Hot Water System Leaking? Find out why & what steps to take.
Is Your Water Heater Leaking?
Finding escaped water where it's not supposed to be?
Dealing with a leaking hot water system might seem overwhelming, fear not... Network Know How is here. Whether your leak is coming from the top or bottom, one thing is for sure, water leaks get worse over time. Storage tank heating systems present the greatest risk of being susceptible to leaks and one you should keep an eye on.
Wanting a quick fix is natural, wanting hot water is natural, not wanting a build-up of damage, also natural. Depending on the cause of the leaking, you may simply be looking at a same day service or worse case a new hot water system. It is advisable to call a plumber and seek professional assistance to identify the leak in your electric or solar hot water tank.
Electric or solar hot water systems are at greater risk of water leaks due to the nature of the storage tank. A gas hot water system is usually less likely to face those kinds of issues as the continuous flow heaters do not rely on holding or storing heated water in order to operate. However, gas hot water systems are still liable to gas leaks. You may not be able to smell the gas leak, as the leaking pipe might be buried underground but instead, experience those common issues like no hot water.
A hot water system leaking is not solely limited to water, be mindful of your continuous flow system and
reach out to Network Plumbing if you're concerned.
Reasons why
your hot water system is leaking
- A faulty or broken pressure/temperature relief valve
- A faulty or broken drain valve
- Damaged water heater storage tank
- Ill fitted pipe or connection points either at the top or bottom of the tank
- High levels of water pressure
- Age of the hot water system
- The inner tank of the water heater is comprised
- Faulty inlet valve
Determining the cause of why your hot water system is leaking is the first step.
If your water heater is leaking excessively, you might need to contact our
24 hours emergency plumbing service to organise an urgent repair.
Identify where the hot water system leak is coming from
1. Follow the water leak - If you can follow the trail of water to the source, all the guesswork has been removed and you're one step ahead of the game.
2. Check threads and pipe connections- Run your fingers around the threads or connection points on the water heater tank to check for any water leaks.
3. Inspect the drain valve - At the bottom of the hot water tank, there will be a drain valve. This is usually flushed out during a hot water service call to clear out any mineral build-ups from a heavy water supply.
4. Assess the pressure relief valve
- It is not unusual for there to be water that may escape from the pressure relief valve. This is actually a positive sign that your hot water heater system is working well. Allowing the build-up of pressure to release is essential to the safety and functioning of the hot water system. But excessive water leaking from your pressure relief valve is not ideal and could indicate there is a big issue at play. Feel free to give us a call to discuss if your system and any water leak that might be concerning you.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
At Network Plumbing we'll help you determine the urgency of your water leak. We are the hot water system specialists. We regularly deal with all brands, makes and models of hot water systems. So our knowledge is well rounded and ready to assist. Some water leaks can go unnoticed and pose very little danger. However, some may pose a greater threat. An emergency can be categorised into 3 different areas.
- Safety issues or concerns with your hot water heater.
- Increased risk of damage to your property from your leaking hot water system.
- Showering in cold water.
While the last category may seem out of place. Cold showers are no joke! On the serious side, any health and safety concerns should be addressed as soon as possible by a licensed plumber. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing service is genuine. Don't wait for a situation to become even worse before you reach out. Simply speak to one of our friendly team members, we're only one phone call away.
In the meantime, you may want to turn off the water supply to the heater. This will usually be turning it off via the water mains.
Can a leaking hot water system be fixed?
Yes and no. Once you have determined the cause of the leak, you'll be more informed on the actions needed to repair or worse case, completely replace your leaking system. Now we'll go back over the first list of the possible causes of leaks in hot water heaters.
- A faulty or broken pressure/temperature relief valve - This can be replaced by a qualified plumber.
- A faulty or broken drain valve - Can be replaced by a licensed plumber.
- Damaged water heater storage tank - May need to install a new hot water heater.
- Ill-fitting pipe or connection points - Can be replaced or secured.
- High levels of water pressure - May need a pressure limiting valve installed.
- Age of the hot water system - Need to replace.
- The inner tank of the water heater is comprised - New water heater is required.
- Faulty inlet valve - Can be replaced.
Can maintenance help prevent a leaking hot water system?
Yes, regularly servicing your hot water system is the best prevention. Our highly trained hot water technicians will carry out all the necessary checks, cleans and keep up to date records to ensure your system is working efficiently.
All hot water systems are plumbing appliances. All appliances need continued service to maintain a well-functioning machine. Not only will regular servicing ensure efficiency, saving you money in the long but also extend the lifespan of your investment. Not to mention, reducing your risk of any hidden surprises, especially in the dead of winter.
To speak to one of our team members as to why your system may be leaking, it's a good idea to fill in our contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
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