If your hot water system is leaking, keep away from the unit and pooled water. From a dry, safe location, switch off its electricity or gas supply, then close the cold-water inlet valve. If you cannot do this safely, leave the area and call for urgent help.
Make the area safe
Keep everyone clear. Water, pipes and metal surfaces may be hot. Never step into pooled water or touch a wet appliance, switch or cable.
Isolate the energy supply.
- Electric system: Switch off the clearly labelled hot-water circuit breaker at the switchboard, provided you can reach it without crossing water.
- Gas system: Turn off the appliance isolation valve only if it is identifiable and safely accessible. If you smell or hear escaping gas, do not operate switches, use flames or attempt isolation. Leave immediately and call your gas distributor’s emergency number from a safe place.
Turn off the water. Close the cold-water inlet isolation valve supplying the heater. If it is inaccessible or will not close, use the property’s main water valve only if you know where it is and can reach it safely.
Limit damage from a safe position. Move nearby possessions and use towels or barriers only where there is no electrical or scalding risk.
Do not remove covers, tighten fittings, block discharge pipes or repair the tank, valves, wiring or gas components. Keep the system isolated until an appropriately licensed tradesperson assesses it.
Is every drip an emergency?
An occasional release from the relief-valve discharge pipe may occur during heating. Continuous flow, pooling, spraying, or water escaping from the tank or its connections indicates a problem requiring prompt assessment.
Observe only from a safe distance. Never touch, cap or block a temperature or pressure-relief outlet: it is a safety device, and its discharge may be very hot.
When to get urgent help
Leave the area and seek urgent help if:
- water is near electrical equipment
- you smell or hear escaping gas
- water is spraying or appears scalding hot
- the water or energy supply cannot be isolated safely.
Call 000 if there is a fire or an immediate danger to life. For a suspected gas or electricity network hazard, call the relevant distributor using the emergency number on your bill or its official website.
Once the area is safe, contact our licensed Sydney plumbing team to assess the leak. Electrical or gas work may also require the appropriately licensed trade.