Hot Water Systems Adelaide
No hot water is one of the most disruptive things that can happen to a household. We repair, replace and install every type of hot water system — gas, electric, heat pump and continuous flow — often the same day, subject to parts and availability.
$0 call out fee. During normal business hours only. After-hours work excluded. Terms apply.
5.0· 23Read our Google reviews
“When you call Dowell, I want you to feel confident about who’s coming to your home and how we’ll help. We take the time to find the cause. We explain what needs doing and give you a clear price before you decide. Then we get on with the work, leave things tidy and follow up afterwards.”
Ash Dowell — Owner, Dowell Plumbing
Why choose Dowell?
Licensed & insured
Your home is in qualified hands. Licensed plumbing and gas work, carried out with care.
Clear, upfront pricing
Know the cost before you commit. We explain your options and quote the work—so you stay in control.
Local & owner-led
A real person behind the promise. Ash owns Dowell and takes pride in the work we put our name to.
Same-day service
Need it sorted today? Call us. We’ll check availability and tell you when we can get there.
Find the cause. Fix it properly.
We look beyond the obvious problem to recommend a lasting solution.
Your home gets proper care.
We protect the work area, clean up afterwards and treat your home with respect.
Hot Water Systems services
- Hot Water RepairsNo hot water, lukewarm showers or a leaking tank?
- Repairs & emergency call-outsPilot lights, thermostats, valves and elements — we carry common parts to get most systems running again on the first visit.
- Replacements & upgradesIf your system is past its best, we'll present clear options and upfront pricing.
- New installationsCorrectly sized and compliant installations for renovations and new builds, with certificates supplied on all gas work.
What happens when you book with Dowell
Tell us what's happening
Call us or request a callback online. We'll discuss what you need and confirm a suitable time to visit.
We assess the problem
We'll call about 20 minutes before arrival, then inspect the issue and explain your options in plain English.
You approve the price
We explain what needs doing and give you a clear price before you decide.
We get it sorted
We complete the agreed work, tidy the work area and follow up afterwards to check how everything's going.
Book online
Tell us what’s happening. We’ll call to discuss the job and confirm a time.
We install and service the leading brands (Rheem, Rinnai and Bosch) and will help you choose the right system and size for your home.
Hot water repairs, replacements and installations
Repairs & emergency call-outs
Pilot lights, thermostats, valves and elements — we carry common parts to get most systems running again on the first visit.
Replacements & upgrades
If your system is past its best, we'll present clear options and upfront pricing. Upgrading to a heat pump can dramatically cut running costs.
New installations
Correctly sized and compliant installations for renovations and new builds, with certificates supplied on all gas work.
Common hot water problems
The most common calls are no hot water at all, water that turns lukewarm or runs out too quickly, discoloured or smelly water, a leaking tank, or a gas system whose pilot light won't stay lit.
Some of these are a simple, affordable repair; others are a sign the system is near the end of its life. The only way to know is to have it properly diagnosed.
How we diagnose it
We identify the system type and age — gas, electric, heat pump or continuous flow — and test the parts most likely to fail, including thermostats, elements, valves, thermocouples and ignition.
Many faults are fixed on the first visit because our vans carry common parts. If a repair is the smart choice, we do it; if not, we'll tell you honestly.
Repair or replace — your options
If your system is repairable and has years left, a repair is usually the sensible option. If it's old, leaking or failing repeatedly, we'll present clear replacement options and help you choose the right type and size for your household.
Not sure which system suits you? Our hot water cost guide walks through the options, and our heat pump vs gas guide compares running costs.
What affects the price
For repairs, the price depends on the parts required and how long the fault takes to access and fix. For a replacement, it depends on the system type and size, whether you're staying with the same fuel or changing (for example electric to heat pump), and the complexity of the install.
You'll always get an upfront, fixed price before any work starts, with free onsite quotes and a $0 call-out fee — no obligation to proceed. Terms apply.
What happens after you book
We'll contact you to confirm a time. A licensed technician diagnoses the system and explains the options. We explain what needs doing and give you a clear price before you decide.
All gas work is completed to code with the required compliance certificate supplied.
A recent hot water replacement
Out with the old setup, in with a new continuous-flow hot water system.
On this job, the replacement was completed within three hours of the customer’s call.
Price guide
Indicative pricing for hot water repairs and replacements in Adelaide.
| Job | Price guide |
|---|---|
| Common hot water repair | $150–$600+ |
| Electric element or thermostat replacement | $250–$450+ |
| Small electric storage replacement | $1,300–$2,000+ |
| Larger electric storage replacement (250 L+) | $1,800–$2,500+ |
| Gas storage replacement | $1,800–$2,800+ |
| Gas continuous-flow replacement | $1,900–$3,200+ |
| Heat-pump replacement (before applicable rebates) | $3,500–$5,500+ |
Replacement prices include supply, installation, and removal and disposal of the old system.
Your price depends on system size, access, any additional pipework, gas or electrical upgrades, and whether an existing installation is non-compliant or sited where changes are required.
Guide prices. We’ll confirm your quote on site before you decide.
Hot water questions answered
How long should a hot water system last?
Most electric and gas storage systems last around 8–12 years, while continuous flow and quality heat pumps can last longer with servicing. Water quality, usage and maintenance all affect lifespan.
Read the full guideHeat pump vs gas hot water: which should I choose?
Heat pumps are extremely efficient, drawing heat from the air and using a fraction of the electricity of a traditional electric element. Gas systems provide fast, consistent hot water where natural gas is available.
Read the full guideWhy is my hot water brown?
Brown or rusty hot water usually indicates corrosion inside the tank or a failing sacrificial anode. Sediment build-up at the bottom of the cylinder can also discolour the water and reduce efficiency.
Read the full guideWhy does my hot water smell?
A rotten-egg smell in hot water is typically caused by a reaction between the sacrificial anode and bacteria in the tank, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. It's more common in systems that sit unused or run at lower temperatures.
Read the full guideRelated services
Servicing the greater Adelaide metropolitan area. See areas
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