Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems

From a tap that won’t stop dripping through to a stiff mixer or a leaking kitchen spout, Newton Huang handles every kind of tap and mixer repair across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. We re-washer traditional taps, replace ceramic cartridges, O-rings and seats, and install brand-new WaterMark-approved taps and mixers when the old gear’s beyond saving. Tidy work, no leaks left behind, and we’ll match the finish if you want like-for-like.

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Is a Continuous Flow Unit Right for You?

  • Continuous flow (also called instantaneous or tankless) hot water systems heat water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. When you turn on a hot tap, cold water flows through the unit and is heated instantly by a powerful gas burner or electric element. This means you only heat the water you actually use — and because there's no tank to run out, you get a virtually endless supply of hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry.

  • Newton Plumbing installs, repairs, and services continuous flow hot water systems across a wide local service area, including all surrounding suburbs and nearby regions. Whether you're upgrading from an old storage tank or building new, our licensed plumber and gas fitter can come to you. Not sure if we cover your suburb? Give Newton a call — we likely service your area.

  • Continuous flow systems offer several big advantages — endless hot water that won't run out mid-shower, significant energy savings since you're not constantly reheating a stored tank, a compact wall-mounted design that frees up valuable space, longer lifespan (often 15–20 years versus 8–12 for storage tanks), and lower running costs over time. They're also ideal for households with fluctuating hot water demand.

  • Sizing is measured in litres per minute (L/min) and depends on how many hot water outlets you might use at once. A small household of 1–2 people is usually well served by a 16 L/min unit, while families of 3–4 typically need a 20–24 L/min unit, and larger homes with multiple bathrooms often benefit from a 26+ L/min system. Newton will assess your usage, plumbing layout, and gas supply to recommend the right size — so you're never short on hot water.

  • A standard continuous flow hot water system installation usually takes between 3 and 6 hours, depending on whether it's a straight swap or a brand-new install requiring gas line work, electrical, and flueing. Newton Huang handles the full job — removing your old unit, installing and mounting the new system, connecting gas, water, and power, pressure-testing, and issuing a Gas Compliance Certificate on completion. You'll be enjoying endless hot water the same day.

Continuous flow systems suit most households well, but the right size and model depend on how many bathrooms you have, how many people draw hot water at the same time, and where the unit can be mounted. A correctly specified unit will handle peak demand comfortably — an undersized one will struggle the moment the dishwasher, laundry and shower all run at once. We talk through expected flow rates, temperature settings and tempering valve requirements before you commit to a brand.

Gas Supply Considerations

Continuous flow units have a higher peak gas demand than the storage tanks they often replace, because they heat water from cold the moment a tap opens rather than maintaining a warm reservoir. Some older homes have gas supply lines too small to feed a modern continuous flow unit at full output. As part of any quote, we check the supply and meter sizing and let you know whether an upgrade is needed.

Installation Process

A typical installation involves removing the existing storage tank, mounting the new unit on an external wall in a position with proper clearances, running the water and gas connections, fitting the flue or vent where the model requires one, installing or relocating the tempering valve, and commissioning the unit. We test the system at multiple flow rates and temperatures, and we walk you through the controller before we leave.

Maintenance and Long Life

Continuous flow systems benefit from periodic servicing, particularly in areas with harder water. We can return at the recommended intervals to flush the heat exchanger, check the gas pressure, and verify the safety devices. Regular servicing typically adds years to the unit’s working life and keeps the manufacturer’s extended warranty valid.

Our Process

Phone Consult — We ask about your household size, current unit, and where it’s located. Most of the time, we can give you a ballpark price on the phone.

On-Site Quote — We arrive within 24 hours, measure the install location, check gas line capacity, and email you a fixed written quote the same day.

Order & Book — We order your unit and book the install, usually within 48 hours of quote approval. Most jobs are completed the same week.

Install Day — Most Instant Hot Water installs take 4 to 6 hours. We commission the system, walk you through the controls, and lodge the Certificate of Compliance with the VBA within 48 hours.

Service Areas

Our gas line work covers Vermont, Vermont South, Mitcham, Blackburn, Blackburn North, Blackburn South, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Ashwood, Ashburton, Surrey Hills, Mont Albert, Mont Albert North, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Box Hill South, Burwood, Burwood East, Forest Hill, Heatherdale, and Donvale.