Why is my hot water system leaking?
You should take immediate action to fix any hot water leaks as even a small leak can be very dangerous or cause extensive water damage. Depending on the condition of your hot water system, it might be possible to repair the unit or in extreme cases the system will need to be replaced.
A leaking water heater can be due to various reasons such as broken pressure relief valves, damaged tank, or even loose pipe fittings. Follow the 4 steps mentioned below to address your hot water leak immediately.
What to do when your hot water system is leaking?
- Check for the amount and frequency of the water leak from the unit
- Identify the source of the leak
- Turn off the hot water supply from the mains if the leak is extensive
- Call your local plumber
Leaks from the Pressure Relief Valves (PRV)
There are two PRV valves on storage style hot water system cylinders. These are the:
- Pressure And Temperature Relief Valve
- Expansion Control Valve
A small amount of water coming out of these valves is normal as they are designed to release water to maintain constant pressure in the tank system.
To fix this problem:
- Locate the valve - it should be on the side of the tank.
- Lift the lever on the valve 3-4 times.
- This can clear the blockages or grit in the valve which could contribute to the amount of water being released.
- If the water is still leaking, the PRV might be broken. This issue can be fixed easily by your plumber. It is usually a straightforward and inexpensive repair job.
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Leaks from the top/bottom of the tank
If the water is leaking from the top or bottom of the tank in your electric storage unit, turn off the electricity supply from the mains. If it is a gas unit, turn off the tap/mains valve to stop the gas supply. Call your plumber immediately for a full assessment of the issue.
The water might be leaking from the tank due to corrosion or a broken element inside the tank.
Other reasons for leaks in hot water systems
- High Water Pressure - if the amount of water leaking from the tank is stable your tank might be receiving water at a higher pressure than what it was designed for. This issue can be fixed by installing Pressure Limiting Valves (PLV). Speak to your plumber for specific advice.
- Worn-out Pipes - Loose and worn-out pipes can also cause the water to leak. The pipes can also leak if the weather is too hot or too cold. Depending on the condition of the pipes, they could be either replaced or repaired.
Contact your hot water specialists
The easiest way to solve this problem is by calling your local plumber for a full assessment of the leak. If you are in the Sydney area Pure Plumbing Professionals licensed plumbers have experience in installing, repairing and replacing hot water systems of all leading brands and styles including:
We will identify the cause of the problem and recommend the best possible solution. We are available 24/7 and in the event of any emergency, we can be there whenever you need us. For more information, contact us on 02 9191 7374 or complete our online job booking form today.
