Step-by-Step: What Your Plumber Does
- Site inspection and preparation: Confirm cylinder location, check existing connections, and prepare the work area
- Isolate water and power: Shut off the cold water supply to the cylinder and disconnect electricity (or gas)
- Drain and remove old cylinder: Connect a hose to drain the old unit before removal
- Install new cylinder: Position correctly, connect cold water inlet, hot water outlet, and pressure relief valve with discharge pipe
- Connect electrical supply: Reconnect to switchboard circuit (or gas connections if applicable)
- Fill and test: Fill the cylinder, check all connections for leaks, verify T&P valve operation
- Certificate of Compliance: Licensed plumber issues CoC for your records
What Questions Should You Ask Before Work Starts?
- Will you remove and dispose of the old cylinder?
- Is a Certificate of Compliance included?
- What is the cylinder warranty period?
- How long will the hot water be off?
- Is there anything that could change the quoted price?
After Installation: First-Fill Wait Time
After installation, allow 1–2 hours for a standard electric cylinder to reach temperature, or 2–4 hours for a heat pump system on its first full heat cycle. Your plumber should advise you on when to expect full hot water supply restored.