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Quick answer:Replace your old Vulcan gas cylinder with a new Rheem Stellar — the modern 5-star replacement for discontinued Vulcan Freeloaders. Installed across Auckland by Water & Gas Worx. The Rheem Stellar uses the same gas connection and fits in the same position as your old Vulcan, making it a direct swap. Price includes supply, installation, gas compliance certificate, and removal of your old cylinder. Installed by Peter — licensed plumber and certifying gasfitter. Call 0800 322 322.
The Vulcan Freeloader has been the indoor gas storage cylinder in thousands of Auckland homes for decades. Under current Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), 3-star gas water heaters can no longer be sold or imported into New Zealand — which means when your Vulcan reaches end of life, you can't replace it like-for-like. The Rheem Stellar is the modern 5-star MEPS-compliant replacement, and in most cases it drops straight into the same footprint with minor pipework and gas line adjustments.
This is the most common gas cylinder swap we do across Auckland — from North Shore villas to Howick, Papakura, Pakuranga, and everywhere between. Below is what a typical Vulcan-to-Stellar conversion involves, with photos from real jobs so you know exactly what to expect.
Rheem Stellar
5-star MEPS, 10-year cylinder warranty
The Stellar range comes in two sizes — 130L for 2–5 person households, and 160L for 3–6 person households. The 160L is the direct size match for most homes running an old Vulcan 160.
Both units use vitreous enamel tanks with a sacrificial anode, run on a standing pilot light (so you still have hot water through a power cut), and are backed by a 10-year cylinder warranty from Rheem New Zealand.
Vulcan Freeloader → Rheem Stellar 160L
Botany, East Auckland — outdoor install
Most Vulcans in Auckland are 20+ years old. Once the tank starts rusting through or the burner assembly fails, parts are getting harder to source and a repair call-out can cost 30–50% of a new unit. The Stellar gives you a 10-year cylinder warranty reset, better running efficiency, and a unit that's still supported by Rheem NZ.
Conversions start from $4,199 incl GST for the 130L and $4,899 incl GST for the 160L — fully installed, certified, and warranty-registered.
Peter installed our new hot water system. He was very professional, thorough, turned up on time, cleaned up after himself and worked very hard. Job well done, and also charges were reasonable, and as quoted. All work certified and legit.
Hot Water Cylinder Installation
Fantastic service, had us up and running with hot water the same day we rang as our old system had died. Great workmanship and tidy work, would recommend!
Emergency Hot Water Replacement
Pete has done quite a bit of plumbing work for us. He is reliable, charges a fair price, and his workmanship is second to none.
Plumbing & Hot Water
For full pricing and to book your Vulcan to Rheem Stellar conversion, visit wgw.co.nz/vulcan-to-rheem-stellar
Need a Plumber? Call 0800 322 322 — we'll sort it.
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