Hot Water Repairs and Replacement in Melbourne
Cold shower this morning? Water pooling under the tank? Call us, any hour. We repair and replace gas, electric, solar and heat pump hot water systems across Melbourne and regional towns within about 2 hours, and we carry the common parts so most repairs get done on the first visit.
Call 24/7: 03 8583 2640 or 0426 204 244
Repair first, replace only when it has to go
I’m Victor from Holy Mess Repairs. Plenty of hot water systems get replaced when a single cheap part would have fixed them. My plumbers start by finding out why it stopped, then tell you straight whether it’s worth repairing.
Our vans carry the parts that fail most often, so a lot of jobs are finished the same visit:
- Heating elements and thermostats (electric storage)
- Temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valves
- Tempering valves
- Sacrificial anodes
- Pilot, thermocouple and ignition faults on gas units
- Leaking fittings, valves and flexible connectors
If the tank itself is leaking or rusted through, no part will save it. That’s when we talk about replacement.
Every type of hot water system
- Electric storage: element, thermostat and valve repairs, or like-for-like replacement.
- Gas storage and continuous flow: repairs and replacement by licensed gasfitters. Our licences cover all plumbing work in Victoria, including gasfitting and drainage.
- Solar: booster, valve and leak repairs.
- Heat pump: repairs, new installs and switching from gas or electric.
We work on all major brands, and if parts for an older unit are no longer made, we’ll tell you so you’re not paying for repeat visits.
Signs your hot water system needs attention
- No hot water, or it runs out much faster than it used to
- Water dripping from the relief valve drain or pooling under the tank
- Rusty or discoloured hot water
- Banging, rumbling or hissing noises
- The pilot light keeps going out
- The system is over 10 years old and you’ve noticed any of the above
How a hot water call-out works
- You call, we answer. Tell us the type of system and what’s happening. Photos of the label help.
- We diagnose it on site. We test the element, thermostat, valves or gas controls and find the actual fault.
- We fix it there and then if the part is in the van, which it usually is for the common faults.
- If it can’t be saved, you get replacement options with prices before any work starts.
- Compliance paperwork. Plumbing work is certified, and you get the paperwork.
Pricing: You get a free estimate before we come, and any replacement is priced in writing before we start. If your hot water has failed after hours and you need it fixed tonight, see emergency plumbing.
Gas hot water and the 1 March 2027 rule
From 1 March 2027, when a gas hot water system in an existing Victorian home reaches the end of its life, it has to be replaced with an efficient electric system such as a heat pump, under the Plumbing Regulations (Energy Victoria). The Victorian Government says gas hot water can still be repaired if it breaks down; the rule applies when the system is replaced (Premier of Victoria). Exemptions exist, for example where there isn’t enough space or installation costs are too high.
What that means for you:
- If your gas unit can be repaired safely, we’ll repair it.
- If it’s near the end and you’d rather plan the switch than do it in an emergency, we can price a heat pump now, while you still have hot water.
- Gas cooking and gas heating in existing homes aren’t affected by this rule.
Rebates for heat pump and solar hot water in Victoria
These are the official figures as of October 2026. Eligibility rules apply, and the programs can change, so check the official pages before you decide.
- Solar Homes hot water rebate (Solar Victoria): 50% of the product price after other discounts, up to $1,000, or up to $1,400 for eligible locally made products. You must be an owner-occupier, household taxable income under $150,000, property value under $3 million, the old system at least 3 years old, and no previous Solar Homes hot water or battery rebate at the address. It must go through a Solar Victoria authorised retailer using an eligible product. Emergency replacements can be claimed after installation if you meet the criteria. (solar.vic.gov.au)
- Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) discount: available through accredited providers. Solar Victoria says the Solar Homes rebate plus a VEU discount can cut upfront costs by up to $1,630, or up to $2,030 for an eligible locally made system. (solar.vic.gov.au, energy.vic.gov.au)
Ask us when you call and we’ll explain how the rebate would work for your job.
