What's The Best Type of Hot Water System for My Home?

July 13, 2021

Everybody knows how important it is to have a reliable, effective hot water system for heating water in the home.

Hot water is important in drinking, cooking and cleaning and the type of system we use to heat our water can significantly affect our energy bills.

There is no single best answer when it comes to which kind of hot water system is best for your home; all have their own pros and cons. Let's take a look at four of the most common hot water systems used across Australia and why you might consider each one.

Table of contents:

Standard Electric

Electric hot water heating works by connecting your electricity supply to the tank; this provides instant hot water and a continuous supply through a series of pipes.

Standard electric hot water is one of the most common systems in Australia, so the cost of installation is usually lower than other systems and it has low ongoing costs for energy.

+ Pros of Standard Electric

- Low upfront costs

- Easy installation

- Reliable hot water heating

- Cost-effective off-peak heating

− Cons of Standard Electric

- High running costs
- Higher greenhouse gas emissions

This system is great if you have a lot of storage space or an unlimited water supply, but it can't handle colder climates without costing more money to heat up enough water. Standard electric is often recommended for customers looking to avoid high upfront costs.

Stainless Steel Electric

Another option is stainless steel electric hot water. Stainless steel electric water heating systems are more efficient than standard electricity but they can cost more to install.

+ Pros of Stainless Steel Electric

- Versatility in colder climates

- Corrosion resistance, making tanks longer-lasting

- Easy installation

- Reliable hot water heating all year round

− Cons of Stainless Steel Electric

- More expensive to install than standard electric hot water systems

- Still not as energy efficient as solar hot water and heat pumps

These systems are perfect for families who use a lot of hot water or for people with a restricted budget as they have lower energy costs than other types of systems. They are generally seen as an upgrade to standard electric systems.

Solar Hot Water

In areas that get enough sunlight - and Townsville is definitely one of these - solar hot water might be an ideal choice due to its low running costs. Solar power can be used to directly heat water using the sun's rays.

+ Pros of Solar Hot Water

- Extremely low running costs
- Eco-friendly hot water heating
- Potential opportunity for rebates and other government incentives

− Cons of Solar Hot Water

- Costly to install
- Time-consuming to install
- May be unreliable on overcast days

For homeowners who prioritise reducing their carbon footprint and can afford the upfront costs of installing solar panels, solar hot water is a great option.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a device that draws in air from the outside and transfers the heat into the water tank, so it can be seen as both an air conditioner and a heater all-in-one. Heat pumps are relatively expensive upfront, but they may make sense for those who need frequent heating or cooling throughout the year.

+ Pros of Heat Pumps

- Much higher efficiency compared to standard electric heaters
- Potential to take advantage of government rebates

− Cons of Heat Pumps

- Usually need to be installed outside for ventilation

- Heat pump compressors can be noisy

- Can be unreliable

- Heat pumps can be expensive to service and maintain

Heat pumps are a great eco-friendly option in hot but overcast climates where solar panels may be less effective, though they aren't ideal for families or households with tight budgets as they can be unreliable and expensive to maintain.

Which Hot Water System is Right for Me?

Hopefully, this guide has made it a little easier to understand the differences between the four major hot water heating systems used in Australia today.

If you want more help deciding on the right hot water system for your home, call 07 4779 7722 to get in touch with us at Top to Bottom Plumbing to find out more.

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Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them

