Why is My Hot Water System Leaking?

It might be baffling to not know the exact cause of a water heater leak in your household or workplace. If you suspect a hot water system leak, you should contact Doherty Plumbing Solutions for assistance!

Leaving it until late could cause long-term damage to the unit itself, and even harm adjacent walls and flooring if the leaking water begins to accumulate. Slow leaks, which are not always promptly detected, can further cause irregular water flow from the hot water system.

So, before things snowball into a bigger plumbing issue, it is always advisable to act fast.

While some hot water unit leaks can be tackled with minor repairs, others might require a hot water heater replacement. In this case, licensed plumbing professionals such as Doherty Plumbing Solutions are there to help you find the best option.

What causes water heaters to leak?

Irrespective of any make or model of a hot water system, leaks springing from the unit could be due to one or more of the following causes:

  • Corrosion inside the tank resulting from the old age/overuse of a heater
  • Ill-fitting pipework, which might leave the unit’s supply lines loose
  • Damaged valves, including the pressure and temperature release valve (PTV) and expansion control valve (ECV), which help to keep the unit functioning optimally
  • Higher water pressure in the water mains, compared to the capacity of the heating unit

What to do if you notice a water heater leak?

If you find hints of a hot water system leak, take the following steps:

  1. Try to locate the source of the water leak.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the heating unit from the mains.
  3. Contact a professional plumber for peace of mind, and to gauge if you need a simple water heater repair or a full overhaul of the unit.

Who fixes hot water systems in Melbourne?

When your hot water system starts to act up, and you are frustrated by the sudden inconvenience, Doherty Plumbing Solutions’ team of expert plumbers can help.

Our licensed plumbers provide complete hot water services in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including repairs, maintenance and replacements/installations.

When you choose Doherty Plumbing Solutions for your Melbourne hot water services, you will receive top-of-the-line, quality workmanship.

In the event a hot water unit repair is not possible, we will work with you to determine a replacement that is suited to your home, budget, family, and lifestyle.

We work with industry-leading Australian brands for hot water units, and can make the necessary arrangements to order and install it in your Melbourne home or business.

For regular and reliable servicing of your gas appliances in compliance with the current Australian safety standards, reach out to our team for a quick response:

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    Communication pre visit was excellent. Yarra Valley water representative said that the problem was on our property and that you should have fixed it. We’re unsure about that and pleased that it was fixed promptly.
    Jane Woodman Avatar
    Jane Woodman
    1/13/2025
    This is the second time I have used Doherty Plumbing Solutions. Their service and communication is first class. Tim and Angus were very professional. They were able to find the source of a difficult leak and make the appropriate repairs. I appreciate the quality work that they have done.
    Margaret Holdsworth Avatar
    Margaret Holdsworth
    12/30/2023
    The 3rd time I have used the Doherty team for Plumbing issues and I highly recommend them! Responsive, professional, polite and reasonably priced, all make for a great experience.
    Matt Lane Avatar
    Matt Lane
    2/29/2024
    Quick and efficient. The work was done as quoted and unlike many tradies they turned up when they said they would. Very happy with there work.
    Tony G Avatar
    Tony G
    12/13/2024
    George came; did my work quietly and respectfully. Noted a problem (big gaping crack in the pipe under the bench), and asked if we would like to change it. No pressure applied, and just added it to his list when I gave the go ahead. Would use this company again and again.
    Kath Edney Avatar
    Kath Edney
    3/30/2024
    The serviceman, George, was friendly and did an excellent job of repair on the pipes. I would highly recommend him and the company. Thanks. Mark
    Mark Hanns Avatar
    Mark Hanns
    6/20/2023
    Very appreciative of Doherty Plumbing Solutions for their prompt and excellent service at a particularly busy time of the year in the lead up to Christmas. Attended same day we rang them! Highly recommended.
    John Frazzetto Avatar
    John Frazzetto
    12/30/2023
    Great experience - notified me when they were coming and knew exactly how to fix a difficult problem in lightning time.
    The Crack Avatar
    The Crack
    4/23/2024
    We had a leak in our Hot Water Service. James diagnosed the most likely cause over the phone. They came and repaired the problem that day. Tim was prompt and polite and the issue was fixed.
    Poison I Avatar
    Poison I
    6/20/2023
    Great service, arrived on time and fixed our burst garden pipe quickly. Very happy with the service, would use Doherty Plumbing again.
    Anna Stewart Avatar
    Anna Stewart
    2/29/2024
    For reliable plumbing services, call 03 9877 5775 or 0417 577 432