Rheem Hot Water Cylinder Replacement Wellington
Maxey Plumbing is the accredited Rheem Service Centre, replacing hot water cylinders across Wellington City, the Hutt Valley and Porirua. Most replacements are completed same-day, with the correct cylinder size confirmed on-site and pricing agreed before install begins.
Signs your cylinder needs replacing, not repairing
Cylinders don't usually fail without warning. Watch for:
Rusty or discoloured water coming from the hot tap
A cylinder older than 10 to 15 years, especially an original unlined steel tank
Water pooling around the base of the cylinder
A popping or rumbling sound from the cylinder as it heats
Hot water running out faster than it used to, even with normal use
A repair can fix a faulty element or thermostat. It can't fix a tank that's rusting from the inside, and once that starts, replacement is the only real option before it fails completely, usually at the worst possible time.
Why replace with Rheem
As an accredited Rheem Service Centre, we install and service Rheem cylinders to the manufacturer's own standard, which keeps the warranty valid and gives you a direct line to Rheem support if anything goes wrong later. Rheem's New Zealand-built cylinders are designed for local water conditions, and the range covers most Wellington homes:
Mains pressure cylinders for standard household use, in a range of sizes
Low pressure cylinders for older villas and homes without mains pressure plumbing
Continuous flow gas systems for homes wanting hot water on demand rather than a stored tank
Heat pump cylinders for households prioritising running cost over upfront price
We'll size and recommend based on your household, not just swap in whatever's closest to the old cylinder's dimensions.
The 3-Step Success Plan
Our streamlined process ensures your Rheem hot water system is repaired or replaced with minimal disruption to your day.
Assessment. We check your current cylinder, pipework and pressure type on-site, and confirm mains pressure or low pressure.
Sizing. Cylinder size is based on your household size and hot water use, not guesswork. A cylinder that's too small means cold showers by evening. Too large wastes energy.
Same-day install. Most straight swaps, same fuel type and similar size, are completed in a single visit. Conversions between gas, electric or heat pump may need a second visit for additional pipework or wiring.
All work meets current Building Code and Rheem installation standards, and we'll leave you with the paperwork your warranty needs.
Areas we Serve
Area | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|
Central Wellington: Wellington CBD, Te Aro | Same day | |
Western suburbs: Kelburn, Karori, Wadestown, Wilton | Same day | |
Southern suburbs: Island Bay, Newtown, Berhampore, Brooklyn | Same day | |
Eastern suburbs: Miramar, Seatoun, Strathmore Park, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, Hataitai | Same day | |
Lower Hutt: Petone, Lower Hutt Central, Naenae, Stokes Valley, Wainuiomata | Same day | |
Upper Hutt: Upper Hutt Central, Silverstream, Trentham | Same day | |
Porirua: Porirua Central, Titahi Bay, Cannons Creek, Whitby, Paremata, Plimmerton | Same day | |
Can’t see your suburb listed? Give us a call on 04 390 0135. We likely have a van in your area and can get a specialist to your door quickly.
What it costs
We confirm the exact price on-site once we know the cylinder size and whether it's a straight swap or a conversion. As a guide:
Job | Price Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mains pressure cylinder, straight swap | from [$XXX] | Same fuel type, similar size, single visit |
Low pressure cylinder, straight swap | from [$XXX] | Common in older villas without mains pressure |
Continuous flow gas conversion | from [$XXX] | May require additional gas line work |
Heat pump cylinder installation | from [$XXX] | Includes unit and standard installation |
Rheem Hot Water Solutions

Why Wellington homeowners choose Maxey for Rheem replacements
We've been installing and servicing hot water systems across the Wellington region for more than 20 years, and our Rheem Service Centre accreditation means every install is done to Rheem's own standard, not just what happens to fit.
Every plumber is a registered Master Plumber, every job is backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee, and pricing is confirmed before we start, not adjusted afterwards.
What our customers say
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my cylinder needs replacing or just repairing?
Rust in the hot water, popping sounds, or water pooling at the base usually mean the tank itself is failing, which repair can't fix. A faulty element, thermostat or valve can often be repaired instead. We'll tell you honestly which one it is before recommending a replacement.
Can you replace my cylinder the same day?
Yes, for most straight swaps where the new cylinder matches the existing fuel type and size. Conversions between fuel types or a change in pressure system may need a second visit.
Does using an accredited Rheem Service Centre matter for my warranty?
Yes. Installation by an accredited Rheem Service Centre keeps your manufacturer's warranty valid and gives you direct access to Rheem's own support and parts network if an issue comes up later.
What size cylinder do I need?
It depends on your household size, number of bathrooms and hot water habits. We'll size it properly on-site rather than matching the old cylinder's dimensions, since the original may have been undersized to begin with.
Do you handle gas and electric conversions, not just like-for-like swaps?
Yes. We can convert between electric, gas and heat pump systems, though these typically need a second visit for additional pipework, wiring or venting.
Rheem Service Centre
As an Authorised Rheem Service Centre, we provide expert warranty repairs and high-efficiency cylinder replacements.
Mico Plumbing
Proudly partnered with Mico to source the highest quality components for every Wellington installation.
Rinnai
Specialists in Rinnai gas continuous flow upgrades for endless hot water and space-saving solutions.
Master Plumbers
Every project is backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee, giving you the ultimate peace of mind.
Ready to replace your cylinder?
An old cylinder rarely gives much warning before it fails. Call now and we'll get the right Rheem system sized and installed.
Service Area
Wellington City, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata, Porirua
Contact
Email: office@maxeyplumbing.co.nz
Phone: 04 390 0135
Address: 49A Ottawa Rd, Ngaio, Wellington 6035

