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The Bonza Blog
Come here for the latest news, information and frequently asked questions about plumbing and gas in Perth.
Why Every Perth Homeowner Should Use a Licensed Plumber or Gas Installer
Using an unlicensed plumber or attempting DIY gas work in Perth is illegal, potentially dangerous, and likely to void your home insurance. In Western Australia, all plumbing and gas work must be carried out by a licensed professional — and for good reason. The consequences of cutting corners range from a $5,000 fine to a gas explosion. This article explains exactly what's at stake and how to protect your home, your family, and your wallet. What Are the Risks of Using an Unlic
Bonza Team
May 146 min read
Bonza Complete Plumbing and Gas Service Area
Bonza Complete Plumbing & Gas is a licensed plumbing service provider based in Perth, Western Australia. They offer a comprehensive range of plumbing and gas services to meet the diverse needs of both residential and commercial clients. Services Offered Hot Water Systems: Installation, maintenance, and repair of various hot water systems to ensure reliable and efficient performance. Gas Installations: Professional setup and maintenance of gas appliances and systems, prioritis
Bonza Team
Mar 3, 20252 min read
Frequently asked questions
Hot Water Systems
General
Installed costs vary by system type. As a reliable benchmark: a continuous gas unit runs $1,350–$1,800, a gas storage unit runs $1,000–$1,430, and a heat pump system is typically around $2,700 — or approximately $900 out-of-pocket after the current Federal STC rebate for eligible households. Any quote significantly above these figures warrants a second opinion.
In inland suburbs, a quality storage system should last 10–15 years with basic maintenance. In coastal postcodes (Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah), salt air corrosion can reduce effective lifespan to 7–10 years without marine-grade installation and periodic servicing. Continuous flow gas systems generally last longer — 15–20 years — with correct maintenance.
Yes. Gas connection and disconnection of a hot water system in Western Australia legally requires a licensed Gas Fitter — not a standard Plumbing Tradesperson (PT). Always ask for the GF licence number before any gas work proceeds. Ours is GF19007. Unlicensed gas work voids your home insurance and creates a genuine safety risk.
A practical starting rule is 50 litres per person per day, plus a 100L base. A household of four typically needs a minimum 300L storage system, or a correctly sized continuous flow unit rated at 26L/min or higher. We size every new installation against your actual household usage before recommending a unit.
The most common causes are a failing tempering valve (which blends cold water to prevent scalding — when it fails, it can over-dilute), sediment build-up in the tank reducing heating efficiency, or a deteriorating anode rod. All three are diagnosable and repairable in a single visit without replacement.
For most Perth households with a suitable roof position and existing solar or off-peak tariff access, yes — the running cost reduction is genuine, and the STC rebate significantly reduces upfront cost. The critical caveat: the system timer must be correctly configured to your Synergy tariff, particularly Super Off-Peak (09:00–15:00). A misconfigured timer erases the bill savings entirely.
If the leak is from the pressure relief valve (a small discharge pipe, usually running to a drain), this is a pressure issue that requires professional attention but is not an emergency. If the leak is from the tank body, connections, or base of the unit, turn off the water supply to the system and call us. A leaking tank typically indicates the end of the system's serviceable life and will not be effectively repaired by patching.
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