- 300+ five-star reviews · VBA accredited plumbers
- Installs, gas-to-heat-pump conversions and repairs on all makes and models
Call 1800 571 216: 24/7 · Book online
Licensed and insured · Police checked and first aid verified · Australian owned and operated
Why Melbourne calls OnCall for heat pumps
- 24 hours, 7 days for repairs, including weekends and public holidays
- More than 15 years of plumbing across Melbourne
- 300+ five-star reviews on Google
- VBA accredited, licensed and insured plumbers
- Straight advice on whether a heat pump suits your home
- Job-based pricing: one price, approved by you first
What customers say about OnCall
"He turned up on time, went above and beyond, showed and explained everything and got the job done … he left the job site spotless."
Nancy Tayba, Google review
How a heat pump hot water system works
A heat pump works like a fridge in reverse. A fan draws outside air over a coil, a refrigerant absorbs the warmth, and a compressor concentrates that heat and passes it into the water in the tank. Because it's moving heat rather than making it, it uses far less electricity than a standard electric element.
The trade-offs are worth knowing up front. Heat pumps heat more slowly than gas, they work harder on cold Melbourne mornings, and the fan and compressor make a low hum while running. Many models have a backup element for cold weather or heavy demand. None of that's a problem when the system is sized and positioned properly.
Heat pump hot water installation in Melbourne
A good heat pump install starts with the right questions, not the unit.
- Assessment and system selection. We look at your household size, how you use hot water, your power supply, and whether you have solar panels. We then explain which tank size and type suits, and you approve the price.
- Positioning. The unit needs outdoor airflow, a level base and a drain point for condensation. We'll steer it away from bedroom windows and the neighbour's fence where we can, because the hum carries at night.
- Removal of the old system. If there's an existing unit, we disconnect and remove it safely and check the connections and fittings.
- Installation, testing and commissioning. We connect the system, test every hot tap, the temperature control and the safety valves, then check pressure levels and recovery rates.
We'll also set the timer with you. If you have solar panels, running the heat pump during the day can make the most of your own power.
Replace gas hot water with a heat pump
Gas to heat pump conversion is one of the most common upgrades we're asked about. It's very doable, but it's more than a straight swap, so here's what's involved.
- Gas disconnection. The gas supply to the old hot water unit is disconnected and made safe.
- Power supply. A heat pump needs a suitable electrical supply. If your home needs a new circuit, that's work for a licensed electrician, and we'll tell you up front so there are no surprises.
- Location. Gas units often sit in spots that suit a flue, not airflow. The heat pump may need to go somewhere slightly different.
- Water and drainage. Connections, a relief valve drain and a condensate drain all need to be in place.
Rebates. Gas-to-heat-pump upgrades may be eligible for support through Solar Victoria or the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. Amounts and eligibility change, so check the official sites and read our hot water rebates in Victoria guide before you book.
Call 1800 571 216: 24/7 · 300+ five-star reviews · Price approved before work starts
Heat pump hot water repairs
When a heat pump stops heating properly, these are the faults we see most:
- Fan not spinning, or spinning but not drawing heat, often a failed fan motor or something blocking the airflow.
- Compressor not starting. The unit powers on but doesn't heat.
- Slow recovery in cold weather. Some slowdown on a frosty morning is normal. Running out completely isn't, and can point to a failed backup element or a control fault.
- Louder than usual. Rattling, grinding or a much louder hum can mean a worn fan bearing, a loose panel or a compressor problem.
- Water around the base. Usually a blocked or disconnected condensate drain, but it can also be a valve or the tank.
- Error codes or a blank controller, or a timer set to the wrong hours.
Some faults sit in the sealed refrigeration circuit. If yours needs a refrigeration technician or the manufacturer's service network, we'll tell you plainly rather than guess.
How we fix it: assess, explain, approve, fix
Assess. Your plumber checks the fan, airflow, controls and timer, condensate drain, backup element, valves and tank, and how well the heat exchanger is performing.
Explain. You'll hear what's failed, why, and whether it's a repair, a manufacturer matter, or something we can adjust on the spot.
Approve. You get a clear price and your options. Nothing happens until you say yes.
Fix. We repair the fault and test the system before we leave.
If a heat pump is beyond sensible repair, see hot water system replacement for what's involved. If it's still under the manufacturer's warranty, check with the manufacturer first, because warranty repairs usually go through their own service network.
Pricing: what to expect
We charge by the job, not by the hour, for installs, conversions and repairs alike. Your plumber assesses on site and gives you a clear price before starting.
What moves the price:
- the heat pump model and tank size you choose
- whether it's a like-for-like swap or a conversion from gas
- the distance to existing water connections and drainage
- whether electrical work is needed by an electrician
- for repairs, the fault and whether the part is in stock
No work starts without your approval. See hot water repair cost for more.
How it works
- Call or book online. Ring 1800 571 216 or book online. Tell us whether you're after an install, a conversion or a repair.
- Advice and a plumber on the way. For repairs we'll send ETA updates; for installs we'll arrange a site assessment.
- On-site check and price. Your plumber explains the options and gives you a clear price.
- You approve, we do the work. Install, convert or repair.
- Tested and explained. We test the system and show you the timer and controls.
Heat pump questions
Are heat pumps any good in Melbourne winters?
Yes, when sized and positioned properly. They heat more slowly in cold weather, and many have a backup element for frosty mornings and heavy demand.
Can I replace my gas hot water with a heat pump?
Yes. It involves disconnecting the gas to the old unit, a suitable power supply, and the right outdoor position. We'll explain exactly what your home needs.
Are there rebates for heat pump hot water in Victoria?
There may be, through Solar Victoria and the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. The details change, so confirm what applies to you on the official sites, then read our rebates guide.
Are heat pumps noisy?
They make a low hum while running, similar to an air conditioner's outdoor unit. Good placement and the right timer settings keep it from bothering you or the neighbours.
Why is my heat pump running but not heating?
Common causes include a fan fault, a compressor that isn't starting, blocked airflow or a control fault. We'll diagnose it on site.
Do I need an electrician for a heat pump install?
Sometimes. If your home needs a new circuit, we'll tell you and recommend a licensed electrician.
Do you repair all heat pump brands?
We work on all makes and models. If yours is under warranty, check with the manufacturer first.
How much does a heat pump cost to install?
It depends on the model, the tank size and how much work the site needs. You'll get one price for the whole install to approve before anything starts.
Thinking heat pump, or need yours fixed? Let's talk.
A licensed OnCall plumber can tell you straight whether a heat pump suits your home, price the job, and, once you say yes, install or repair it properly.
Call 1800 571 216: 24/7 · Book online
300+ five-star reviews · VBA accredited · Price approved before work starts
What happens next: we'll confirm your details, give you pre-arrival advice if you need it, and send a plumber. You'll get ETA updates on the way.