Standard Replacement

You need to consider whether a “Standard Replacement” is possible when installing a water heater, on or after 1 July 2009, in an established house in the Metro / near Adelaide area:

• That was last purchased before 1 July 2008; and
• Where you are replacing a water heater such as an electric or bottled gas type.

A Standard Replacement is possible when:

• The water heater being replaced is located outside of the dwelling or in a shed, garage, etc; and
• The new installation requires no more than 6 metres of additional hot water pipes (ie, it can be installed within 6 metres of the failed water heater) and is not installed in front of the house façade; and
• The new installation can be installed at least 3 metres from the nearest neighbour’s door or openable window to a bedroom or living space.

Why Outside?
The replacement of a water heater located within the main part of a dwelling is not considered a Standard Replacement, as low emission water heaters typically require ventilation (gas or electric heat pump) or direct access to sunlight (solar). There can be technical complexities in replacing an internal water heater with an external system.

Why Six Metres of Additional Hot Water Pipes?
Long runs of hot water pipe (ie the outlet pipe from the water heater) can result in delays in delivering hot water to taps and showers. This can lead to water wastage and additional energy use. Limiting the distance of the replacement water heater from the failed water heater limits wasted hot water.

Why Three Metres from the Nearest Neighbour?
Low emissions water heater options include electric heat pumps. Electric heat pumps typically have a noise rating of 50 to 51 decibels (dB) measured at 1.5 metres. Three metres is the distance required for the noise from such systems to be no more than 45 decibels, which is the regulated overnight noise limit.

Click here for more information on electric heat pump noise.