Looking For Reliable On-Demand Hot Water Systems?
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower or when you’re doing the dishes is stressful and frustrating, especially when you have to wait for the storage tank to heat up for another batch of warm water. For busy Melbourne homes, an instantaneous hot water system can provide hot water on demand without the need for a bulky storage tank.
Whether you're replacing an ageing hot water system or looking for a more practical solution for your home, WP Plumbing can help you choose and install a system suited to your household's hot water needs.
Need reliable hot water without the wait? Give our professional plumbing team a call on (03) 86916852 or fill out our online booking form today.
How Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems Work
Unlike a conventional hot water system, an instant hot water system doesn’t have a bulky storage tank full of pre-heated water ready to use.
When you turn on your hot water tap or shower, the system automatically detects the water flowing through it and activates its heating mechanism. Cold water then passes through the unit’s heat exchanger or heating elements, where it is heated before it comes out of your tap.
The important consideration is that an instantaneous system still has a maximum flow rate. Choosing a system that is too small for your household can result in reduced flow or difficulty maintaining the desired temperature when multiple outlets are being used.
Is An Instantaneous System Right For Your Melbourne Home?
While instantaneous hot water systems are a great option for some Melbourne homes, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s right for your home. The right system depends on your existing plumbing and energy infrastructure, available space and your hot water usage habits.
- An instantaneous system might suit you if:
- You regularly run out of hot water
- Your household has high or unpredictable hot water demand
- You want hot water available whenever you need it
- You have limited space for a storage tank
- You're replacing an ageing hot water system
- You're renovating and changing your home's hot water requirements
- You want to avoid storing a large volume of heated water
Gas vs Electric Instantaneous Hot Water Systems
Instantaneous hot water systems are available in both gas and electric models. The better option for your home depends on your hot water needs, space and if you have any plans for your property.
Gas Instantaneous Hot Water
Gas continuous flow systems use a gas burner to heat your water as it passes through the system. They can deliver high hot water flow rates when sized correctly and are suitable for busy and larger households. It’s worth considering if your home already has gas infrastructure in place and you have adequate ventilation and it’s safe to do so.
Electric Instantaneous Hot Water
Electric instantaneous hot water systems use electrical heating elements to heat water as it passes through the unit.
They don't need a gas connection, which can makes them useful for properties without suitable gas infrastructure.
The important consideration is electrical capacity.
Instantaneous electric systems can require significant electrical power, particularly when a high flow rate is needed. Your home's existing electrical supply and switchboard therefore need to be considered before choosing an electric continuous flow system.
So, which type is better for your home? The answer varies from house to house but largely depends on:
- Household size
- Number of bathrooms
- Existing gas connections
- Running costs and overall budget
- Available installation space
- Plans for your property
How Much Hot Water Does Your Melbourne Household Need?
One of the most important things to consider when installing an instantaneous hot water system is the flow rate.
A storage system is generally discussed in terms of how many litres it can hold. With a continuous flow system, the more important question is how much hot water the unit can heat at a given time.
For example, a household with one bathroom and relatively low hot water demand will have different requirements from a family using multiple showers at the same time.
Your plumber may consider:
- Number of occupants
- Number of bathrooms
- Shower flow rates
- Number of hot water outlets
- Kitchen and laundry usage
- Likelihood of simultaneous use
- Incoming water temperature
- Desired hot water temperature
- Gas or electrical capacity
If you’re unsure if your house is suitable for an instantaneous hot water system, our plumbers are more than happy to help. Just give us a call on (03) 86916852 or fill out our online booking form today.
What Happens If An Instantaneous System Is Too Small?
If the system can't keep up with the required flow rate, you may notice reduced water flow or difficulty maintaining your preferred temperature when multiple outlets are operating.This is why sizing is an important part of instantaneous hot water installation.
Installing a larger unit isn't always the answer either. The system needs to be matched to your household's actual demand and the property's available gas or electrical infrastructure.
Can A Continuous Flow System Supply Multiple Showers?
Yes, but the system needs to be correctly sized for the expected simultaneous demand. If your household regularly uses multiple showers or other hot water outlets at the same time, our plumber can assess the required flow rate and recommend a suitable system or configuration.
Instantaneous Hot Water Installation Melbourne
Installing a continuous flow hot water system isn't always a simple like-for-like replacement. If you're replacing an existing storage system, the new installation may have different gas, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and location requirements.
Our plumbers can assess your existing hot water setup and determine what is required to install the new system safely and effectively.
Assess Your Existing Hot Water System
We consider your current system, its location, existing pipework and the available gas or electrical services.
Determine Your Household's Hot Water Demand
We'll consider the number of occupants, bathrooms, appliances and how much hot water your household typically uses.
Select The Right System
Based on the property and your requirements, we can help you choose an appropriately sized instantaneous hot water system.
Prepare The Installation
Depending on the system, installation may involve modifying water connections, gas pipework, electrical connections or other components.
Install & Test The System
Once installed, the system is tested to ensure it is operating correctly and delivering hot water as expected.
Replacing A Storage Hot Water System With An Instantaneous System
If your existing storage hot water system is nearing the end of its life, you don't necessarily need to replace it with another tank.
Changing to a continuous flow system may be an option if your property and household requirements are suitable.
Homeowners may consider making the switch because:
- They regularly run out of hot water
- Their existing tank is taking longer to recover
- The storage tank is leaking or failing
- They want to free up space
- They're renovating their home
- They want to change their home's hot water setup
- Their household's hot water requirements have changed
However, replacing a storage system with an instantaneous system can involve more than removing the old unit and connecting the new one.
Gas supply, electrical requirements, pipework, system location and household demand all need to be considered before installation.
What Are The Benefits Of An Instantaneous Hot Water System?
Hot Water On Demand
Because water is heated as it passes through the system, you don't have to wait for a storage tank to heat another batch of water once the stored supply has been used.
Continuous Hot Water
As long as the system has sufficient capacity for the demand, it can continue supplying hot water while an outlet remains in use.
This can be particularly useful for households where hot water demand varies throughout the day.
No Large Storage Tank
Instantaneous systems don't require a large tank full of stored hot water, which can free up space around your home.
This can be particularly useful where the existing hot water system is taking up valuable outdoor or utility space.
Only Heats Water When Required
Unlike a storage system, there isn't a large volume of water being continuously maintained at temperature.
Depending on the system, energy source and household usage, this can contribute to improved energy efficiency.
Suitable For Different Household Sizes
Continuous flow systems are available in different capacities, allowing the system to be selected around the hot water requirements of the property.
Get Reliable Instantaneous Hot Water In Melbourne
You shouldn't have to plan your showers around how much hot water is left in the tank.
WP Plumbing can help you select, install, maintain or repair an instantaneous hot water system suited to your Melbourne home. We'll assess your household's requirements and existing infrastructure before recommending a practical hot water solution.
Contact WP Plumbing on (03) 86916852 or fill out our online booking form to arrange your instantaneous hot water installation or discuss your hot water options.
