From 1 July 2013 NSW has adopted the Plumbing Code of Australia. One of the requirements of the code is that all hot water systems must have a temperature control device fitted where applicable to ensure that the temperature of hot water at the tap is not more than 50 degrees centigrade.
What does this mean for you?
When your hot water service requires repair or replacement, the plumber is required by law to also instal a temperature control device which premixes the hot with cold water to ensure that the temperature of the hot water does not exceed the 50 degrees centigrade set maximum.
What will it cost you?
In most circumstances the cost will be about $150 in addition to the cost of installing a new hot water system.
What are the potential risks to you?
Firstly it would be an offense for the plumber to not comply with the regulations.
You may be exposed to a liability claim by the tenant in the event that the tenant (likely a child) was to suffer hot water burns where a temperature control devicewas not installed as required by the regulations.
Where to from here?
To ensure that your property complies with the new plumbing regulations we have instructed our plumbers to instal the temperature control device when replacing any hot water system that does not come with a complying temperature control device already installed.
To view the Fair Trading document…click here