We all love a soothing hot shower or bath, and we equally love a harmonious, smooth-functioning home. So discovering a hot water system leaking can be a seriously unsettling and stressful experience. First up, there’s the worry about potential damage to the unit itself, which may mean expensive repairs or a full system replacement, a delay until the hot water plumber can get there, and the compounding factor that a home without hot water is definitely not a pleasant place to be.
From bathing and cleaning and cooking to simply doing a sink of dishes, no home can function without a reliable hot water supply. So when you’re faced with a leaking hot water system, you’re right to start getting stressed about your home’s functionality, your bank balance, and even safety!
The first step: Assessing the leak
But don’t start stressing quite yet. Why not? Because a water heater leaking might not be a big deal at all. Maybe it’s perfectly normal. Maybe it depends whether it’s leaking from a tank, a pipe, from an instantaneous system, from rooftop solar hot water, from the release valve – and so much more. Each of these variables, and many more, play a major role in determining what’s gone wrong, figuring out the appropriate response, and concluding that you’re facing no big deal, a minor fix, or a major overhaul or full system replacement.
Identifying the leak source & what to do next
Let’s dive into some of the most common scenarios in which your hot water system might be leaking, and learn how to identify and address each one the most appropriately.
1. Hot water system leaking from the release valve
A leak from the release valve might not be a big deal at all – and it’s probably not a catastrophic failure, so rest easy. Remember, this valve is actually designed specifically to release water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank gets too high – think of it as an indispensable safety feature.
But if frequent or significant releases of water occur, it might be a sign to check the system’s pressure settings or check for a faulty or failed valve.
2. What if it’s leaking just a few drops?
The occasional drip, or a very slow leak, might not require immediate action – but that doesn’t mean you can just ignore it. Even a small leak can be a sign of bigger problems that are brewing, so the first thing to do here is to monitor the situation quite closely.
A regular check will let you know whether the leak is worsening or if additional maintenance or a fix is needed.
3. Leaks from the top
A hot water system leaking from the top can indicate issues with the hot water anode rod or inlet or outlet connections. If you’re lucky, the fix could be as simple as tightening some connections or replacing one or two worn-out parts.
4. Leaking from the bottom
If your hot water system is leaking from the bottom, that may well be a lot more serious. The tank itself could be corroded – which can basically mean throwing the entire system in the bin. On the other hand, maybe some plumbing connections at the base are just faulty or worn.
But in most cases, this type of leak can signify extensive repairs at the very least – with full system replacement even more likely. If this sounds like your problem, deal with the issue right now to prevent water damage and even bigger issues.
5. Cylinder/Tank issues
A hot water cylinder leaking is no laughing matter – because it suggests a crack or a hole in the tank itself. Eventually, due to age or corrosion, your tank will wear out and the entire hot water system will need replacing, so if it’s out of warranty, that’s probably the explanation.
6. Leaks from elsewhere
If your system is simply leaking and you’re not really sure where it’s coming from, you’ll need to get that checked out. There are less visible components like internal pipes or seals that will require expert leak diagnosis to determine whether it’s super-serious or no big deal at all.
7. Solar hot water panel leaking
Do you have solar hot water heating? A solar hot water panel leaking can indicate an issue with the panel itself or the connecting pipes – and the fix and the ramifications are extremely different in each case! A routine check is absolutely vital to ensure longevity and performance.
8. Thermostatic mixing valve testing
When was the last time you had your thermostatic mixing valve tested? It’s how the hot and cold water are combined automatically so that your water isn’t scoldingly and dangerously hot, but the fix could mean replacement of that component or just some recalibration.
Next steps: Call an expert for your leaking hot water
Sometimes, you simply need a professional to check out what’s gone wrong with your hot water. You’ll almost certain save yourself time, money and stress – whilst ensuring your household remains functional, safe, comfortable and harmonious. If your hot water system leaking water has become chronic or seriously worrying, get in touch with S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting.
We offer the full suite of hot water services in Brisbane including repairs, maintenance, testing, and full replacement of hot water systems with the best brands and technologies at the very best price. For immediate assistance or just a friendly check, get in touch with the friendly team at S&J Plumbing and Gas today.