Hot water tank leaking: what to do right now
Water under your hot water system? Shut off the cold supply, make the power safe and keep clear of scalding water. Then find out if it's a repair or a new tank.
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Key takeaways
- Turn off the cold water isolation valve on the pipe into the heater. If you can't find it or it won't turn, close the path tap on your water meter.
- On an electric system, switch off the hot water circuit at the switchboard if you can reach it from somewhere dry. On gas, leave the controls alone.
- Keep hands away from the water. Hot water is stored at 60°C, and at that temperature a scald takes about 5 seconds.
- A dripping relief valve or weeping fitting is usually a repair. Water from the tank body means the cylinder has rusted through and the heater needs replacing.
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