What to do When Your Hot Water Heater Leaks

Most water heater systems are designed to last more than ten years of regular use. But whatever system or brand you are using, it can suffer leaks. It is usually installed in the hidden areas of your house so they are easy to ignore and leaks are not easily noticed. Leaks in hot water systems can get worse in just a day or two so if spotted, it should immediately be addressed.

But today, you’ve noticed that there’s water under your hot water system. What should you do? Below is a short guide on your next steps.

1. Identify the source of the leak

Water under the tank does not always mean your hot water system is leaking. Is it near a window? Do you have a sloped floor so that water could have come from other parts of the house? Are there nearby pipes that are not related to your hot water system? If you’re unsure, dry the area and put paper towels on suspected sources and return to it after a few hours. If they’re still dry, get back to it after a day or two. Knowing where the water is coming from can save you time and money by correctly relating to service providers the possible cause of your problems. And you can be sure you’re calling the right people to do the fix.

2. Call your plumber

Now you’re sure that your hot water system is the source of the leak, you can call the proper service provider. Is the system or installation still under service warranty? If not, there are 24 hour plumbing and heating service providers that you can call in Melbourne.

3. Turn off the water source

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may see the need to turn off the main while waiting for your plumber. It may be necessary to avoid flooding or damages to property. The main is usually located in the front yard or at the side of your house. If you’re living in an apartment, it may be located in the laundry area or kitchen sink. Check your strata if you can’t locate it.

4. Turn off the power source

If you’re using electric hot water systems, it has a switch on your switchboard. The switchboard is located on the wall outside your house. If you’re staying in an apartment, it’s commonly found near the entrance. For gas systems, look for the gas valve in the water heater itself. Switch it to off. Look for the ball valve at the pipe supplying gas to the system. Turn if off by twitching the handle perpendicular to the pipe.

For basic knowledge, below are some common causes of leaks in your hot water system:

5. Loose pipe joints

This can happen through years of use, or if pipes are exposed to the weather elements. At the very least, you can do water heater repair graham wa. In severe cases, the plumber may recommend replacements.

6. Damaged pressure relief valve

The pressure relief valve may release some drops of water occasionally as it does its job. However, it needs replacement if it is constantly leaking water.

7. Damaged tank

If the source of the leak is the tank itself, internal components of the tank may be damaged. This happens to older tanks or those near the end of its service life.

If your hot water system is more than 10 years old, you may find advantages in having it replaced. You plumber may recommend this as well depending on the problem identified. Replacement means higher upfront costs but more practical in the long run. Victoria Energy Upgrades program offers rebates if you switch to a more energy-efficient hot water system.