Can You Relocate A Hot Water System?

“The 7 things you really need to know”

For many people, the idea of having to relocate hot water system units would never come up. But you’d be surprised how often we’re asked about it. And chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re of those people with plenty of unanswered questions.

Are you:

• Renovating the laundry?
• Building a deck over where the hot water system currently sits?
• Looking to free up space as part of a property upgrade?

In actual fact, there are plenty of other reasons why deciding to move hot water system units is perfectly reasonable. And so the question of whether you can relocate a hot water system is also more than reasonable – and the answer is yes.

But that ‘yes’ answer has enough conditions attached to it that it’s worth understanding all the details before you commit to anything.

So let’s do just that:

1. Yes, you can move a hot water system

So, can you move a hot water system? Yes.

BUT it’s not a DIY job.

The short answer is that hot water systems can and are relocated all the time as part of renovations, property upgrades, space reconfiguration – plenty of scenarios, to be honest.

What they can’t be is moved by an unlicensed tradesperson.

Hot water system work in Queensland involves licensed plumbing for water connections and, depending on the system type, licensed gas fitting or electrical work as well.

Any relocation that involves extending gas lines, moving electrical connections, or modifying the water supply requires the right licence for each element. And an unlicensed relocation isn’t just a compliance issue – it affects insurance coverage and can create problems if you ever sell the property.

2. Relocating storage hot water systems

This is the most common hot water system relocation – and we’re talking both electric and gas storage tanks alike.

It’s no surprise that they’re moved all the time – they’re big, they’re not exactly visually attractive, and often they’re put somewhere pretty inconvenient that’s been bugging you for a long time.

Moving a storage tank involves disconnecting and reconnecting the water supply lines, extending or rerouting the cold supply and hot outlet, and for gas hot water units, extending or rerouting the gas line and flue.

If that already sounds a bit complicated, the new location then needs to comply with current installation requirements – including clearance distances from boundaries, windows, and doors, which differ between gas and electric units and between indoor and outdoor installations.

Another thing worth knowing: Older storage systems that are moved sometimes don’t survive the relocation particularly well.

If your tank is already 10-plus years old and approaching the end of life, the cost to relocate a hot water system may not be the best investment. It’s worth having an honest conversation with your plumber about whether a relocation or a replacement-plus-relocation makes more financial sense.

3. Relocating instant hot water systems

This one gives you more flexibility – but it’s definitely still licensed work.

Continuous flow or instant hot water systems are generally the easier to move hot water system tech compared to storage units – because they’re smaller, they’re wall-mounted, and they don’t involve a big hefty tank.

For gas instantaneous units, the main considerations are the gas line extension, the flue or exhaust requirements, and also ensuring adequate gas pressure at the new location.

For electric instant systems, it’s about the electrical circuit and whether the new location is practical.

But it’s the flexibility of instant systems that is one of the reasons why many homeowners choose them – so if you’re undertaking a renovation that includes a relocation, that’s good news.

4. Relocating heat pump systems

You might think this one is similar to tank-based systems – they look alike after all.

However, relocating a heat pump hot water system requires more consideration than other system types. Why’s that? Because a heat pump’s performance is directly affected by where it sits.

Heat pumps draw heat from the surrounding air – they need adequate space and airflow to operate efficiently, and they produce noise during operation that may matter more in some locations than others.

The new location therefore needs to have:

• Sufficient air volume around the unit
• Appropriate clearances
• Ideally, good ambient temperature year-round.

Positioning a heat pump in an enclosed space or against a boundary fence or in another spot with poor airflow will simply reduce its efficiency – and maybe even void its warranty.

If you’re relocating a heat pump, the new position should be assessed specifically for suitability – not just for plumbing access.

5. What the legality actually looks like

Let’s get all the legal requirements for a hot water system relocate job in Queensland clear and understood:

To reiterate – plumbing work of this nature requires a licensed plumber and is subject to Queensland plumbing standards. It’s just that simple.

Not just that, for any gas work, the job also requires a licensed gas fitter – with those gas line extensions needing to be pressure tested and certified as well.

And electrical work may also require specific licensing for any circuit modifications or new connections or things of that nature.

On top of all of that, a plumbing compliance certificate will be required for the completed work. This matters for insurance purposes and for any future property transactions.

6. What does it cost to relocate a hot water system?

Now let’s look for a moment at the cost – because it varies considerably depending on:

• The system type
• How far it’s moving
• What’s involved in extending the services
• Whether any structural work is needed at the new location.

A straightforward relocation of an electric storage system a short distance – with minimal pipe extension and easy access – is a very different job compared to moving a gas storage unit across the other side of the house with new gas line runs, new flue positioning, and concrete base work at the new location.

As a general guide, relocation costs typically sit somewhere between several hundred dollars for a simple move and several thousand for a complex one involving gas line extension, new electrical circuits, and significant pipe rerouting.

The most useful thing to do is get a site assessment and a fixed quote before committing – which is exactly what S&J Hot Water Brisbane provides.

7. Things to confirm before you commit to a location

Before finalising where the system is moving to, ask your plumber these questions:

• Can my system actually be moved, or is it better to replace it at the same time?
• How far can it realistically be relocated given the existing pipe and gas line runs?
• Will the new location meet all compliance requirements for my system type?
• What’s included in the quote – does it cover all trades if gas or electrical work is needed?
• How long will the job take and will I be without hot water during the relocation?

Better still, talk to S&J Hot Water Brisbane

S&J Hot Water Brisbane handles every type of hot water system relocation across Brisbane – gas, electric, and heat pump – with licensed plumbers, gas fitters, and upfront fixed pricing on every job.

If you’re planning a renovation or just want the system somewhere better, call us for a site assessment and quote. Call or book online today.