Hot water · Black Rock
Continuous flow conversion, 1970s split level
A failed storage unit replaced with continuous flow, including the gas line upsizing that most quotes leave out.
Property
1970s split-level, two storey
Duration
Two days, with a temporary supply in place overnight
Value band
$4.5–6k
Occupied
Occupied — family had hot water again within 48 hours
The brief
“The old tank died on a Sunday. We had been told continuous flow was better but three quotes gave three different answers about whether our gas could handle it.”
What we found
Every renovation has surprises. Publishing ours is the point — this is what a variation actually looks like, and how it got handled.
- The existing gas line was 20mm and shared with a cooktop and a space heater. A continuous flow unit at full draw would have starved the other appliances — which is why the quotes disagreed.
- The run from the meter was short and accessible under the house, so upsizing was cheaper here than it usually is.
- The old tank's location suited the new unit's flue clearances without needing to relocate.
Scope of works
- Removal and disposal of failed storage unit
- Gas line upsized from meter to appliance
- Continuous flow unit supply and installation
- Tempering valve and compliance
- Temporary hot water arranged for the interim
Trades coordinated
- Electrician
Products specified
- Rinnai
- Reece
“They were the only ones who explained why the gas line mattered. The other quotes were cheaper because they were leaving that bit out, which we only understood afterwards.”
Other projects
Bathroom · HamptonMain bathroom and ensuite, 1920s bungalow1920s Californian bungalow$28–34kHeating · BeaumarisHydronic heating retrofit, 1960s brick veneer1960s brick veneer, single storey$22–28kKitchen & laundry · ElsternwickKitchen and laundry, Edwardian weatherboard1910s Edwardian weatherboard$16–20k
All projects