to come.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: The modern, efficient unit, combined with the high-grade pipe lagging, will reduce passive heat loss and lead to lower energy consumption.
• Full Compliance: The entire installation meets all current 2024 plumbing and electrical standards, protecting the homeowner and their property.

Why Choose Fallon Solutions in Coolum?

This hot water system replacement in Coolum is a perfect example of the Fallon Solutions difference. A hot water replacement requires a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician.

Instead of the homeowner having to call and coordinate two separate trades (and hope they show up on time), they made one call. Our multi-trade team handled the entire project from start to finish. We scheduled the electrician for the disconnection, the plumber for the main installation, and the electrician for the reconnection, all in one smooth, efficient process.

We are experts in the current Australian Standards and, as your licensed hot water plumber in Coolum, we ensure every installation is not just functional, but 100% safe and compliant. To learn more about our hot water services, view our hot water trade area.

Don’t Wait for a Leaking Hot Water System

If your old hot water system is unreliable, struggling to keep up, or showing signs of leaks or rust, don’t wait for a flood. Upgrading to a modern, compliant system is a smart investment in your home’s safety, efficiency, and comfort.

If you’re in Coolum or the surrounding Sunshine Coast area and need a hot water system replacement, contact the expert all-in-one team at Fallon Solutions today for a professional, stress-free service. Call now on 1300 054 488 – We Can Be There Today! If you prefer to send an enquiry contact us here.