Vulcan Freeloader Gas Hot Water System
37 reviews
Bang for your buck – Just replaced our old Rheem gas hot water system with the Vulcan and immediately noticed the difference — hot water warms a lot quicker and is a lot warmer! Show details
Inconvenient surprise – Vulcan Freeloader 170Lt Unit installed in April 28th 2020 by our plumber at rental property. No issues we are aware of until now. We have had the gas turned off for other works. Upon returning to light the pilot, hubby finds unit won't light. The igniter wire is wrapped around the pilot light gas tube causing the plastic coating on the wire to… Read more
have melted from radiant heat off the burner / flame at some stage. The wire is broken off the base of the igniter and is arcing out on the gas tube. Called Rheem/Vulcan after reading our instruction and warranty manual to confirm whether or not this would be covered under warranty as it seems a manufacturing/design fault. Bear in mind the unit is only 11 days into it's fifth year where they recommend a major service to keep your warranty. WARNING - This part (and all other parts except the cylinder) are covered only for 1 year. I suggested this is a manufacturing issue and dangerous with potential risk of fire from melted plastic. The guy on the phone couldn't even have pretended to care less. I suggested I guess I either go get it repaired or replace it with something better, he really didn't say anything. Unit has had little use - Our tenants were away frequently, and we ourselves over the last few weeks have been there intermittently and only using hot water to wash our hands. Not happy as I have a lot of other things to arrange right now, and this is simply a costly inconvenience. If I lived there and had no water I'd be doubly annoyed considering it is a Thursday night and the likeliehood of getting a plumber tomorrow before the weekend is very low. Have work early in the morning so unable to go back until after 4pm tomorrow to get photos and call our plumber for advice.
Ironically there's a 30+ year old vulcan central heater at the property which lit back up first go and is busily warming the house. This says a lot for their modern product....
Would not recommend due to poor warranty coverage, and appearance of poor quality product, and uncaring customer support staff who did not seem inclined to pass my concerns re fire risk upwards to management or R&D, or offer any querey about if we had any other way to heat water (not that it matters much in this instance).
Unable to attach decent photos as it's dark.
Poor product. Vulcan system failed after 2.5 years – New hot water system. Failed after 2.5 years. internal fault - No hot water or any water period. Only one person uses the system so very little use. Every other system I have lived with has been 10+ years. Show details
Reviews with attachments
No services, fraud company – This company is actually fraud who commits to provide services but they actually don't so save your time not to even contact them to install a their any system. On hot water Vulcan system they have mentioned under warranty that they provide free services during some periods of time after regular use of it but they never came to offer those… Read more
services when I have their product manual. On contacting them today Lisa made me wait and later disconnect the call saying their team is busy when I wanted them to have a look and repair the fault as no hot water since 2 days and it is emergency. I called up again and spoke to [Name Removed] he confirmed that they don't provide any free services and we have to contact them each time to avail those services they mentioned in their Manuel but I said that they need to put this detail that services after installation are only for the people with defaults and upon they calling you but again after calling them somehow it's not important for them to even call me with no hot water running through taps. [Name Removed] transferred the call now to a third person who he said are service agent but upon speaking to Jo he stated that we are actually service company in my local area for themselves and had no idea about this hot water system upon telling him about the red and green blinking lights which are actually mentioned in their manual now he wants to charge $170 just to have a look at the system and additionally for the parts when this company never provided any services in my last 10 years due to any breakages. They even don't comply by the law under products and services which means they don't care about their own products, imagine why a local service agent would bother when the company owner is sitting somewhere sleeping on the defaults of his own by not following the laws and regulations under " products and services". Probably one of us needs to contact the Victorian consumers to let them know but why so many breaches by this company probably consumers doesn't care .
Vulcan Freeloader 135L lasted 7.5 years – Our Vulcan Freeloader 135L has only lasted 7.5 years, installed in 2014. It was good when it was working, gas bills were reasonably. Whilst it did last longer than the warranty period of 5 year, one would have expected a new unit would have lasted much longer! I.e. The previous gas water unit that came with the house looked dated at the time… Read more
we moved in but lasted another 10 years until this replacement in 2014. So a bit disappointed with having to replace the system again.
Vulcan Hotshot 640135NO hot water gas heater in perfect working order for 25 years on Central Coast NSW – We purchased house on Central Coast NSW more than 14 years ago and hot water gas heater was part of the property. Not once since then then flame was extinguished or any other problem experienced. We do not know how much previous owner paid for it. The heater simply works. No problems, no headaches, no leakages. Although we live in Coastal area… Read more
(lot of windy days and salinity in the air), we spent 0 dollars on maintenance so far.
Our quarterly bill for gas usage is very low and that also shows we have efficient device for water heating.
