Hot Water System Leaking in Ballina? Repair or Replace
A leaking hot water system can usually be repaired if the water is coming from a valve, a fitting or a pipe connection. If the water is coming from the tank itself, most often seen as a leak from the bottom, the tank has failed and the system needs replacing. Where the leak is tells you which one you have.
Jesse from JF Plumbing Group sees both across Ballina, Lennox Head and the wider Northern Rivers. The steps below are the same ones he works through on site.
Why is my hot water system leaking?
A hot water system leaks for one of four reasons: a valve is releasing water, a fitting has loosened or corroded, a pipe connection has failed, or the tank has rusted through. The first three are repairs. The last one is a replacement.
Coastal homes get there sooner. Salt air in East Ballina, Skennars Head and Lennox Head corrodes outdoor fittings and tank casings faster than the same system would wear inland at Alstonville. Jesse covers this in more detail in his guide to coastal plumbing problems in Lennox Head.
Why is my hot water system leaking from the top?
A leak from the top is usually a fitting or valve, not the tank. The cold water inlet, hot water outlet and relief valve all sit at or near the top of a storage system, and each has a connection that can weep.
This is the better news of the two. A licensed plumber can normally replace the failed part without replacing the system.
Hot water system leaking from the bottom: what does it mean?
Water pooling under the base of the tank usually means the inner tank has corroded through. There is no lasting repair for a rusted tank, so the system needs to be replaced.
One check first. Water from a valve higher up can run down the casing and pool at the base. Dry the outside of the tank and watch where the water reappears before assuming the worst.
Is it normal for the relief valve to drip?
A small amount of water from the relief valve drain line while the system is heating is normal. The valve is doing its job by releasing pressure. A constant stream, or a drip that never stops, is not normal and points to a worn valve or a pressure problem.
The relief valve sits alongside the tempering valve as one of the main safety parts on the system. Jesse explains the second one in what a tempering valve does.
Can a leaking hot water system be repaired?
Yes, when the leak is from a valve, fitting or pipe. No, when the leak is from the tank. Age matters too: on an older system, Jesse will often advise against spending money on parts if the tank is close to the end of its life.
If replacement is the answer, it is worth choosing the next system on purpose and not in a rush. His comparison of heat pump, gas and electric hot water systems sets out the options.
What to do right now
Turn off the power at the switchboard for an electric system, or the gas supply for a gas system.
Turn off the cold water isolation valve feeding the tank.
Keep people clear of the water. It can be hot enough to scald.
Note where the water is coming from and take a photo.
When to call a plumber
Call straight away if the leak is from the base of the tank, if water is near electrical parts, or if the relief valve is running constantly. A slow weep from a fitting can wait for a booked visit, but it will not fix itself.
Jesse repairs and replaces hot water systems across the Northern Rivers, including Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay and Alstonville.
FAQ
How long do hot water systems last?
Most systems last 8 to 15 years depending on the type, the water quality and how well they have been maintained. Electric storage tanks tend to sit at the lower end, and systems exposed to salt air on the coast wear faster than those inland.
Does home insurance cover a hot water system?
Policies differ. Many treat the damage caused by a sudden leak differently from the worn-out system itself, so check the wording with the insurer.
Is a leaking hot water system dangerous?
It can be. Hot water can scald, and water near electrical components is a hazard. Turn off power or gas and the water supply, then call a licensed plumber.
