This Hot Water System Installation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers how a licensed plumber or gasfitter installs, replaces or reconnects electric, gas, solar and heat pump hot water systems in homes and light commercial buildings. It sets out isolating water, power and gas, draining the old unit, handling and positioning the new one, fitting relief and tempering valves, gas and electrical connections, and commissioning. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Licensed plumbers and gasfitters
Plumbing contractors
Hot water specialists and installers
Solar and heat pump installers
Builders using licensed plumbing trades
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Manual handling injury moving a tank or heat pump unit
Electric shock or arc flash from live wiring
Gas leak, fire or explosion from a faulty gas connection
Scalding from hot water or steam when draining or commissioning
Burns from hot surfaces on old or new units
Carbon monoxide from incorrect flueing or poor ventilation
Falls from height or through fragile roofing at roof-mounted units
A tank falling or shifting on an unstable base or bracket
Flooding from uncontrolled relief or tempering valve discharge
Cuts from sheet metal edges, copper pipe and fittings
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from licences and unit specifications to base stability, roof access, isolation points and lifting aids
A 12-step operating procedure covering draining, removal, positioning, valve fitting, electrical and gas connections and commissioning
Isolation and energy control for water, electrical lockout and test for dead, and gas supply
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for gas leaks, scalds, burns, electric shock and falls
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Plumbing SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Which types of hot water systems are covered?
Electric, gas, solar and heat pump units, both storage and continuous flow, in residential and light commercial settings.
Can the plumber do the electrical connection?
Only to the extent their licence, registration or restricted electrical endorsement allows. New circuits, switchboard work and anything outside that authorisation go to a licensed electrician.
Does it cover servicing an existing unit?
No. Ongoing servicing of an installed unit and gas work upstream of the meter are outside its scope.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
