In South Australia, there are rules regarding the types of water heaters that can be installed or replaced in established homes. Operational water heaters do not need to be replaced. These rules only apply when replacing an old water heater or installing a new one.
The requirements for installing or replacing water heaters in established homes apply to all South Australian residential households connected to an SA Water supply (note: you have an SA Water supply if you receive an SA Water bill).
Different rules apply when installing a water heater in a new home or as part of an alteration or addition to a home. See
Water heater installations in new homes, alterations or additions.
If you are installing or replacing a water heater, the type you can install may depend on:
- the type of home you live in
- where the home is in South Australia
- the type of water heater being replaced
- the location of the water heater on the property.
The easiest way to find out which water heater you can install is to complete the
step-by-step guide to determine your water heater options.
There are some
situations where a water heater installation is exempt from the requirements.
What standard do I have to meet?
If you live in a flat or unit in a multi-storey building you need to install a water heater that meets the reduced standard.
Water heaters installed or replaced in SA Housing Trust owned homes need to meet the reduced standard.
Water heaters installed or replaced in all other homes have different rules depending where in South Australia the home is located. Use the postcode table to determine which area your home is in:
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Metropolitan / near Adelaide
If you are installing an additional water heater or replacing a gas (natural gas or LPG), solar or electric heat pump water heater you need to install a water heater that meets the full standard.
If you are replacing a conventional electric water heater or other less common type - eg wood or oil combustion - the type of water heater you can install depends on the location of the existing water heater:
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Regional
If you are installing an additional water heater or replacing a gas (natural gas or LPG), solar or electric heat pump water heater you need to install a water heater that meets the full standard.
If you are replacing a conventional electric water heater or other less common type - eg wood or oil combustion - you need to install a water heater that meets the reduced standard.
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Remote
For all installations and replacements, a water heater that meets the reduced standard can be installed.
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More information
On this site
Water heater installations in new homes, alterations and additions
Residential water heater requirements - information for plumbers