Homes in Australia usually have a storage tank or a continuous-flow unit, on gas or electricity. Which one suits the property depends on space, the existing connections, and how the household uses hot water. A plumber assesses that. This site does not publish a price, a preferred brand, or a typical size.
What to tell them about the unit you have
Say whether the unit is a tank or continuous flow, if you know, and whether it is gas or electric. Say where it sits: a cupboard, a laundry, outside on a wall, in the roof space, or in a common area. Say what is wrong in plain words. No hot water at all, not enough hot water, a leak at the unit, a puddle in the tray, a noisy tank, or rusty water are different jobs. If you know the approximate age, include it. If you do not, do not guess.
Say how the household uses hot water only in practical terms: one bathroom or several, and whether a dishwasher or washing machine draws from the same unit. You do not need a flow calculation. Mention if the property is a house, a unit with its own unit, or a building with a shared system. Shared plant is often common property. The owner or the agent confirms who can approve work on it.
Temperature
Heated water to showers, baths and basins is tempered. In homes the usual maximum is 50°C. Early childhood centres, schools and aged-care settings are stricter. The plumber confirms what applies to the property and whether the tempering valve needs replacing with the unit. Ask that question directly. A quote that replaces the unit and stays silent on the valve has not described the whole job.
What to leave alone
If you have no hot water, do not remove covers from the unit and do not work on the electrical supply. That electrical work is for a licensed electrician, arranged with the plumber. Do not try to relight a gas unit, test a gas leak, or disconnect a gas line. If you smell gas, leave the building and call Triple Zero (000) if anyone is in danger or you cannot get out. Otherwise use the gas emergency number on your bill. Mention in the request whether a licensed person has already checked a pilot, a breaker or the gas supply. Do not do those checks yourself.
What the quote should name
Ask whether the quote covers the unit, the tempering valve, removal and disposal of the old unit, a safe tray and drain where one is required, and isolation of the gas or electricity. Where the state requires a compliance certificate, ask who provides it. Ask whether changing from storage to continuous flow, or from gas to electricity, is a different scope from a like-for-like replacement. Those changes can involve other trades and other approvals. They should be written as their own scope, not assumed.
Ask which licence covers the work. Gasfitting is often a separate class from water supply. Check the contracting entity on the register for the state or territory where the property is, before you accept. PlumberQuotes introduces you to a plumber. It does not supply hot water units and it does not promise a time.
Get a quote
PlumberQuotes introduces you to a local plumber. It is not a plumbing contractor, and it does not promise a time.