Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems are the most common type in Australian homes, and it's easy to see why. They're the cheapest to buy and install, they work anywhere without needing a gas connection, and they're simple and reliable. If your street isn't on mains gas, or you just want a low-fuss system, electric storage is often the practical choice.
Our licensed Canning Vale plumbers install, repair and replace electric hot water systems right across Thornlie, Willetton, Riverton and the wider Perth south-east. Here's what to know.
How electric storage systems work
An electric storage system is a insulated tank with one or two heating elements inside, controlled by a thermostat. The elements heat the water and the thermostat keeps it at a set temperature, ready for whenever you turn on a tap. When you draw hot water off the top, cold water flows in the bottom to be heated. It's a simple, proven design with few moving parts, which is a big part of why these systems are so dependable.
Tanks range from small 25 litre units for a single outlet up to 400 litre tanks for large families. Getting the capacity right matters, as we cover in our broader guide to hot water systems.
Off-peak electricity
One of the biggest advantages of electric storage is the ability to run on a controlled off-peak tariff. On this setup, your system heats water overnight when electricity is cheaper, storing a full tank ready for the day. Because you're heating during the cheapest hours, off-peak can dramatically cut running costs compared with heating on the standard tariff.
The trade-off is that off-peak tanks need to be large enough to hold a full day's hot water, since they mostly heat overnight. If your household regularly runs the tank dry, a continuous or boosted tariff can top it up during the day. We'll help you weigh up the right tank size and tariff for how your household actually uses hot water.
When electric suits your home
Electric hot water is often the best fit when:
- Your property has no mains gas connection
- You want the lowest upfront purchase and installation cost
- You have space for a larger off-peak tank to keep running costs down
- You're after a simple, reliable system that's cheap to repair
- You may later add rooftop solar panels to offset the electricity used
That said, if lower running costs are your priority, it's worth comparing against a heat pump, which is essentially a far more efficient electric system. Our electric vs gas vs solar hot water comparison shows how they stack up.
Common electric hot water repairs
Because the design is simple, most electric faults are quick and affordable to fix rather than needing a full replacement. The most common repairs are:
Failed heating element
If you've got no hot water at all, or the water heats slowly, a burnt-out element is the usual suspect. Replacing an element is a routine repair and far cheaper than a new system. Many tanks have two elements, so you might get partial heating if only one fails.
Faulty thermostat
The thermostat controls water temperature. If your water is scalding hot, never quite hot enough, or the system trips the safety cut-out, a faulty thermostat is often to blame. It's an inexpensive part to replace.
Leaking tank or valves
The pressure and temperature relief valve is designed to release a little water and should be checked periodically. A steady drip from a valve can often be replaced, but water pooling from the tank itself usually means internal corrosion, and a leaking tank can't be repaired, only replaced.
Sacrificial anode wear
Every storage tank has a sacrificial anode rod that corrodes in place of the steel tank. Replacing a worn anode every few years is one of the best ways to extend your tank's life and avoid premature failure.
Repairs, safety and licensing
Electric hot water systems involve both plumbing and electrical connections. In Western Australia, the plumbing and installation work must be done by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician. It's not worth risking a DIY fix on a system that combines water, pressure and mains electricity. A licensed professional keeps you safe and your warranty valid.
If your electric system has failed and you've got no hot water, we aim to repair or replace it quickly, often the same day. And if it's happened after hours, our emergency plumbers can help around the clock.
Getting the most from your electric system
A little care goes a long way with an electric tank. Replacing the sacrificial anode every few years is the single best thing you can do to extend its life, and it costs far less than a new system. It's also worth having the pressure and temperature relief valve checked periodically, since a seized valve is a genuine safety concern. If your water runs discoloured or you notice the tank taking longer to heat, don't wait for it to fail completely, as an early service often catches a small fault before it becomes a full breakdown. Building these checks into your general maintenance plumbing keeps the system running efficiently for years.
It's also worth setting the thermostat correctly. Too low and you risk bacteria growth in the tank; too high and you waste energy and risk scalding. A licensed plumber will set it to a safe, efficient temperature and can fit tempering valves where needed to protect against scalds at the tap.
We install trusted electric brands including Rheem, Dux, Vulcan and Bosch, and we'll match a reliable unit to your household and budget. Whether you need a fast element replacement or a brand-new tank, call our licensed Canning Vale plumbers or request a quote today for honest advice and upfront pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Why has my electric hot water stopped working?
The most common causes are a burnt-out heating element or a faulty thermostat, both of which are affordable to replace. It could also be a tripped circuit or safety cut-out. If your tank runs off off-peak power, check whether it simply ran out of hot water. A licensed plumber can quickly diagnose the fault.
Is off-peak electric hot water cheaper?
Yes. A controlled off-peak tariff heats your water overnight when electricity is cheapest, which significantly lowers running costs. The catch is you need a tank large enough to store a full day's hot water, since it mainly heats overnight. We can help you match the right tank size and tariff to your household.
How much does it cost to replace a heating element?
Replacing a heating element is one of the cheaper hot water repairs, far less than a whole new system. The exact cost depends on the part and access, but it's usually a same-day fix. We'll give you an upfront price before starting, so you can decide with full information.
Should I choose electric or a heat pump?
A heat pump is essentially a much more efficient electric system, drawing heat from the air and using a fraction of the power. It costs more upfront but far less to run. If low running costs matter most and you have the budget, a heat pump often wins. A standard electric tank is cheaper to buy.