Thread: Hot water system leak

Ute
that tap is a pressure relief valve
releases excess pressure
normally drips when unit is heating as water expands when heated and pressure rises.. it is fairly common/normal for these to slowly drip/leak while electrical element is on.
I would lift the lever a couple of times and release any pressure - there may be some grit etc in valve, holding it slightly open. this may release it.

if not the valve is replacable
recollection is approx $40 for pressure valve not fitted

cheers
Nobby

bloody lucky to get 17 years out of a hot water system, house I am in now
6.5 years for the first one I replaced, next 1 only lasted 5 years (there claim to get out of the warrenty).
Yes, pressure relief vavle, they tend to build up pressure on heating after a large water uses because the water expands, most likely not notced after filling the sink and more likely seen after a long hot shower. As previously stated, pull the ring and give it a flush, dosnt hurt to do it a couple of times a year.
cheers
blaze

Model - 101250
Built - 9/94

Thanks Nobby.

I did notice that when it first started dripping (noticeably) that pulling the trigger a few times would make it stop. It stopped dripping excessively for a few weeks and then came back. Now it is streaming.

By excessively I mean a few litres a day (5 maybe). I put a small bucket under it so the grass etc doesn't suffer from constantly being wet. I have to empty it every 24hrs (when just dripping).

Pulling the trigger a few times now doesn't seem to stem the flow.

I know it should be done by a licenced plumber but can you buy these things somewhere on a weekend. A trade plumbing place etc would sell them to the public?
The specs are still visible on the plate you can see in the photo.

To be honest the flow was seen straight after two consecutive hot showers. However the valve must be on the way out as I feel it is leaking more than it used to. I've never seen it flow before. Just drip.

The unit is 14 years old almost to the month by the build plate so it must be a replacement as the townhouse is 17-18 years old. Neighbours must have bought the same model. Maybe replaced at the same time.

Yes
I recall replacing one and buying it at plumbers supplies (Reece etc)
need to turn off water supply, usually supply tap at water meter.
Plumber shouldnt ( repeat Shouldnt) charge too much to replace?

my $40 might have been a ...couple of years ago

call a plumbers supplies and see how much for replacement valve

good luck

I'll try Reece in the morning. There is one near me.
My problem with plumbers (or any tradesmen) is the wait and having to be home for them to come etc.
Much easier to DIY once you know how.

There is a tap just for the hot water supply next to the unit itself. It is off at the moment.

Whenever I buy stuff that the sales people think you should be getting a proper tradesman to do, I just tell them a mate who is a (insert trade here) is coming to do the work and I just have to have the parts ready

As above. You've been lucky with the life, but life of these (or any other) hot water system is very dependent on both the water pressure and how corrosive your local water is, so there is no general answer to the question "how long do they last?".

John

ute
I dont know where you live but the new responce to more populated council areas is to up the water supply and turn up the pressure in the mains to get the water further out to the suburbs.
If you have a high iron content in your water supply and you flip the valve you may allow a small bit of iron deposit to sit on the valve face. so more leaking as the valve connot seat ok.
After 15 years the valve leaks --- Well done ---- I would be bugeting for a new hot water unit.
The small aluminium tag on the valve ( In your picture)has a number on it ...ht 55 or htt6 560----
htt551 or something that identifies it as a certain pressure limiting valve.
Take that number to a plumbing supply centre and get a new one with a roll of plumbers tape ( pink/yellow colour as it is a bit thicker than white tape.( easier to seal the leak)
Turn the water supply off to the hot water unit//// release the pressure by turning on a hot water tap/// remove the male iron fitting from the valve/// remove the valve /// replace the valve with thread tape on the thread//// Turn the water back on .. Easy
Plumber Bill As I would send to a innocent client.
Repair to hot water unit Parts $ 77 Labour $80.00 Total $157.00 Plus gst.
Like dealing with the stealers -Do it your self -easy
Find a frendly electrician to check if the thermostat is still working ok
Hope this helps
Colrospeake