4.3 Repair and maintenance of existing water heater
A building consent is not required for an authorised person to repair and maintain water heaters associated with buildings.
Legally required professional: Authorised Plumber
Any repair work must use comparable materials, comparable components or a comparable assembly.
What the law says
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004
Exemption 36. Repair and maintenance of existing water heater
The repair or maintenance of any existing water heater using comparable materials, comparable components, or a comparable assembly.
How it works
Any repair work must use comparable materials, comparable components or a comparable assembly.
To replace or reposition an existing water heater refer to sections:
4.5. Replacement or repositioning of water heater connected to controlled heat source (exemption 38).
What is exempt
- The homeowner repairs a leaking open-vented water storage heater.
- The homeowner repairs a valve-vented water storage heater.
- The homeowner repairs sacrificial anodes.
- The homeowner repairs valves associated with water heaters.
- The homeowner repairs or maintains solar water heating system collectors.
What needs consent
- While repairing their existing (open-vented) storage water heater, a homeowner decides to replace the existing wood burner and wetback system. As replacing the wood burner and wetback is not considered to be repairs or maintenance, the building work requires a consent.