Help – My hot water system is leaking!

A leaking hot water system can be a small problem that rapidly transforms into a big problem, but before you rush off down to your hot water system wholesaler for an entirely new system, here are a few steps that you can take to reduce your overall costs.

Locate the source of the leak

If your system is old and corroded, then a small leak can quickly turn into a very big leak, so you need to locate the source of the leak as soon as possible. If the leak is coming from the pressure relief valve (PRV) or the pressure & temperature relief valve (PTRV), then it’s not so bad because these can be purchased from your local hot water system wholesaler and replaced easily.

Locate these valves on the side of your tank and open and close them a few times to clear any blockages. If this doesn’t fix the problem and they are still leaking, replace them and you should be fine. On the other hand, if your tank is leaking you need to turn off the power or gas (whichever energy source you use for your hot water) and replace the tank itself.

Turn off the water

If opening and closing the valves doesn’t stop the leak or the actual tank is leaking, then you will need to turn off the water as well as the power, because you don’t want the tank operating on empty. You should be able to isolate the water from your water supply by closing a lever or tap located on one of the pipes that enters the tank. If you can’t find this tap or it won’t close, you will need to turn off the water at the mains, but fill the kettle and a few buckets for the toilet first.

Check the warranty

If the tank is still within its warranty period (usually 10 or 12 years), then you should be covered for a new tank, so check the manufacturer’s plate on the side of your tank for this date. You can order a new tank from your local hot water system wholesaler and hire a plumber to do the final fittings.

Brisbane Wholesale Hardware are your local hot water system wholesaler, so if you have a leaking hot water tank, don’t hesitate to drop into our Woolloongabba store or give us a call on 07 3391 6500.