It can be a nuisance when your hot water cylinder is leaking. While some problems are small and easy to fix on your own, some issues call for professional help. When this happens, you need to be able to respond quickly and find ways to solve the problem immediately. Why? If the leak lets out water for long, the water may damage floors, walls, and other parts of your home.
The good news is that leaking issues from your hot water cylinder can be prevented, saving you hundreds in repairs. Here are possible reasons why your hot water cylinder is leaking.
1. Damage caused by outside forces
When your hot water cylinder is leaking, it’s easy to think there’s internal damage happening. But if you have a relatively new hot water cylinder, the probability of a leak in the tank itself is low. You need to review whether external damage is to blame. Here are some considerations you should keep in mind:
- Recent renovation works in your house
- Repair or replacement of a plumbing fixture (replacing tap or shower)
- Public water mains upgrade by your local council
All these scenarios may spring a leak in your hot water system as disturbing plumbing down the line my flush sediment or debris into the valves. If the leak is constant from the overflow points then this is a likely scenario. And in these cases, professional plumbers can identify the likely cause of the leak.
2. Watermain upgrades
If there have been road works near your home, your hot water cylinder and other valves, taps etc may be affected when any dirt or debris is pushed down the line through your plumbing. Not having a limiting valve may also be a factor, as your hot water cylinder doesn’t have the necessary protection. When the pressure becomes too much, water will leak through the overflow valves in the heater to relieve pressure. Constant excess pressure can put unnecessary strain on the tank itself and this is when you may notice leaks starting around the element or outlet and inlet.
3. Old tank
If your hot water cylinder has been with you for more than 10 years, it may show signs of aging, such as rust appearing around the outer casing at the bottom or corrosion around the element and inlet or outlet. When this happens, it may be high time for a replacement. Marbeck Plumbing can investigate to see if the issue is just cosmetic or an actual fault. We know the systems well and will try to recommend the most economical option.
4. Sediment collection
Your hot water cylinder collects sediment at the bottom of the tank. This is generally only noticed if you have to drain and re fill the tank during repairs, sediment should not cause a leak or damage the tank however it can deteriorate the washers in your safety valves.
5. Wear and tear of parts
Hot water cylinders have a sacrificial anode rod, which attracts corrosive substances so that the water heater itself stays safe. When the anode rod breaks down over time, the cylinder becomes vulnerable. The same can happen with other components, such as your temperature and pressure relief valve, which have washers and springs that also break down over time.
If you think you may have an issue with an overflowing valve or you have noticed signs of decay on your cylinder it is always best to have it checked rather than wait for it to fail and pay emergency rates. Contact us.