How much does hot water system replacement cost?

Hot water system replacement costs across Australia typically range from AUD 1,200 to AUD 4,500 for most residential properties. The national average sits at approximately AUD 2,800 for a standard replacement, which includes both the unit and professional installation.

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In Brisbane, hot water system replacement costs are generally consistent with national averages, ranging from AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,200. We at Mitchell Plumbing & Gas find that Brisbane homeowners typically pay around AUD 2,600 for a complete hot water system replacement, including removal of the old unit.

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The cost varies significantly depending on which type of system you choose for your home. Electric hot water systems are usually the most affordable option for replacement, starting from AUD 1,200. Gas hot water systems typically cost between AUD 1,800 and AUD 3,200 for replacement. Heat pump systems require a higher initial investment, ranging from AUD 3,500 to AUD 6,000. Solar hot water systems are the most expensive replacement option, costing between AUD 4,000 and AUD 8,500, but they offer long-term energy savings that offset the higher upfront cost.

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How much does an electric water heater replacement cost?

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Electric water heaters are hot water systems that use electrical elements to heat water stored in an insulated tank. These systems are popular in Brisbane homes because they are simple to install and maintain.

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The average cost for electric water heater replacement ranges from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,800. We typically see Brisbane homeowners pay around AUD 1,800 for a standard electric hot water system replacement, which includes a 250-litre storage tank suitable for a family of four. Smaller electric units suitable for apartments or small homes cost around AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,500 to replace. Larger electric systems with 315-litre or 400-litre capacity cost between AUD 2,200 and AUD 2,800 for complete replacement.

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How much does a gas water heater replacement cost?

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Gas water heaters are hot water systems that use natural gas or LPG to heat water through a gas burner located at the bottom of the storage tank. These systems heat water faster than electric models and are cost-effective to operate in Brisbane where natural gas is readily available.

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The average cost for gas water heater replacement ranges from AUD 1,800 to AUD 3,200. We find that most Brisbane homeowners pay approximately AUD 2,400 for a standard gas hot water system replacement, which includes a 170-litre to 250-litre storage tank. Smaller gas units suitable for townhouses or units cost around AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,200 to replace. Larger gas systems with 315-litre capacity or continuous flow gas units cost between AUD 2,800 and AUD 3,200 for complete replacement. The final cost depends on whether your home already has gas connections or if we need to install new gas lines during the replacement process.

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How much does a solar water heater replacement cost?

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Solar water heaters are hot water systems that use solar collectors on your roof to capture sunlight and heat water naturally. These systems include solar panels, a storage tank, and backup heating elements for cloudy days, making them an environmentally friendly option for Brisbane's sunny climate.

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The average cost for solar water heater replacement ranges from AUD 4,000 to AUD 8,500. We typically see Brisbane homeowners invest around AUD 5,800 for a complete solar hot water system replacement, which includes roof-mounted solar collectors and a 300-litre storage tank. Basic solar systems with smaller collectors and 250-litre tanks cost around AUD 4,000 to AUD 5,200 to replace. Premium solar systems with larger collector areas, 400-litre tanks, and advanced temperature controls cost between AUD 7,200 and AUD 8,500 for replacement. The higher upfront cost is offset by significant electricity bill savings, as solar systems can reduce your hot water heating costs by up to 70% in Brisbane's climate.

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How much does a heat pump water heater replacement cost?

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Heat pump water heaters are hot water systems that extract heat from the surrounding air and use it to heat water in a storage tank. These systems work like a reverse refrigerator, using electricity to move heat rather than generate it directly, making them highly energy-efficient in Brisbane's warm climate.

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The average cost for heat pump water heater replacement ranges from AUD 3,500 to AUD 6,000. We find that Brisbane homeowners typically pay around AUD 4,200 for a standard heat pump hot water system replacement, which includes a 270-litre to 315-litre storage tank. Smaller heat pump units suitable for couples or small families cost around AUD 3,500 to AUD 4,000 to replace. Larger heat pump systems with 400-litre capacity or premium models with advanced controls cost between AUD 5,200 and AUD 6,000 for complete replacement. Heat pump systems require adequate outdoor space for installation and perform best in Brisbane's temperate climate where ambient air temperatures remain consistently warm.

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How much does a tankless water heater replacement cost?

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Tankless water heaters are hot water systems that heat water on demand as it flows through the unit, without storing heated water in a tank. These systems are also called instantaneous or continuous flow hot water systems, and they provide unlimited hot water while taking up minimal space in your home.

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The average cost for tankless water heater replacement ranges from AUD 2,200 to AUD 4,500. We typically see Brisbane homeowners pay approximately AUD 3,100 for a standard tankless hot water system replacement, which includes a gas-powered unit suitable for most family homes. Basic electric tankless units suitable for single outlets cost around AUD 2,200 to AUD 2,800 to replace. High-capacity gas tankless systems that can supply multiple outlets simultaneously cost between AUD 3,800 and AUD 4,500 for replacement. The final cost depends on your home's existing gas or electrical connections and whether we need to upgrade your supply lines to handle the higher flow rates that tankless systems require.

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What are the factors affecting the cost of replacing a hot water system?

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Several key factors determine how much you will pay for hot water system replacement in Brisbane. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about your new hot water system.

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1. Type of heating system (electric, gas, solar, etc.): The heating method your system uses is the biggest factor affecting replacement cost. Electric systems are generally the least expensive to replace, while solar and heat pump systems require higher upfront investment but offer long-term energy savings.
2. Unit capacity (litres): The size of your hot water tank directly impacts the replacement cost. Smaller 160-litre units cost less to replace than larger 400-litre systems. We help Brisbane families choose the right capacity based on household size and hot water usage patterns.
3. Installation complexity and plumbing access: The difficulty of accessing your current hot water system affects labour costs. Systems installed in tight spaces, on rooftops, or requiring extensive pipework modifications take longer to replace and cost more.
4. Labour charges based on location: Brisbane's skilled plumber rates vary across different suburbs. Our team provides consistent pricing throughout Brisbane's metro area, ensuring fair labour charges regardless of your location.
5. Efficiency rating and rebate eligibility: Higher efficiency hot water systems cost more initially but may qualify for government rebates. Energy-efficient systems can reduce your replacement cost through available Queensland government incentives.
6. Unit disposal/removal fees: Removing and disposing of your old hot water system adds to the total replacement cost. We include proper disposal in our quotes to ensure environmentally responsible removal of old units.
7. Structural adjustments (venting, roof mounting): Some systems require structural modifications like new venting for gas units or roof reinforcement for solar collectors. These adjustments increase the overall replacement cost but ensure safe, compliant installation.
8. Brand and warranty differences: Premium brands with longer warranties cost more upfront but provide better reliability and peace of mind. We offer various brand options to match your budget and quality expectations.

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Call us for hot water replacement in Brisbane

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Brisbane hot water replacement costs tend to be slightly above the national average due to higher labour rates and stricter installation requirements in Queensland. However, our local expertise and established supplier relationships help us provide competitive pricing for Brisbane homeowners.

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We provide fast, licensed hot water replacement services throughout Brisbane with our local team of qualified plumbers. Our transparent pricing means no hidden costs or surprise charges - we provide detailed quotes that clearly outline all replacement costs upfront. Contact Mitchell Plumbing & Gas on 07 3733 3622 or email enquiry@mitchellplumbinggas.com for reliable hot water system replacement services in Brisbane.

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