We even wonder if we should take some proactive measure to replace it or simply keep on using it as it is just lovely to have a device that just works.
If all vendors had equipment like this.
We have no vested interest in giving credits to vendors who do not deserve it, and our other publishings confirm it.
Well done Vulcan as far as we are concerned.
Positive reviews
Lasted 26 years – We've had the Vulcan 135 for 26 years and it's only being replaced with another because of a small leak. We never had an issue and it's never missed a beat. Show details
Hope to get 21 years – The gas pilot light would not stay lit on our old Vulcan system, and I was going to get it repaired when I noticed the manufacturing date was the year 2000! When I spoke with the plumbers, (Darebin Gas), they said it was probably better to put my money into a new hot water system due to its age. I did consider an instantaneous gas hot water, but… Read more
it would have required me to pay extra to replace the existing 12mm gas line with a 19mm one. I also considered a solar hot water system, but it would cost more, and I did not want a noisy heat pump, similar to a split system, in my modestly sized backyard.
I have had the new Vulcan 170lt for 3 months now, and it does the job, and I haven't run out of hot water. Not sure if it is my imagination, but the gas bill seemed to be less as well.
If this one last 21 years, it will be $1520 well spent.
20 years of service – Unit manufactured 2001 , It's now 2021 . Never replaced the anode but did have to replace the pressure relief valve once which is external to the unit . Failed after gas burner started leaking gas everywhere . Lost a bit of hair when I attempted to relight it as the pilot light was on but the gas was not igniting until it did . Probably not a… Read more
great way to fail but after 20 years meh .. I will be replacing it with another . Hopefully the new 135L model has a better failure mode .
Edit : I bought a new one and have to say they don't make them like they used to . The old one had a lot more metal to it . The insulation was inside it's own metal skin within the unit . The new one is just insulation wrapped around the tank . Looks like they have cut a few corners reducing the cost of manufacture . We shall see .
Negative reviews
rubbish after 7 year need replace – i install a new 135 Lt hot water tank to my investment property in , melbourne 26/5/2016 , today 1/11/2023 my agent told me need to be replace , this time i go for Rheem , i friends with Rheem hot water tank never a problem last longer and easy to fix it . Show details
Under two years and the relief valves need replacing – Vulcan advised that there is only a 12 month warranty on their relief valves. I've called a couple of places for quotes and they say $300 to $400 and recommend replacing all valves at the same time because if one is going they both probably will. I shouldn't have to pay more than 1/4 of the units price in the first 2 years. The quality is not there. Show details
Crap unit – Not happy only lasted us 6 years tank rusted through will not buy one again you would think it would of lasted 10 years minimum to be satisfied with it Show details
Recent reviews
Lack of quality – Lasted just on 5 years who can afford $2000 hot water system replacement every 5 years Will be telling everyone lack of longevity with Vulcan product - lack of respect for consumers
Find out how Vulcan Freeloader Gas Hot Water System compares to other Gas Hot Water Storage Systems
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Cheap Hot Water – As a 33 year veteran Licensed Gasfitter (GF8771) Vulcan are the cheapest storage Gas unit at the plumbing supplies store. 2 Main and key elements for trouble free running of your unit is 1) Commissioned by a person Qualified Rheem Agent's 2) Replace your sacrificial Anode after 4 Years. Recommended by Rheem after 5 Years. 3) When going on a… Read more
extended period of vacancy, Turn Gas and Water OFF, Drain Storage Cylinder .
4) Run Gas control between 4 and 5, this will reduce Gas consumption as the Vulcan will have a 50 degree Temperature Limiting valve installed.
Successful Hot Water Consumption and many years of trouble free running.
Sincerely Peter Kothstein West Australia Gasfitter GF8771 0405025476
Never stopped working – My HWS started dripping rusty water and thought "that's it" time for a new HWS. Discovered from documents left by previous house owner that my HWS was over 18 years old and not once did it falter. Installed a new one the same as before Vulcan 135L and am delighted with it. Have had to turn the temp control down to 4 (old one previously 6-7) as… Read more
the water was too hot. Great feature of "Vacation" setting where you can turn the system off and leave the pilot light on and it doesn't keep reheating whilst you are away. When you return home, the reheat time for the tank is about 45 mins. My plumber Nigel says they are the best and installs around 5-8 per week. Thank you Vulcan for a great & reliable product.
