Leaking hot water heaters are one of the most common emergency calls we receive from customers every day.
IMPORTANT: If your hot water heater is leaking a substantial amount, i.e. more than a bucket of water in 24 hours, we strongly recommend you call us on 0410 693 532 for advice and, if required, emergency assistance. This can be an indication of a more serious problem.
The outside location of most gas, electric and solar hot water systems mean that most people don’t realise their hot water heater is leaking until they start running out of hot water prematurely. Worse, it may not be until they completely run out of hot water that they take measures to locate the problem and, only then, discover the leak.
Of course, a leaking indoor hot water heater can also go unnoticed and usually causes bigger issues caused by internal water damage. This is why we strongly recommend that your hot water system should be serviced every few years as this should identify and resolve problems even before they arise.
Unfortunately, in time, all hot water heaters will eventually fail and need replacing. For storage water heaters this is usually evident by water leaking from the storage tank continuously. You can often temporarily maintain the supply of hot water by turning off the cold water supply valve on the inlet to the water heater in between usage periods.
For substantial leaks from electric hot water systems you can completely turn off the water supply to the heater along with the power switch in your electrical meter board. If your gas hot water heater is leaking, turn off the gas valve beside the heater to isolate the gas supply.
Identifying the source of the HWS leak
There are several reasons why your hot water heater may be leaking. This most common are listed below.
Corrosion
The tank has corroded causing cracks or fractures to appear that enable water to leak out. Unfortunately this usually means a replacement hot water system is required. Sometimes these cracks can be “mended”. Your water heater type and location determines the best repair option. Speak with one of our hot water specialists for advice about what to do.
If you have a solar or electric hot water system and it is leaking from the top or bottom of the tank it’s important you turn off the electricity before inspecting the problem. Water and electricity don’t mix and can be extremely dangerous for the inexperienced. Typically your hot water system will run off it’s own fuse so you should be able to just turn off the HWS and continue using other appliances as normal.
Pressure relief valve
The pressure relief valve or pressure temperature valve at the bottom of the tank may need replacing. Please note it is normal for these to leak a little water from time to time but not on a steady basis. If the pressure valve is leaking try lifting the lever several times. This opens and closes the valve and can help clear any blockages. If the water keeps running, contact us for assistance as the valve probably needs replacement. This isn’t an expensive repair.
Turning off the water supply
Turning off the water supply is the same for all solar, electric and gas hot water systems.
Close to the HWS there should be a small tap or lever on a pipe feeding into the bottom of the system. Turn this off fully turning the tap anti-clockwise. This only turns off the water to the hot water system, not the rest of the taps in the home so you can continue using them as normal.
If you can’t turn the tap or lever then it may have corroded and seized up over time. If this is the case you will need to isolate and shut off the mains tap which will be near your water meter. Please note this will turn off the water supply not only to your hot water heater but the entire house. It’s a good idea to fill a few buckets and bottles with water so you’ve got fresh water on standby until you resolve the leak.
Turn off the gas supply
If your gas hot water heater is leaking then you’ll also need to turn off the gas. There should be another pipe running into the system, also with a tap or lever attached. Turn this off too.
- How to relight your Rheem Stellar or Rheem 5 Star gas hot water heater.
Unable to fix your leaking hot water system? Call us for emergency assistance.
If the tips above don’t fix your leaking hot water heater then it may be time to call in the experts.
Your hot water system is an expensive appliance and really should only be serviced and repaired by an authorised, licensed hot water plumber (like us). Did you know that most manufacturers won’t cover the terms of your warranty it’s not installed or repaired by a licensed hot water technician or qualified plumber. It’s not worth the risk!
Fast leaking hot water heater repairs
Cheapa Hot Water Sydney
Hot water is our business. We are the Sydney hot water experts. All our hot water systems are competitively priced because we purchase large quantities direct from the manufacturers – a saving we can pass on to our customers.
The benefits of dealing with dedicated hot water specialist plumbers
Our experienced, licensed hot water installers, in fully equipped trucks, are on the road right now to ensure your hot water heater problems fixed quickly – today! We service all Sydney suburbs.
- Hot water is our business – it’s not a sideline. Each year we install over 4,000 hot water systems in Sydney homes and businesses.
- As one of Sydney’s largest hot water system suppliers, our enormous buying powers and ability to buy direct from the manufacturer means we can pass attractive savings on to our customers.
- Our fully qualified, licensed hot water heater installers have over 25+ years of experience each.
- We are accredited service agents for all the hot water heater brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Aquamax, Bosch, Conergy, Hocking, Apricus, Vulcan, Edwards Solar, Solahart, Everhot and more.
- Cheapa Hot Water is an Australian, family owned business offering reliable, old fashioned service.
- We pride ourselves on fast service for all electric, gas and solar hot water systems.
- Free delivery of your new hot water system and complimentary disposal of your old water heater.
- We are qualified to undertake all the plumbing and electrical work required to install a new hot water system. There is no need to waste money employing multiple trades.
- We have all the equipment needed to install your hot water system today. We don’t have to hire or wait for other trades to arrive with the required equipment.
