What is continuous flow hot water?
A continuous flow hot water system heats water instantly as it passes through a gas burner, delivering hot water on demand without requiring a storage tank.
Continuous flow hot water systems heat water instantly as it flows through the unit, rather than storing pre-heated water in a tank. Gas burners ignite when a hot tap opens, warming the water to your desired temperature before it reaches the outlet. The system stops heating once the tap closes.
In Perth households, these units are often called "instantaneous" or "tankless" systems. They differ from storage tank systems, which keep large volumes of water heated at all times, consuming energy even when no hot water is being used. Continuous flow units activate only when needed, making them energy-efficient for households with moderate hot water demands.
Typical Perth installations include wall-mounted units for single dwellings or point-of-use systems for specific outlets. Homeowners favour them for smaller properties or as retrofits where tank space is limited. Flow rate (measured in litres per minute) is important to check, as simultaneous use of multiple hot taps may temporarily reduce water temperature or pressure.
Gas is the primary fuel source for Perth installations, though electric options exist. Plumbers familiar with hot water system installation can assess whether continuous flow suits your home's layout and usage patterns.