Hot Water Systems

Hot Water Cylinder Leak Repair

Hot water cylinder leaks can quickly lead to water damage, loss of hot water, and higher running costs. Hot water cylinder leak repair focuses on locating the source of the leak, making safe, lasting repairs to the cylinder or its fittings, and confirming your hot water system is operating correctly afterwards.

More information

What hot water cylinder leak repair covers

A proper repair starts with accurate fault-finding, then fixing the root cause rather than just stopping the drip. Depending on your system, the service can include:

  • Leak diagnosis on the cylinder body, joints and nearby pipework
  • Repair or replacement of valves and fittings (for example, inlet control sets, tundish connections, temperature and pressure relief discharge pipework)
  • Fixing leaks around immersion heater bosses and seals
  • Addressing weeping from expansion vessels, pressure reducing valves, or check valves
  • Reinstating correct pressure and performance after the repair
  • Advice on whether a component repair is suitable or if replacement is the safer option

When this service is the right fit

You are likely to need cylinder leak repair if you notice dripping from the tundish, damp patches around the cylinder, staining on pipework, or a constant need to top up pressure on certain systems. It is also relevant if your hot water is intermittent, takes longer to recover, or you suspect a slow leak that is causing damage over time.

How the repair is carried out

The engineer will isolate the water supply and make the area safe, then inspect the cylinder, valves, discharge pipework and associated components. Once the leak point is confirmed, you will be given clear repair options before parts are changed or pipework is altered. After repairs, the system is refilled, checked for leaks, and tested to confirm normal hot water delivery.

Unvented cylinder safety

If you have an unvented hot water cylinder, repairs and safety checks must be completed by a G3-qualified engineer. This is because unvented systems operate under mains pressure and rely on correctly working safety devices.

Aftercare and prevention

After the fix, you will be advised on any steps that reduce repeat issues, such as keeping discharge routes clear, monitoring for early signs of weeping, and booking periodic checks for safety valves and expansion control components. If the cylinder is nearing end of life, you will get a straightforward view on repair versus replacement, based on condition and risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a hot water cylinder to leak?
Leaks commonly come from failed seals, corroded fittings, loose joints, or valves that are passing water due to pressure or debris. On unvented systems, discharge through the tundish can indicate a safety valve issue that needs prompt attention.
Is water dripping from the tundish an emergency?
A short drip after heating can be normal on some systems, but continuous dripping is not. Treat it as urgent and arrange a check, as it can point to high pressure or a faulty safety device.
Can you repair an unvented hot water cylinder leak?
Yes, but unvented cylinders must be worked on by a G3-qualified engineer. The repair should include checks to confirm the safety devices and discharge pipework are operating correctly after any parts are replaced.
Will I be without hot water during the repair?
Usually yes, at least for part of the visit, because the supply may need to be isolated and the system drained. In many cases hot water can be restored the same day once the leak source is repaired and tests are completed.
Is it better to repair the cylinder or replace it?
If the leak is from a valve, joint, or immersion seal, repair is often straightforward. If the cylinder body is corroded or repeatedly leaking, replacement can be the safer and more cost-effective long-term option.

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