We all know how vital water is to life on Earth—especially when you need a steaming hot shower at the end of a tough day at the office. But you also need hot water on tap for the dishes, the bath, and many other uses in a smooth-running household. So, if you think you’ve noticed leakage in your hot water system, it’s not something to ignore.
Why’s that? Well, a hot water system leak might seem harmless right now, but come tomorrow, it could end up being a huge ordeal, leading to a big mess, a hefty bill, and having your family up in arms about only cold water flowing from the taps.
Hot water cylinder leaking? Deal with it today!
It’s not surprising that many people shrug off a leaking hot water tank. Your heater may still be churning out hot water, so it might not seem like a big issue. But beware, a more serious problem could be just around the corner. In such cases, getting a professional to inspect your system may be wise.
So if you’re tempted to ignore the leaks in your hot water system or even the leaks in your pressure relief, may it be a gas hot water system or electric, think again:
1. Do your maintenance
An expensive hot water service with an extended warranty means you can trust it will keep working, right? Wrong! While this household appliance may be low-maintenance and relatively trustworthy, it’s essential not to forget about it. So now and then, give your system a once-over—from the storage tank to the pressure relief valve to the hot taps—because a hot water tank leaking is a sign that something is wrong.
Also, pull out the manual and flick to the maintenance section, which will almost certainly include instructions on how often to test the relief valve and drain valve. These steps are vital for identifying loose connections and signs of wear in inlet or outlet pipes, all of which can prevent future leaks and extend the life of your system.
2. Investigate your leak
Is your electric hot water system or heat pump showing signs of trouble? Is the leak coming from the faulty pressure relief valve or the base of the tank? That’s not great news—but it’s not the time to panic! We know that cold showers and sudden water damage can be stressful, but don’t jump to conclusions until you (and your excellent local plumber!) have had a closer look.
Firstly, you may have correctly diagnosed your hot water tank as leaking. It could also be an issue with gas supply lines or the gas valve, or it might be a much more innocent leak from inlet or outlet pipes. Loose connections or an old hot water anode could also be contributing factors.
Check the pressure relief valve, which is designed to release excess pressure inside the tank. These valves occasionally expel small amounts of water, forming puddles that mimic more serious problems. However, consistently high water pressure in your house can overwhelm the system and lead to a genuine leak. In that case, installing a Pressure-Limiting Valve (PLV) can help.
Also noteworthy is that if you’ve misdiagnosed a leaking system, you may still need the help of that friendly local plumber to assess whether a hot water system replacement is necessary. Depending on the age and condition of your unit, a full system replacement might be the best course of action—especially if you’re dealing with recurring leaks or a failing power supply.
If you’re unsure about selecting the right hot water system for your home—whether you need a heat pump, electric hot water system, or a gas-powered model—consulting a professional can help you avoid future leaks and costly repairs.
3. Bite the bullet and call your plumber!
Even if you’re a whizz with a plunger and a wrench, your leaking tank is NOT an excuse to indulge your DIY love.
Why’s that? Firstly, a hot water system isn’t as cheap as chips. Secondly, remember that plumbers and gasfitters must be licensed for a good reason — because hot water heater repairs, your home and family’s safety is no joke. Next, tinkering with your leaking water tank might affect your all-important warranties and insurance. Lastly, you could find yourself in hot water if you go alone and fail to get the mandatory compliance certificate that proves the work is up to Australian standards.
So, don’t change into your DIY overalls for leaking hot water systems; call a plumber instead.
4. Prepare for your plumber’s arrival
But just because you shouldn’t indulge your love of DIY with a water tank leaking profusely, there are still things you should do before your plumber gets to your place to deal with your hot water systems.
First, turn the water mains off to prevent a flood and further damage your system and property. But only turn off the water supply after filling up some bottles (and maybe even the bath) so the family can still drink and wash while the work is being done.
5. Also, turn off the power/gas
If you’re facing issues with a malfunctioning appliance, a key step is to turn off the power. Ideally, your hot water system should have a circuit breaker—look for it in your power box, usually labelled 'hot water’ if yours is electric. For gas systems, simply switch the dial to 'off’ on the unit. If your electric or solar system leaks, make sure to cut the electricity from your power board at home.
Finally, prepare for a hot water system leakage, which could mean you are now in the market for a new system. We can help you decide between gas and electric.
Hot water service leaking? We can help with that!
Finding your hot water service leaking is never good news. It’s best to steer clear of attempting any fixes yourself. Leaky systems are best left to the professionals.
The bright side is you’ve got Fixed Today, Sydney hot water system experts on your side. Our hot water specialists have accumulated thousands of hours of experience in hot water system technology, repairs, maintenance, advice and replacements of electric, gas and solar hot water systems. We can also check your water supply and water pressure. So don’t ignore that leaking water tank; instead, call Fixed Today, your hot water specialist, on 1800 349 338 for all your hot water system issues.