Vulcan Freeloader Lasted 23 Years – Our Vulcan Freeloader 260 has finally died after serving us loyally for 23 years without a problem (july 1995). Other than regularly releasing the relief valve, no maintenance carried out during its life. Provided reliable service to family of 4 and its daily demands. Certainly cant complain about its performance and longevity of service. Show details
Excellent for price – Had this model installed in 2014 and it has been an excellent and efficient water heater. On half setting and my total 2 month gas bill is only around $80 to $90 to run it and my gas cooking as well. I will update the post if something goes wrong but as for the performance and efficiency I am very happy with it. Update 2022, I replaced the anode… Read more
inside the tank as they need to be replaced every 5 year's. Only cost me about $40 to do. Hot water service is still performing perfectly. Very happy with the quality of this unit.
Vulcan Freeloader Hot Water Service – I recently downsized to a unit and the hot water system there kept going out and I was forever relighting the pilot. Although it was only 4 years old I decided to replace it with a Vulcan Freeloader as I have never had any problems with them in the past. I have had 18 years out of my last one with only 1 anode replacement and my hot water was… Read more
always hot. In summer I always turn the temp down, I think it is senseless having water so hot that you have to use that much cold to use it, apart from using less gas and water I feel that it saves wear and tear on the unit.
Vulcan freeloader 170 swap with old one no pipe work required. 1 hr job . total price $1700 dollars – Old model lasted 13 years without anode change out. Went with storage system again for extra heat up to 70 degC - continuous gas heaters cheeper to run but was told only good for 50 deg C . Not hot enough for washing greasy dishers. I hope this new model last as long as the old. As it cost twice as much i am hoping it will last twice as long. Bunbury Hot Water and Gas - bunbury WA Show details
Twenty One Years Old and Still Going Strong! – Vulcan Freeloader Model 260 Gas Mains Pressure Outdoor Model Storage HWS: Manufacture Date 12/12/1996; So far have changed the Magnesium Anode regularly (three) at regular intervals of 6 or 7 years. No problems with the Gas Burner or Pilot Light. No problems with the Thermostat; No problems with the Pressure Relief Valves (Hot & Cold) or Yorkshire… Read more
Fitting. (I'm a technical man and release the Relief Valves periodically to Gush-out the muck).
***Slight problem with the Non-Return Valve at Cold water Inlet (***verdigree ceased and could not shut-off) Changed it on 27th March 2017 $ 32.45 GST included. The Magnesium Anode last replaced 27/03/2017 $ 58.30 GST included.
This Gas Storage HWS has been reliable for a family of FIVE plus 3 grandchildren throughout many years including number of Guests. Originally manufactured by Southcorp.
Capacity has been sufficient throughout - i.e. Never ever ran out of Hot Water.
So far so great!! – Our Dux Sun Pro finally died. Our plumber recommended the Vulcan. Had it for a few weeks and it's been excellent so far. it was a quick changeover for the plumber and the water has been beautifully hot and ever so reliable. Made by Rheem now but because it is badged as Vulcan at the Rheem factory it's s little less expensive. Show details
Vulcan Tough? Not mine! – The Vulcan website blurb states that Vulcan is "tough and built with the best". Well, not the one I have! After only 2 1/2 years the pilot light went out and would not re-light. Called the plumber who installed it and it was a failed thermocouple. Very poor quality to fail after such a short time - and of course warranty on parts is only 12… Read more
months. From other reviews this seems a common problem. Our old hot water service lasted over 12 years. I wouldn't buy Vulcan again.
Find out how Vulcan Freeloader Gas Hot Water System compares to other Gas Hot Water Storage Systems
Know better, choose better.
Poor Vulcan Quality – I've had the product 2 years. Recently had the issue where the pilot light would not stay alight. Had to call Vulcan maintenance who installed a new thermocouple. Website proudly displays "5 year warranty" but surprise....this only covers the cylinder. Repair cost me $170. This is poor after just 2 years of use. The maintenance guy said this was "very unusual" but reviews on this website indicate otherwise.
Vulcan vs Vulcan Rheem – Our 2000 Vulcan 135 Freeloader has worked brilliantly. Now showing signs we need to have it replaced. Suggested to us were Rheem Stellar and Rheem Aquamax but I was unimpressed with reviews. Thought I should stick with what has worked well for us, namely Vulcan. Discovered that Vulcan has been bought out by Rheem. Interestingly, the reviews of… Read more
Vulcan Freeloader have been excellent (as is my experience too), but only for people who have had them many, many years (as have I). I notice that the more recently-purchased reviews, presumably since having been bought out by Rheem, are not consistently positive. Could this be a coincidence?
Goodbye, farewell – After 20 grateful years, our Vulcan Freeloader 260 has finally given up the ghost. No pilot light that would or could be relit. The only issue a gas line one 2 years ago. I hope we have as much luck with the new one. Reviews sound rather debatable since Vulcan were bought out by Rheem...
