If you are a plumber licensed to install water heaters in South Australia you will need to ensure all new or replacement residential water heater installations comply with the state’s residential water heater requirements and water flow rate requirements.
On this page:
Residential water heater requirements – legislationDetermining which water heater can be installedInstallation exemptionsWater flow rate requirementsElectric heat pump noiseFurther advice - plumber's information line Residential water heater requirements - legislation
The residential water heater requirements are implemented for established homes as an SA Water direction under the Waterworks Regulations 1996.
For new homes the requirements are implemented under the Building Code of Australia. Check with the builder, local council or the Department of Planning and Local Government’s building policy services for more information.
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Determining which water heater can be installed
The simplest way to determine which water heater can be installed is to answer the questions in the quick online step-by-step guide.
There is also a printable plumber's guide to installing domestic water heaters (PDF 219KB) which provides further information about water heater and water flow rate requirements. To have a printed copy posted to you phone the plumber's information line on 1300 883 019.
For more technical information, see water heater requirements for:
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Installation exemptions
There are a small number of situations where installations are exempt from the requirements.
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Water flow rate requirements
When you install a new or replacement water heater you need to ensure all shower outlets connected to the unit comply with the water flow rate requirements.
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Electric heat pump noise
If you are installing an electric heat pump water heater you need to consider the noise impact on neighbouring properties as defined in the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007. See Electric heat pump noise.
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Further advice - plumber's information line
The plumber's information line has been set up to provide advice to plumbers on the residential water heaters requirements.
Plumbers can call 1300 883 019 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
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