Optimal Hot Water System Placement:Key Considerations and Recommendations

If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing to replace your old hot water unit, or you building a new house and wondering what is the most ideal hot water system placement, here we’ll go through a few important considerations you should make. Firstly to make the installation and future maintenance easier but more importantly, ensure you get the best most efficient performance from your new water heater.

What are the regulations and how will they affect my hot water system placement?

The location of your hot water unit can sometimes be limited by several factors. Australian standards outline locations that can and cannot be utilised depending on the style of hot water unit you are using. Manufacturers also have their own specifications which may change depending on the model.

Gas hot water systems are most affected by this as the safety implications of a wrongfully positioned hot water system can be huge. The AS/NZS 5601.1 2013 outlines the rules around the installation and location of gas appliances and must be followed to maintain safety and compliance. Most manufacturers have indoor and outdoor models, so it is important to make sure the correct unit is chosen. Things that will impact the location of a gas hot water unit are:

• Proximity to doors, windows, and other openings to the building
• Flue termination point and separation distances associated with the flue gases they emit
• Distance from gas meters or LPG cylinders

Electric hot water units are somewhat easier to manage and the regulations around the location of your system are fairly relaxed. These tanks can be located inside or outside with no need to purchase specific models as most are designed for either. Some rules do apply, however.

If installed outside they must be on a concrete base which also allows for free flow of air under the unit to prevent corrosion. Units installed inside will need to be placed in a safe tray (https://www.conradmartens.com.au/blog/safe-tray-hot-water/) to help minimize the risk of water damage should the unit leak.

Where shouldn’t my hot water unit be located?

Preferred locations for hot water units are sometimes decisions made for us by rules and regulations. However, there are some locations that we would NOT recommend. As previously discussed, ceiling spaces are certainly undesirable places for hot water units due to the limited access and inability of the homeowner to see the unit and pick up any issues early. Under houses, where the height is restricted or access into the area is tight would also fall into the category for similar reasons to ceilings. Swimming pool plant rooms which would expose the system to chemicals such as chlorine and areas with no or difficult access to drainage would also not be recommended. The Ideal location can sometimes be difficult to achieve. But, ticking as many boxes as possible can make a big difference. Meeting all the relevant standards and being as close to the main point of use, coupled with the correct choice of system (link to the replacing hot water system blog) will see your new hot water unit performing as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion:

When considering the ideal location to install a hot water system, several important factors should be considered to ensure efficient performance and compliance with regulations. Many of these will be determined by the original design of the property and plumbing systems. Ideally, the location of the hot water unit should consider the distance from the taps, access for maintenance, the risk of water escape and any relevant regulations. By considering all these factors, a hot water unit can be installed in the most efficient and appropriate location possible. We recommend consulting a hot water specialist, hydraulics engineer or builder to ensure the location is suitable.