Leaking Hot Water System Repair & Upgrade Sunnybank, Brisbane

Leaking Hot Water System Repair Sunnybank & Upgrade

That sinking feeling when you spot a puddle of water growing around the base of your hot water system is one every homeowner dreads. It’s not just a mess to clean up; it’s a clear sign that a critical piece of your home’s infrastructure is failing. Suddenly, you’re not just worried about water damage, but also about how long you’ve got until the hot water cuts out completely.

This was the exact situation for a resident in Sunnybank who called us about a leaking hot water system. Our team was able to provide a fast and comprehensive hot water system replacement, and even solved a second, hidden plumbing issue we discovered along the way.

The Problem: An Ageing System Gives Way

The customer’s call was for a leak coming from the top of their hot water unit. When our licensed hot water plumber in Sunnybank arrived to inspect, the cause was immediately clear.

The system was 17 years old.

While we all hope our appliances will last forever, the average lifespan for most electric storage hot water systems is around 10-15 years. At 17 years, this unit had served its time well. The leak was a classic symptom of age-related failure: the internal tank had corroded and could no longer hold pressure.

This is the key difference between a repair and a replacement. While a dripping valve can often be fixed, a leak from the tank itself is a terminal problem. The only solution is a full hot water system replacement.

The Solution: A Modern Upgrade and a Proactive Repair

We scheduled the full changeover for the very next morning to get the customer’s home back to normal as quickly as possible.

1. The Hot Water System Replacement

Our first step was to safely disconnect the old, failed unit, drain it, and remove it from the property for disposal.

We then supplied and installed a brand new Rheem Stellar 160L stainless steel electric hot water system. This is a fantastic upgrade for several reasons:

• Stainless Steel Tank: Unlike older enamel-lined tanks, stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion. This means it doesn’t require a sacrificial anode and often has a much longer lifespan.
• 160L Capacity: This size is an efficient and popular choice, providing ample hot water for a medium-sized household.

A professional installation is more than just “swapping boxes.” To ensure the new system was safe, compliant, and protected, we:

• Upgraded Pipework: Altered the existing pipework to perfectly suit the new system and meet current Australian Standards.
• Installed New Valves: This included a terminator valve, a modern, all-in-one component that combines the necessary isolation and safety valves, making future servicing simple and secure.
• Added Extra Protection: We laid a new copper safe tray under the unit. This is a crucial line of defence, designed to catch any water from a leak or a valve discharge and direct it safely to a drain. Inside this tray, we placed a ripple slab to provide a stable, level base for the new system.

2. Going the Extra Mile: Fixing a Hidden Issue

This is where our team’s experience really shines. During the final commissioning—when we turn the water back on and test the entire system under pressure—our plumber noticed something wasn’t right.

The shower taps in the main bathroom would no longer shut off properly.

The old, worn-out taps simply couldn’t handle the restored mains pressure from the new, compliant system. Leaving this would mean a constantly dripping shower and a frustrated customer. We immediately provided the homeowner with options to fix the issue on the spot, which they accepted.

Our plumber didn’t just replace the taps; he fixed the problem at its source.

• He removed the old tapware and reseated the breaching piece—the T-junction for hot and cold water hidden inside the wall—to ensure a perfect, leak-proof seal.
• New, modern tapware was then installed, sealed, and tested.
• While in the bathroom, we also identified and replaced rusted flexible hoses and a faulty isolation tap under the vanity, proactively removing two more potential leak hazards.

The Benefits for the Homeowner

By the time we left, the customer had more than just a fix for their original problem. They had:

• Reliable Hot Water: The new Rheem Stellar 160L electric hot water system will provide efficient, reliable hot water for many years to come.
• Total Peace of Mind: The dual-layer protection of the copper safe tray and ripple slab means they are protected from future water damage.
• Full Compliance & Safety: The entire installation, including all new valves and pipework, is fully compliant with current plumbing codes.
• A “Bonus” Repair: The annoying shower tap issue was identified and professionally resolved, along with other potential leak sources in the bathroom, saving the customer the hassle of a second call-out.

Why Choose Fallon Solutions in Sunnybank?

When you call a plumber for a leaking hot water system, you need a team that sees the whole picture. Our licensed and experienced plumbers don’t just focus on the immediate task; they test their work and assess the surrounding plumbing to ensure the entire system is safe and functional.

Our commitment is to thorough, high-quality work. We are a licensed hot water plumber in Sunnybank that can handle the entire job, from the installation and pipework to identifying and fixing secondary issues like taps and flexi-hoses. We present clear options, complete the work to the highest standard, handle all compliance paperwork, and leave your home clean and tidy. To learn more about our hot water services, view our hot water trade area.

Need a Leaking Hot Water System Repair in Sunnybank?

A leaking hot water system is a problem that will only get worse. If you’ve noticed pooling water, rust, or a drop in performance, don’t wait for a flood.

Contact the expert plumbing team at Fallon Solutions today. We’ll provide a professional inspection and deliver a fast, reliable solution to restore your hot water and protect your home. Call now on 1300 054 488 – We Can Be There Today! If you prefer to send an enquiry contact us here.