By Top To Bottom Plumbing • July 29, 2025

Roofing Issues? Here’s How the Pros Fix Them When it comes to protecting a property, the roof is the first line of defence against the elements. Yet many property owners overlook the importance of timely maintenance and repairs until small issues become major headaches. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a business, addressing roofing problems early can prevent costly damage to interiors, structural elements, and personal belongings. Professional roofing services don’t just patch holes—they deliver thorough assessments, quality materials, and skilled workmanship to keep roofs safe, functional, and looking their best. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few common roofing issues and how roofers tackle them. Leaky Roofs: Why Professional Repairs Are Essential A leaking roof is one of the most common—and damaging—issues a property can face. Even small leaks can cause structural damage, mould, and stained ceilings. Because water often travels before appearing indoors, it’s important to have a professional accurately find and repair the true source. Professional roofers take a thorough approach to ensure leaks are properly resolved: Locate hidden entry points using inspection tools. Replace damaged flashings or tiles that allow water to enter. Apply high-quality sealants and membranes to restore watertight protection. With expert repairs, a leaking roof can be transformed from a persistent problem into a reliable shield against the elements. Storm Damage Assessment: Restoring Safety & Integrity Severe weather can batter roofs with high winds, hail, and torrential rain, often leaving behind obvious and hidden damage that threatens a building’s integrity. Even minor storm impacts can create weaknesses that lead to serious problems if left unaddressed, including leaks, mould, and structural instability. Professionals know what to look for after a storm to catch damage early and prevent further issues: Inspect for lifted or missing tiles and metal sheeting. Check seals and flashings for breaks that let water in. Assess structural damage or weakened roof trusses. Thorough post-storm assessments help document damage for insurance claims, prioritise urgent repairs, and ensure the roof is restored to provide reliable protection for occupants and their belongings. Dealing with Rusted or Corroded Metal Roofing Metal roofing is known for its durability and long lifespan, but it’s not immune to corrosion, especially in areas exposed to salt air or high humidity. Over time, rust can develop and spread if left untreated, weakening roof sheets, compromising fixings, and eventually leading to leaks or structural failure. Professionals provide tailored solutions to address corrosion effectively: Inspect for rust spread and depth of damage. Treat minor rust with anti-corrosion coatings. Replace severely corroded sheets or fasteners. Sagging Roof Structures: Hidden Dangers Uncovered A sagging roof isn’t just unsightly—it’s a warning sign of serious underlying problems. Possible causes include water damage weakening timber supports, structural overload, or long-term neglect. Left unaddressed, sagging can lead to partial collapse. Professionals approach this carefully: Conduct detailed inspections to assess the extent and cause. Replace or reinforce damaged structural components. Ensure repairs meet all building standards for safety. Comprehensive structural repairs restore the roof’s appearance and integrity, helping ensure the building remains safe and secure well into the future. Blocked or Damaged Roof Gutters & Drainage Systems Roof drainage is often overlooked until problems become impossible to ignore. Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes can cause water to overflow in the wrong places, damaging fascia boards, walls, and even the foundations of a building. Overflowing water can also lead to unsightly stains and encourage mould growth around the home. Professional roofing services ensure: Thorough cleaning of gutters and downpipes to restore flow. Repairs or replacements for cracked, rusted, or sagging sections. Recommendations for guards or regular maintenance schedules. Reliable gutter maintenance and repairs help prevent costly water damage and ensure the entire roof drainage system stays effective in all weather conditions. Poor Roof Ventilation & Its Impact on Your Home Roof ventilation is critical for managing heat and moisture in roof spaces. Without adequate ventilation, a home can experience excessive heat buildup in summer, condensation issues in winter, and accelerated deterioration of roofing materials. Over time, poor ventilation can also contribute to mould growth and higher energy costs as heating and cooling systems work harder. Professionals assess existing ventilation and offer tailored solutions such as: Installing ridge vents, whirlybirds, or eaves vents to encourage natural airflow. Balancing ventilation to prevent moisture build-up that can damage insulation and structural components. Providing advice on best practices for maintaining energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Properly designed and installed ventilation improves comfort year-round and helps extend the lifespan of the roof by reducing heat stress and moisture-related damage. Ageing & Weathered Roofing Materials: When to Replace All roofing materials deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to sun, wind, rain, and temperature changes. Older roofs can develop issues like cracked or broken tiles, faded or corroded metal sheets, or weakened underlays without reliable protection. Professionals help determine when repairs are no longer enough and replacement is the better option: Detailed inspections to evaluate overall condition. Advice on the remaining lifespan and risks of delaying replacement. Planning re-roofing projects that improve protection and add value. Roofers specialise in delivering safe, efficient roof replacements using durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh weather and extend the life of the roof for years. The Value of Professional Roof Inspections & Maintenance Preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs after a failure. Regular professional inspections catch small problems before they escalate, helping property owners avoid unexpected disruptions and expensive damage. Professional maintenance typically includes: Checking for loose or broken tiles, flashings, and ridge caps that can let water in or be dislodged in high winds. Inspecting sealants and joints for signs of cracking or wear that compromise waterproofing. Clearing gutters and drains to prevent blockages that cause water to overflow and damage walls or foundations. Assessing overall roof condition to identify early signs of ageing, corrosion, or structural movement. Offering expert recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or future maintenance to keep the roof performing its best. Protect Your Property with Expert Roofing in Townsville At Top to Bottom Plumbing, we know a roof is more than just shelter—it’s peace of mind for your family or business. Our roofers in Townsville deliver thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and quality installations tailored to the local environment. If you’ve noticed leaks, storm damage, rust, sagging, or other roofing issues, don’t wait for them to worsen. Get in touch via our contact page to learn more about our services.