How to Override Off-Peak Hot Water | Mates Rates Plumbing

 Running out of hot water right before school drop-off is a very Australian problem. If your storage heater only runs overnight on a controlled load (off-peak tariff), you’ve probably wondered whether you can nudge it on during the day. You can — in specific ways, and with care. This guide from Mates Rates Plumbing explains how off-peak works, safe override options, when it’s worth doing, and the traps to avoid.

First, a quick refresher: what “off-peak” actually does

Most electric storage systems are wired to heat when electricity is cheapest (typically overnight). Your tank then stores that heat for daytime use. That’s why it’s cheap to run — but inflexible if you’ve had a morning of back-to-back showers or unexpected guests. Many plumber and electrician guides make the same point: off-peak saves money by shifting heating to low-tariff windows, but convenience can suffer.

Your safe override options (and what each really does)

1) “Boost” / manual override button (on some systems).

Newer controllers and some dual-element tanks include a boost or override function. Pressing it heats water immediately using your general tariff instead of the controlled load — handy for short-notice hot water needs. Look for a clearly marked switch on the meter board, hot-water controller, or the appliance control. Always return it to normal after recovery.

2) Meter-board override / changeover switch (installed by an electrician).

Some homes have a labelled changeover or manual boost at the switchboard. Flicking this temporarily feeds the heater from standard power so it can reheat outside off-peak hours. Because you’re bypassing the controlled load, this must be correctly installed and labelled by a licensed electrician.

3) Smart timer or controller (professional set-up).

Where allowed, a timer or smart controller can coordinate reheats with your tariff windows — or your rooftop solar generation — to keep bills low while preventing cold-tank surprises. This is electrical work and should only be performed by a licensed contractor.

Important: Any rewiring, metering changes or tariff alterations are electrical works — not DIY plumbing. If in doubt, call Mates Rates Plumbing and we’ll coordinate with a licensed electrician so it’s done safely and legally. Many competitor guides stress caution for exactly this reason.

When should you override off-peak?

Override is a tactical tool, not a new operating mode. Use it when you’ve temporarily exhausted the tank (guests, laundry day, winter mornings) and need one recovery cycle before the next off-peak window. If running out is frequent, the real fix is capacity, element size, or schedule — not constant overriding. Several Australian plumbing articles call this out: occasional boosts make sense; chronic boosts signal the system needs a rethink. Read More: https://www.matesratesplumbing.com.au/how-to-override-off-peak-hot-water