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DOHERTY BLOG

Why is My Hot Water System Leaking?

March 3, 2022
Newly installed Everhot electric storage hot water unit against a brick wall

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.

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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:

Garth Patterson
WRITTEN BY

Garth Patterson is a director and co-owner of Doherty Plumbing Solutions, a fully licensed plumber with a Cert IV in Plumbing and more than 20 years in the trade. After years working on mining and gas infrastructure projects around Australia, he now leads the maintenance, blocked drain and gas work across Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

More about Garth Patterson →
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Doherty Plumbing Solutions
Fully licensed and insured plumbers serving Melbourne’s Eastern and South Eastern suburbs – nearly 40 years of high-quality, professional plumbing for homes and businesses.
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