From 1 July 2008, plumbers licensed to install domestic water heaters in South Australia need to comply with greenhouse gas and flow rate performance standards for water heater installations. The standards are implemented as an SA Water Direction under the Waterworks Regulations 1996 and, for new homes, under the Development Regulations 1993.

If you are licensed to install water heaters into South Australian homes, the standards may see you change the type of hot water systems you install. As such, you may need to source new models of hot water systems and become familiar with their installation.

For the majority of homes in South Australia, when you are asked to install or replace a water heater, you will need to determine the type of water heater that can be legally installed. In most homes, you will need to install a water heater that meets a Full Standard. For others, a Reduced Standard is available. A small number of installations are exempt from these standards.

Also, when you install or replace a water heater, you will need to ensure that all shower outlets connected to the installed water heater have a flow rate of 9 litres per minute or less.

Tools available include:

• A Plumber's Guide to the standards
• A Plumber’s Reference that summarises the standards
• A Purchase Declaration Form which you will need to use in many cases
• Frequently Asked Questions

For further information visit the Department for Transport and Infrastructure's website