The problem a temporary unit solves
Most hot water replacements happen the same day. You call, we come, we diagnose, and if the tank has failed we quote and swap it, often within hours.
The situations where that does not happen are worth planning for. Your specific model may need ordering. A solar or heat pump system may require a pad, a condensate drain or roof work that cannot be done in an afternoon. A commercial or strata site may need scheduling around tenants. Or the failure happens late on a Sunday and the supplier does not open until Monday.
In all of those cases the household still needs to shower. That is what a temporary hot water arrangement is for, and it is a question that comes up most often after a burst hot water tank.
When we can offer one
We look at a temporary arrangement when the permanent replacement cannot be finished on the day and the household would otherwise be without hot water entirely. It is a practical solution, not something every job needs.
Typical situations:
- A specific unit is on order. Common with premium heat pump models, particular solar configurations, or unusual capacities.
- The install needs preparation work. A new pad, a relocated position, gas pipework or electrical work that is scheduled for the following day.
- The failure happened outside supply hours. Sunday nights and public holidays being the classic.
- A staged commercial or strata replacement. Where parts of a building need hot water maintained while other sections are worked on.
- Household circumstances make it essential. Young children, elderly residents, medical needs or a home business.
How the hookup works
A temporary unit is a compact system connected into your existing hot and cold water lines with flexible connections, usually positioned outdoors near where the permanent unit sits or will sit.
The process is quick, generally under an hour:
- The failed unit is isolated and, where practical, removed so the permanent install can start promptly.
- The temporary unit is positioned somewhere safe, level and out of the way.
- Flexible connections are made to the existing hot and cold lines.
- Energy is connected, either an appropriate electrical connection or a gas hookup by a licensed gas fitter.
- The system is filled, purged and commissioned, and delivery temperature checked.
You will typically have somewhat less capacity than a full-sized permanent system, so it is a bridge rather than a permanent equivalent. It is the difference between a household that can shower and one that cannot.
Cost and duration
Whether a temporary unit attracts a charge depends on the job, the duration and the connection work required. What matters is that it is confirmed upfront in the written quote rather than appearing later.
Duration is usually short. Standard replacement models we can access quickly go in the same or next day. Specific or premium units, particularly some solar and heat pump configurations, can take a few days. Larger commercial staged replacements run to a schedule agreed with the site manager in advance.
Ask at the time of the quote
If your replacement cannot happen immediately, ask directly whether a temporary arrangement is possible and what it costs. It is a much easier conversation before you have gone a night without hot water.
The alternative: bringing the permanent job forward
Sometimes the better answer is not a temporary unit at all, but choosing a system we can install today.
If your first preference needs ordering and you would otherwise be without hot water for three days, it is worth asking what is available immediately. We will lay out both options honestly, including where waiting is genuinely the better call because the preferred system will serve you better for the next decade.
For urgent failures, our emergency hot water repairs team runs 24/7 across the Perth metro. For planned replacements where you have time to choose properly, see our hot water system installation page.