Signs Your Hot Water Cylinder is Leaking
Is your hot water heater leaking? Before you panic, water pooling around your heater doesn’t always indicate a leak. Of course, if you have water spraying out and flooding your house that’s a different story altogether and you should call us ASAP 0800 255 758 .
It’s most important to remember that water and electricity don’t play nicely together, so if you’re having any doubts follow these steps:
- Turn off the power
- Turn off the water at the mains. Remember you may have to turn it back on briefly to locate the leak.
If you have a gas water heater and you smell gas:
- Turn off the gas immediately and contact your energy company at once.
How to check if your hot water heater is leaking or not
- Check each of the valves
- Check if water is coming from underneath the cylinder
- Check if water is coming from on top of the cylinder
- Check the outlet pipe if your cylinder has one coming out of the roof or a wall – it is normal for this outlet to drip but should be no more than a small drip.
Hot water cylinder leaks can also come from:
- the cold-water inlet and hot water outlet connections
- the temperature and pressure hot water cylinder relief valve,
- the drain valve,
- leaky fittings
- a cracked or corroded cylinder which would require replacing.
If it’s not your hot water heater, it also pays to check your:
- hot water cylinder drain-lines
- water softener discharge lines – for rural people on tanks and boar water
- other plumbing
Why you should never ignore a leaking water heater
The leak may be a small one with a simple solution, but you should never ignore a leak. Mold and mildew can grow, which can be highly toxic!
Apart from that, the leak may be a sign of a larger problem lurking in the background. It needs immediate attention as it could become an expensive problem. It doesn’t take much water to damage your floors and walls, or lead to a total water heater failure with catastrophic (and expensive) consequences.
The best way to determine the source of your hot water leak
Once condensation has been ruled out the location of the hot water leak is easy to spot in those situations.
- Dry the area. Inspect the water heater and all the plumbing fittings for any obvious signs of drips or leakage.
- No leaks coming from the hot water cylinder? Check for anything overhead, especially water pipes.
- Still nothing? Lay down some paper towels. Check them every few hours. Damp spots will be a big indicator as to where the leak is originating.
Once you have located the leak or need help to locate it, calling a plumber is always the safest option. AllGo Plumbing can help you with your hot water heater problems weather repairs or replacement.