A slow leak from your hot water system rarely looks urgent—until you open the next water bill or find mould behind the wall. In suburbs like Brighton, Sandringham, and Beaumaris, where many homes still rely on ageing storage systems, small leaks often lead to costly damage.
Let’s break down what’s really happening when your tank drips—and why waiting never pays.
1. Rising Water and Power Bills
Every drop leaking from a storage tank has already been heated. A steady drip can waste hundreds of litres a week and send your energy bill soaring.
If you hear hissing or see steam around fittings, that’s heated water escaping constantly—an expensive invisible drain on your wallet.
2. Structural Damage You Can’t See
Leaking tanks often sit in garages, laundries, or cupboards. Water seeps into plaster, flooring, and insulation long before it’s visible.
If you notice damp patches, warped skirting, or a musty smell—shut off the water, gas and power immediately and call a licensed plumber.
3. Rust and Internal Corrosion
Most leaks start from internal corrosion. Once the protective glass lining or anode rod fails, the steel tank rusts through. External patching won’t stop it—the tank wall is already compromised.
Learn about hot water safety in the VBA plumbing guide.
4. Risk of Burst Tanks
Ignore a leak long enough, and pressure inside the tank builds. When the metal finally gives way, it can dump hundreds of litres in minutes—flooding nearby rooms and damaging electrical fittings.
We’ve seen burst tanks in Cheltenham and Hampton destroy flooring. The clean-up alone can cost more than a new system.
5. Warranty and Insurance Issues
Manufacturers’ warranties typically exclude systems showing neglect or visible leaks. The same goes for many insurers—if you knew about the leak and didn’t act, they may deny your claim. Quick professional inspection protects both your warranty and your home insurance coverage.
6. When Repair Is Still Possible
If the leak is from a valve or connection, you may only need a new fitting or TPR (temperature-pressure relief) valve. But if the water is leaking from the tank body, it’s replacement time.
Typical options for Bayside homes:
Gas Instantaneous: compact, efficient, endless hot water.
- Gas Storage: cost-effective and simple to install.
Electric Storage: cost-effective and simple to install.
Heat Pump: energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
The True Cost of Waiting
| Problem | Cost if Fixed Early | Cost if Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Leaking TPR valve | <$500 repair | Burst tank + cleanup $2,000 + |
| Leaking fittings | <$500 repair | Full replacement $2,000 + |
| Water damage | Nil | Wall/floor restoration $3,000 – $10,000 |
A “minor” leak becomes a major renovation within weeks.
When to Call Ezy-Plumb
Our licensed plumbers diagnose leaks fast. We handle all repairs, replacements, and installations across Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Cheltenham, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Caulfield, and Mentone.
👉 Call Ezy-Plumb for fast, reliable service across Bayside Melbourne
FAQs About Leaking Hot Water Tanks
Can I keep using a leaking tank?
No. The system may fail suddenly and cause flooding.
Why is my tank leaking from the valve?
It may be releasing excess pressure—a normal safety function—but constant dripping means the valve needs replacement.
Should I turn off my hot water system if it’s leaking?
Yes. Switch off power, gas and water at the isolation valves until inspected.
Do you replace tanks same day?
Yes—we offer same-day replacement across Bayside suburbs.
