Hot water shouldn’t cost the earth – new
Standards now apply! September update

New water heater installation Standards came into effect in South Australia on 1 July 2008. These laws regulate the types of water heaters that can be installed to serve residential dwellings.

The new Standards are designed to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions and water use associated with residential hot water. Conventional electric water heaters produce around three times the greenhouse gas emissions of alternatives, such as high efficiency gas, solar and electric heat pump systems. The new Standards mean that in many situations, plumbers will need to install new water heaters or replace failed water heaters with high efficiency gas, solar, or electric heat pump systems.

These are situations in which the full Standard applies. In other situations, where a reduced Standard applies, conventional electric or low efficiency gas water heaters can continue to be installed.

These situations and the applicable Standards are explained in the Plumbers Guide sent to all licensed plumbers.

 

Illegally installed systems are not only a hazard, but installers who cut corners may be robbing business from plumbers who are doing the right thing.

Plumbers requiring further information can contact the Energy Division’s plumbers information line: 1300 883 019. This information line has been extended up to 19 September 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An easy way to determine what types of water heaters can be installed in a particular situation is to use the step-by-step guide available on the Energy Division’s website at www.dtei.sa.gov.au/energy/waterheaters/. See the Information for Plumbers section. This guide is also available at www.piasa.com.au

The water flow rate Standard requires each shower outlet supplied by a new or replacement water heater to have a flow rate of 9 litres per minute or less. This can be achieved by having a gravity fed hot water system, or by installing a shower head or flow rate restrictor with a 3 star water efficiency rating.

Plumbers licensed to install water heaters are required to comply with these water heater and flow-rate standards. Plumbers who become aware of installations that do not comply with these or other requirements should report the noncompliance to SA Water’s Senior Compliance Officer, phone 8463 6096. Reports can be made confidentially.
Illegally installed systems are not only a hazard, but installers who cut corners may be robbing business from plumbers who are doing the right thing.
Plumbers requiring further information can contact the Energy Division’s plumbers information line: 1300 883 019. This information line has been extended up to 19 September 2008..