
6 Signs Your Hot Water System Might Need Replacing
Our experts help you recognise the signs of a failing hot water system. Proactively getting it repaired or replaced can help save you time and money!
Supply, Installation, Repairs & Replacement
Need reliable hot water repairs, installation or replacement in Brisbane? O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains provides fast, professional hot water services across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and surrounding suburbs. Our licensed plumbers specialise in Rheem hot water systems, including electric, gas and energy-efficient heat pump units.
Whether your system has stopped producing hot water, is leaking, making unusual noises or struggling to keep up with demand, our experienced team can quickly diagnose the issue and recommend the right solution.
As licensed plumbers and electricians, we can manage both plumbing and electrical requirements for your hot water installation, making the process faster, safer and more convenient.

Choosing the right system matters for comfort, performance and long-term running costs. According to Rheem Australia, the best system for your home depends on factors such as:
Each system has different installation requirements, energy consumption and performance characteristics. Our plumbers can inspect your existing system and recommend the most suitable option for your home or business.

Not all hot water systems are the same. Discover the options available and find the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
Electric storage systems remain one of the most common hot water solutions in Australian homes due to their reliability and straightforward installation. These systems heat water in an insulated tank and store it ready for use throughout the day.
Rheem and Everhot electric water heaters are designed to provide reliable performance and can be an economical option where off-peak electricity tariffs are available. They are a practical choice for homes that do not have access to gas and for straightforward system replacements.
Benefits of electric storage systems
Ideal for
Electric continuous flow systems heat water only when a tap is turned on, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
Because water is heated on demand, these systems avoid standby heat losses that occur in traditional storage tanks. Continuous flow electric units are often installed near the point of use to minimise pipe runs and water wastage.
Benefits
Best suited for
Gas storage systems heat and store hot water in a tank, offering strong performance and faster recovery times than some electric systems. This makes them well suited to households with higher hot water usage.
Rheem, Everhot, Vulcan and Aquamax gas storage systems are designed to provide dependable hot water delivery to multiple outlets, making them a solid option for families and larger homes.
Benefits of gas storage systems
Ideal for
Gas continuous flow systems, also known as instantaneous systems, heat water only when it is needed. Because there is no storage tank, these systems provide continuous hot water on demand and do not run out in the same way a storage tank can.
Rheem continuous flow systems are designed for energy-efficient performance, compact installation and consistent temperature control.
Benefits of gas continuous flow systems
Ideal for
Heat pump hot water systems are one of the most energy-efficient options available for Australian homes. Rather than heating water directly with a traditional electric element, a heat pump uses electricity to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into the water.
This technology can significantly reduce electricity consumption compared with a standard electric storage water heater. According to Rheem Australia, selected heat pump systems can deliver energy savings of up to approximately 70–78% compared with conventional electric storage systems under standard test conditions.
COP: The Coefficient of Performance for a Heat Pump is the ratio of how much useful heat it produces for water heating to the power input into the water heater. The higher the COP number, the more efficient the Heat Pump is. Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it directly, they can achieve a Coefficient of Performance (COP). For example, if the COP is 4 it means for every 1kW of power input around 4kW in inputted for water heating
Benefits of heat pump systems
Heat pumps are an excellent option for homeowners looking to upgrade older electric hot water systems and reduce electricity consumption.
Ideal for
Actual energy savings will vary depending on climate, tariff, usage patterns and installation conditions.
Because our team includes both licensed plumbers and electricians, we can complete any electrical work your hot water installation or repair needs.
Having both trades handled by one team helps streamline the job and ensures the work is completed safely and efficiently.

No hot water? Leaking system? Our experienced plumbers provide fast emergency hot water repairs across Brisbane.
If your existing system is beyond repair, we can recommend and install a suitable replacement quickly to restore reliable hot water to your property.

Sometimes replacement is the smarter long-term option. If your existing unit is unreliable, undersized, inefficient or near the end of its service life, upgrading to a newer model may improve performance and reduce running costs.
Our team can help you upgrade to a modern hot water system that suits your home, including:
We’ll explain your options clearly and recommend a system based on your usage, property requirements and budget.

We proudly service Coopers Plains and the surrounding Brisbane southside suburbs.


Tell us what you need and we’ll get back to you.
For any electrical or plumbing emergency, please call (07) 3277 7345 and follow the prompts to go through to the on-call technician.