How to spot a leaking hot water cylinder early

Ahh, the hot water cylinder. The source of all your family’s showers, baths, and warm water on call. Always there, always reliable. At least until… it springs a leak. Yes, a leaking hot water cylinder is one of the last things you’ll want to see in your home.

And sadly, many of us will only spot a leaking hot water cylinder when it’s already started to cause some real damage.

Fortunately, you can keep yourself ahead of the game with just a couple of simple steps. Here’s how to make sure your hot water cylinder is happy, healthy, and doing its job.

Leaking hot water cylinders: early detection is the best protection

Many hot water cylinder leaks start out small, gradually letting water escape. You may not even notice it for months. Then one morning, you find yourself walking down the hallway, enjoying the feeling of the warm floor… and yep, that’s a puddle.

Sadly, that wetness under foot might be the least of your problems.

Leaks happen. But if you get on top of them early, you can avoid the big four problems of a leaking hot water cylinder:

1. Water damage to your home: Persistent leaks can damage floors, walls, and even the structural integrity of your home.
2. Mould and mildew growth: Moisture from leaks creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew. That’s really not something you want you or your family to be breathing in.
3. Higher energy bills: Each drop of hot water you lose is another new drop that needs to be heated. It’s going to add up. (Plus, you’re wasting water. That’s never good, but particularly so with water charges now in effect.)
4. Inconvenience: Sure, having your hot water cylinder out of commission will always be an inconvenience. But the later you catch it, the less time you have to plan for it. That could mean skipped showers and disrupted schedules.

So how do you keep ahead of those hot water cylinder leaks?

Make hot water cylinder inspection a regular part of your routine

You already vacuum the floors. Mow the lawns. Clean the gutters. So now you can add “inspect the hot water cylinder” to that regular household cleaning and maintenance routine.

Not sure you’ll be dedicated enough to carry out a regular inspection? Make your hot water cupboard somewhere you visit on the regular. By keeping something as important (and regularly used!) as your toilet paper supply near the cylinder, you’ll have reason to stop by. Plus, if it’s something a little absorbent (like that toilet paper, or towels), you’re more likely to catch unwanted moisture early.

• Check that cylinder cupboard regularly for signs of mould, rust, or water stains.
• Take a look at the top, sides, and base of the cylinder.
• Run your eye over the pipes and valves.

If you notice anything is damp, but can’t find any drips on the pipework, then it may well be a leak from the cylinder itself.

What to do when you spot a leak in your hot water cylinder

If you spot moisture, it’s best to get a professional’s opinion. You’ve found the problem early, so you’re in the best possible position to get it fixed.

Whatever your needs, we’re here to deliver on them. If you’ve spotted that leak, or just want to know more about your hot water options, get in touch.

‍