The Problem
A homeowner in East Cannington needed to replace an old solar hot water system that had reached the end of its working life.
The existing system had corroded and stopped working completely. It also used a gas booster, meaning the replacement involved more than simply removing one hot water unit and connecting another.
The homeowner chose to replace the old solar system with an iStore 270L heat pump hot water system.
Our Solution
Converting from a roof-mounted solar system to a ground-level heat pump required the existing plumbing to be reconfigured.
The hot and cold water lines for the old system ran into the roof space. Our plumbers located these lines and installed new pipework down to the location of the new heat pump.
The work included:
- Draining and decommissioning the old solar and gas booster system
- Capping the redundant gas supply
- Locating the existing water lines in the roof space
- Running new pipework to the heat pump location
- Installing the iStore 270L heat pump
- Installing new valves
- Fitting a temperature mixing valve
- Coordinating an electrician to run power to the new system
- Commissioning and testing the installation
We also handled the applicable heat pump rebate paperwork for the homeowner.
The Result
The old solar hot water system and gas booster were replaced with a modern heat pump system, with the plumbing and electrical infrastructure altered to suit the new installation.
The total job cost was $5,225.88 including GST.
At the time of the installation, the system was also eligible for a government rebate of approximately $800, which reduced the homeowner’s effective cost.
The additional cost compared with a straightforward hot water replacement came largely from the roof plumbing. Water lines originally designed to supply a solar system on the roof had to be rerouted to the new heat pump at ground level.
Thinking About Replacing an Old Solar Hot Water System?
If your solar hot water system is failing, replacing it does not necessarily mean installing another solar system.
Swan’s Professional Plumbing can assess your existing setup and explain the practical options available, including heat pump hot water systems.
We’ll also identify any additional plumbing, gas or electrical work required before installation, so these costs can be included in your quote upfront.