Melbourne and regional Victoria, within about 2 hours
We cover all of Melbourne, plus the towns within about a 2-hour drive of the city:
- Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast: Geelong, Lara, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff, Torquay, Anglesea and Colac
- Mornington Peninsula: Frankston, Mornington, Rosebud and Sorrento
- West and Ballarat: Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat
- Macedon Ranges and Goldfields: Sunbury, Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton, Daylesford, Castlemaine and Bendigo
- North: Wallan, Kilmore, Seymour and Euroa
- Yarra Valley and Yarra Ranges: Lilydale, Yarra Glen, Healesville, Warburton, Kinglake and Marysville
- West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley: Pakenham, Drouin, Warragul, Moe, Morwell and Traralgon
- Bass Coast and South Gippsland: Phillip Island, San Remo, Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Leongatha
Not sure if your town is in range? Call 03 8583 2640 or 0426 204 244 and ask.
Why Holy Mess Repairs
- Genuinely 24/7. A real person answers the phone.
- Parts in the van to fix the common faults on the first visit.
- Licensed for all plumbing work in Victoria, including gasfitting and drainage. Roof plumbing licence 32176.
- Insured through BizCover.
- Around 4.4 stars from 120+ Google reviews.
- Honest repair-or-replace advice. If it’s worth fixing, we fix it.
HOLYMESS PTY LTD · ABN 31 666 327 813
How we quote
Call or email us and I’ll give you a free estimate over the phone. There’s no fee for the estimate. Once you’re happy with it, we send you a written document that explains what to expect, the likely scenarios and what each one costs, plus the quality of work and the warranty. That way you know exactly what you’re getting before we arrive.
Send us photos and videos on WhatsApp: 0426 204 244. Send as many as you can. The more we see, the more accurate the estimate.
Hot water FAQs
Can you fix my hot water system today?
Usually, yes. We carry elements, thermostats, T&P and tempering valves, anodes and common gas parts, so most faults are fixed on the first visit. If a part has to be ordered, we’ll tell you how long it will take.
Should I repair or replace my hot water system?
If the tank is sound and the fault is a part, repairing is usually the better value. If the tank is leaking, badly corroded or the system is well past its expected life, replacement makes more sense. We’ll tell you which, and why.
Do you work on gas hot water systems?
Yes. Our licences cover all types of plumbing work in Victoria, including gasfitting, so we repair and replace gas storage and continuous flow systems.
Do I have to replace my gas hot water system with electric?
Not yet, and not while it can be repaired. From 1 March 2027, a gas hot water system in an existing Victorian home that reaches the end of its life must be replaced with an efficient electric system such as a heat pump, unless an exemption applies.
Am I eligible for a hot water rebate?
You may be. The Solar Homes rebate is up to $1,000, or up to $1,400 for eligible locally made products, for owner-occupiers with household taxable income under $150,000, property value under $3 million and a system at least 3 years old. Eligibility rules apply, so check Solar Victoria’s website.
What brands do you service?
All major brands of electric, gas, solar and heat pump hot water systems.
Why is water dripping from the pipe near my tank?
That’s usually the temperature and pressure relief valve. A small drip while heating can be normal; a steady flow isn’t. It can mean the valve has failed or the pressure is too high, and both are quick fixes.
How much does a hot water repair cost?
It depends on the system and the fault. Send us photos of the unit and its label and we’ll give you a free estimate over the phone, then confirm it in writing before we start.
Are you really available 24 hours?
Yes. We answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We’re licensed for all plumbing work in Victoria, including gasfitting and drainage (roof plumbing licence 32176), and insured through BizCover.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. Call or email us and we’ll give you a free estimate over the phone, with no fee for the estimate. Send photos and videos on WhatsApp to 0426 204 244 and we’ll follow up with a written document setting out the likely scenarios, the cost of each and the warranty.
No hot water? Call now
03 8583 2640 or 0426 204 244, 24/7.
Visit our Reservoir showroom and warehouse: Unit 10, 236–244 Edwards Road, Reservoir VIC 3073. It’s our working base. Crews load materials there, our equipment and machinery are stored there, and the office is upstairs. There’s also a separate showroom where you can see examples of our roofing, plumbing and renovation work and meet the team. Open 6am to 6pm, 7 days. No booking needed, but call ahead and we’ll make sure the right person is there to meet you.
Holy Mess Repairs · 19 Chivers Rd, Templestowe VIC 3106 · Showroom and warehouse (call ahead): Unit 10, 236–244 Edwards Road, Reservoir VIC 3073 · Melbourne and towns within about 2 hours