Inferior Trash – Had this piece of garbage for two years Started having problems only days after the 1 year warranty that they give you on this poor excuse for a Hot Water System Pilot light constantly going out and is rusting Our gas fitter could not believe the state that the internal parts were in considering its age He said that he replaces the Vulcans… Read more
quite often different brand systems
We are fed up with this piece of trash and we are having it replaced with a Rinnai continuous Gas hit water system
It's made in Japan and comes with a 3 year/12 year warranty
Our gas fitter said that these Vulcan hot water systems are the worst on the market
Be warned do not purchase one
Other people we know who also have these Vulcans are also having them replaced Zero Complete trash Everything
Vulcan gas hot water failed after only 3 years – The pilot light won't stay on plus Rheen can't respond for 4 days to fix it and want to charge $132 just to attend. This is a quality issue with the pilot light on newer Vulcan systems. Also I wonder if anyone working at Rheem would like to go without hot water for 4 days (tell my 4 daughters)! Totally unacceptable!!!! Poor quality, pathetic service
All fixed! – As an update to my previous review. Had the pilot light serviced and now it is no longer blowing out daily. Still going strong!!! I love it!!! Show reply
13 months installed and now broken out of warranty – We have been in our brand new house for 13 months and now our Vulcan 135l water system is broken, I called the Vulcan Rheem service warranty line and spoke to a lady to find out I have to pay $132 just for them to come out! As it only has a 1 year warranty, Then I have to fork out for parts!!!!! I explained what the problem was (pilot light… Read more
switching off every day) to the lady and asked what she might think is wrong with it, she was very unhelpful and just wanted to hang up, I work for a leading retail company and I will definitely NOT be recommending this product to anyone!!!!
Bad warranty service, broken in 13 months
Excellent – It is now 16.5 yrs old and had a 10 yr warranty. Still going strong but looking to replace as it must be nearly time to retire. It always worked and we never had a problem nothing to dislike
Excellent – I don't see any reason to look to another product when this has served us so well. Price is very reasonable approx $950 for a 135L unit. $32/yr is fine by me. Thanks Vulcan for making a great product. Look forward to another thirty years. Our Vulcan Freeloader 110L is about to celebrate it's 30th Birthday. Still going like a true champion,… Read more
recently the pilot light is going out,slight water leak and rust is starting to take over. So its time for a new Vulcan. Extremely happy with quality and performance servicing a family of five. Highly recommended. No cons for Vulcan Freeloader.
No problems to report.
My experience has been excellent.
OK – this was a good unit that served us well for almost 12 years. the pilot light is at the base of the unit and if it went out for any reason you would only find out about it when the water ran cold. towards the end of its life it tried to let us know that there was a problem. whenever you turned the hot water on it would run rusty for a few… Read more
seconds. after about a month of this, on a saturday evening, it just started leaking hot water everywhere!!
lucky it was an outdoor unit.
these units came with either a 7 or a 10 year warranty and I think ours was a 7 year warranty. worked well for 12 years. gas pilot cut out once or twice and left us with cold water.
Excellent – 135L more than enough hot water for two of us. I cannot believe it has lasted this long. Had expected about 8 years. Rusty water for about the past 3 months has flagged its dying moments. Will be replacing our home HWS with Vulcan again, if price is not too extreme. I accept we only get what we pay for, no such thing as good and cheap! Good… Read more
price + have installed 3 in my rental properties.
One here at home has just died today after 15 years. Confirmed with our original AGL invoice. Relighting the pilot-light is a challenge, not easily visible, and at times very temperamental.
Solution: About 4 years ago I punched the peep hole out and covered it with gaffa tape.
In fairness I can count the blow-outs on one hand during the life of the unit.
I wish they were still made by Vulcan and NOT Rheem – My Vulcan Freeloader has been in use continuously since 1991 (it is now 06/11) and is still going strong in my house, which is used as a rental property. I have never had any issues with it, other than poor placement for kitchen use, but it comes through instantly hot to the en-suite, which is how it should be for the wage earner. Compared to… Read more
my new husband's Rheem Off-Peak, that the bottom fell out of after less than 8 years service (5 year warranty) and the new VERY expensive Rheem heat pump HWS, which didn't work when it was first installed and has since had four repair callouts in the first 5 months, including a manufacturer re-call repair. I would definitely buy another "Vulcan" Freeloader, but NOT a Rheem Freeloader. Totally reliable, cost effective, maintenance free, set it and forget it. I'll agree with others about the difficulty seeing the pilot light, on the rare occasions I needed to shut it down, for holidays and short breaks between tenants.
28 years! – We are about to replace our Vulcan Hotshot 135L gas hot water unit. It was installed in 1994. 28 years of fantastic service. What more can I say? Show details
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Dont argue with phone people,they are trained to explain charges to you,allow a service tech to… Read more (+7 replies)