Walking outside only to find your hot water system is leaking is the last thing you want to see. Maybe it’s a small puddle or trickle, or perhaps a waterfall is in progress – the key is to deal with this problem as soon as you discover it. And if you don’t? You may soon be dealing with serious or even irreparable damage.
Hot water system leaking Brisbane? We can help!
So let’s walk you through all the most common places where leaks can occur in your system, and consider:
- What might be causing them?
- How to deal with them?
- And whether you’re tackling it yourself or calling in the pros.
1. Leaking from the bottom
Hot water system leaking from bottom? That’s definitely a sign of trouble. The most common cause is sediment buildup inside the tank, leading to corrosion over time. If left unchecked, this can cause the tank to fail completely. However, the issue could also be due to a leaking drain valve or condensation that has accumulated at the bottom of the unit.
2. Leaking from the top
Hot water system leaking from top? This could be the inlet or outlet pipes, which carry hot and cold water to and from the unit. Leaks can occur if the connections become loose or corroded. Alternatively, the pressure relief valve, which is located at the top of most systems, might be the culprit if it’s not functioning properly.
3. Leaking from the pipes
A hot water system leaking from pipe connections, or the pipes themselves, is another common – and worrying – issue. This could be caused by a crack or a loose connection somewhere along the pipe work. Sometimes, the pipe may be damaged due to external factors like pressure fluctuations or temperature changes.
4. Leaking from the valves
Valves are super critical components of your system – and a leaking hot water system can often be traced back to those pesky little things! The temperature and pressure relief valve, for example, can start leaking if it’s faulty or if the pressure in your tank is too high. Similarly, other valves connected to the system can leak due to wear and tear.
5. Leaking from the cylinder
Oh dear – hot water cylinder leaking? That’s usually a serious problem, and it’s probably internal corrosion which can be difficult to fix. In fact, it’s a sure sign that your cylinder may be nearing the end of its life. Hot water system replacement is often the best solution here to prevent complete and often devastating system failure.
6. Solar hot water system leaking on the roof
For those with a solar setup, a solar hot water system leaking on roof can be particularly concerning – and tricky. This leak probably stems from the connections between the solar panels and the storage tank, or from the panels themselves. But these systems are more complex, so pinpointing the exact issue may almost certainly require professional assistance.
7. Leaking from other areas
If you see water leaking from your hot water system in areas that we haven’t covered already, you’ll need to dig deeper. Remember: Leaks can occur due to a variety of other reasons, such as cracks in the tank, faulty seals, or issues with the electrical components – among a full menu of other things!
Quick DIY fixes for a leaking hot water system
Definitely dealing with a leaking hot water system? Here are a few things you can try before calling in a professional – because just sometimes, it’s not too hard to learn how to fix a leaking hot water system:
- Tighten any loose connections, because – just sometimes – a simple tweak really can stop a leak
- Check the pressure relief valve, because if it’s leaking, the simple act of opening it and closing it a few times can clear the debris
- Drain the tank, because sediment build-up is inevitable and it can cause leaks – so draining the tank periodically might help
- Replace faulty components, and if you find a broken valve or pipe, replacing it could solve the problem – although you may still need assistance for this.
When to call in the professionals
Very occasionally, you might be able to handle a leak on your own. But you don’t want to damage your system even more or void that warranty – and home insurance policy – do you? Thankfully, the pros at S&J Hot Water Brisbane really can help with:
- Tank & Cylinder Leaks: If your hot water cylinder is leaking, a fully-licensed technician can assess whether a hot water repair or replacement is the best option.
- Valve & Pipe Repairs: They can quickly identify the source of a hot water system leaking from a pipe or valve and provide a lasting solution.
- Solar System Issues: For a solar hot water system leaking on the roof, professionals have the tools and expertise to fix the problem without damaging your home.
- General Maintenance: Routine checks can prevent future leaks and ensure your system is running efficiently.
Need help with your leaking hot water system?
Hot water system leaking water? Don’t wait until a small hot water unit leaking turns into a big problem. If you’re in Brisbane and beyond and dealing with a hot water system leaking, the friendly and experienced team at S&J Hot Water Brisbane is always ready and more than willing to assist. We have the expertise to handle any hot water service leaking issue – and can provide fast, reliable and affordable repairs or replacements. Give us a shout today to ensure your valuable system is back to its best in no time.