Leaking Hot Water System Replaced in Malvern East
Completed Job Summary
A leaking electric hot water system was investigated and replaced at a residential property in Malvern East after water pressure concerns were reported. The existing unit, tempering valve and associated components were replaced, the system was commissioned, and normal hot water operation was restored.
16 June 2026
Kenny
Plumber
81809
This job record is derived from first-party technician notes and the Simpro job management.
Customer report
The customer requested an inspection of water pressure concerns, along with a leaking hot water unit, at a property in Malvern East. The existing installation was identified as a Thermann 50-litre electric hot water system. During the assessment, the reported leak and associated hot-water components were investigated to determine the appropriate replacement work needed to restore the system.
Diagnosis & Technical Assessment
The initial assessment included an investigation of the hot water system and a water pressure check. Inspection confirmed that the existing Thermann 50-litre electric hot water unit was leaking, while further investigation determined that the installed tempering valve had failed and required replacement.
During preparation for the replacement works, it was also established that the cold water supply could not be isolated independently. To safely complete the installation, the water supply to the entire block was isolated before work commenced. Following the removal of the existing equipment, replacement components were prepared for installation, and testing and commissioning were undertaken after the new system was connected.
The assessment identified two separate faults affecting the installation: the leaking hot water unit and the defective tempering valve. These findings supported the replacement of both components and the incorporation of additional leak-protection equipment as part of the completed installation.
All work was completed in accordance with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regulatory framework.
Solutions delivered
The existing electric hot water unit was disconnected after isolating both the electrical and water supplies. The original pipework was removed as required before installation of a new Thermann 50-litre electric hot water system together with replacement pipework.
A new leak-protection valve was installed on the cold-water supply feeding the tank, with a leak sensor positioned within the drip tray to automatically isolate the water supply if water is detected. The failed 15 mm tempering valve was also replaced before the water supply was reinstated. Following installation, the hot water system was tested, commissioned, and the tempering valve was adjusted to the required operating temperature. The work area was cleaned and site materials removed upon completion.
Tools, Parts & Systems Used
- Thermann 50L electric hot water unit
- Leak protection valve
- Leak detection sensor
- 15 mm tempering valve
- Pipework
Outcome & Results
The leaking electric hot water unit was replaced, a new tempering valve was installed, and leak protection equipment was incorporated into the completed installation. Water and electrical supplies were reinstated following installation, and the hot water system was tested and commissioned. The technician confirmed the completed works following restoration of the system, with the installation left in service after final testing.
All work was carried out in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and safety requirements.
Repair vs Replacement
Hot water systems may require either component replacement or complete unit replacement, depending on the source of the fault. In this project, the entire electric hot water unit was replaced after a leak was identified, while the failed tempering valve was replaced as a separate component within the installation. Incorporating a leak protection valve and sensor during the replacement also provided an additional level of protection for the completed hot water system, where those components formed part of the approved scope.