WA Hot Water Compliance Made Simple

Western Australia has specific requirements for hot water systems designed to protect against both Legionella bacteria growth and scalding injuries. If your system isn’t compliant, we can help with straightforward upgrades.

WA Hot Water Regulations

The key requirement is simple but important:

• Storage: Minimum 60°C to prevent Legionella bacteria growth
• Delivery: Maximum 50°C at fixtures to prevent scalding

This is achieved through a tempering valve (also called a mixing valve) that blends cold water with hot water after it leaves the tank but before it reaches your taps and showers.

Why Compliance Matters

Safety: The 60/50 rule exists for real reasons. Legionella pneumophila (causing Legionnaires’ disease) can grow in water below 60°C. Meanwhile, water above 60°C can cause severe scalding burns within seconds, particularly dangerous for children and elderly.

Insurance: Non-compliant systems may affect your insurance coverage if an incident occurs.

Selling Property: Buyers or their inspectors may identify non-compliant hot water as a negotiating point or request rectification before settlement.

Common Compliance Upgrades

Tempering Valve Installation The most common upgrade. We install a valve at your hot water outlet that automatically mixes cold water to achieve safe delivery temperature.

TPR Valve Replacement Temperature and Pressure Relief valves are safety devices that release if temperature or pressure becomes dangerous. They should be replaced every 5 years.

Temperature Adjustment Some systems are set incorrectly – too low (Legionella risk) or too high without tempering (scalding risk). We verify and adjust as needed.

When You Need Compliance Work

• Selling your home: Get ahead of buyer or inspector concerns
• After system installation: New systems must include tempering valves
• Following repairs or modifications: Changes may trigger compliance requirements
• Insurance review: Ensure your system meets policy expectations
• Peace of mind: Protect your family from scalding risks

Our Compliance Process

1. Assessment: We check your current system against WA requirements
2. Explanation: We clearly explain what’s compliant and what needs attention
3. Quote: Transparent pricing for any required upgrades
4. Installation: Efficient work with minimal disruption
5. Testing: We verify temperatures at storage and delivery points
6. Documentation: You receive records of compliance work completed

Beyond Basic Compliance

We also help with:

• Gas compliance: Ensuring gas hot water installations meet AS/NZS 5601
• Electrical safety: Verifying electrical systems are correctly configured
• Accessibility upgrades: Modifications for safer operation by elderly or disabled household members