Installation of a Rinnai Infinity 26 continuous flow hot water system, replacing an old electric storage unit. The new system provides endless hot water on demand while reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
Why the Upgrade
The homeowner's existing 250-litre electric storage hot water system was over 12 years old and had started leaking from the base — a clear sign of internal tank corrosion. Rather than replacing like-for-like, the client wanted to upgrade to a more energy-efficient solution that would provide continuous hot water for their family of five.
System Selection
After discussing the household's hot water usage patterns and the property's existing gas supply, we recommended the Rinnai Infinity 26 continuous flow system. With a flow rate of 26 litres per minute, this unit can comfortably supply two showers and a kitchen tap simultaneously — perfect for a busy household.
Key benefits of the Rinnai Infinity 26 include:
- Endless hot water on demand — no more running out mid-shower
- Up to 50% reduction in energy costs compared to the old electric storage system
- Compact wall-mounted design freeing up floor space in the laundry
- Built-in temperature control with preset options for safety
- 12-year heat exchanger warranty
Installation Process
The installation was completed in a single day. We began by disconnecting and removing the old electric storage unit, including capping the existing electrical supply. The new Rinnai unit was mounted externally on the side of the house, positioned to minimise pipe runs to the kitchen and bathrooms.
We ran new 20mm copper hot water lines from the unit to the existing distribution points, and connected the gas supply using a dedicated 20mm gas line from the meter. A tempering valve was installed to comply with AS 3498 requirements, ensuring water at tapware outlets does not exceed 50°C.
Commissioning
After installation, we thoroughly tested the system by running all hot water outlets simultaneously to confirm adequate flow rate and consistent temperature. Gas pressure was checked at the meter and at the appliance to ensure compliance. We also walked the homeowner through the controller settings, including eco mode and temperature presets.
Result
The family now enjoys unlimited hot water with significantly lower energy bills. The compact external installation freed up valuable space in their laundry. All work was completed to Australian Standards and a gas compliance certificate was issued.
Project Completed:
