After a hot water heater is installed, confirm that the installer has commissioned it, demonstrated the controls and explained safe isolation. Once it is ready, check hot-water delivery, temperature and visible connections. Keep the installation and warranty documents, and report leaks, faults or safety concerns instead of making adjustments yourself.
Complete the handover
Before the installer leaves, ask them to:
- confirm commissioning is complete and explain the expected heating time and normal start-up behaviour for your model;
- demonstrate household controls, indicators and fault messages;
- show you the water isolation valve and relevant electrical isolator or gas control, including when it is safe to use them;
- provide the operating manual, invoice, model and serial details, warranty information and any compliance documentation required for the work; and
- explain whether warranty registration is required.
Keep these records with the installation date and installer’s details. Do not open covers, alter connections or attempt plumbing, gas or electrical work; these tasks require appropriately licensed tradespeople.
Check that the system is working
When the installer confirms the system is ready, restrict your checks to normal tap use and visible observations:
- Look for leaks: Check the unit, visible pipe connections and surrounding area for drips, pooling or persistent moisture. Do not tighten fittings or operate the temperature-and-pressure relief valve.
- Check delivery: Open a hot tap cautiously. Confirm that hot water arrives and any initial trapped air clears.
- Check the temperature safely: Make sure the delivered water is usable and not dangerously hot, without placing your hands directly under an unexpectedly hot stream. Storage and outlet temperatures can differ because a tempering valve may blend hot and cold water. Ask the installer to investigate concerns; never adjust the thermostat or tempering valve yourself.
- Check indicators: Compare lights, messages or fault codes with the manufacturer’s instructions. Persistent faults, failure to heat, banging or hissing require professional review.
Warning signs requiring professional help
Contact the installer promptly if the system leaks, does not heat, delivers dangerously hot water, repeatedly shows a fault or has continuous or heavy discharge from the relief drain. A small amount of relief-valve discharge can occur while some storage systems heat, but never cap or obstruct the drain.
- Significant leak: Keep away from electrical equipment. If safe, use only the water isolation control demonstrated during handover, then call a licensed plumber.
- Gas smell: Do not use flames, electrical switches or the appliance. Leave the area and follow the gas network’s emergency instructions from a safe location. Call Triple Zero (000) if there is immediate danger.
- Electrical danger: Keep clear of sparking, burning smells, exposed wiring or a repeatedly tripping circuit breaker. Seek urgent licensed assistance and isolate power only if it is safe to use the control identified during handover.
Do not dismantle or repair the unit. If the installer cannot resolve a commissioning fault, leak or safety concern, contact our licensed Sydney plumbing team.