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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    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
    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
    I have been dealing with Doherty Plumbing for some years and I find them to be professional, knowledgeable and prompt. Their costs are very competitive. They are quick and always fix the problem. They have been so competent and reliable, that I will always call them and never go anywhere else.
    Gillian Morgan Avatar
    Gillian Morgan
    2/06/2025
    Call Doherty Plumbing after our hot water service stopped working. Arrived within specified timeframe and in the same day. Contacted us to let us know they were on the way. Fixed this issue on good time and clearly explained what was done. Excellent service from start to finish. Felt very comfortable with them. Well done. Highly recommend.
    Tas Kotsandis Avatar
    Tas Kotsandis
    6/20/2023
    Came same day as I called to fix broken tap that couldn’t be turned off (had to turn water off at mains to stop flooding). Third time I’ve used them within 12 months for different issues. Very helpful, professional staff and reasonable pricing. Highly recommended.
    Garry & Wendy Grinsted Avatar
    Garry & Wendy Grinsted
    4/23/2024
    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
    Guys arrived on time ..they were very clear as to what our job required and in no time fixed our issue..I would highly recommend Doherty Plumbing!
    Janet halley Avatar
    Janet halley
    2/29/2024
    Fantastic service. I called with a question about my hot water service and within 24hrs Brian had been out and fixed the problem. Great service, great turnaround times and fair pricing too.
    Emily Kermac Avatar
    Emily Kermac
    4/09/2024
    As someone who has not had much luck in finding a good plumber in the past, I decided to give DPS a go. From the initial phone call, service was terrific. My plumber, George, arrived on time, was polite, patient & completed the job really well. Would recommend them & use them again, if needed. Pricing was reasonable too.
    Nunzia Fiore Avatar
    Nunzia Fiore
    6/20/2023
    Very happy with service I have received!! Problem wasn't easy to find ( leaking pipe somewhere under the house ) but I was surprised how fast Tim find the problem!!! Nothing was too much trouble for him!!! If in trouble or for any plumbing work I will use Doherty Plumbing again for sure!
    Vladek Chennek Avatar
    Vladek Chennek
    7/20/2023
    For reliable plumbing services, call 03 9877 5775 or 0417 577 432